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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Verna Griffin, called the meeting to order at 7:00 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; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Warren Orr, Director of Instruction, Foster Golf Course; Marty O'Brien, Manager and PGA Golf Professional, Foster Golf Course; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Port of Seattle Rental Car Facility Heather Bornhorst, Airport Operations Development Manager and Kathy Cox Czosnyka, Aviation Project Manager. Heather Bornhorst, Airport Operations Development Manager, provided an overview, by use of a Powerpoint presentation, of the proposed consolidated rental car facility at the Sea -Tac International Airport. In 2006 Sea -Tac Airport had nearly 30 million passengers with nearly 1.2 million rental car transactions. Approximately 20% of airport origin- destination passengers use rental cars. The purpose of the proposed project is the consolidation of rental car operations into one remote facility, located in the vicinity of International Boulevard and South 160th Street. It includes a bus connection to the terminal. Justification for the project includes: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL April 9, 2007 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall Reduction of terminal traffic Supports public parking demand Supports baggage claim demand Environmental (fuel management, air quality) Level playing field for rental car companies When fully completed, the facility will include four floors of ready /return vehicles; adjacent on -grade fuel /wash facilities; fifth floor customer lobby; and an on -site roadway system. There will also be off -site roadway improvements in the area as well as consolidated bus operations to the terminal and a bus maintenance facility. The Port of Seattle will be paying for the off -site roadway improvements as part of the overall project cost. It is expected the facility will be fully constructed in 2011. Ms. Bornhorst explained that while the facility is being designed to accommodate all car rental agencies, those businesses operating outside the complex will have to bus their customers to and from the facility. This is a standard practice in the industry. Kathy Cox Czosnyka, Aviation Project Manager, provided information regarding the visual appearance and design of the facility. She relayed the complex will encompass five floors in total with four that are for car rental operations. The fifth floor is the customer service lobby, and there will be roadway access to this floor of the facility for ease in transporting customers. The car rental agencies will have individual City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes CITIZEN COMMENT SPECIAL ISSUES a. Ten -year plan to end homelessness. Page 2 of 8 Aoril 9. 2007 storefronts that will provide a mall -like quality. Ms. Cox Czosnkya indicated they are also working on security issues to include landscaping buffers, ornamental fencing, and lighting related matters to ensure safety for pedestrians and customers. The Councilmembers asked for clarification on some portions of the presentation and exchanged comments regarding the project. They thanked Ms. Bornhorst and Ms. Cox Czosnyka for taking the time to provide information on this important regional project. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, expressed concern about the size of the recently delivered recycling containers by the City's solid waste company. They are extremely large and cumbersome, and it would be helpful if they were available in smaller sizes. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on March 27, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, explained homelessness is a regional and national issue. The Committee to End Homelessness in King County (CEHKC) developed a ten -year plan to end homelessness in the county. The City Council received a briefing on this in the fall of 2006 by Bill Block, Project Director of the Committee to End Homelessness. The plan works toward pursuing an end to homelessness; identification of best practices to prevent homelessness; moving people into supportive housing; and building on the public will that exists to end homelessness. The governing Council has been working on strategies that include review of discharge planning to identify those individuals leaving the systems of health care, foster care and the criminal justice system to secure housing as soon as possible. The Tukwila City Council is being asked to adopt a resolution in support of the ten -year plan to end homelessness. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, conveyed the governing Council has worked toward involving cities outside of Seattle. Homelessness is an issue that affects all cities, and input is being requested from many neighboring jurisdictions. The Councilmembers expressed support for this worthy and ambitious effort and thanked Ms. Boykan for her on -going contribution toward human service related solutions. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Tukwila International Boulevard Phases 2 3 Supplemental Agreement No. 4. Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on March 26, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided a synopsis of the issue. The City Council approved a reduced scope of work for Tukwila International Boulevard Phases 2 and 3 on 3/5/07, which included the removal of undergrounding utilities. The design supplement with KPG, Inc. to provide final plans, specifications and engineer's estimate for bidding and construction for phases 2 and 3 is for $331,116.22 and has been budgeted. Seattle City Light has requested the utility undergrounding be part of the design and will reimburse Tukwila in the amount of $99,977.63. Two bid documents will be prepared one with undergrounding and one without undergrounding. If Seattle City Light receives construction funding approval, Tukwila will advertise the bid documents with undergrounding. If Seattle City Light funding is not approved, the City will advertise the bid package with the reduced scope of work. Seattle City Light has been asked to respond by June 1, 2007. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 3 of 8 April 9. 2007 Councilmember Carter expressed support for the supplemental agreement and hopes to see a positive response from Seattle City Light regarding the undergrounding issue. Councilmember Hernandez referenced Exhibit D -1, Task 7, and requested clarification of the acronyms. Mr. Morrow indicated JARPA is a permit and WDFW is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Councilmember Hernandez referred to Exhibit D -1, Task 10, regarding right -of -way acquisition for 15 parcels and 6 temporary easements. Mr. Morrow explained the right -of -way acquisition list will be brought to the Council in the future, and no condemnations are expected. The easements will only be for the construction phase of the project. Ms. Hernandez asked for clarification regarding Exhibit D -1, Other Services, shown after Task 11, regarding off -site mitigation. Mr. Morrow said there will be some surface water mitigation required on this project. Councilmember Haggerton is in favor of proceeding with the supplemental agreement, but is not in favor of proceeding with phases 2 and 3 without undergrounding. The vision for Tukwila International Boulevard has been to proceed with development activities that involve no overhead wires. It is his hope that Seattle City Light will respond favorably with regard to this issue. Councilmember Linder indicated it is important for Tukwila to move forward at this time with the hope that Seattle City Light will realize updating their capacity now, rather than in the future, will present a cost savings. Councilmember Robertson referenced Exhibit D -1, Supplement 4 -A, and inquired if there would be curbs, gutters, and sidewalks north of Intergate West if Seattle City Light is able to provide funding assistance. Mr. Morrow responded in the negative. There will be no curbs, gutters, and sidewalks north of Intergate West due to lack of permission from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). There is limited access in this area, and WSDOT was unwilling to approve the design for a formal pedestrian walkway. Mr. Robertson referenced bullet #2 of the same Exhibit, "Minimum 5' wide asphalt shoulder will be provided on the west side of TIB in this area for pedestrian use." He inquired if that would be a feature in both of the funding scenarios, and Mr. Morrow responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Robertson referenced bullet #3 of the same Exhibit, "Elimination of landscaped median north of the Department of Homeland Security signal." He inquired if this would be eliminated in both funding scenarios, and Mr. Morrow responded in the affirmative. Mr. Robertson also inquired about bullet #4, "Maintain existing illumination system within WSDOT right -of- way." He asked if that would be a feature in both funding scenarios, and Mr. Morrow responded in the affirmative. Mr. Robertson referred to bullet #6, "Install mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls on the east side of the road in lieu of the structural walls included in the 90% design. The MSE walls are not compatible with aerial utility undergrounding facilities." He inquired if this would be a part of both funding scenarios. Mr. Morrow responded in the negative. It is only proposed for the cost saving method under the Seattle City Light option. Councilmember Robertson asked for an explanation of bullet #7, "Prepare an additive bid schedule for undergrounding of aerial utilities in front of the Intergate West and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) frontages." Mr. Morrow relayed this is proposed in the cost saving methodology such that if we had good economic bids, perhaps we would have funding to underground from the south of DHS northward. Mr. Robertson asked about the cost for design, and Mr. Morrow said that has already been accomplished. Councilmember Robertson expressed approval for the current supplemental agreement and would very reluctantly support the project if Seattle City Light is unable to provide undergrounding assistance. Council President Griffin asked for clarification as to the June 1, 2007 deadline for input from Seattle City Light. Mr. Morrow indicated both design packages will be complete and ready for advertisement at that time. Ms. Griffin expressed approval for the supplemental agreement. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 4 of 8 Aoril 9, 2007 Councilmember Duffle asked for additional clarification with regard to bullet #1, "Elimination of curb, gutter, and sidewalk north of Intergate West." Mr. Morrow expressed that while it is not an optimum design, there is very little pedestrian traffic north of Intergate West, and it has been determined this is a satisfactory plan. Councilmember Carter inquired if there is a means to finish off the roadway edge on the west side of the Sabey buildings. There is nice landscaping in this area, and rather than just have an asphalt edge, perhaps a curb could be included. Mr. Morrow indicated this will be included as part of the design. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Adoption of the 2005 Water System Plan Update. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 3, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided an overview of this issue. The City is required to update its Water System Plan every six years by the Department of Health. The last update was completed in 1999. This update was completed in 2005 and was approved by the King County Council on March 12, 2007 and the Department of Health on March 22, 2007. Water improvements are listed in the updated plan and have been incorporated into the City's six -year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The plan was approved by the County and Department of Health with no changes, which attests to the professionalism of the staff. Pat Brodin and Mike Cusick, Public Works staff members, were credited with producing a high quality document. Copies of the plan document are available in the Public Works Department. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Foster Golf Course Green Fees. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on March 27, 2007. The committee members forwarded the issue to the full Council for consideration. The Foster Golf Links 2007 revenue project was set with an aggressive goal of reaching $1,250,000.00 in green fee sales. Since building the new clubhouse, the golf division has experienced a 2% annual increase in rounds played. The City's green fees continue to be very competitive and just under the market of the local municipal golf courses. In order to reach revenue projections there will be continued promotions and events, an effort to increase league play, and a new marketing campaign will be launched. The green fees have not been increased since 2005, and the intent of the resolution is to adjust the fees for the upcoming season. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Warren Orr, Director of Instruction at the golf course. Mr. Orr used a Powerpoint presentation to illustrate features of the golf course website as well as statistics regarding league play, tournaments, programs for kids, and the golf cart program. Marty O'Brien, Manager and PGA Professional at the golf course, provided information regarding the marketing campaign. Golf course advertisements are being placed in the South King County Southeast Living Section every Sunday for a 3 -month period. This publication will be distributed in the Burien, Maple Valley, Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and Enumclaw areas. Additional ads were placed in a special Golf Preview publication that came out March 12 and March 20, which has circulation outside of south King County. There will also be advertising placed in Northwest Weekend and Getaway Best of the Northwest publication and Summer Guide on May 16 -17. The Councilmembers exchanged positive comments about the golf course events, programs, and restaurant and thanked the staff for the informative update on golf related activities. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes e. Consultant selection for Tukwila Pond Park. Page 5 of 8 Aoril 9. 2007 Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on March 27, 2007. The committee members forwarded the issue to the full Council for consideration. Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, provided a summary of this issue. An informational report and conceptual design for the Tukwila Pond Park development was presented to the City Council in 2006. Currently, there are two different design issues being performed for the Tukwila Pond Park project. A water quality feasibility study is being conducted by the Department of Community Development. The Parks and Recreation Department is utilizing the 2006 conceptual design to develop designs and final plans and specifications for the development of the park. The proposal is being presented in two phases. The first phase is the scope of work for which approval is currently being sought. Phase 1 will provide wetland delineation, boundary and design survey; concept plan and cost estimate; and enough detailed drawings to obtain the required permits. The second phase is consultant services that need to be performed once funding is acquired for development. Phase 1 is within the budgeted amount. The Council is being asked to approve the selection of Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, as the Tukwila Pond Park development design consultant. The total cost of the contract amount is $90,820.00. Councilmember Robertson indicated he had asked for a copy of the water quality report on the pond from Sandra Whiting, Tukwila's Urban Environmentalist. Mr. Robertson stated he has done some research based on information in the report. He found that the phosphorous levels in the Tukwila Pond are 100 times the recommended level for detainment ponds that would be adjacent to a highway. In his view, we have a significant water quality problem. This issue is also being discussed at the April 10, 2007 Community Affairs and Parks (CAP) Committee meeting where additional information will become available. Councilmember Robertson relayed that in his opinion, prior to designing a park around the pond, we must ensure the water is of an acceptable quality. Would the $90,000 being proposed for this consultant contract be better spent toward water quality efforts. He also indicated that until the City is aware of the full scope of the water quality issues, there can be no assurance the design of the park around the pond is appropriate. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers and staff regarding water quality issues as it relates to this item. It was determined the information to be provided at the upcoming April 10, 2007 CAP Committee meeting on this topic would be instrumental in shedding light on the matter. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that proceeding with the consultant contract for design would allow the City the ability to pursue grant funding for other aspects of the project. He indicated his staff would meet with personnel from the Department of Community Development to discuss the results of the water quality information (from the CAP meeting) as well as next -step strategies. It was suggested that a member of the Parks and Recreation Department attend the April 10, 2007 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. Mayor Mullet indicated the City knew the phosphorous levels were high, and there is really nothing new regarding the water quality state of the pond. As commercial growth continues to occur in this area, the City must ensure the land around the Tukwila Pond ends up to be a quality development. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes f. Building Height Issue. Page 6 of 8 April 9. 2007 Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on March 27, 2007. The committee members forwarded the issue to the full Council for discussion. Residents residing in the 4400 block of South 158th Street have expressed concern over the way Tukwila regulates building height in residential areas. A large home built in their neighborhood has caused concern among some of the residents. Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, provided an overview of this item. Tukwila's Zoning Code establishes a maximum building height of 30 feet in the Low Density Residential (LDR) district. The Code specifies that "building height" is to be calculated by the method in the Washington State Building Code. The State Building Code defines "building height" as the "vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface." Mr. Lancaster referenced a comparative chart that delineates the methods used by neighboring jurisdictions to measure building height. Tukwila and SeaTac have identical methods which measure from the average grade surrounding the building. The City of Kent has a maximum height of 35 feet (Tukwila's is 30 feet) and they measure from the lowest grade within 5 feet. Tukwila is currently in the middle range of area cities. If the City of Tukwila adopted Kent's standard of measuring from the lowest point, but kept our 30 -foot height standard, homes in Tukwila would be somewhat smaller in profile than those in Kent. Most of the available housing lots in Tukwila are on slopes or hills, and those homes would be approximately 5 -6 feet shorter. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers and staff regarding various issues regarding building height to include: interest by some members of the Council in adopting the City of Kent's lower datum measuring standard, as well as potential problems that could arise from that method; the need for diverse housing options in the City; the impact of a change on multi family complexes; and problems associated with determining what equals a "compatible" structure. Mayor Mullet indicated there may be unforeseen consequences in making a change to our height measurement formula that could cause greater problems. It could take a great deal of staff time to evaluate all possible scenarios that could occur. Steve Lancaster, Department of Community Development Director, indicated the subject of code amendments is being discussed at the upcoming April 10, 2007 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. This topic can be discussed at that time to consider the discussion points raised at this evening's meeting. The staff can then bring additional information back to the Council for consideration. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO REFER THIS ITEM BACK TO THE STAFF FOR FURTHER REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION AND TO BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE COUNCIL AT A FUTURE MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported he is looking forward to Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, beginning work on April 16, 2007. b. Council Councilmember Duffie stated, this past week, he traveled with fifth graders from Tukwila Elementary School to the State Capitol to visit with legislators and senators. Councilmember Hernandez attended the April 3, 2007 Tukwila Government Affairs Committee meeting where Jack Pace, Community Development Deputy Director, provided information on the Strander Boulevard extension project. On April 4, 2007 she attended the Golden Tennis Shoe Award luncheon City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 7 of 8 Aoril 9. 2007 sponsored by Senator Patty Murray. She also attended the Citizens' Police Academy that same day. On April 5, 2007 Ms. Hernandez attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting where the group agreed to translate the Backyard Wildlife Habitat brochures. Councilmember Carter attended the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) General Assembly meeting on April 5, 2007. Ms. Carter was asked by the Sound Transit Government Relations group to approach the Council about the possibility of endorsing the Roads and Transit ballot measure. She has a sample resolution that she can forward to the staff if the Council is in favor of moving forward. Council consensus existed to endorse the ballot measure by resolution and begin the approval process. Ms. Carter provided information regarding discussion on the Regional Transportation Commission from this evening's Transportation Committee meeting. The Committee would like to submit a letter to our State representatives endorsing three principle concepts relative to this proposed legislation. The three principles are to support a regional group that would levy user fees and transportation demand management measures and tolling to help affect congestion; they would be given authority over all modes of transportation except ferries; and given authority to generate revenue to pay for projects. Councilmember Linder indicated the letter containing the above information would be drafted by Jim Morrow, Public Works Director. Councilmember Carter conveyed that Council input could be directed to Mr. Morrow. Council consensus existed to proceed with drafting the letter regarding the Regional Transportation Commission. Councilmember Haggerton attended the April 3, 2007 Tukwila Government Affairs Committee meeting. He then went to Tukwila Elementary School to participate as a judge for the Science Fair, where he learned that bubble gum does not weigh more after it has been chewed. He was impressed with the creativity and variety of the projects. Councilmember Linder reported there will be a bid opening on April 27, 2007 for the scaled -down version of the Macadam Winter Garden. She is pleased that some progress is being made on this project. Council President Griffin expressed appreciation to the Tukwila Police Department for a recent incident involving the loss of her briefcase. The case fell off the top of her vehicle, and a man ran into traffic and left with it. She assumed it had been stolen. The young man contacted her the next day to indicate he did not want the briefcase to be destroyed, and he delivered it to her place of employment. She expressed gratitude to the staff of the police department and the heroics of the gentleman who returned her property. She attended the April 5, 2007 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. Her daughter was among those students involved in the April 3, 2007 Science Fair. She complimented Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, for his participation in the event, as he was a big hit with the students. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie thanked all those who participated as judges at the Tukwila Elementary School Science Fair. Councilmember Haggerton indicated that those individuals at the Science Fair of different ethnic backgrounds spoke excellent English. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes ADJOURNMENT 9:34 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. 4 Verna Griffin, Council President d i,v(-5J 77T Christy O'FI rty, Depufy City Cle Page 8 of 8 Aoril 9. 2007