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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-20 Regular MinutesREGULAR MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE In the absence of Mayor Steven Mullet, Verna Griffin, Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Verna Griffin, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and Pam Linder. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER DENNIS ROBERTSON FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. CITY OFFICIALS Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism and Marketing Manager; Nick Olives, Fire Chief; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Bev Willison, Administrative Secretary; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL February 20, 2007 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall a. Welcome ceremony for visitors from Miyoshi -shi, Japan Mayor Pro Tempore Verna Griffin extended welcome to nine members of the Sister City Delegation from Miyoshi -shi, Japan. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, read a letter from Mayor Mullet (who could not be in attendance) expressing Tukwila's commitment and high regard for the 27 -year relationship with the district of Ikawa -cho. In his written statement, Mayor Mullet declared his resolve to build upon those years of friendship with the new government of Miyoshi -shi. Councilmember Joan Hernandez also shared a letter regarding her experiences with the exchange program in both hosting visitors in her home and by traveling to Japan as part of a Sister Cities' event. Ms. Hernandez indicated she found her involvement in these visits to be extremely memorable and valuable. She expressed her desire that this beneficial relationship between the cities continue into the future. Mr. Yu Sakamoto, a member of the Sister City Delegation, translated each of the letters into Japanese for the benefit of the visitors. Mayor Pro Tempore Griffin presented the delegation a framed gift containing Mayor Mullet's speech, both in English and Japanese. Ms. Griffin was then presented with gifts from Japan that included a wooden ornamental plate as well as "Awa dancing bamboo dolls in a box." 7:26 p.m. MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE CITY COUNCIL TAKE A 10 MINUTE RECESS FOR A CAKE AND PUNCH RECEPTION IN HONOR OF THE SISTER CITY DELEGATION FROM JAPAN. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. 7:46 p.m. Mayor Pro Tempore Griffin called the meeting back to order. The Councilmembers thanked the members of the Japanese delegation for visiting the City of Tukwila and relayed appreciation to the staff and members of the Sister City Committee who assisted with this exchange event. They also thanked Mr. Bob McFadden from The Dalles, Oregon, for his attendance as a representative for the former City of Ikeda, Japan, Sister City program. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes February 20. 2007 b. Annual tourism community report; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism and Marketing Manager Katherine Kertzman, Tourism and Marketing Manager, provided an overview of the 2006 accomplishments and 2007 major initiatives for the Seattle Southside Visitor Center (SSVS). Ms. Kertzman explained that Seattle Southside is a program funded by lodging tax dollars from the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, and Kent. Ms. Kertzman indicated that 2006 has shown some of the best results in the five -year history of Seattle Southside. The organization is comprised of the 4 city partners as well as 1600 business associates. Through collaboration and cooperative efforts, Seattle Southside has executed several major championship softball and soccer tournaments. There are ongoing efforts to work with neighboring cities through interlocal agreements to maximize the Seattle Southside brand, as well as a new advertising campaign that has resulted in increased exposure. Funding derived from lodging tax dollars is at an all time high with a 14% increase in room revenues at Southside hotels in 2006. There are 180,000 unduplicated visitors to the Seattle Southside website on an annual basis. Some additional 2006 highlights include: The 2006 "Vacationing to Seattle just got easier and "Planning a meeting in Seattle just got easier" campaign was instituted. The At- A- Glance online newsletter took on a monthly schedule The Travel Update E- Newsletter was developed Web optimization effort was instituted to increase web visits SSVS implemented a global reservation system to allow users to book "real time hotel reservations Addition of the City of Des Moines to Seattle Southside Vacation Planner made available for download New Seattle Southside Tourism Map was designed and printed Freeway signage was added directing travelers to Seattle Southside The Visitor Center incorporated extended hours for special events and holidays Major initiatives for 2007 include continued efforts toward fostering business relationships and providing a seamless experience for visitors. Emphasis will be placed on updating the Vacation Planner, public relations, website updating, athletic tournaments, the Guest Relations program, continuing the Southside Express Shuttle, expanding the photo library, and advertising campaigns targeting leisure travelers planning to visit the Seattle area. Ms. Kertzman explained a campaign was launched to market the newly designed Seattle Southside Tourism Map. This campaign strategy was submitted to the Seattle Office of the Public Relations Society of America. Seattle Southside won the prestigious Totem Award from the Society; other competitors included the Microsoft Corporation and the Boeing Company. Seattle Southside was also among the top 3 contenders for the People's Choice Award. In addition to the Totem Award, Karla Lindula from Seattle Southside, won the Young Professional's award. The Councilmembers offered appreciation and thanks to Ms. Kertzman and her staff for the excellent work done toward promoting tourism and marketing in Tukwila. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes February 20. 2007 CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 2/5/07 (Regular) b. Approval of Vouchers- #329487 #329790 in the amount of $1,310,498.37 c. Accept as complete the Council Chambers Remodel project (cabinetry, carpentry and painting) with Corsair Construction; authorize release of retainage subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $190,617.85). d. Accept as complete the 2006 Small Drainage Program with Dennis R. Craig Construction; authorize release of retainage subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $222,997.25). MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Encore Media West in the amount of $31,873.00 for a Seattle Southside advertisement in the 2007 Washington State Visitors' Guide. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH ENCORE MEDIA WEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,873.00 FOR A SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE ADVERTISEMENT IN THE 2007 WASHINGTON STATE VISITORS' GUIDE. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. b. A resolution declaring a fire truck and related equipment surplus and authorizing its donation. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, DECLARING A FIRE TRUCK AND ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING ITS DONATION. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Assistant City Attorney, Peter Beckwith, read the proposed resolution by title only. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1624. c. A resolution declaring an emergency in response to erosion damage on 35th Avenue South. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, DECLARING AN EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO DAMAGES TO PUBLIC PROPERTY DUE TO EROSION. MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Assistant City Attorney, Peter Beckwith, read the proposed resolution by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY CARTER THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1625. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes February 20. 2007 d. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with R. L. Alia Company in the amount of $41,458.24 for 35th Avenue South emergency erosion repair. MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH R. L. ALIA COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,458.24 FOR 35TH AVENUE SOUTH EMERGENCY EROSION REPAIR. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. e. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with King County Water District No. 125 in the amount of $243,641.00 to assume water related infrastructure in the Foster Point and Foster /Interurban areas. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT NO. 125 IN THE AMOUNT OF $243,641.00 TO ASSUME WATER RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE FOSTER POINT AND FOSTER/INTERURBAN AREAS. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet was not in attendance. b. Council Councilmember Duffie attended the AWC event in Olympia this past week that involved government officials meeting with legislators and senators. Mr. Duffie is pleased with Governor Gregoire's stance on the WASL, and he hopes to see changes made that will help ensure students can pass the test. Councilmember Hernandez expressed appreciation to Diane Jenkins for her services as the Council Assistant. Councilmember Carter attended the February 13, 2007 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting where issues involving Tukwila International Boulevard were discussed. She also attended the AWC event in Olympia and found it to be very informative and beneficial. Ms. Carter was provided some assurance that the Streamline Sales Tax (SST) issue would be passed in this legislative session. She also learned that a contradictory transportation bill would most likely not pass, and a more practical measure will be introduced that would take affect on January 1, 2009 (if enacted). She reported that Sound Transit will be conducting an open house event for Roads and Transit on March 20, 2007 from 4:30 -7:30 p.m. at Highline Community College. Ms. Carter also conveyed that her term as Chairperson of the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATbd) has come to an end, and the Mayor of Enumclaw will take over for 2007. Councilmember Haggerton attended the AWC event in Olympia and conveyed concern about two franchise bills that would adversely affect local governments. There are many elected officials, agencies, and business organizations opposing the measure, and it does not appear to have the necessary support to pass at this time. Mr. Haggerton attended a Wi -Fi /Broadband Communication Needs Assessment Focus Group on February 20, 2007 at Tukwila City Hall. Experts in the broadband and telecommunications field were on hand to discuss the potential future of broadband services in the valley and how it could affect the way business is conducted. Councilmember Linder reported on her attendance at the planning meeting for the Backyard Habitat Festival which occurs on the 2nd Saturday in May of each year. The group is working on public relations, fund raising, and the possibility of having information about the event translated into Spanish. They are also considering a fun and informative "Leave No Trace" event (anti littering campaign) for children age 12 and under. They would like to have high school students oversee the event as mentors to the younger children. The parade will be held at 1:00 p.m. the day of the event, and at 10:00 a.m. they hope to have a booth where kids can come and make parade hats and dress in costume. The planning committee will be putting out a call to local artists to assist with this event. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Regular Meetina Minutes February 20. 2007 Council President Griffin reported she will communicate with the Equity and Diversity Commission members regarding assistance with the translation effort for the Backyard Wildlife Festival. She will also notify the Totem Girl Scouts and the Rotary Interact kids who may be able to provide some help. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported on the Sister City Exchange visit. She indicated the visitors were here to make decisions about the future of the Sister City program. Six townships in Japan have formed to create the new government of Miyoshi -shi. Tukwila has had a relationship with what had been the City of Ikawa, and The Dalles in Oregon has had a relationship with the former City of Ikeda. It is the intent of the governing body of Miyoshi -shi to merge the two programs and that the City of Tukwila and The Dalles "speak with one voice" and combine their Sister City visits. It is also their intent that The Dalles be the lead agency. They also desire that the Sister City visits to Japan involve far fewer individuals than what has been typical for the City of Tukwila. The officials in Miyoshi -shi will be drafting a new Sister City agreement for review that they would like to have in place by August. Decisions will be made about the next steps for Tukwila once review and consideration of the draft agreement has taken place. Ms. Berry also reported on legislative priority issues brought to the City's attention by representatives from Ball Janik, Tukwila's Federal lobbyist. Since 2001 Tukwila has received approximately $10 million in appropriations and re- authorizations, and to date some of this money remains unspent. The lobbyists have concerns about asking for additional funding for 2008 when there are dollars that have not yet been spent. One of the projects Tukwila is considering for a 2008 funding request is the Strander Boulevard Extension, which is a joint project with the City of Renton. However, this is not the top priority project for the City of Renton. This represents a precarious situation for the City in seeking dollars for a project that is not 1st priority for Renton in their appropriations' request. The issue of Tukwila still having unspent money on the books also adds concern regarding the likelihood of receiving more funding. Another project for a possible funding request is the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge. The deadline for submitting applications for funding is March 1, 2007, and decisions are still being considered on how to proceed. Ms. Berry conveyed that Tukwila has spent or committed a great deal of its federal funding allocations. One large project that has not been completed is Southcenter Parkway, and the City does not have control over that project at this time. The Urban Center project is in danger of having money rescinded. City personnel have been committed to other large priority projects that require a great deal of staff time. Representatives from Ball Janik have indicated it may be possible for that money to be shifted to the Pedestrian Bridge project. Councilmember Carter asked that the Councilmembers be provided a short, written statement regarding the status of the Urban Center project. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes February 20 2007 MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie complimented Councilmembers Haggerton and Carter for their leadership in the panel discussion at the AWC event in Olympia this past week. Councilmember Haggerton conveyed that compliments regarding the Council Chambers were received this evening during the Sister City Welcoming ceremony. Mr. Haggerton also expressed regret regarding the resignation of Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant, and thanked her for her service to the City. Councilmember Linder also thanked Ms. Jenkins for her work and indicated she would be missed. Councilmember Carter referenced the Nation's Cities Weekly publication that recently featured the Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of government committees. There were only a few from Washington, and they were all local to the area, to include one from Bellevue; one from Burien; and Councilmembers Haggerton and Carter from Tukwila. ADJOURNMENT 9:10 p.m. MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Verna Griffin, Mayor Pro Tempore Christy O'FlaWty, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 3/5/2007