Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 14, 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 7:04 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; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. AT &T Corporation Franchise Agreement Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 8, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. AT &T Corporation requests a franchise approval to install, operate, and maintain a fiber optic system in the City's right -of -way. AT &T intends to expand its national fiber optic system and has recently purchased conduits and associated fiber infrastructure from 360 Networks and Touch America. Other than accessing manholes and pulling fiber, no other construction activity is expected in the City's right -of- way. Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director, explained AT &T submitted a franchise packet on June 28, 2006. AT &T recently purchased conduits and fiber infrastructure from 360 networks. The fiber optic system enters Tukwila from the south at South 180 Street. It continues north on West Valley Highway to Interurban Avenue South. The route continues along Interurban Avenue South to Boeing Access Road, then east on Boeing Access road to Airport Way South. On Airport Way South, the system continues north into Seattle. Additionally AT &T acquired Touch America's fiber optic system on Southcenter Boulevard. This system enters Tukwila on Southcenter Boulevard (So 154 St) at Tukwila International Boulevard. It then continues east along Southcenter Boulevard for approximately 5,000 feet. AT &T suggested two changes to the agreement. One change involved reducing the $5,000 administrative fee to $2,000, and the City did not agree to the amendment. AT &T also asked to eliminate the provision that requires them to go underground, and that change was not made to the franchise agreement. Councilmember Linder thanked Mr. Iriarte for his work toward negotiating successful agreements for the City. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 14. 2006 b. City Government Channel Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 8, 2006. The committee forwarded this issue to the entire Council for discussion and consideration. Staff is working with Comcast to obtain a Tukwila Government Channel. The channel allows the City to keep citizens better informed of public meetings, school events, City projects, employment opportunities, and other community events. The estimated capital cost for the cablecasting equipment is approximately $25,000. The two options for funding are for the City to absorb the capital costs or have Comcast pass the cost through to the City's subscribers. There are approximately 4300 Comcast subscribers who would be charged 25 cents per month for two years. Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director, stated that staff is asking for direction on (1) whether to pursue a Tukwila Government Channel and (2) a decision on one of the above referenced funding options. If the City decides to implement a Government Channel, Comcast has one year to complete the process of making the channel available to Tukwila. The City would then be required to purchase the equipment to hook up to Comcast. The Councilmembers expressed positive support for a Government Channel for Tukwila and decided the Mayor's Office could determine the best funding option. Discussion ensued regarding potential impacts to the City budget and staff time. Concern was conveyed that many Tukwila residents are not Comcast subscribers, and alternative means of communication must remain in place to reach the majority of citizens. It was suggested that information broadcast on the Government Channel also be made available on the City's website. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Bid Award for 2006 Overlay and Repair Program Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on July 24, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The 2006 Overlay and Repair Program will provide roadway repairs and overlays on City street segments. The project was advertised, and three bids were opened on July 21, 2006. The low bid of $723,105 was from Lakeside Industries. Lakeside successfully completed the 2003 Overlay Program, and all references contacted provided positive recommendations for their work. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained the Engineer's Estimate on this project came in at $635,740. Costs for construction materials have escalated, and the list of projects was scaled down to include only the four that were of highest priority. The overall budget of $900,000 will cover the bid award plus the contingency for a total of $795,415. Councilmember Carter indicated that some of these projects are close in proximity to the Sound Transit project, and there may be mitigation dollars coming to the City. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Supplemental Agreement #1 with KBA, Inc. not to exceed $114,054 for 2006 Overlay and Repair Program Councilmember Duffle indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on July 24, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Construction Management Services have been negotiated with KBA, Inc. for the 2006 Overlay and Repair Program in the amount of $114,054. The scope of work includes all construction management and inspection services during the 45- calendar day construction contract. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 14. 2006 e. Fort Dent Park Sanitary Sewer System Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 8, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Staff has calculated that the Fort Dent Sewer Lift Station #6 is over capacity during large events at the Starfire Sports Complex. The best solution is to reroute the flows from Lift Station #5 that serves the Family Fun Center and the business park along Interurban Avenue South and leave Lift Station #6 to just serve Fort Dent Park/Starfire. The estimated costs have escalated to $917,500, and a transfer of funds is needed from other projects in order to complete this project this year. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided background information and costs associated with the project. In 2003, the City determined that with the addition of the Starfire Sports Complex, Lift Station #6 capacity would be exceeded. If at all possible, the City did not want to upgrade the sewer force main from Lift Station #6 to the Renton Treatment Plant because it is located in the toe of the Green River levee and goes under the BNSF /UP railroad tracks. Also, to accommodate Starfire's construction schedule and to keep costs down, the City decided the best solution was to reroute the flows from Lift Station #5 along Interurban Ave So. to an existing gravity sanitary sewer. With the new gravity sewer installed in Interurban Ave So., Lift Station #6 could be dedicated entirely to Fort Dent Park/Starfire Sports Complex. On July 15 and 16, 2006, the opening weekend of the All Nations Cup Soccer Tournament, the design capacity of Lift Station #6 was exceeded 10 times in 48 hours. The flow peaked at 292 gpm on July 16, 2006, at 4:30 pm. The sewer flow rate of 292 gpm indicates that both pumps are needed at the same time to keep up with demand. Lift Station #6 was not designed for this high amount of flow. Even though the lift station contains two pumps, it is designed so that only one pump is needed to keep up with the peak demand. The second pump acts only as a backup. The City created a CIP project for the Starfire Sewer Upgrade in 2006. Construction was estimated at $755,000, including contingency and construction management. The City had expected to receive $205,000 from Starfire and $400,000 from King County. The City committed $150,000 to the project. Since that time, materials and labor costs have escalated significantly. The estimated cost of the project has grown to $917,500. King County has reduced their contribution from $400,000 to $150,000, and no monies have been received from Starfire at this time. The funding shortfall is $617,500. To make up for the shortage, it is proposed that dollars be removed from Traffic Calming, Macadam Winter Garden, Codiga Farm Park, S 144 St Sidewalk Study, the 303 Fund, and the Sewer GIS Inventory Project. The funds are still available and have not been obligated at this time. Mr. Morrow indicated, if necessary, additional funds could be taken from the 303 fund or from a sewer repair project on 59 Avenue South and South 144 that is required due to a moving sewer line. Councilmember Carter inquired as to the basis for the reduction in King County's contribution. Mayor Mullet stated he has and will continue to communicate with the County on this issue. Chuck Parrish, 14120 34 Place South, inquired as to the type of pump station being proposed and if cost reducing alternatives were explored. Mr. Morrow relayed that no differences are being made to the lift stations themselves; flows are being rerouted. The Councilmembers recognized the urgency of moving forward with the Fort Dent Sanitary Sewer project, and expressed regret at the inability to complete the other projects due to the unforeseen funding issues. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 14, 2006 AMEND AGENDA MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO PROVIDE COMMENTS ON A SOUTH COUNTY AREA TRANSPORTATION BOARD (SCATBd) PROPOSAL REGARDING SOUND TRANSIT 2, DISTRIBUTED PRIOR TO THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Councilmember Carter indicated it is necessary to provide input to Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, for a meeting he will be attending on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 regarding a letter from SCATBd on Sound Transit 2 issues. It was the decision of the Councilmembers to support the August 2, 2006 SCATBd letter as written. f. 2007 Council Budget Initiatives Council President Robertson brought this item forward for consideration. Individual Councilmembers have proposed budget initiatives for 2007. Discussion is required to determine if issues should be addressed further by City administration. Following is the list submitted by Council: Provide transportation from Cascade View neighborhood to Tukwila Community Center Councilmember Linder indicated there is a need for transportation alternatives from various City neighborhoods to the Tukwila Community Center. Mayor Mullet indicated he is aware of this concern and is working on internal transit issues at the County level. It was determined the Mayor would continue to work toward solutions on this matter. Approve City budget on a two -year cycle Councilmember Haggerton expressed interest in a 2 -year budget process, referencing other cities that have found favorable results. It was determined this issue would be re- visited in the future. Partner with service provider to provide high speed broadband access throughout Tukwila's residential and business communities Councilmember Haggerton indicated he would like this to be a priority and have a plan for connectivity. Mayor Mullet indicated progress is being made in this area, and it was decided to re -visit this issue next year. Establish a Media Communications department Councilmember Haggerton indicated many cities have a department to cover media communications. The Councilmembers discussed this topic and noted the Government Channel will be forthcoming. Reclassify Economic Development Administrator position Councilmember Haggerton conveyed that it might be beneficial if this position were classified at the department head level. Mayor Mullet indicated the Economic Development Administrator is extremely busy and doing a good job. Efforts are being made to provide additional support to the position. Increase traffic calming budget Councilmember Hernandez indicated there is a need to provide funds for this issue, both for a program and possibly personnel. Mayor Mullet indicated City staff incorporates traffic calming measures into projects whenever possible and a higher level of awareness has been raised on this issue. Explore options to provide better Animal Control services Councilmember Hernandez stated she is aware this item is currently being researched. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 14, 2006 Provide resources to permanently staff City's aid car Councilmember Hernandez indicated that the cities of Kent, Seattle, and Tacoma have hired private ambulance companies to transport patients. These companies pay for the right to serve the cities exclusively. Mayor Mullet indicated that budgeting issues prevent the aid car from being staffed full time, but it is available to Fire Department personnel to be used as needed. It was determined this issue would be re- visited in the future. Publish Hazelnut more frequently or hire media person Councilmember Hernandez stated that "media" issues have been considered in the above discussion. Council President Robertson inquired as to whether businesses or citizens have asked that the Hazelnut be published more frequently. Mayor Mullet indicated he was not aware of any requests for more frequent publication. -Begin setting aside funds for a permanent Neighborhood Resource Center on Tukwila International Boulevard Councilmember Hernandez indicated it is necessary to provide a permanent facility for the Neighborhood Resource Center. Mayor Mullet recognized the need for an improved facility and indicated further information will be forthcoming regarding the revitalization of Tukwila International Boulevard. "Re- brand" Tukwila Councilmember Griffin indicated she would like to see an increased awareness of re- branding efforts in the City based on the multicultural aspects of Tukwila. Provide more city related information for residents Councilmember Griffin stated she would like to see design changes to the website, and the recent hiring of a Website Technician is very beneficial. Retain professional services line -item in 2007 budget Councilmember Griffin emphasized the importance of chairing and facilitating meetings. Retaining the services of a consultant or facilitator to provide training opportunities would be helpful. Increase Human Services budget Councilmember Griffin indicated this was offered as a general comment. Mayor Mullet inquired as to any services that may be missing, and Ms. Griffin said she felt the City is doing a good job. Councilmember Linder suggested focusing on potential special projects that may require human services funds. -Hire staff person to focus on housing related issues Councilmember Griffin indicated this is tied into the above human services comment. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, stated there are issues involving housing being discussed in the Community Affairs and Parks Committee at this time. Upgrade GroupWise system Councilmember Griffin brought this issue forward, and upgrading the system is forthcoming. Redesign City website Councilmember Griffin conveyed the hiring of the new Website Technician would resolve this issue. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 14. 2006 -NLC Platform for strengthening families Councilmember Griffin indicated this is a great assessment tool. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, conveyed that the Human Services and Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC) staff will be meeting on this issue. Explore hosting a Youth Summit Councilmember Griffin brought this forward and it will be addressed with Human Services and TCSC. Determine feasibility of developing a Youth Master Plan to assess current services and chart a course for future needs Councilmember Griffin brought this forward and it will be addressed with Human Services and TCSC. Consider development of a Tukwila Commission on Youth and Families and a Youth Council Councilmember Griffin brought this forward and it will be addressed with Human Services and TCSC. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet indicated there is an Economic Update Breakfast on August 17, 2006, and he invited the Councilmembers to attend. b. Council Councilmember Duffie attended a meeting with Sound Transit staff regarding the recent emergency situation and felt it was very informative and beneficial. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Highline Water District Open House on August 10, 2006. Councilmember Carter attended the Highway 99 Action Committee on August 8, 2006 and the AWC Legislative Committee meeting on August 15, 2006. She reported the Highway 99 Action Committee Barbecue will be held on August 19, 2006 at Larry's Market (3725 South 144 from 11:OOam -3:00 pm. The third annual Tukwila Car Show will also be held on August 19, 2006 at Bartell Drugs (South 144 Highway 99) from 10:00 am -2:00 pm. Councilmember Haggerton attended the "Point Mayors and Kirkland Group" meeting on August 8, 2006. Mr. Haggerton provided an update on the telecommunications act. The Mayor of Kirkland conveyed their satisfaction with televising Council meetings. Mr. Haggerton also attended the August 10, 2006 Cascade Water Alliance Finance Committee meeting. Councilmember Linder attended the Suburban Mayor's Committee meeting on August 9, 2006 which was attended by representatives from 37 cities, and the focus was on growth management. Other topics included issues related to Transit NOW and the Cascade Land Conservancy. Councilmember Griffin reminded Council of the walk -a -thon to support victims of domestic violence on September 30, 2006 at the Starfire Sports Complex at Fort Dent Park. Council President Robertson indicated he would like to have a team of Tukwila Councilmembers participate in the September 30, 2006 walk -a -thon and challenged the City administration to have a team as well. c. Staff There was no report. City of Tukwila Page 7 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 14. 2006 d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. ADJOURNMENT 9:57 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President Christy O'Flahi Deputy City Clerk