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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-16 Finance and Safety Minutes Finance Safety Committee January 16, 2007 5:00 p.m. Present: Jim Haggerton, Chair; Joan Hernandez and Dennis Robertson, Council members. Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Kevin Fuhrer Director of Finance; Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney; Diane Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the City Council; Mary Fertakis and Mark Wahlstrom, Tukwila School Board; and Jan Lande, Executive Assistant/Public Information Officer, Tukwila School District. Business Agenda A. Alcoholic Beverage Control /Enforcement Mr. Beckwith indicated that TMC 8.30.010 and .030, relating to Alcoholic Beverage Control and Enforcement, are not in compliance with state law. TMC 8.30.010 will be amended and .030 repealed. Currently Tuktivila's code stated that a violation of the "open container" is a misdemeanor punishable by jail and fines; state law indicates that it is a civil infraction. Revisions will be made to mirror the state language. Unanimous approval to forward to January 22 Committee of the Whole meeting. B. Ordinance repealing TMC8.75 Curfew for Minors Mr. Beckwith referred to TMC 8.75, Curfew for Minors. He related that the Washington State Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional a juvenile curfew ordinance (very similar to the city's ordinance). Even if the city were to revise its curfew language, it could still be challenged as a violation of a juvenile's right to move freely in public places. It was recommended that TMC 8.75 be repealed. Mr. Haggerton noted that this was a tool used by police and, what, if other tools could be given to the police. Ms. Berry suggested that the Police and Parks departments could provide a joint report on this issue. Ms. Lande conveyed that high school students need structure and parents need to be accountable for their children. She highlighted some of the problems experienced by the school district. Ms. Fertakis noted that there are driving restrictions imposed on drivers' licenses for students and wondered if this too would be deemed unconstitutional. Unanimous approval to forward to January 22 Committee of the Whole meeting. C. Amendment to the gambling tax ordinance Mr. Fuhrer recalled that the Seattle Jaycees operates a Bingo and pull tab operations at the Police Athletic Association. They recently petitioned the council for assistance. Because of the state smoking ban, they faced drastic reduction in revenues and asked the city to waive a portion of their gambling tax. Time was spent looking at their financial operations and talking with the Gambling Commission to get better understanding of how they operate and to try to develop a solution. An amendment is being proposed to the ordinance which would provide an exemption to charitable non profit organizations conducting gambling operations to contribute 70% of the gambling tax to a charitable non -profit organization located within the City whose purpose is to provide health, education, welfare, or other needs. The City cannot specify the organization or dollar amount. He reviewed the administrative process which would be followed to ensure compliance. The amendment would apply to the 4 th quarter, the period ending December 31; this will be monitored quarterly. Currently, Seattle Jaycees is the sole organization located within Tukwila to which this would apply. Ms. Hernandez asked what would be the financial impact to the City. Mr. Fuhrer responded $70,000- S75,000. Mr. Robertson noted that if this is not implemented, this organization would be out of business since they are not able to comply with the current state rules and regulations. He believed that this was a "win/win" situation for everyone. Ms. Berry commented that many of the eligible non -profit organizations seek funding through Tukwila's human services for financial assistance. It is possible that this will also help by providing additional resources to these organizations. Unanimous approval to forward to January 16 regular council meeting. Minutes - January 17,2007 Finance & Safety Committee 2 D. Contract for services .with Ball Janik, LLC Ms. Berry presented that contract for services with Ball Janik. This is a renewal of the current contract with the exception of 4% inflator. She reviewed the scope of services and noted that they will be meeting with staff and council members to help establish priorities for 2007. Mr. Robertson conveyed that the City has been the recipient of millions of dollars in federal funds. Mr. Haggerton referred to the scope of work and asked about funding for library needs. Ms. Berry noted that there is the possibility of relocating the King County Library System library into the Tubvila Village; grant funding could be available. Mr. Haggerton noted that they serve as Tukwila's "eyes and ears" in \Vashington D.e. Ms. Hernandez suggested that next year a longer period of time be set aside time to discuss congressional priorities. Unanimous approval to forward to January 16 regular council meeting. E. Contract for services with 1\1. J. Durkan, Inc. Ms. Berry requested that the contract for services with M.l Durkan be removed from consideration at tonight's council meeting. She shared a concern regarding possible conflict of interest and would like the city and Mr. Durkan to have an opportunity to review possible language changes prior to submittal to the council for approval. It \vas expected that the revised language would be presented at the next meeting. Mr. Haggerton noted that a motion would be presented to amend the agenda at the regular council meeting. Unanimous approval to not forward to January 16 regular council meeting. F. Contract for services with Kenyon Disend, PLLC Ms. Berry also presented the contract for services \vith Kenyon Disend. Again, this is a renewal of the current contract with the exception of a 4% increase of the contract and hourly rates. Ms. Hernandez pointed out the advantages of having counsel attend all council meetings but noted that that would increase the cost of the contract. Mr. Haggerton related that the possibility of having "in-house" legal service had been explored and it was deemed to be advantageous. Unanimous approval to forward to January 16 regular council meeting. G. \Vindstorm After Action report Mr. Morrow provided an update and reviewed recommendations and findings on the recent wind and ice storms. He noted that with the implementation ofthe National Management Incident System (NIMS), the city is required to have an "after action" revie\v of a major incident. The purpose is to document what happened, identify successes as well as problems which may have been encountered, and make recommendations to improve mitigation, response, and recovery activities. He expressed concern that residents are unprepared for emergencies. Mr. Robertson requested a copy of the triggers which would activate the EOe. He would also like to address emergency shelters. Ms. Berry conveyed discussions are occurring at many regional meetings; cities are sharing ideas/concerns with each other. Ms. Hernandez expressed concern with informing residents and suggested using council members to disseminate information. Mr. Morro\\' expressed his frustration with information provided by Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy; they were not providing accurate information to residents. Ms. Berry conveyed that with the implementation of CERT training and block watches, these avenues could be accessed to help provide information to residents. Mr. Morrow continued to review the findings and recommendations. Discussion ensued over the use of emergency shelters, either through the Red Cross or sponsored by the city. Red Cross would supply bedslblankets, medical care, food/water, sanitation, and clean up. If it is city-sponsored, the city would be responsible for all costs. There was not sufficient need to open a shelter in Tubvila; however, the Tubvila Community Center and pool were opened for showers and as a place to get warm. Mr. Robertson suggested that residents' needs be identified. Mr. Morrow commented that citizens' expectations and outreach by the city need to be clearly defined. For example, should assisted care facilities and gas stations be required to have back-up power; that is a policy decision. Ms. Hernandez indicated that many citizens \vould be Minutes - January 17,2007 Finance & Safety Committee 3 interested to hear this presentation. Mr. Robertson inquired as to how the school district is involved. He \vould like to the committee to review when the EOC is activated, use of city facilities for shelters, evaluate status of businesses and residents to determine if more help was needed, implementation of CERT training and how to use them to improve communication, etc. He felt that there \vere policy issues that the council needs to address. Ms. Hernandez agreed. She noted that there are pri"\'ate and public responsibilities. The top priority is to protect city facilities and to assist those most at risk in our community. Outreach services should be provided to help educate the community. Ms. Berry noted that the fire department did conduct welfare checks on individuals throughout the community. Ms. Lande asked that the school district be a part of the continuing discussion on this topic. It is possible to offer assistance with translation of materials and establishing a community network. Mr. Haggerton conveyed it would be valuable for the entire council to hear this presentation and distribute topics/tasks to the different council committees. Ms. Fertakis related that she has a list of community concerns regarding restoration of power and equity issues. Unanimous approval to forward to January 22 Committee of the 'Vhole meeting. New Business Mr. Haggerton requested that the committee members put forth items that they would like to discuss throughout the year. Ms. Hernandez listed emergency management, CERT program, and citizen tracking system. She suggested reinstating the block watch newsletter. Mr. Robertson wanted to discuss animal control (primarily dealing with dangerous dogs), quarterly budget reports, public safety communications (burglaries, car thefts, etc) with citizens, and possible tax increases. Mr. Haggerton received information about the Tukwila School District's internet. He would like to explore a partnership with the city and school district to improve internet capability. Also, he would like this committee to be involved in the discussion surrounding the possible merger of the SeaTac and Tukwila fire departments. Ms. Barry noted that SeaTac and Tukwila are seeking the services of a firm to do a study on the possible shared use of facilities/supplies and/or merging of the two fire departments. Ms. Hernandez requested an update on Pacific Court Apartments. Adjournment: 7:00 p.m. Qjj.. Committee Chair Approval ~by DJ. Reviewed by RB, KF, PB, and JM.