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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OFFICIALS ATTENDANCE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 10, 2006 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; David Haynes, Police Chief; Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief; Darrell Baskin, Assistant Police Chief; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Brandon Miles, Assistant Planner; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Mullet was not present. AMEND AGENDA Council President Robertson indicated Special Issues Item 4a. Sign Code Revisions would be removed from the agenda of tonight's meeting. The minutes from the Planning Commission meeting were not available in time for thorough review by the Council. This issue will be scheduled for the next Committee of the Whole meeting in two weeks. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Vision 2020 Update Ben Bakkenta, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Ben Bakkenta, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), provided an overview on Vision 2020. Nearly two decades ago, citizens, interest groups, business leaders, and elected officials came together to create Vision 2020. This regional framework helps guide how and where we grow and how we establish planning and investment priorities. It also offers local jurisdictions, the public, the business community, and interest groups regional goals that are agreed upon and to which they can contribute. Vision 2020 recognizes that Puget Sound communities are connected by ecosystems, transportation systems, and the economy. Our economic health is dependent on our ability to get goods to market and people to their jobs, and our ability to preserve open space and parks depends on the fiscal health of the communities. It also recognizes the way we develop land affects air and water quality, the character of neighborhoods, and the cost of transportation and utilities. Vision 2020 is being extended to the year 2040. Another 1.6 million people and 1.1 million jobs are expected by 2040. Throughout the update process, PSRC staff will meet with city and community councils to call attention to the choices the region will have to make and how these policy decisions could affect each community. Comments are currently being accepted regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement through July 31, 2006. Councilmember Carter asked Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, if he had formulated a response for this comment period. Mr. Lancaster responded that a letter for the Mayor's signature is forthcoming. Additional public comment periods will be provided in the future, and final action is expected in March, 2008, by a general assembly of elected officials. The Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Mr. Bakkenta for sharing information regarding this issue. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Police Department Promotion Mark Howie, Sergeant David Haynes, Police Chief, introduced Mark Howie, who is being promoted to the position of Sergeant. Mr. Howie is a 16 -year veteran of the Tukwila Police Department, and he has a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Studies from the University of Washington. He has worked in Major Crimes; has been a bicycle officer; department instructor; field training officer; and has been part of the TAC team and VNET (Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team) Unit. Dennis Robertson, Mayor Pro Tempore, administered the Oath of Office to Sergeant Mark Howie. Sergeant Howie's wife, Debra, pinned on his badge. The Councilmembers offered congratulations to Sergeant Howie on his promotion. b. Parks Recreation Transferred Employees Page 2 of 7 July 10, 2006 Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director, introduced Tracy Gallaway, Volunteer Coordinator. Ms. Gallaway has been working as the Recreation Superintendent at the Tukwila Community Center for the past 6 years. She has a degree in Parks and Recreation from Washington State University. She looks forward to the new challenges associated with the Volunteer Program. Mr. Fletcher also introduced Shannon Fisher, Special Events Coordinator. Ms. Fisher has been working as a Recreation Coordinator at the Tukwila Community Center for the past 6 years and has a degree in Parks and Recreation from Washington State University. She will now be focusing on Special Events in Tukwila and is excited about this new opportunity. The Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Ms. Gallaway and Ms. Fisher for the work they have performed for the Parks and Recreation Department. CITIZEN COMMENT Anna Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, expressed appreciation for the July 4 fireworks show at Fort Dent Park. It was well coordinated with the Police Department and very enjoyable. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Sign Code Revisions This item was rescheduled to the next Committee of the Whole meeting by Council President Robertson, per the Page 1 notation amending the agenda. b. Ratification of 2006 Countywide Planning Policy Amendments Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on June 13, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The Growth Management Planning Council has recommended, and the County Council has adopted two amendments to the Countywide Planning Policies for King County. One amendment corrects a mapping error related to the Potential Annexation Area boundaries between Tukwila and Kent. The other designates the South Lake Union area as an Urban Center. The amendments become effective upon ratification by 30% of King County's local jurisdictions representing 70% of the population. Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, indicated a correction needs to be made in the "third Whereas" in the draft resolution on page 41 of the agenda packet. The date of February 14, 2005 needs to be changed to March 24, 2006. This amendment will be made prior to the resolution being forwarded to the Council for approval. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes c. 2006 Small Drainage Program Construction Management Services Supplement No. 2 with DMJM Harris Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on July 5, 2006 (Wednesday meeting due to the July 4 Holiday). The committee recommends approval. The construction contract for the 2006 Small Drainage Contract was awarded on June 19, 2006. City staff is not available to work on this project. Construction management services have been negotiated with DMJM Harris for the 2006 Small Drainage Program in the amount of $62,700. The scope of work includes full -time construction inspection and part -time project management and contract administration during the 70- calendar day construction contract. Councilmember Haggerton indicated that members of the Utilities Committee requested a re -cap of projects that City staff were involved in, and the list was quite lengthy. Councilmember Hernandez emphasized the importance of notifying property owners with regard to construction activity. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. City communication to citizens Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on March 14, 2006. Page 3 of 7 July 10. 2006 Council has requested they be included in and /or copied on City correspondence to citizens. Staff is requesting clarification and instruction on how to best fulfill the needs of the Council. Councilmember Griffin inquired as to the current process for notifying the Councilmembers of events or issues occurring in the City. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained that City Administration notifies the Council President regarding events such as a bank robbery, major traffic incident, or hazardous materials issue that may garner press coverage. The Council President would then notify the other members of the Council. Ms. Berry relayed that, in some instances, her first awareness of an incident is by seeing it on the news. The Council President is not notified on those occasions, since it is assumed the Councilmembers are viewing the information on the news as well. Another practice of City Administration is to notify a specific Councilmember if something unusual or unique is occurring in their particular neighborhood. Notices for public meetings or hearings hosted by the City are also routed to the Councilmembers. Notices for events conducted by outside agencies are the responsibility of the agency, however if Tukwila staff members are aware of such events, the information is passed onto the Council. Councilmember Linder stated that, for the most part, she is pleased with the way notices are being handled. She referenced a flyer that was recently sent to residents on 42 Avenue South regarding sewer improvements. This is the type of notice she would like to be provided, due to the questions and concerns from citizens that come to the Councilmembers. She also expressed interest in being provided informational updates with regard to events going on in neighborhoods other than her own, especially those where complaints might be received. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, asked for clarification as to whether the Council only wishes to have notifications regarding major projects. He has done some research with regard to the amount of interaction staff has with citizens in the community on a daily basis, and not all communication is with regard to a major project. There can be up to 200 notifications or contacts with citizens in a week on a variety of issues. He is hoping the list can be pared down to ensure the Councilmembers receive desired information. Councilmember Duffie conveyed that he receives calls from concerned citizens throughout the City regularly and would like to see notices go to all Councilmembers and not be neighborhood specific. Council President Robertson relayed that any incident that would present a major disruption to several households, such as a major street repair, requires notification to the Council. A utility crew working on one ditch in front of one house would not require notification. If a project is underway that will impact City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 4 of 7 July 10. 2006 multiple businesses or residential citizens, and they are being sent a notification of the event, the Council would want that information as well. Council President Robertson also indicated he would like to receive notifications relevant to major public or policy issues that could be controversial. He is not interested in verbal one -on -one conversations that staff members have with citizens in the normal course of business. Councilmember Linder concurred with Council President Robertson's description of items that require Council notification. Councilmember Haggerton is interested in receiving information about those matters that represent a high impact to residents and businesses such as major crime incidents; fire related issues; traffic impacts; and major construction. He prefers that notices be disseminated to all Councilmembers and not be neighborhood specific. He stated that Tukwila City Councilmembers are elected "at- large" and are contacted by citizens throughout the City and not just in their own neighborhood. Councilmember Carter stated that, for the most part, she is pleased with the way notices are being handled. As a Councilmember, it is not her role to know what every employee is doing each day. She would like to receive notifications regarding major issues such as street closures. She does not feel notification is required every time small projects are undertaken in the City. She concurs with Councilmember Haggerton that issues of major impact require full Council notification. Common sense should be the main criteria used in determining those matters that require awareness by the Council. Flexibility by all involved parties is also necessary in keeping the lines of communication open. Councilmember Hernandez requested that flyers sent to residents and businesses regarding major construction projects should be provided to the Council. Complaints, questions, and comments are often directed to members of the Council regarding activities occurring in the City, and this information will assist in providing accurate answers. She would like all Councilmembers to receive the same information and not be neighborhood specific. She expressed that even though an issue may have been broadcast on the news, it would be helpful to be notified of the incident. Oftentimes Councilmembers have not had occasion to see the news, and City notification would ensure they have valid and timely information. Ms. Hernandez also conveyed that she does not want to overburden the staff and suggested the possibility of an email alert system. Councilmember Duffie reiterated that the Councilmembers are elected "at- large," and notification about important City business should be provided to each member. Council President Robertson indicated that information can also be routed to the Council Assistant for dissemination to the full Council. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated there are outside utility and power companies that perform work within the City limits that impact residents and businesses. There are challenges associated with acquiring timely information from other agencies for distribution to the Council. Mr. Morrow will work toward resolving those issues. Councilmember Linder indicated the system for notification, in place at this time, will work well with some minor modifications. An awareness by project managers to be mindful of keeping the Council informed of issues that may come up will help alleviate potential problems. The staff is doing a very good job, and it is not the Council's intent to cause a great deal of extra work. Councilmember Haggerton expressed appreciation for the notices received on Sound Transit, South 144 Cascade View, and the Larry's Market incident. Common sense should be the main criteria used in determining those matters that require awareness by the Council. Chuck Parrish, 14120 34 Place South, inquired as to who is responsible for citizen notification when work is being performed by an outside agency within Tukwila city limits. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated it is the responsibility of the outside agency to notify citizens of work they are performing in the City. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Who Minutes REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Pro Tempore Robertson reported that he distributed candy at the July 4 celebration and at Tukwila Days. He also attended a press briefing held by King County Executive, Ron Sims, regarding a county- wide flood control district. This district governance would involve the cities of Tukwila, Renton, Auburn, and Kent. b. Council Page 5 of 7 July 10. 2006 Councilmember Duffie reported he was happy to be back in Tukwila after having attended his 44 high school reunion in Arkansas. Councilmember Hernandez stated she attended the Suburban Cities dinner and legislative panel on June 28, 2006. She was also present at the July 5 Sister City dinner auction and the July 7, 2006 grand opening of Green Bridge, the newly renovated Hope 6 community. Ms. Hernandez also attended the July 8, 2006 Tukwila Days celebration and worked at the Historical Society booth. Councilmember Carter referenced the positive relationship the Council has with the staff. She expressed her appreciation at being briefed on issues that allow her to represent the City well at regional meetings. She had been out of town this past week in Bedford, Ohio, but was able to attend the July 4 celebration. Ms. Carter referenced an interview she gave that will appear on Comcast Local Edition 10 minutes before the hour on CNN Headline News from July 12 -25, 2006. Councilmember Duffie asked to have Mr. Morrow provide an update on Sound Transit. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated that Sound Transit is moving into Phase 2. They will be asking for public input as to what funding level should be pursued (1) do nothing; (2) low; (3) medium; (4) medium high; (5) high. Only the funding levels of medium high and high would facilitate the construction of a permanent station as part of Sounder between 2008 -2012. Any other funding scenario would push the construction off for 12 to 14 years. Another issue is in regard to the funding of Sound Transit 2 and projects associated with the Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID). Mr. Morrow also reported that the City was successful in acquiring the $3 million required for the Klickitat project, however the money will not be available prior to January, 2007. He indicated that with regard to the Strander Blvd. Project, money has been allotted to move the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to the new location. Councilmember Haggerton read a portion of an informational memo from the July 5, 2006 Utilities Committee meeting regarding Water District 125 Infrastructure Assessment Foster Point. There are concerns about the quality of the District 125 pipes that serve 5 residences in Foster Point and another 91 Tukwila customers west of Interurban, and east of 1 -5. Three discussion options were presented at the committee meeting for possible resolution to this issue. The committee members directed staff to pursue additional facts and figures for the third option of "assumption of the system" which would involve acquisition of Water District 125's system in the two areas through purchase of the system (estimate $250,000 for the infrastructure). The District does not wish to consider transferring Baker Commodities (the Rendering facility) at this time. Councilmember Haggerton also reported on the process for selecting a new Finance Director for the Cascade Water Alliance. The decision has been made to offer the position to Mr. Steven Call who retired from King County after 30 years. Mr. Haggerton also noted that letters of solicitation for corporate sponsors to the Information Technology and Communications (ITC) Steering Committee meeting to be held on September 14, 15, 16, 2006 have been mailed. He expressed appreciation to Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant, for her work on this project. Councilmember Linder attended the South County Human Services awards event in Auburn. An award was presented to Service Linen Company for providing their employees with living wages and full benefits. The majority of the employees working for the company speak English as a second language. She will also be attending the Southwest King County Economic Development Initiatives meeting as well as the Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee meeting on July 12, 2006. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 6 of 7 July 10. 2006 Councilmember Griffin indicated the All Nations Cup event will be held at Starfire Sports Complex on July 14, 2006 at 7:00 pm. Thirty -seven countries will be represented, and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe will be providing a traditional Salish Welcome. The event is free to the public. Ms. Griffin also reported that the Equity and Diversity Committee has received an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Diversity Learning grant of $1,000. These funds will be used to work with a Tukwila Latino parent group. Robbie Burns, Tukwila Community Policing Coordinator, also received a Diversity grant through the Magnets Program. Council President Robertson indicated there is approximately $5,800 left in the Council travel budget. He asked that Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant, be notified of future travel plans. He also reported that funding has been allotted for the purchase of 3 laptops for use by the Council in 2006. Mr. Robertson relayed that King County Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Dow Constantine will be at the Tukwila School District office on July 11, 2006 at 7:00 pm and encouraged attendance at this event. The Council President stated he will be working with Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, on a presentation /work session regarding the status of issues on Tukwila International Boulevard. The information will be provided to the full Council in August either at a Committee of the Whole meeting or a Special Work Session. Councilmember Carter asked that if an additional meeting is required on this topic that it be scheduled as soon as possible. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, conveyed there will be a special 'Tukwila Seating Box" at the All Nations Cup Event on July 14, 2006. If the Councilmembers would like to sit in this area, RSVP's should be sent to the Starfire Sports Complex. Ms. Berry reported that a Bosnian Dance group comprised of multiple Tukwila youth has been invited to perform at an international folklore festival in Sarajevo the week of July 17, 2006. The City will be sending a Proclamation signed by Mayor Mullet; a crystal paperweight with the City Seal; and Tukwila lapel pins as gifts to the Mayor of Sarajevo. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie stated that, while traveling recently, he found it unfortunate that the FEMA houses that should have been sent to Louisiana Hurricane victims were still at the airport in Arkansas. Councilmember Hernandez expressed appreciation to Public Works staff members, Frank Iriate and Cyndy Knighton, for their Tukwila Days booth. The diagram of the Klickitat project was particularly educational. She also referenced the excellent Code Enforcement Booth staffed by Kathy Stetson and Joyce Trantina, Code Enforcement Officers. She distributed laminated cards from the booth that include "The Good Neighbor Pledge." Councilmember Linder contacted Donna West to convey the basis for Councilmember non attendance at the Highway 99 Action Committee. The meeting with the King County Councilmembers presents a time conflict, and she wanted the committee to be aware of the situation. Ms. Linder will be hosting the Night Out Against Crime in her Neighborhood in August. Councilmember Griffin stated that on Saturday, July 15, 2006, there will be a CAST production at the Foster High School Performing Arts Center. There will be 4 one -act plays, and Ms. Griffin and her children will be starring in 3 of them. The performances begin at 7:00 and admission is free (please bring a can of food). City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING 9:10 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. ennis Robertson, Council President f �A /L/ 4 11 1 F" Christy O'Flal&fy, Deputy City Clerk Gf Page 7 of 7 July 10. 2006