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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesOFFICIALS TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL September 25, 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. Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and Verna Griffin. Council President Robertson stated that Councilmember Linder would not be in attendance due to a personal matter. ATTENDANCE Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Department employees; Amy Kindell, Aquatics Program Assistant; James King, Recreation Program Assistant Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Amy Kindell, Aquatics Program Assistant. Amy attended the University of Washington and earned a degree in Biology. Mr. Fletcher also introduced James King, Recreation Program Assistant. Mr. King works at the deli and with the seniors at the Tukwila Community Center. The Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Kindell and Mr. King to Tukwila. CITIZEN COMMENT Aaron Hundhofte, 3726 South 126 expressed appreciation for work performed by the Department of Community Development and the King Conservation District regarding wetland mitigation. This collaborative effort has been of great benefit to the City. He referenced an impending request for increased funding by the King Conservation District and conveyed the importance of this agency. PUBLIC HEARING Initiative 933, entitled "An Act Relating to Providing Fairness in Government Regulation of Property." Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on September 12, 2006. The committee members forwarded this item to the full Council for consideration and discussion. The committee also wanted to present an opportunity for citizens to speak on this issue. Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, provided background information on this matter. Initiative 933, known as the Property Fairness Act will be on the statewide ballot in November, 2006. 1 -933 establishes three primary requirements. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 7 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25. 2006 1. Consideration of impacts on property rights and potential compensation when considering new ordinances, regulations and rules 2. Compensation for decreased property value caused by certain ordinances, rules and regulations 3. Grandfather rights with regard to uses legally existing when any new Growth Management Act (GMA) -based ordinance, rule or regulation is adopted. 7:19 pm: Council President Robertson opened the public hearing and called for citizen comments. 7:20 pm: No citizen comments were received, and Council President Robertson closed the public hearing. Councilmember Duffie inquired as to how information regarding the public hearing was made available. Mr. Lancaster indicated that, while a public hearing is not required on this issue, the notice was published in the newspaper and placed on the City's website. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers and Mr. Lancaster regarding possible impacts of the proposed legislation. Information was presented that indicated the bill is supported by the Washington Farm Bureau, and there are at least 9 cities that have adopted resolutions to oppose this legislation. Impacts to Tukwila would involve enforcement of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance, the Tree Ordinance, and possibly other land use regulations. Limiting the use of property would result in a waiver or monetary compensation, unless such limitations fall within certain specified exceptions. The text of the legislation is broad and subject to interpretation, making it difficult to assess all potential impacts. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A resolution opposing Initiative 933, entitled "An Act Relating to Providing Fairness in Government Regulation of Property." COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING b. Tukwila Urban Center Signal Interconnect and ITS Project Bid Award Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at Transportation Committee meeting on September 11, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided background information on this issue. Bids for the Tukwila Urban Center Signal Interconnect and ITS Project were opened on September 8, 2006. The low bid of $693,081 was from Valley Electric Company of Mt. Vernon, Inc. Mr. Morrow referenced the Nisqually Earthquake wherein roads in Tukwila became gridlocked, preventing access by emergency service vehicles. This project would interconnect traffic signals and tie them together through the use of fiber optic technology. Cameras will be installed at each intersection in this area to both monitor traffic flow and provide a security mechanism for law enforcement. Signal operations can be overridden as necessary based on traffic related needs or emergencies. The City provided the equipment on this project through utilization of the State procurement process, providing a cost savings to Tukwila. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING c. Tukwila Urban Center Signal Interconnect and ITS Project Full -time Construction Management Services Supplemental Agreement with Jacobs Civil, Inc. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at Transportation Committee meeting on September 11, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Construction Management Services have been negotiated with Jacobs Civil, Inc. for the Tukwila Urban Center Signal Interconnect and ITS Project in the amount of $170,863. Services will include full -time construction inspection, project management, coordination with adjacent property owners and tenants, review and preparation of federal, city and state documentation, and related management tasks. 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 September 25. 2006 d. Tukwila Urban Center Signal Interconnect and ITS Project Part -time On -Call Construction Support Services with Siemens ITS. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at Transportation Committee meeting on September 11, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Construction Management Services have been negotiated with Siemens ITS for the Tukwila Urban Center Signal Interconnect and ITS Project in the amount of $93,325. Siemens ITS was selected in 2005 for design services, and this supplement will provide part time on -call construction support services. Services include signal timing plans and implementation during construction. Councilmember Haggerton inquired if this project would be starting immediately, and Mr. Morrow stated they are prepared to begin upon Council approval. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING e. Council 2007 Budget and Goals Council President Robertson referenced the information memo in the Council agenda packet delineating the categories of issues for Council consideration in 2007 as follows: Goal Something that is achievable in the short term (1 to 2 years). Focus Item Something that is a long -term commitment (requires longer than 2 years to achieve) but is still considered to require special attention to achieve. Exploration Item Something that the Council wants to explore and understand better before a commitment is made or policy direction is set. Special Attention Item Something that is part of the normal Administration work plan but the Council is still concerned about and wants to receive regular reports /status updates on so that policy can be further refined if necessary. There are 13 issues to be discussed and finalized into one of the above categories. Councilmember Carter distributed a list of the 13 issues and their current placement for review and discussion. GOALS: (Note: Underlines denote final wordina and cateaory for each item) #3 Work with Mayor's office to research current information and effective strategies for City participation in controllina "global warming." This item is also referenced as an "Exploration "item. Councilmember Carter suggested alternative wording for this topic as follows: "Develop strategies, which enable the City to address the issue of global warming." She also suggested it be a goal and not an exploration item. Councilmember Hernandez indicated that if research is required on the issue, it may be appropriate for this topic to fall under exploration item. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers and consensus existed to retain the original wording and leave this item under the category of "Goal" and remove it from "Exploration." #6 Adopt policies that address safety (crime) and appearance issues on TIB. Council President Robertson relayed that after a discussion with the Mayor, it was determined a better description might be to "Adopt policies that address safety, usage, and appearance issues on TIB." Councilmember Carter suggested "Adopt policies to address safety, zoning, and appearance issues on Tukwila International Boulevard." The Councilmembers conveyed various scenarios and activities relative to Tukwila International Boulevard and determined the following statement would best define this "Goal. "Adopt policies that address safety. land use, and appearance issues on Tukwila International Boulevard." #8 Focus on development of policies to improve housing stock for both single and multi family housing. This item is also referenced as a "Focus" item. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25. 2006 Councilmember Hernandez indicated there are currently policies on this subject being circulated at the Council Committee level, and this item could be re- worded to "adopt" as opposed to "focus." The Councilmembers determined the best wording for this "Goal" is "Adopt policies to improve both sinale and multi familv housina stock in Tukwila." This item would also be removed from the "Focus" category. EXPLORATION ITEMS: #1 Establish a work plan with IT Department and City Clerk's office to automate functions of the City Clerk's office. Councilmember Haggerton originally suggested this item and clarified his intention that the City website have a greater degree of interoperability and interactivity as well as access to City documents. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated the staff continues to investigate and evaluate EGOV solutions for various City related functions. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers, and it was determined this topic goes beyond just the City Clerk's Office and involves multiple city department and functions. It was decided this item should be removed from "Exploration" and moved to a "Focus" item. It was reworded as follows: "Focus on providing broader access to city functions and information electronically." #2 Continue to evaluate personal technology options for Councilmembers so they can participate in evolving City automation process. This item was reworded as follows: "Continue to evaluate personal technoloav options to improve Council effectiveness." This issue was left as an "Exploration" item. #7 Advocate and develop campaign to address perceptions on TIB. Council President Robertson indicated that in discussions with the Mayor, it was felt a branding campaign for the entire City would be a more preferable issue for exploration. This item was left as an "Exploration" item and reworded to say: "Explore a brandina campaign for the City of Tukwila." #9 Explore options to address public health concerns in Tukwila. The wording on this topic was left as originally written and was left as an "Exploration" item. #10 Investigate implementing the old "residential street program." The Councilmembers discussed this subject, and it was concluded that a reference to the `old residential street program" may be unclear to some citizens. It was resolved that this matter should become a "Goal" and be removed from the "Exploration" category. It would also be reworded as follows: "Develop residential neiahborhood improvement policies that address streets, sidewalks, liahtina, and storm water." #11 Explore fundina and siting for a permanent Neiahborhood Resource Center on Tukwila International Boulevard. This was left as originally written and as an "Exploration" item. SPECIAL ATTENTION ITEMS: #4 Promote traffic calmina and enforcement in residential neiahborhoods. The wording on this item was left as originally written and will remain a "Special Attention" item. #5 Adopt zoning and comprehensive plan policies regarding Tukwila Valley South. The Mayor and Councilmembers discussed some of the specific issues relating to the Tukwila Valley South project. While the zoning and comprehensive plan elements are notable, there are other variables such as annexation of the area and negotiation of an acceptable developer's agreement that need to be considered. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 7 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Seotember 25. 2006 This topic was removed from "Special Attention" items and put in the "Goal" category. It was also reworded to more accurately reflect all aspects of the project as follows: "Approve a developer's aareement that benefits the City and facilitates the annexation of Tukwila Valley South." #12 Continue to focus on Tukwila Village. This item was left in the "Special Attention" category and was reworded for improved clarity to: "Continue attention on Tukwila Villaae as a mixed use development." COUNCIL SPECIAL ATTENTION ITEMS: #13 Develop and lobby a legislative agenda. The wording on this topic was left as originally written, and it was moved to a "Goal" eliminating the category of Council Special Attention items. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, inquired as to Item #8 regarding housing stock. She asked if the goal is intended to increase the number of multi family housing units. Council President Robertson clarified that the focus is on code enforcement related issues for all housing in the City. Council President Robertson stated the City Council preliminary budget for 2007 was increased by 4 The total amount for 2007 is $260,388, and the travel budget was increased by $5,000. The overtime line item was increased by $3,000 due to personnel related needs, and miscellaneous line item was increased by $14,956. The miscellaneous budget could be used for travel related expenses if it becomes necessary. Councilmember Carter relayed her understanding that an expenditure report of the 2006 Council budget, to date, would be available to assist in making budget related decisions. Council President Robertson indicated he would make that information available to the Councilmembers. Discussion ensued about the potential need for an increased amount in the travel budget and removing money from the miscellaneous line item to accommodate travel related expenses. It was also conveyed that one or more Councilmembers may travel to Ikawa (Tukwila's Sister City) in 2007, creating an even greater need for travel funds. Council President Robertson stated he would meet with the Finance Director about the best method of assuring the Council's travel needs are met and allocation of funds into the appropriate line items. The Councilmembers also discussed the method recently used for determining goals and priorities for the upcoming year. The goals were discussed at Committee of the Whole meetings as opposed to Council Committees. Since this was the first time goal setting was addressed in this manner, some of the process seemed lengthy and arduous, but ended with successful results. It was determined that starting earlier next year would aid the flow of information and ideas to move smoother with fewer complications. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported on the Northfield Carwash issue and indicated a building permit application has been received in the Department of Community Development. Costs have gone up and the applicant is determining whether to move forward. The Mayor will continue to keep the Council apprised of the situation. Mayor Mullet also indicated there are some funding issues regarding the King Conservation District. There are concerns about their funding distribution and recent changes made that affect cities and Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs). Local cities, WRIAs and King County are hoping a compromise will be put forward that is acceptable to all involved agencies. b. Council Councilmember Duffie attended the September 20, 2006 Suburban Cities Transportation meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tukwila. King County Councilmember Julia Patterson was also in attendance. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25. 2006 Councilmember Hernandez attended the September 20, 2006 ESL Literacy Summit held at the Tukwila School District Office, conducted by Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager. On September 21, 2006 she attended the AWC Communications workshop in Fife and the Tukwila Historical Society meeting that same evening. The Nelson family home on the West Valley Highway, currently on the Historic Register, is going to be open to the public for tours. Ms. Hernandez also took a Port 101 tour on September 25, 2006 regarding the economic impacts of the cruise industry. Councilmember Carter attended the September 19, 2006 SCATBd meeting and distributed an informational memo providing an overview of the discussion. She also attended a Regional Transportation Improvement District (RTID) meeting and the Suburban Cities Transportation meeting on September 20, 2006. Ms. Carter participated in the PCL (Sound Transit Contractor) picnic on September 23, 2006. She suggested the City Council work toward increasing its awareness of the artwork and "blue lights" on the guide way to be better informed in the event of citizen comments or concerns. Councilmember Carter relayed that Tukwila Police Officer, Alan Baalaer, will be receiving a life saving and humanitarian award from the Governor at the Industrial Safety and Health Conference in Spokane. Officer Baalaer jumped into the river to save a suspect who had gone into the water handcuffed. Councilmember Haggerton indicated the American Legion also gives out awards for meritorious conduct and perhaps Officer Baalaer's name should be submitted for that as well. Councilmember Haggerton attended the September 20, 2006 Suburban Cities Transportation meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tukwila. King County Councilmember Julia Patterson was also in attendance. Mr. Haggerton also reported on a stolen car incident in his neighborhood. The car appeared suspicious and upon contacting law enforcement, he learned the vehicle had been stolen. Just prior to police arriving on the scene, the vehicle disappeared. Councilmember Griffin attended the Teens for Tukwila meeting and the ESL Literacy Summit on September 20, 2006. She also accompanied a group of Girl Scouts to the Tukwila Pond on September 23, 2006 to perform cleanup and tree planting. Members of the Parks Crew assisted and provided refreshments to the workers. This Girl Scout group has adopted Tukwila's parks and ponds for service related activities. Council President Robertson reported that he attended the Crime Hot Spots meeting on September 20, 2006. The crime -free hotel /motel ordinance is going to be reviewed to make necessary changes and will be coming before the City Council for consideration. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated on October 10 -14, 2006, the National Recreation and Parks Association will be conducting an exposition in Seattle. October 11, 2006 is free for all elected officials from 11:00 am -4:00 pm. Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant, has registration forms. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. City of Tukwila Page 7 of 7 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25. 2006 ADJOURNMENT 10:28 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President Christy O'FI e y Deputy'City Clerk ec