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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Verna Griffin, called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Verna Griffin, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Dennis Robertson. ATTENDANCE Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Deputy Director; Minnie Dhaliwal, Senior Planner, Moira Bradshaw; Senior Planner; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Introduction of new employees: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL March 26, 2007 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall Crystal McLean, Administrative Support Technician, Municipal Court. Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge, introduced Crystal McLean, Administrative Support Technician in the Municipal Court. Ms. McLean has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington and has proven to be a very valuable member of the court team. Hoa Mai, Administrative Support Technician, Department of Community Development. Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, introduced Hoa Mai, Administrative Support Technician in the Department of Community Development. Ms. Mai worked previously in risk management for King County Metro in their Ride -Share Van -Pool operations. She currently provides support for Tukwila's Code Enforcement division, and has been a very positive addition to the staff. The Councilmembers welcomed Ms. McLean and Ms. Mai to the City. b. General Port of Seattle update Lloyd Hara, Commissioner, Port of Seattle. Lloyd Hara, Port of Seattle Commissioner, provided an update on activities occurring at the Port. Mr. Hara conveyed that in 2006, 30 million passengers traveled through Sea -Tac airport, and completion of the third runway is expected in 2008. There were also 197 cruise visits coming through the Port of Seattle discharging approximately 750,000 passengers. Each cruise ship brings in $1 million to the local community. There are ongoing efforts to encourage international airlines to utilize Sea -Tac airport, and Air France will start daily service beginning in June, 2007. Additional national routes are also being expanded with Midwest Airlines offering direct flights to Kansas City beginning in April, 2007, and American Airlines starting new service to Austin, Texas as well. Seattle's seaport and airport generate nearly 200,000 jobs in the region with payroll in excess of $6.8 billion. Port activities generate business revenues upwards of $12 billion and more than $626 million in state and local tax revenues. A great deal of funding is being put into expanding docks and the City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 26. 2007 fishermen's terminal to enhance the fishing industry as well as upgrading piers and harbors for tourism uses. Mr. Hara offered an overview on Port activities regarding environmental and cleanup efforts; noise abatement programs; pollution control methods; and regional involvement in a wide range of transportation related issues. An update was provided on the eastside rail swap for Boeing Field as well as possible future uses for Boeing Field. It was also reported the bid for the Light Rail Station came in at $47 million over the estimate. Additional discussions and collaboration with the other agencies involved in this project will continue in an effort to seek a resolution on this issue. The Councilmembers requested additional information and asked for clarification on specific elements of the presentation. Comments were exchanged regarding appreciation to the Port of Seattle for the sponsorship of training opportunities and outreach programs; the need for proactive efforts by the Port to establish a sense of goodwill for Tukwila residents; the importance of regionalism and partnerships in requesting federal funding for projects; and a request that the Port provide information on employment and training opportunities that could be beneficial to Tukwila citizens. The Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Hara for taking the time to provide this important update on Port of Seattle activities. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, indicated that air traffic gets much worse from year to year in her neighborhood. The planes roar overhead and the pollution and dirt that accumulates from the air traffic is unhealthy. She expressed concern about what she considers a worsening situation. CITIZEN COMMENT Jackie Dempere, 4033 South 128th Street, stated she is experiencing difficulties with the process involving a building permit to move her house approximately 30 feet. Her home encounters flooding on a regular basis, and she feels the City's requirements are burdensome. In her view the City's ordinance is not applied equally to everyone, and she would like the matter reviewed. Council President Griffin asked Ms. Dempere to send her an email with any other issues of concern. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A resolution declaring property at 12230 43rd Avenue South surplus and authorizing its donation to Habitat for Humanity of Seattle /South King County. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 13, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Minnie Dhaliwal, Senior Planner, provided background information on this topic. The City of Tukwila currently owns property at 12230 43rd Avenue South. The property is zoned Low Density Residential (LDR) and the lot area is 3000 square feet. The City obtained the property when it took over Water District 25 in 1991. The Duwamish Improvement Club was meeting in the building located on the property, which was called Peterson Hall. The structure needed major repairs, and the Duwamish Improvement Club now meets at the Community Center. The City no longer has a need for this property and is considering declaring it surplus and has discussed offering the property to Habitat for Humanity of Seattle /South King County. Diane Gallegos, Associate Director of Habitat for Humanity, came forward to introduce a video presentation on the program. Ms. Gallegos then explained the requirements that need to be met for those low- income families involved with Habitat for Humanity. Families need to be earning between 25- 50% of the median income, and they are required to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity" into the construction process of their home. The families are afforded training opportunities regarding basic construction and tool usage, landscaping, home maintenance, and budgeting. They are then provided a no- profit, no- interest loan with a note held by Habitat for Humanity. A "silent second" mortgage is also held by Habitat for Humanity for the difference between the loan amount and the appraised value of the home (to prevent anyone from immediately selling the home for the equity). Habitat also has the right of City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 26, 2007 first refusal in the event a family wants to refinance or sell the home. Renting of the property by the family is not allowed. Ms. Gallegos conveyed that Habitat for Humanity volunteer crews and subsequent homeowners have been well received in local neighborhoods. No religious affiliation is required to be a partner family, and there is a great deal of diversity in the Habitat for Humanity program. The Habitat staff members maintain ongoing relationships with the families to ensure successful outcomes and to assist with problems that may arise. The Councilmembers expressed support for donating the property to Habitat for Humanity and recognized this worthwhile contribution to the community. They requested an explanation regarding development of this 3000 square foot lot in light of the City's minimum lot size requirement of 6500 square feet. Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, indicated that Habitat for Humanity does intend to seek a variance to develop the property, and he provided an overview of the variance process. There would have to be something unusual in the size, shape or topography of the property. If the standards were strictly applied, the owner would be deprived of rights similar to those of neighboring property owners. The hardship cannot be one that was created by the property owner. A Hearing Examiner would determine if the criteria have been met. Any property owner with a 3000 square foot lot has a right to apply for a variance. If the size limit was not created by the owner, there is a good chance a variance would be granted. While the staff does make a recommendation regarding variance decisions, it is based on legalistic guidelines as opposed to subjective determinations. Mr. Lancaster pointed out the City will be signing off on the overall design of this structure if a variance is granted, and the proposal can be brought forward to the Council after the decision of the Hearing Examiner. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE APRIL 16, 2007 REGULAR MEETING. b. Street names for two new urban center streets in the area known as Southcenter Square. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meetings on January 23, 2007 and February 13, 2007. The committee members recommended forwarding the issue to a Committee of the Whole meeting for consideration. Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner, provided an overview of this issue. Two new half streets, which will eventually be extended beyond their current limits and expanded to a full width, are under construction as part of the Southcenter Square Project. The tradition in Tukwila is to give streets in the urban center a name (as opposed to numbering). Existing public streets include the names of a number of former Tukwila Mayors such as Strander, Minkler, Todd, and Baker. Suggested names for the "east street" are Bauch (for former Mayor Ed Bauch) or Harris (for past Councilmember and City Treasurer, Mabel <Mae> Harris). Mon Wig of Wig Properties, developer of the Southcenter Square project, has asked that his family name of "Wig" be chosen as one of the street names. It is being offered as a possibility for the "north street." Councilmember Hernandez expressed concern about the street intended to be named for former Mayor Bauch running along the back of the proposed development. She would like to see a street named for a former Mayor have more prominence. Ms. Bradshaw indicated that as the urban center develops, this street would become a through- street that connects South 168th Street and would have greater significance in the area. Discussion took place among the Councilmembers and consensus existed for the "north street" to be named for the "Wig" family and the "east street" to be named for former Mayor Ed Bauch. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 26. 2007 Ms. Bradshaw indicated the Fire Department suggested the extension of "Boulevard" be utilized to maintain consistency and to facilitate emergency response needs. She will confirm the exact street extensions with the Fire Department and bring a resolution back to the Council for consideration. Councilmember Linder suggested that Mayor Bauch's wife, Ethel, be notified of the decision to name the street after her late husband. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Consultant recommendation for Area 4 of the GIS -Based Public Works Infrastructure Inventory. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on March 20, 2007. The two committee members present at the meeting recommended approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided information regarding this matter. This contract is for the GIS inventory and mapping of the fourth phase of storm drainage and sanitary sewer infrastructure for the City. This area will encompass the Central Business District (CBD) area between 1 -5 and the Green River and between the south City limits and Tukwila Pkwy. Perteet Engineering completed the first three areas with satisfactory results, and they are being recommended to complete the fourth phase. Councilmember Carter indicated the map on page 27 of the agenda packet for Area 4 does not match the corresponding description on page 33. Mr. Morrow relayed the information would be corrected. Mr. Morrow stated he will provide a demonstration of the inventory system at a future Council meeting. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet distributed recycling information from Allied Waste Services of Kent. The company has been very attentive to accommodating the City's requests and publicizing events as early as possible. Mayor Mullet reported he will be attending the Main Street Conference on March 27, 2007. b. Council Councilmember Duffie indicated he has been informed there are break -ins occurring in the 57th Avenue South neighborhood. He would like the Mayor to get back to him with any information on this issue. Councilmember Hernandez reported on the items discussed at the March 20, 2007 Utilities Committee meeting. She was very impressed with the information on the Cascade View Drainage project and indicated the same presentation will be forthcoming to the full Council at the next meeting. Ms. Hernandez also commented on the informative demonstration of new fire alert safety equipment that was provided at the Finance and Safety Committee on March 19, 2007. Councilmember Carter attended the March 20, 2007 South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting. She also attended the Regional Transit Committee meeting and the Suburban Cities PIC meeting on March 21, 2007. On March 22, 2007 Ms. Carter traveled to Olympia for the Governor's signing of the Streamline Sales Tax (SST) bill. On the same day she attended a scholarship dinner for the Advancing Women in Transportation group where a staff member from WSDOT offered compliments regarding Cyndy Knighton, Tukwila's Transportation Engineer. On March 23, 2007 she also attended the Green Duwamish River visioning forum meeting. Councilmember Carter expressed appreciation at the handouts regarding garbage and recycling collection. She commented that citizens should be informed there are performance standards in place for the solid waste carrier, and they need to make their concerns or complaints known. City of Tukwila Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Councilmember Haggerton attended the March 21, 2007 Friends of the Foster Library and Library Advisory Board meeting. On March 22, 2007 Mr. Haggerton traveled to Bellevue for the Cascade Water Alliance Open House and meeting. He encouraged the Councilmembers to stop in and look over the new facility. Councilmember Linder attended the March 21, 2007 Suburban Cities PIC meeting. Transportation related issues were discussed at the meeting, and she expressed concern at the lack of willingness on the part of some jurisdictions to seek solutions. She reported that preparations for the Backyard Habitat Festival are underway, and it is hoped that staff from the Department of Fish and Wildlife will be in attendance. Councilmember Robertson thanked Council President Griffin for sitting in for him at the upcoming Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. Council President Griffin reported the interviews for the top 2 candidates for the Legislative Analyst position will be conducted March 27, 2007. She will be participating in the Bowl -a -thon on March 31, 2007 to support the Tukwila Pantry. The joint Tukwila City Council School Board meeting to discuss Red Cross shelters and emergency preparedness will be held on March 29, 2007. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated that Spring Clean -up this year will be May 18 May 28, 2007 with the special recycling event held on May 19, 2007. Dump passes will be available for pickup starting May 14 May 25, 2007. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Haggerton thanked Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, for taking care of the Finance and Safety Committee meeting minutes. He also indicated the Lighter Than Air theater group from the Green River Performing Arts Center is doing a presentation entitled "Honk" that is very entertaining. It is a take off on the Ugly Duckling story and is very well choreographed. Council President Griffin wished Councilmember Duffie a belated "Happy Birthday" and Councilmember Robertson an upcoming "Happy Birthday." ADJOURNMENT 9:42 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Verna Griffin, Council President 4t. 1 4--/t) GI/ Christy O'Flahe "tz Deputy City Clerk Page 5 of 5 March 26. 2007