HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-16 Regular MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
April 16, 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 7:02 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; Steve Lancaster, Acting City Administrator; Peter Beckwith, Assistant City
Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Jack Pace,
Community Development Deputy Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Darrell Baskin,
Assistant Police Chief; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty,
Deputy City Clerk.
Mayor Mullet announced there would be an Executive Session at the end of this evening's meeting lasting
approximately 20 minutes. The purpose of the Executive Session is pending litigation and will be
information only.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of "Stryker," the City's new police dog, and his handler, Officer Eric Devries
Darrell Baskin, Assistant Police Chief, introduced Officer Eric Devries and the City's new police dog,
Stryker. Officer Devries is a seven -year veteran of the Tukwila Police Department, and Stryker lives at
the Devries family home. Stryker was born in 2004 and is a purebred German Shepherd. Officer Devries
and Stryker have completed a 400 -hour training program wherein they produced very impressive scores
as a team. They are expected to be a very valuable resource in the Tukwila community.
The Councilmembers welcomed Stryker and Officer Devries and thanked them for their contribution to the
work of the Police Department.
PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS
a. A proclamation acknowledging Arbor Day as April 11, 2007.
Mayor Mullet read a proclamation designating Arbor Day as April 11, 2007 in the City of Tukwila,
encouraging all members of the Tukwila community to plant trees and promote the well -being of this and
future generations.
b. Reappoint Brooke Alford to Pos. #1 on the Parks Commission; term expires 3/31/2010.
Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Brooke Alford to the City Council. Ms. Alford is
a very active Parks Commissioner who is involved with the Cascade Land Conservancy as well as
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April 16. 2007
various Duwamish Riverbend Hill activities. She is committed to protecting the local watershed, and Ms.
Alford indicated this weekend (April 21 -22), there will be Earth Day events at nine sites along the river.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO REAPPOINT BROOKE ALFORD TO
POSITION #1 ON THE PARKS COMMISSION WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/2010. MOTION
CARRIED 7 -0.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bill Schmidt, 12924 East Marginal Way, requested additional information regarding the purpose of the
yellow fringe on the flag displayed in the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Duffie, a retired Master Sergeant of 31 years with the National Guard, relayed he had
researched this matter with several individuals from various branches of military service as well as the
Pentagon. He stated the fringe is strictly decorative, and a flag with the fringe attached is not flown
outdoors.
Mr. Schmidt indicated he would like to be provided case citings or references to legal statutes on this
issue. Mayor Mullet relayed that Mr. Schmidt could do some research on the issue based on the
information that has been provided.
Councilmember Carter indicated there is a Flag Code that has been adopted by Congress that provides
information on this topic.
Gerry Myklebust, Tukwila Police Officer, stated he would research the issue further and provide additional
information on the matter.
Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, expressed appreciation for being contacted by Public Works
staff regarding her concerns about the size of the recycling bin left by the solid waste company. She had
been offered a smaller receptacle, but she and her husband decided they would retain the larger size bin.
Robert Jensen, 11682 44th Avenue South, commented about the ongoing graffiti problems in the
Allentown area. There is graffiti on the walk- across bridge, on and underneath the trestle, and in various
other areas of the City that has been visible for six months or longer. With the Light Rail towers going in,
the graffiti problems could get worse, and he is wondering if more attention will be given to this issue.
Mayor Mullet explained that staff members are assigned to deal with graffiti issues, and that oftentimes
graffiti reappears within two days after a cleanup effort has been expended. It is important that members
of the community contact the City when they observe individuals in- the -act. The City will continue to work
the problem, and the Public Works and Police Departments are striving to pick up the pace with regard to
apprehending graffiti experts. He also noted that when graffiti appears on private property, the City tries
to contact the owners to alert them to the problem.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 4/2/07 (Regular).
b. Approval of Vouchers #330675 #330990 in the amount of $1,733,629.57
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
City of Tukwila
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. A resolution endorsing the goals of "A roof over every bed in King County: Our community's
ten -year plan to end homelessness," and declaring the intent of the City of Tukwila to work with
other organizations and governmental entities in the implementation of this plan.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
ENDORSING THE GOALS OF A ROOF OVER EVERY BED IN KING COUNTY: OUR
COMMUNITY'S TEN -YEAR PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS; AND DECLARING THE INTENT OF
THE CITY OF TUKWILA TO WORK WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PLAN.
MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY
TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney, read the proposed resolution by title only.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE
ADOPTED AS READ.*
Councilmember Carter emphasized there is no funding obligation associated with the passage of this
resolution.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1630.
b. A resolution declaring property at 12230 43rd Avenue South surplus and authorizing its
donation to Habitat for Humanity of Seattle /South King County.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
DECLARING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12230 43RD AVENUE SOUTH TO BE SURPLUS,
AND AUTHORIZING ITS DONATION TO "HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SEATTLE /SOUTH KING
COUNTY."
MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY
TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney, read the proposed resolution by title only.
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April 16. 2007
MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE
ADOPTED AS READ.*
Mayor Mullet indicated the variance that Habitat for Humanity sought to develop the property has been
approved by the Hearing Examiner.
At the request of Councilmember Hernandez, Diane Gallegos, Associate Director of Habitat for Humanity,
confirmed that Habitat homes are owner occupied. Participants in the program must be low income and
contribute 500 hours of sweat equity toward the project.
Councilmember Haggerton expressed appreciation that the findings of the Hearing Examiner were
included in the agenda packet and noted the variance process works very well.
Councilmember Robertson noted the lack of a garage at the Habitat home. Ms. Gallegos explained that
garages are not built for Habitat homes as all resources are put toward the actual dwelling place for the
families. In some instances, sheds are constructed for placement of lawnmowers and bicycles.
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April 16. 2007
Councilmember Hernandez inquired about the one letter offered in opposition to the variance. Jack Pace,
Community Development Deputy Director, indicated the property owner behind the Habitat site conveyed
concern about lack of open space. Mr. Pace also reiterated the recent code amendment passed by the
Council is not intended to diminish property rights, but to assure development on as large a lot as
possible and use of the variance process for building on smaller lots.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1631.
c. Authorize the Mayor to sign Supplemental Agreement #4 with KPG, Inc. to provide final plans,
specifications, and engineer's estimate for Tukwila International Boulevard Phases 2 and 3 in the
amount of $331,116.22.
MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT #4 WITH KPG, INC. TO PROVIDE FINAL PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS,
AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE FOR TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD PHASES 2 AND 3 IN
THE AMOUNT OF $331,116.22.*
Seattle City Light has requested the utility undergrounding be part of the design of this project 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.
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
d. A resolution adopting a water system plan update and providing for water service policies for
the City.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING
A WATER SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE, AND PROVIDING FOR WATER SERVICE POLICIES FOR THE
CITY.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE
READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney, read the proposed resolution by title only.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE
ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1632.
e. A resolution setting green fees for the City's Foster Golf Links.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, SETTING
GREEN FEES FOR THE CITY'S FOSTER GOLF LINKS.
MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY
TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney, read the proposed resolution by title only.
MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE
ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1633.
f. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architects, for
Tukwila Pond Park design services in the amount of $90,820.00.
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*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
b. Council
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April 16. 2007
MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN
AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT W. DROLL, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, FOR TUKWILA POND PARK
DESIGN SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,820.00.*
Councilmember Linder explained that at the last meeting, the water quality of the pond came into
question. At the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting of April 10, 2007, Sandra Whiting, the
City's Urban Environmentalist, provided information that the water quality of the pond could be brought to
acceptable levels. The Committee recommended approval.
Mayor Mullet reported the Sabey Corporation has purchased the Associated Grocers property. They will
be requesting a zoning change from heavy commercial to light commercial and would like to see the
request considered this year. Mayor Mullet indicated the issue could travel through the standard Council
agenda process and not delay the deadline for the Comprehensive Plan. Steve Lancaster, Community
Development Director, explained the Council may consider an additional Comprehensive Plan
amendment at this time. The legal restriction is that Comprehensive Plan amendments can be
considered once per year (unless there is an emergency situation), and additional items can be added as
long as the Council has not acted for that year. Council consensus existed to proceed with this issue
through the standard Council agenda process.
Councilmember Duffie attended the Citizens' Police Academy this past week, and he distributed
documentation he found informative regarding the City of Kent's experience with land use issues. He
relayed that the lighted display behind the dais in the Council Chambers received a great many positive
comments. Mr. Duffie also expressed that special attention should be paid to our families tonight, in light
of the shooting tragedy in Virginia.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Affordable Housing Advisory Board meeting and the Citizens'
Police Academy on April 11, 2007. She also participated in the April 12, 2007 ribbon cutting event at
Instant Imprints in Tukwila and the April 13, 2007 Chamber of Commerce meeting. She reminded the
Utilities Committee members of the next meeting on April 17, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.
Council President Griffin introduced Kimberly Matej (formerly an employee at the Tukwila Community
Center) and welcomed her in her new role as Council Analyst.
Councilmember Carter attended the April 12, 2007 Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation
Policy Board meeting. The committee members voted to form a Regional Traffic Operations committee to
facilitate the coordination of traffic operations and signal timing in the area. Ms. Carter relayed that the
transportation bills currently being considered in the legislature are changing as they travel through the
various committees.
Councilmember Haggerton reported on the topics discussed at this evening's Finance and Safety
Committee meeting. He indicated the Seattle Southside "brand" is owned by Tukwila and SeaTac, and it
is being expanded to include regional economic development partners. The new tagline for Seattle
Southside is "The Pacific Northwest Starts Here." Another topic on the agenda involved surplussing of
fire equipment to a town in Idaho, with additional information forthcoming to the Council at the next
Committee of the Whole meeting. The issue of emergency deficiencies was discussed at length at the
Committee meeting, with solutions proposed over the course of a 4 -year period and an approximate cost
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of $6,000,000. The committee members made some changes to the proposal, and this issue will come to
the full Council for discussion and consideration on April 23, 2007.
Councilmember Linder attended the April 11, 2007 South King County Economic Development Initiative
(SKEDI) meeting, where discussion of the Seattle Southside "brand" took place. Ms. Linder reported on
issues discussed at the last Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting, and conveyed that code
amendment issues regarding SEPA and townhouses will be coming to the full Council for consideration.
Councilmember Robertson referenced positive evaluation comments for Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City
Clerk, as a Records Management presenter at the Washington State Municipal Clerks' Conference.
c. Staff
Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, expressed thanks and appreciation for the support
he has received in the 12 years he has been employed at the City. He relayed his respect for the Mayor
and Council and has been proud to serve Tukwila.
The Councilmembers expressed gratitude to Mr. Lancaster for his service to the City and wished him well
in his new position at the City of Mercer Island.
d. City Attorney
There was no report.
e. Intergovernmental
There was no report.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mayor Mullet indicated a DVD is available of the school children from Tukwila Elementary and Cascade
View Elementary releasing fish into the stream near the Sabey Corporation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY CARTER TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
8:10 p.m. Executive session began.
8:25 p.m. Executive session ended.
ADJOURNMENT
8:25 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION;
RECONVENE; AND ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
Christy O'Flahelzr, Deputy City Clerk CI
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 5 /7/2007
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