HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-11 Special MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
December 11, 2006 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Steven M. Mullet called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Dennis Robertson,
Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam
Linder, and Verna Griffin.
CITY OFFICIALS
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney; Jim
Morrow, Public Works Director; Frank lriarte, Public Works Deputy Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works
Analyst; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Deputy Director; Darrell
Baskin, Assistant Police Chief; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy
O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Mullet referenced the recognition ceremony held prior to this evening's Civil Service Commission
meeting in honor of Anna Bernhard's 30 years of service on the Commission. Ms. Bernhard was also
present during the Council Meeting where Mayor Mullet thanked her for the outstanding contribution to
the community, and she was given a standing ovation by the audience.
Oath of Office administered to new Tukwila Police Officer, James Mitchell
Darrell Baskin, Assistant Police Chief, introduced James Mitchell, a new Tukwila Police Officer. Officer
Mitchell is from Tacoma and graduated from Foss High School and attended Central Washington
University. His past work experience is with the Department of Social and Health Services and Child
Protective Services. He and his wife have three children.
Mayor Mullet administered the Oath of Office to James Mitchell, Tukwila Police Officer. Officer Mitchell
expressed gratitude for the opportunity of working for the Tukwila Police Department.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133rd Street, expressed the importance of courtesy among the
Councilmembers during the meetings.
Chuck Parrish, 14120 34th Place South, conveyed confidence in the Tukwila City Council as a governing
body and thanked them for their service. Mr. Parrish would like to see the focus in 2007 on issues
involving the Golf Course, increased City revenues, and Tukwila Village.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of minutes: 12/04/06 (Special)
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED
AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
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Citv Council Special Meetina Minutes December 11, 2006
NEW BUSINESS
a. An ordinance amending the 2006 Budget.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING THE 2006 BUDGET ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 2109, PROVIDING FOR
UNANTICIPATED REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES IN THE GENERAL AND FIRE
EQUIPMENT CUMULATIVE RESERVE FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ
BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Assistant City Attorney, Peter Beckwith, read the proposed ordinance by title only.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE
ADOPTED AS READ.*
Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting
on December 4, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, provided an explanation of the unanticipated revenues and expenditures
in the General Fund and Fire Equipment Cumulative Reserve Fund.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2147.
b. An ordinance adopting the 2007 Budget.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2007; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE
READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Assistant City Attorney, Peter Beckwith, read the proposed ordinance by title only.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE
ADOPTED AS READ.*
Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting
on December 4, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The
$100,000 contribution to Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC), approved at the December 4
Council meeting, has been incorporated into the budget.
Council President Robertson relayed that as the Council President, he does not sit on Council
Committees where very detailed budget information is provided. Over the next few weeks, he will be
reviewing the capital items in the 2007 budget to gain a more thorough understanding.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2148.
c. A resolution approving the 2007 -2012 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement
Program.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
ADOPTING THE 2007 -2012 FINANCIAL PLANNING MODEL AND THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CITY'S ENTERPRISE
FUNDS.
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City Council Special Meetino Minutes December 11. 2006
MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY
TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Assistant City Attorney, Peter Beckwith, read the proposed resolution by title only.
MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE
ADOPTED AS READ.*
Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting
on December 4, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The
$100,000 contribution to Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC), approved at the December 4
Council meeting, has been incorporated into the Financial Planning Model. Per City policy, the
accumulated total in the year 2012 does not drop below $3 million.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1622.
d. Solid Waste Contract Proposal
Councilmember Linder (Chairperson of the Committee meeting in the absence of Councilmember
Haggerton) indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on December 5, 2006.
The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The City's solid waste collection and recycling contract with Allied Waste (Sea -Tac Disposal) is scheduled
to expire on April 1, 2007. Allied Waste submitted an unsolicited proposal to continue providing service to
the City beyond April 1, 2007. The proposal contains several new elements that will significantly improve
residential, multi family, and commercial recycling along with customer service.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, stated that new information was received from Allied Waste late in the
afternoon on December 8, 2006. They are asking for an increase of 5% on commercial and multi family
rates that was not delineated in the original proposal approved by the Utilities Committee on December 5,
2006. Mr. Morrow made the decision to keep this item on the agenda due to time constraints with the
contract expiring on April 1, 2007. If the Council decides to go out for competitive bids, the process
typically takes 6 months.
Frank Iriarte, Public Works Deputy Director, indicated there were two goals established when negotiating
the contract: (1) address issues of concern regarding customer service; (2) provide enhancements
without impacting rates. The proposed contract is based on a five -year term with a one -year extension at
the City's option. The proposal includes the following new services:
Conversion of the current recycling system from 32- gallon containers and glass bin to a fully
commingled system utilizing new 96- gallon wheeled carts.
Addition of more materials to the recycling stream, including scrap electronics, egg /milk cartons,
plastic dairy tubs (yogurt, margarine, etc), textiles, etc.
Annual curbside collection events for bulky wastes /white goods, scrap metal, and yard waste from
single family residential customers without charge.
Semi annual special clean up /pick up events that will include large drop box containers placed at
central locations in the city so residents can dispose of scrap items.
Discounted code enforcement clean -ups. In residential areas designated by the City, Allied Waste
will support up to 10 cleanup events. They will provide drop box containers and waive delivery and
rental fees. City will be responsible for paying the disposal fee charged by the transfer station and
part of the hauling cost.
Provision for a robust, customer friendly internet site.
Develop, design and promote a recycling outreach program for commercial /multi family customers.
Significantly improved customer service.
Continued solid waste services to city facilities (in current contract).
Mr. Iriarte clarified the original proposal will now involve a 5% increase on commercial and multi family
accounts based on new information received December 8, 2006. Two options are being presented for
Council consideration:
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City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 11. 2006
1. Approve Allied Waste's proposal with the 5% increase.
2. Reject the Allied Waste offer and direct staff to solicit competitive bids for solid waste and recycling
services.
Mr. Iriarte indicated that a competitive process may or may not afford the City with improved rates for
solid waste and recycling services.
The Councilmembers discussed various aspects of the proposal and expressed concern over the last
minute rate increase by Allied Waste. Questions ensued regarding why a re- assessment of the
company's operating needs was not made known to the City sooner in this process. The
Councilmembers expressed satisfaction with the improved service enhancements in the proposal, but
conveyed regret at a rate increase that would affect 67% of Tukwila's population who live in multi family
housing.
Mike Huycke, District Manager of Allied Waste, apologized to the Council for the inclusion of the 5% rate
increase so late in the process. As negotiations on the contract progressed and the cost model evolved,
with service enhancements at the rate of current operations, they became concerned. The decision was
made not to sign on to a five -year contract that was not advantageous to the company from a financial
standpoint.
Council President Robertson inquired as to how much the total contract is worth at this time and what
percentage is multi family. Mr. Iriarte indicated the dollar amount is about $5 million with approximately
20% for multi family accounts.
Councilmember Linder asked what assurance the City has that if it accepts this offer or a variation thereof
that the price will not go up again. Mr. Huycke indicated that the contract language has yet to be
solidified, but the price will not be raised.
Councilmember Haggerton questioned whether or not there was any room for negotiation of the 5% rate
increase. Mr. Huycke indicated the percentage increase is not negotiable, but the implementation time
for the rate increase could be reconsidered to begin in late 2007 or early 2008.
Councilmember Linder suggested retaining the 5% rate increase except on the multi family accounts
which equates to 20% of the total service. Mr. Huycke stated that option could be reviewed for
consideration.
Council President Robertson asked for clarification from Allied Waste as to whether they would extend
the contract at current rates past April 1, 2007 if the City needed additional time for a competitive bid
process. Mr. Huycke indicated the contract could be extended a month or two at the same rate.
The Councilmembers relayed disappointment at the last minute rate increase by Allied Waste, and
comments were exchanged regarding utilizing the bid process to secure services from another company.
The decision was made to allow one last effort at securing an acceptable contract with Allied Waste.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO DIRECT STAFF TO RE -ENTER NEGOTIATIONS WITH ALLIED
WASTE BASED ON TONIGHT'S DISCUSSION AND PROVIDE A FULL CONTRACT, INCLUDING
RATES, AT THE FIRST CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN 2007.
David Ambur, Commercial Waste Reduction and Recycling in Renton, has been providing commingled
commercial recycling services to Tukwila businesses since 1989. He is pleased to see the cost of
business recycling is not being embedded into commercial garbage rates. If the contract with Allied
Waste is approved, he would like to see the City require, as part of their community outreach, inclusion of
information on file with Tukwila's Recycling office about all the service providers that come into the City.
Council President Robertson emphasized that if the City contracts with Allied Waste and desires changes
within the five -year period, it is imperative the contract be re- opened only for the purpose intended and
not for potential rate increases.
Councilmember Carter asked if staff would investigate the possible benefits of a reporting mechanism
that would provide the City information on how much solid waste and /or recycling is done in Tukwila.
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Citv Council Special Meeting Minutes December 11. 2006
e. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with KPG, Inc. for professional design services for
the 2007 Annual Neighborhood Drainage Program in the amount of $108,920.66.
MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN
AGREEMENT WITH KPG, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE 2007 ANNUAL
NEIGHBORHOOD DRAINAGE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $108,920.66.*
Councilmember Linder (Chairperson of the Committee meeting in the absence of Councilmember
Haggerton) indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on December 5, 2006.
The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The contract is for design of the 2007 Annual Neighborhood Drainage Program. Three firms were
reviewed from the Consultant Works Roster, and KPG, Inc. was chosen as the most qualified. This year
the design will be for seven projects to be constructed in 2007.
8:46 pm Councilmember Duffie left the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Carter conveyed that this Program is funded by the Surface Water fees collected by the
City and provides a direct benefit to the residential neighborhoods.
*MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. (Councilmember Duffie absent).
f. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with KPG, Inc. for professional design services for
the Private Storm System Adoption and Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $223,033.75.
MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN
AGREEMENT WITH KPG, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE PRIVATE
STORM SYSTEM ADOPTION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $223,033.75.*
Councilmember Linder (Chairperson of the Committee meeting in the absence of Councilmember
Haggerton) indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on December 5, 2006.
The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
8:49 pm Councilmember Duffie returned to the Council Chambers.
The contract is for design of the Private Storm System Adoption and Rehabilitation Program. Three firms
were reviewed from the Consultant Works Roster, and KPG, Inc. was chosen as the most qualified. The
City has identified 25 sites where the public storm drainage system is routed through private parcels. City
Maintenance staff has videotaped these systems to determine necessary repairs or maintenance needs
that may be required. The purpose of this contract is to secure all necessary easements and provide
appropriate repairs /replacements for continued operation of these systems. Due to the time needed to
research ownership, obtain easements and permits, design will take place over a two -year period.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
g. Discussion of Council Administrative Assistant Work Schedule.
Council President Robertson brought this item forward with the purpose of reducing the hours and
overtime for the position. The current work schedule is averaging 47.5 hours per week and does not
adhere to the City policy of a standard 40 -hour work week.
The position is responsible for: staffing and minute preparation for the regularly scheduled Monday and
Tuesday Council Committee meetings; staffing for Equity and Diversity Commission; staffing and minute
preparation for special Council meetings such as Tukwila Pond, Council Retreats, Tukwila International
Boulevard Snapshot, etc.; and coordinating special events such as the Information Technology and
Communications (ITC) Conference, meetings with legislators, etc.
The following three scenarios are being offered for discussion and consideration:
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Scenario #1 Work from home Wednesday morning and off on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Scenario #2 Off on Fridays.
Scenario #3 Late start on Tuesday mornings and off on Friday afternoons.
Council President Robertson indicated there may still be some need for occasional overtime, and the
incoming 2007 Council President may choose to make adjustments to the schedule.
The Councilmembers discussed the proposed scenarios and conveyed comments regarding: the need
for interaction with the Council Administrative Assistant on Fridays, when many Councilmembers pick up
agenda packets; Council Committee minute preparation and deadlines associated with the Council
agenda packets; pros and cons of a schedule for working half days; a possible schedule involving every
other Friday or Friday afternoons off; and the necessity of notifying the Councilmembers in advance when
the Administrative Assistant will not be in the office.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO APPROVE SCENARIO #2 OFF ON FRIDAYS AS THE
SCHEDULE FOR THE COUNCIL ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT.
Councilmember Haggerton inquired that, in the event the job does not require more than 40 hours in
some weeks, will the Administrative Assistant then work on Fridays. Council President Robertson
answered in the affirmative and did reiterate that the position has accumulated compensatory time (comp
time) that can be used for scheduled time off.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet reported on the situation involving Seattle Jaycees request for waiver of City gambling tax.
The Jaycees are a non profit organization and have come before the Council in the past to request
gambling tax relief due to possible loss of their license from decreased revenues. The Jaycees employ
18 staff members and generated $75,000 in gambling tax revenue in 2005. City staff members have
been working with the organization, and a proposal to waive the gambling tax has been offered with a
specific caveat. The understanding is that the Jaycees will provide a contribution of 70% of what the tax
obligation would have been to a Tukwila based charity. Mayor Mullet indicated the Tukwila Community
Schools Collaboration (TCSC), the Tukwila Children's Foundation, and the Tukwila Food Pantry are
candidates for consideration.
Concern was expressed about setting a precedent regarding waiving the gambling tax for other non profit
gambling establishments. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, conveyed that in discussions with the City
Attorney, it was determined Tukwila may implement a sunset provision and performance measures to
ensure non discrimination against other non profit gambling establishments.
The Mayor also gave an update on issues discussed at the King County Council meeting today. The
King Conservation District rate increase was approved, and the $10.00 assessment will be going into
affect. The distribution will be $5.00 to the watersheds; $3.00 to King Conservation District; and $2.00 to
the cities. An advisory group will be formed to work with the Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs),
the County, and the Conservation District to assure smooth and efficient operations.
b. Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference in Reno during the
week of December 4, 2006. She attended workshops on inclusive communities, rebuilding
neighborhoods through housing, equality and engagement for all, and links of trade with China. She
relayed that the workshops were very beneficial.
Council President Robertson asked the Councilmembers if they would like to begin the 2007 Council
meetings on January 2 or January 9. It was determined there is sufficient business to begin the meetings
on January 2, 2007. The Council Committee meetings for 2007 are scheduled for the same days and
times as this year. The Committee Chairs determined they would meet the first week in January if the
staff had issues that required consideration.
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Citv Council Special Meetina Minutes December 11. 2006
Councilmember Carter also attended the NLC Conference where she attended a transportation meeting
as well as a First Year Suburbs meeting. She has been selected to be the Co- Chairperson of the First
Year Suburbs Council for next year. She became ill during the conference and thanked the
Councilmembers in attendance at the event, their spouses, and staff members for their assistance.
Councilmember Haggerton also traveled to Reno for the NLC Conference and attended the Information
Technology Committee (ITC) meeting where four resolutions were brought forward for approval. He also
attended a session on City revenue sources. Mr. Haggerton participated in an electronic survey where
the attendees were asked what issues should receive greater assistance from the Federal government as
well as those issues that should receive less involvement. Healthcare was voted as requiring more
assistance and the issue of telecommunications required less involvement by the Federal government.
Councilmember Linder attended the Government Affairs holiday event this past week.
Councilmember Griffin attended the NLC Conference as well and is in the process of preparing a written
report. She thanked Council President Robertson for his hard work this year. She also conveyed that her
son, Alex, has been selected to be a page in Olympia for the upcoming legislative session.
c. Staff
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, distributed an informational memo and map regarding directional lane
and total closures on 1 -5. This is necessary for guideway segment erection for the Light Rail project.
Total directional closures will occur on each phase with a possibility of eight nights for southbound and
five nights for northbound. Detour routes include Boeing Access Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Way to
the 1 -5 southbound ramp for the southbound closures and Boeing Access Road and East Marginal Way to
the north City limit for northbound closures. The first phase effecting southbound traffic is anticipated to
begin December 11, 2006 with completion January 9, 2007. The second phase effecting northbound
traffic is anticipated to begin January 15, 2007 with completion February 1, 2007.
Councilmember Carter indicated it is important that Sound Transit put information and road closures
regarding Tukwila on their website.
Mr. Morrow also reported on the City's application to the Department of Ecology (DOE) for the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The DOE is requiring that when the volume for detention
is calculated, it must start from the position that the area is pristine, forested land. Much of Tukwila is in a
flood plain and never involved pristine, forested land. This would also make all detention facilities four
times as large and create much higher development costs. Tukwila will most likely appeal this decision
as the City has argued successfully on this matter in the past.
d. City Attorney
There was no report.
e. Intergovernmental
There was no report.
ADJOURNMENT
10:06 pm. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
U•skw` V\/ '1\/
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
1
Christy 'Flahe 6flut City Cle
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL: 01/02/2007