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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin. ATTENDANCE Steve Mullet, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, Acting City Administrator; Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief; Jack Pace, Community Development Deputy Director; Sandra Whiting, Urban Environmentalist; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Jill Mosqueda, Development Engineer; Nick Olives, Fire Chief; Don Tomaso, Fire Marshal; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENT TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 28, 2006 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52 Avenue South, stated she is looking forward to working with various members of City staff to ensure the noise ordinance is enforced uniformly. Cathie Desjardin, 3826 South 116 Street, inquired as to whether the City intends to remove 34 trees from the levies in Tukwila. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, relayed that while the Army Corps of Engineers has indicated the trees should be removed, there are other regulatory agencies that may have differing views. The City of Tukwila, in conjunction with Green River Flood Control and the cities of Auburn, Kent, and Renton are drafting a letter to FEMA to address these issues. Mr. Morrow also indicated the Council would be informed prior to action being taken on this matter. Joyce Mathison, 12556 50 Place South, stated there is currently a project to install sewers underway in her neighborhood, and the contractor is doing a good job. There is heavy truck traffic in this area, and a great deal of speeding. The traffic issues in this part of Tukwila have not been addressed in past years and are not currently being dealt with by the Police Department. She and other neighbors have asked for increased police enforcement during the construction project, and no attention has been given to this request. This has and continues to be an ongoing problem. Ms. Mathison also inquired as to the status of the Farmer's Market site and the salmon reserve in the area of 50 Place South. Mayor Mullet conveyed that the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the salmon reserve project. The Tukwila Village project has encountered funding issues that go back to "911" and the Farmer's Market site has been very inexpensive to maintain. Mayor Mullet indicated he will look into these issues, and he encouraged Ms. Mathison to bring matters such as these to the Mayor's Office for assistance toward resolution. Jim Mulryan, 12546 50 Place South, also lives in the sewer project construction area, and his home is enduring a great deal of shaking. The traffic and speeding is outrageous, and he never sees police. He is requesting police assistance toward enforcing the speed limit in this area. Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief, indicated she will work with the Traffic Division to improve this situation. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 28, 2006 SPECIAL ISSUES a. Council's role in citizen action items and complaints Council President Robertson indicated he placed this item on the agenda for discussion and consideration. Mr. Robertson conveyed that earlier this year he developed two spreadsheets for tracking purposes: one for Council projects and one for citizen action items or complaints. The spreadsheet regarding action items /complaints derived from emails sent to Councilmembers or from the Citizen Comment portion of a Council meeting. This list of action items /complaints is not a comprehensive list on a city -wide level, and only involves those issues received at the Council level. Council President Robertson has been reviewing the list of action items /complaints with the City Administrator on a weekly basis. Concern has been raised that those action items /complaints that come forward from the Council's spreadsheet may be receiving higher priority attention than issues being communicated through other channels. Council President Robertson stated this tracking method has been a helpful organizational tool, and he is mindful of not transgressing into operational issues that are the responsibility of the Mayor. Mayor Mullet expressed his desire that Council continue to be involved in citizen concerns, and emphasized the importance of attaining accurate and thorough information to enhance efficiency and expediency in resolving issues. He suggested working closely with the Council Assistant to filter through information as it comes in. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers regarding the importance of being responsive to citizen concerns and tracking issues as they come forward to the Council, including the possibility of an online web -based system. There was some concern about tracking items that were small in scope that could be completed in a short period of time. The Councilmembers also conveyed that they regularly contact the staff regarding matters brought to them by citizens in an effort to resolve issues. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, commented that when staff members receive issues of concern from elected officials, they tend to forego other matters to respond immediately. He conveyed the need for flexibility as the staff tries to balance maintenance and operations issues with the need for responsiveness to citizen concerns. Consensus existed among the Councilmembers for continued use of the temporary action items /complaints spreadsheet as well as regular review of the information by the City Administrator, while a new tracking system is being considered. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO CONSIDER ITEM 3C PRIOR TO ITEM 3B. c. Wig Properties LLC -SS Development Agreement for Southcenter Square (considered before 3b per above) Councilmember Duffle indicated this item was discussed at Transportation Committee meeting on August 14, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The development agreement with Wig Properties is for the retail redevelopment of the J.C. Penney's warehouse site on Southcenter Parkway, including the undeveloped rear 5 acres, which contains wetlands. The agreement stipulates the conditions of use of Tukwila Pond Park for off -site wetland mitigation, approves the development of future public infrastructure adjacent to the project site, and outlines a number of other terms for development between the City and the developer. Under this Agreement, the City's substantive responsibilities are as follows: 1. Enter into a Developer's Reimbursement Agreement (Latecomer's Agreement) in order for the developer to recover a pro rata share of the costs for their installation of the new signal on Southcenter Parkway and the construction of new north and new east half streets. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 28. 2006 2. Credit the developer against its assessment for the Urban Access /Klickitat Improvement project LID for that portion of the Transportation Impact fee paid that is attributable to that project. No estimate available at this time. 3. Waive the permanent and Water Only meter installation fee for any new meter in exchange for two 12 inch water mains. (This does not include the Cascade Water Alliance Fee.) Estimate $4,400. 4. Issue permits that allow the site to be preloaded and utility work begun prior to a decision by the Board of Architectural Review. 5. Issue certificates of occupancy for the Southcenter Square before the wetland mitigation work is complete subject to receipt of a financial guarantee for 150% of the unfinished work. Under this draft Agreement, the developer's responsibilities are: 1. Begin the Project within three years. (The developer would like to begin immediately.) 2. Dedicate right of way and improve Minkler Boulevard. 3. Modify and improve frontage on Southcenter Parkway. 4. Install a new traffic signal on Southcenter Parkway at the intersection with the new north street. 5. Construct and dedicate two new "half" streets along the north and east edges of the property. 6. Sign "no protest" LID agreements for 61 Avenue S. Bridge Widening and for the Tukwila Urban Access /Klickitat Improvement Project. 7. Pay the City $86,000 for the use of Tukwila Pond Park as a wetland mitigation site and improve the property by removing invasive plants, replanting, diversifying the wetland classifications, expanding the wetland area, maintaining and monitoring for ten years. (301 Fund) Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, thanked Mr. Wig for his cooperation and willingness to work with the City regarding the new traffic concurrency system. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. A resolution rejecting all bids for the Boeing Access Road and East Marginal Way Intersection Paving Project (considered after 3c per above) Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at Transportation Committee meeting on August 14, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. All four bids submitted for the Boeing Access Road /East Marginal Way Intersection paving project were over the budgeted amount. This resolution will reject all bids. It is proposed to use additional National Highway Safety Funds, increase the project budget in 2007, and re -bid earlier in the year for more favorable results. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Approve a contract with the consulting firm of Adolfson and Associates to assist DCD in the preparation of the Shoreline Master Program Update Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on August 15, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 28. 2006 The City has been awarded a grant of $65,000 from the Department of Ecology for the update of the Tukwila Shoreline Master Program. $48,000 of the grant award would be used for consultant services, with the remainder being used to support in -house staff. No City matching funds are required. The consulting firm of Adolfson and Associates has been selected to assist the Department of Community Development in the presentation of the update. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on August 21, 2006. The committee members were in favor of moving this topic to the Committee of the Whole Meeting this evening and the next Regular Meeting to invite citizen comments prior to a decision. The King County Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) levy will appear on the September 19, 2006 election ballot. A resolution in support of this important law enforcement tool is being requested. AFIS is located in the King County Courthouse and provides services to all local and county jurisdictions within King County. Fingerprints are scanned into a "Live Scan" device and immediately transmitted over a secure network to be instantly compared to the database in order to identify the prints. The system is very useful on the frequent occasions when arrested persons are not forthcoming about their identity. Hand searches that previously took several hours are now done by the automated system in minutes. The levy that will be sent to the voters would establish a levy rate of 5.68 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for a six -year period. This is lower than the 2001 -2005 levy rate, which was 5.78 cents. The levy would cost approximately $11.00 a year for a $200,000 home. Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief, referenced an individual who appeared on America's Most Wanted who was arrested in Tukwila due to use of the AFIS system. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Utility Tax Ordinance Review and Reaffirmation Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on August 21, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Ordinance 1998 established the utility tax and set forth a schedule of rate increases with a requirement that the City Council review the necessity of the change. The utility tax rate is scheduled to increase from 5% to 6% in 2007. In addition, Ordinance 2012 granted Seattle City Light the privilege of operating an electric utility within the City. The contract payment for this privilege is scheduled to increase from 5% to 6% in 2007. In keeping with past practice, it is requested that the Council reaffirm both scheduled increases. This would provide $790,000 a year to the general fund. The 1% increase would cost a rate payer an additional $1.00 per $100 billed. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Proposed amendments to Fire Code ordinances necessary to standardize the language in certain sections of the TMC Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on June 5, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. During recent fire code enforcement action, it was discovered that the various fire code ordinances do not have the same wording with regard to appeals, exceptions, violations and penalties. The City Attorney has recommended those sections be aligned for clearer interpretation and application in enforcement proceedings. Amended language should be included for: City of Tukwila Page 5 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 28, 2006 Ord. #2047 Adoption of International Fire Code Ord. #2050 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Ord. #2051 Automatic Fire Alarm Systems Ord. #2052 Fire Hydrants Ord. #2053 High Rise Buildings Councilmember Carter indicated the committee chose to increase the penalty for violations to $5,000 as opposed to $500. Oftentimes the maximum penalty is not levied, and this provides a greater degree of legal flexibility. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 9:05 Council President Robertson called a 5 minute recess h. Council Goals for the 2007 budget Council President Robertson asked for discussion and consideration of Council goals for the 2007 budget year. The Councilmembers reviewed the 2006 and 2005 Council Program Goals as follows: 2006 Program Goals: 1. Adopt zoning and comprehensive plan policies regarding Tukwila Valley South. 2. Strengthen ties with state and federal legislators through regular contacts and communications. 3. Adopt comprehensive plan policies for Transit Oriented Development. 4. Consider options for starting a City telecommunications operation. 5. Provide a counter defense to federal efforts proposing limitations on Cities ability to control its rights of -way. 6. Promote traffic calming in residential neighborhoods. 7. Evaluate personal technology options for councilmembers. 8. Get monthly briefings on Washington, D.C. lobbyists' work. 2005 Program Goals: 1. Schedule a facilitator to conduct a team building and process exercise for Council. 2. Continue to refine City ordinances and policies to strengthen the City's residential community. 3. Adopt budget policies and refine Council procedures and schedules to strengthen financial planning in the City. 4. Work with other organizations to ensure that future state and federal policies and processes are beneficial to Tukwila citizens. 5. Get monthly briefings on Washington, D.C. lobbyists' work. 6. Schedule and hold an AWC financial planning workshop in early 2005. 7. Promote traffic calming in residential neighborhoods. Councilmember Griffin referred to the 2006 goals and indicated a desire to retain #6 regarding traffic calming as well as #8 on monthly briefings from Washington D.C. She would also like to see #2 from the 2005 list regarding strengthening the residential community brought forward as a 2007 goal. Ms. Griffin also emphasized the importance of focusing on Tukwila International Boulevard including Tukwila Village, in 2007 as well. Councilmember Linder indicated #1 in the 2006 list regarding Tukwila Valley South should be brought forward as a 2007 goal as should #6 on traffic calming. The 2nd item from 2006 regarding strengthening ties with legislators and #8 on monthly briefings from Washington D.C. should be moved to "Program Description." Ms. Linder conveyed that in some instances, she prefers to determine topics to be "focused" on rather than goals. Many issues require long range planning and discussion before they come to a place where a tangible goal can be established. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 28, 2006 Ms. Linder would like to focus on improving housing stock in Tukwila for both single and multi family dwellings. It is also important to focus on working with King County to overcome healthcare problems for citizens in Tukwila. She would also like Tukwila to lead by example in "sprucing up" City owned property. Councilmember Haggerton referenced #8 in the 2006 list regarding briefings from Washington D.C. and indicated this item could be placed in another area of the Council budget. He would like to see the Council adopt policies that address the safety and appearance issues on Tukwila International Boulevard. Mr. Haggerton indicated it would be beneficial if the City had more automated functions, such as Council agenda packets with full supporting documentation, available on the City website. Councilmember Carter also liked the idea of "focusing" or "advocating" on topics as opposed to goal setting in some instances. She agrees that #2 on the 2006 list regarding strengthening ties with legislators and #8 regarding Washington D.C. briefings would be better placed in an area such as the "Program Description." Ms. Carter would like to see focus given to issues regarding Tukwila International Boulevard and Tukwila Village. She would also like to see #4 from the 2006 list regarding telecommunications operations moved forward to 2007. Continued focus on traffic calming is also necessary. Ms. Carter indicated the reference to a "Legislative Analyst" in the Program Description also needs to be amended. Councilmember Hernandez indicated that #1 on the 2006 list regarding Tukwila Valley South and #6 on traffic calming should be moved forward for 2007. Some of the items can be moved to the "Program Description" as appropriate. Ms. Hernandez also favors adopting policies that will improve Tukwila's housing stock as well as policies to affect safety and appearance issues on Tukwila International Boulevard. It is important that the City address issues relative to the Neighborhood Resource Center and work toward securing funding and a location for a permanent facility. Councilmember Duffie expressed the need to reduce criminal activity on Tukwila International Boulevard to encourage businesses and citizens to occupy this part of the City. Council President Robertson would like a 2007 goal to be the evaluation of personal technology options for Councilmembers. He would also like to move #6 from the 2005 goals, regarding scheduling and holding an AWC financial planning workshop, forward for 2007. Council President Robertson indicated he and the Council Assistant would provide a draft of the above goals and provide it to all Councilmembers for review and amending if necessary. The Council budget and goals for 2007 will be a topic on the next Committee of the Whole agenda. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported that Pacific Crest Brewing Company is leaving after 10 years, and will be having a celebration on September 2, 2006 at noon with entertainment, beverages, and food. The Mayor commented on discussions with members of the Highway 99 Action Committee regarding issues with the Washington State Liquor Control Board and the possibility of restricting the sale of certain types of alcohol. The Mayor will continue to look into this matter. b. Council Councilmember Carter reported that the recent trash pickup effort on Highway 99 resulted in 320 pounds of trash. Ms. Carter also assisted in the recent painting project at the Neighborhood Resource Center. Councilmember Haggerton distributed a Fact Sheet regarding the Cascade Water Alliance 2007 Regional Capital Facilities Charge (RCFC). At the August 23, 2006 meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously approved a 14 percent increase in Cascade's RCFC, from $4,648 per Cascade Equivalent Residential Unit (CERU) in 2006 to $5,297 per CERU in 2007. City of Tukwila Page 7 of 7 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 28. 2006 Councilmember Griffin reported that a citizen who complained of speeding problems on 46 Avenue South conveyed how thankful they were with recent dealings with the Police Department. Residents in that area are also working successfully with Robbie Burns, Community Policing Officer, to improve conditions in their neighborhood. Council President Robertson reported that he has been attending the Crime Hot Spots meetings, and members of the Police Department have been assisting with cleanup efforts on Tukwila International Boulevard. He distributed photos of areas that have been cleared of trees and brush that could mask unlawful activities. c. Staff Steve Lancaster, Acting City Administrator, reminded Council of the Tukwila Pond Charette on August 30, 2006 at the Doubletree. A tour of the pond begins at 5:30 pm, and the meeting starts at 6:00 pm. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY LINDER TO RECESS THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING AND CONVENE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, TO LAST APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. 10:03 p.m. Executive session began. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY LINDER TO END THE EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RECONVENE THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. 10:12 p.m. Executive session ended. ADJOURNMENT 10:12 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President L Christy O'Flahertf!Deputy City Clerk