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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-19 Regular MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2007 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall REGULAR MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Steven M. Mullet called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 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, Pam Linder, and Dennis Robertson. CITY OFFICIALS Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Monica Buck, Assistant City Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Dave Haynes, Police Chief; Trina Cook, Police Analyst; Robbie Burns, Community Policing Coordinator; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Bob Benedicto, Building Official; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Mindy Breiner, Probation Officer; Bev Willison, Administrative Secretary; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Mullet acknowledged two visitors from Russia in attendance at the Council meeting. Ms. Tatyana Botenkova from Novosibirsk in Siberia and Ms. Angelina Volf from St. Petersburg are part of an 11- member delegation visiting the area. The group is investigating various aspects of business development and private enterprise. a. Community Oriented Policing Citizens' Advisory Board (COPCAB) recognition of City employee and City volunteer who exemplify the community policing model Jun Castillo COPCAB Board Member. Jun Castillo, COPCAB member, came forward to present the award to a member of the Tukwila Police Department who exemplifies the community policing model. Trina Cook, Tukwila Police Department's Information Analyst has been selected to receive the award. Ms. Cook is a lifelong resident of South King County and began her service in police work in 1992, joining the Tukwila team in the year 2000. Her dedication and willingness to get involved in helping others has become a valuable example within the Police Department. She is a founding member of the Northwest Regional Crime Analyst Network (NORCAN), where she currently serves as president. Her involvement in local organizations and charitable efforts has proven invaluable in the Tukwila community. Victoria Lindsey, COPCAB member, introduced the recipient of the volunteer award for community policing. Mr. Peter Okicich is being honored for the volunteer work he has performed for the Tukwila Police Department since 1997. Mr. Okicich has been a steadfast and reliable volunteer providing staff support at the Neighborhood Resource Center four days a week. He has been trained on the operation of the surveillance cameras on Tukwila International Boulevard and assists with recording criminal activities as they occur. Mr. Okicich proactively provides minor repairs and maintenance at the Neighborhood Resource Center and has become an invaluable member of the Tukwila Police Department team. He spends approximately 400 hours each year in volunteer service to the Tukwila community. The Mayor and Councilmembers extended gratitude and acknowledgement to Ms. Cook and Mr. Okicich for the selfless good work they have provided to Tukwila. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 8 City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes March 19. 2007 b. State of the Tukwila Municipal Court Judge Kimberly Walden Judge Kimberly Walden, Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator, and Mindy Breiner, Probation Officer provided an overview of the 2006 accomplishments of the Court, as well as goals for 2007. A Powerpoint presentation was utilized to illustrate the types of activity that come through the Municipal Court. Case filings in 2006 in all areas were higher than the previous year. Case Filings: Criminal Non Traffic case filings such as theft and shoplifting, prostitution related offenses, and domestic violence Criminal Traffic case filings such as Driving Under the Influence (DUIs) Infractions for Traffic issues such as moving violations Infractions for Non Traffic issues such as Code Enforcement and Fire Department citations Parking Infractions Probation: Candidates for probation are those individuals who require long -term treatment for problems involving alcohol or drug issues, mental health concerns, sexual deviancy, etc. People are selected who are willing to be monitored and are not chronic or repeat offenders. In 2006, 157 new accounts were set up for individuals who require probation, and a total of 320 people were supervised through the Court. Financial: The total remittance for the Court in 2006 was $506,337, with revenue retained in the amount of $324,358. This represents an increase of $30,547 from the prior year. Major 2006 accomplishments include development of a Domestic Violence Protection Order Program; formation of a Jail Alternative Program; team building and training for the court staff; and continued partnerships with local schools for mock trials and court related curriculum. In 2007 the court staff intends to focus on development of a "lunch court" system wherein defendants will be able to mitigate violations over the lunch hour alleviating, the need to take time away from their jobs. The Jail Alternative Program will be implemented in 2007, and added efforts will be made to increase involvement in local schools. The Councilmembers asked questions of the court staff regarding various aspects of the presentation. They also complimented the Judge and the entire staff for the enthusiastic and excellent job performance. CITIZEN COMMENTS Kathy Hilgardy, 14950 57th Avenue South, inquired as to the timeline for preparation of the Centennial Celebration. Mayor Mullet indicated Tracy Gallaway, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Tukwila Community Center is in charge of overseeing this event. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, relayed that a focus group will be formed to include residents, business members, staff, and City Councilmembers to discuss plans for the celebration. More information should be forthcoming next week. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 03/05/07 (Regular). b. Approval of Vouchers #330062 #330368 in the amount of $1,956,522.53. c. Accept as complete the 35 Avenue South Emergency Pipe Repair Project with R.L. Alia Company; authorize release of retainage subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $41,458.24). MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 8 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes March 19. 2007 BID AWARDS Award a contract to Construct Company in the amount of $100,559.62 for the Westfield Shoppingtown North Sewer Repair Project. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on March 6, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This project will repair the sanitary sewer lines that have settled at the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall. The repair is required before the sewer lines can be turned back to the Mall for ownership and maintenance per the developer's agreement. The project was advertised in February, 2007, and seven bids were received. The low bid of $100,559.62 was from Construct Company, and they have performed satisfactorily for the City on prior projects. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,559.62 FOR THE WESTFIELD SHOPPINGTOWN NORTH SEWER REPAIR PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. NEW BUSINESS a. Update on Jail Alternative Program Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on December 4, 2006 as an information -only item. In 2005, the City Council raised concern over offenders participating in the County's work -crew program without the City of Tukwila benefiting from their participation. The Council increased the Court's 2006 budget for the purpose of funding a part-time work crew supervisor. Significant concerns were raised regarding liability, and it was determined that program would require full -time coverage. The Jail Alternative Program is being proposed in lieu of a work -crew scenario. The Court would use the 2006 increased budget allocation to fund the part-time Jail Alternative Specialist (JAS) position. The Jail Alternative Program would address the Council's desire to create a work crew program that directly benefits our community and may significantly reduce jail costs. Defendants who are ordered to serve a jail commitment may (if not explicitly prohibited) apply with the Jail Alternative Specialist to serve their time through the Jail Alternative Program. Defendants would pay a $25.00 application fee plus $10.00 per day in costs for prongs 1 and 2, outlined below. 1. Community Work Alternative Local non profit organizations and City Departments can elect to participate. Defendants may select an organization to perform community work service. Volunteer organization will supervise and report service to the Jail Alternative Specialist (JAS). Jail Credit: 7 hours 1 day of service 1 day of service 2 days jail A defendant must complete ALL of the required time to receive any credit in the program (partial credit is not allowed). 2. Day Reporting Held every Friday (except jury week) from 8:30am- 4:30pm. Released for 1 hour lunch period (12:OOpm- 1:OOpm). Defendants will remain in the courtroom either watching pertinent educational videos or listening to guest speakers. Food and electronic devices are not allowed. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Jail Credit: 2 days Day Reporting 3 days jail 3. Pre -Trial Electronic Home Monitoring City currently pays $15.00 per day to Renton Police Department to monitor pre -trial Electronic Home Monitoring. Court will maintain 3 -5 pieces of equipment at a rate of $5.00 per day when in use. Optional equipment will be used for monitoring blood alcohol level for DUI cases (S.C.R.A.M.) The Councilmembers made inquiries regarding several components of the program and commended the Judge and court staff on the pursuance of creative solutions to court related matters. b. Authorize the Mayor to sign a cooperative agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the 1-405 Widening Project. MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WSDOT) FOR THE 1-405 WIDENING PROJECT.* Page 4 of 8 March 19, 2007 Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 26, 2007. The two committee members present at the meeting recommended approval. This Cooperative Agreement with WSDOT will establish the communication ground rules for both Tukwila and the State to follow during the design and construction of the 1 -405 Widening project. The State Attorney General and the City Attorney have both reviewed and approved the agreement. A presentation by WSDOT will be forthcoming in the spring once the design -build team has been selected. Councilmember Hernandez made an inquiry regarding a bulleted item on Exhibit A (page 35 of the agenda packet). "It is anticipated that non standard lane and shoulder widths will be incorporated on 1- 405 through Tukwila." She asked if this means the lanes will be narrower and if there will be less shoulder on the side of the road. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated the lanes could become a bit narrower as the intent is to fit them into existing right -of -way and not have to pursue additional property purchases. Councilmember Hernandez commented that there could be requests for noise variances. Mr. Morrow explained that WSDOT would have to abide by Tukwila's permitting requirements and regulations on this issue. Councilmember Robertson asked for clarification as to the location of the drainage pond referenced as a bulleted item on Exhibit A (page 35 of the agenda packet). "Construct a drainage pond within the I- 405/1- 5 Interchange." Mr. Morrow explained the location is in the area of Southcenter Parkway near the Bahama Breeze restaurant. WSDOT will have to comply with Tukwila's water quality and detention requirements regarding construction of the drainage pond. Mr. Robertson asked about the timeline of this project and the Klickitat project. Mr. Morrow indicated the Klickitat project is expected to be under construction in the spring and summer of 2008, while the 1 -405 Widening project will probably not get underway until late 2008. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. c. A resolution supporting the employee Wellness Program. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Tukwila, Washington, expressing their support of the employee Wellness Program, "T.H.E. (Tukwila Healthy Employee) Program." City of Tukwila Page 5 of 8 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes March 19. 2007 MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Assistant City Attorney, Monica Buck, read the proposed resolution by title only. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on March 5, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. A resolution that states the public purpose of the wellness program has become a stricter requirement for application for the AWC WellCity Award. (The Tukwila Employee Wellness Program has won 3 WellCity awards). A resolution of support of the employee Wellness Program requires adoption by the City Council. A presentation on the program will be forthcoming in the spring. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1628. d. Electrical Code. (1) An ordinance amending the Tukwila Municipal Code to transfer responsibility for the State Electrical Code to the City of Tukwila. An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Tukwila, Washington, amending Ordinance No. 2121 §1 (Part), as codified at TMC Chapter 16.04, to adopt the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code and administrative procedures for its enforcement; setting electrical permit fees; providing for severability; and establishing an effective date. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Assistant City Attorney, Monica Buck, read the proposed ordinance by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ.* This item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 27, 2007. The two committee members present at the meeting recommended approval. Bob Benedicto, Building Official, provided an overview of this issue. The installation of wires and electrical equipment is permitted, reviewed, and inspected by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The Tukwila Permit Center currently issues all required development permits except for electrical work permits. The ability to issue electrical work permits would be the last component necessary to make the Permit Center a one -stop resource for Tukwila citizens. In addition, an electrical code enforcement program administered by Tukwila would bring local control over the revenue, plan review, inspection approval, and appeals process. An amendment to Title 16 of the Tukwila Municipal Code to transfer responsibility for enforcement of the State Electrical Code to the Building Division is required. The Councilmembers conveyed support for this change and referenced the positive benefit of time saved for those contractors and citizens requiring multiple permits for their projects. Monica Buck, Assistant City Attorney, requested the ordinance be amended to add the following sentence at the end of paragraph U. Violations on page 5: "Appeal procedures shall be in accordance with TMC Chapter 8.45." City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 March 19. 2007 MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AMEND THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ADD "APPEAL PROCEDURES SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH TMC CHAPTER 8.45" AT THE END OF PARAGRAPH U. VIOLATIONS ON PAGE 5. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2157 AS AMENDED. (2) Authorize the Mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with the City of SeaTac for the provision of plan review and inspection services for administration of the State Electrical Code. This item was also discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 27, 2007. The two committee members present at the meeting recommended approval. Once Tukwila begins the process of issuing electrical permits, per the above ordinance, electrical inspectors hired by the City would have to meet the same qualifications set forth for State electrical inspectors. This would create a timing and coordination challenge for implementing an electrical code enforcement program. In order to facilitate this issue, discussions have ensued with the City of SeaTac regarding an agreement whereby the Tukwila Permit Center would issue electrical permits, and the City of SeaTac would provide plan review and inspection services. MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SEATAC FOR THE PROVISION OF PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE ELECTRICAL CODE.* Councilmember Carter referenced page 2 of the Interlocal Agreement (page 73 of the agenda packet) and inquired if TMC Chapter 2.76 was the correct citation for an appeal. Monica Buck, Assistant City Attorney, requested the reference to Chapter 2.76 in Section 1d be deleted and replaced with Chapter 18.116 as follows: "In the event of an appeal of any administrative decision of the City of SeaTac's Building Official or Electrical Inspector, such appeal will be heard by the City of Tukwila's Hearing Examiner in accordance with Chapter 18.116 of the Tukwila Municipal Code." MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO AMEND THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, SECTION 1D, TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO CHAPTER 2.76 AND REPLACE WITH CHAPTER 18.116. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 AS AMENDED. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported there are some ongoing issues of concern regarding parking and right -of -way violations in the area of Poverty Hill. Stricter enforcement may be forthcoming, and he will continue to keep the Council updated on the matter. b. Council Councilmember Duffie reported he attended a Renton City Council meeting where the topic of a stadium for the Seattle Supersonics was discussed. Mr. Duffie indicated there is not consensus among the elected officials in Renton on this issue at this time. Councilmember Hernandez attended the March 6, 2007 Tukwila Government Affairs Committee and received information regarding the 1 -90 Bridge Repair project. There will be lane closures on 1 -5 beginning August 10 -29, 2007 that will cause traffic backups in the Southcenter area. WSDOT is encouraging people to avoid driving in the area during this period of time. Ms. Hernandez also attended the March 7, 2007 DARE Graduation and the March 9, 2007 Chamber of Commerce luncheon. On March 13, 2007 she attended the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting where Pamela Stanley, Fraud Investigator, provided information on fraud related issues. On March 15, 2007 Councilmember City of Tukwila Page 7 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 19. 2007 Hernandez attended the Tukwila Historical Society Meeting. Wendy Morgan has resigned from the group, and Pat Brodin, Public Works Operations Manager, will take over as Chairperson. Council President Griffin also attended the March 7, 2007 DARE event where her daughter was recognized as a graduate of the program. Ms. Griffin attended the National League of Cities (NLC) conference in Washington, DC, this past week. Many of the sessions were so full, attendance was not possible. She attended a workshop on Affordable Housing for Working Families as well as a session on Youth, Education and Families. The focus in 2007 will be on childhood obesity and poverty. Ms. Griffin reported that interviews for the Council staff person will take place on March 20, 2007, and additional information will be forthcoming. Councilmember Carter reported that the Streamline Sales Tax bill has passed and is expected to be signed by the Governor this week. Ms. Carter also attended the NLC conference in Washington DC. She suggested that congressional visits should also involve communication with the local offices. Councilmember Carter brought Tukwila's vacant property pamphlets to the conference for reference by other jurisdictions. She also suggested that efforts be made toward heightening an awareness of Tukwila for the benefit of the City's congressional representatives. Ms. Carter participated in agency visits while at the conference, including one to the Federal Transit Administration. She inquired about the Joint School Board Meeting on March 29, 2007 and asked if this was the annual meeting. Council President Griffin indicated the annual meeting with the School Board is expected sometime in the future, and the meeting on March 29 will focus on Red Cross shelters. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, relayed that someone from the Red Cross will be in attendance at the meeting. Councilmember Haggerton reported on items discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting directly prior to this Council meeting. One item on the agenda involved emergency preparedness of fire stations as well as other City facilities. City staff will come back to the Committee with recommendations on April 16, and further discussion will then be held by the full Council. Councilmember Haggerton also attended the NLC conference in Washington DC. He was the moderator for a telecommunications discussion where the panelists were experts in communications related matters. While at the conference, Mr. Haggerton also attended the Information Technology Committee (ITC) meeting. He suggested the City provide Congressman Jim McDermott a copy of the Tukwila History Book as well as a map of the City. He also felt it would be helpful, in the future, to have more detailed information by way of exact dimensions with regard to railroad issues. Councilmember Haggerton asked that a quality picture of Tukwila be provided to Ball Janik for display in their offices and that the City do a better job of thanking congressional representatives for funding assistance. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, conveyed that the son of Pastor Gary Vanderhoff has passed away due to a car accident in eastern Washington. Ms. Berry indicated the City has applied for grants for the Transit Center and the Klickitat Project. Additional grants will become available in April, 2007. Mayor Mullet indicated the Pedestrian Bridge is not at a point to be part of a grant application. Ms. Berry explained there will be a consultant selection for design of the bridge in 2007, making it more competitive for a future grant process. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. City of Tukwila Page 8 of 8 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes March 19. 2007 MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie indicated his City email account is not functioning. ADJOURNMENT 9:36 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Chris`fy O'FIa y, 'beputy City CledV APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 4/2/2007