Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-07 Regular MinutesCITY OFFICIALS TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL May 7, 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, and Dennis Robertson. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER LINDER FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Malcolm Neely, Aquatics Program Coordinator; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Nick Olives, Fire Chief; Jack Pace, Acting Community Development Director; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction of Richard Eastwood, Administrative Support Technician, and Kerry Carlson, Jail Alternative Specialist, Municipal Court employees Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge, introduced Kerry Carlson to the City Council. Ms. Carlson had been working as a clerk in the Tukwila Municipal Court and was promoted to the new position of Jail Alternative Specialist when it became available. She has excellent customer service skills and has been a great asset to the court team. Judge Walden also introduced Richard Eastwood to the Council. Mr. Eastwood has been hired as an Administrative Support Technician in the court. He was previously employed as the security guard for the Tukwila Municipal Court, and he is nearing completion of his Bachelor's Degree. He brings an excellent work ethic to the position and is a welcome addition to the court. The City Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Carlson and Mr. Eastwood to the City of Tukwila. PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS A proclamation declaring the month of May as National Aquatics Month Mayor Mullet read a proclamation designating the month of May as National Aquatics Month in the City of Tukwila. Mayor Mullet presented the proclamation to Malcolm Neely, Aquatics Program Coordinator, for Tukwila. Mr. Neely utilized a Powerpoint presentation to display photographs of the Tukwila Turtles Special Olympics swim team. The aquatics program for the Special Olympics kids is a collaborative partnership between the Tukwila School District and the Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department. The students participate in regional aquatics events throughout the area. Mr. Neely introduced the following members of the team to the City Council. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Brandon Baker Tukwila Elementary School Luise Frishhulz Highline School District Tony Ng Foster High School Danny Paquette Foster High School Yonas Tassew Thorndyke Elementary School Brandon, Luise, and Yonas will move on to State level aquatics events on June 2 -3, 2007. The Councilmembers welcomed the members of the Tukwila Turtles Special Olympics swim team. CITIZEN COMMENTS Page 2 of 9 Mav 7. 2007 Dick Landen, 22820 148th Avenue SE, Kent, conveyed that he owns a building at 401 Evans Black Drive in Tukwila. He has a problem with a zoning variance that was granted in the area of his building, and he came before the Council on January 16, 2007 to convey his concerns. He also submitted written correspondence in March 2007, and has not yet received a reply. As a business owner and taxpayer in the City, he would like a response to the inquiries that have been presented. Mayor Mullet apologized for the delay in a response to Mr. Landen and indicated the City Attorney would be contacting him. Bill Toon, 13360 56th Avenue South, expressed appreciation for the bike paths in Tukwila. Mr. Toon also conveyed information regarding an issue that has arisen from the recent sewer project in the Foster Point area of the City. He indicated he had been assured by City employees throughout the course of the project that he would be provided an additional water meter and sewer hookup. He owns a piece of property that has been in his family for 100 years and needs those utility components in order to build. Mr. Toon relayed that at this time, he does not have an additional water meter or sewer hookup and would like the matter resolved prior to final acceptance of the project. He has submitted a letter to the Public Works Department and been in phone contact with various staff members and is requesting a response on this matter. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained he is investigating the situation and will be responding to Mr. Toon this week. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 4/16/07 (Regular); and 4/23/07 (Special) b. Approval of Vouchers #331112 #331445 in the amount of $859,135.54 c. Accept as complete the Fire Station #52 female restroom project with Corsair Construction; authorize release of retainage, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $40,063.20). MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Emergency Management Issues Councilmember Haggerton, Chairman of the Finance and Safety Committee, provided information regarding this topic. This item was discussed at the April 16, 2007 Finance and Safety Committee meeting as well as the April 23, 2007 Committee of the Whole meeting. It was requested that a full presentation by the Public Works Director be provided this evening for the benefit of the whole Council. Councilmember Linder is absent due to illness this evening, and a recording of the meeting will be made available for her use. Councilmember Haggerton explained the presentation would be afforded this evening, giving the Councilmembers an opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions. Comments from the audience will also be welcomed. Mr. Haggerton would like this issue to move forward to the May 14, 2007 Committee of the Whole meeting and the May 21, 2007 Regular Meeting for potential action (with the full Council present). City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Jim Morrow, Public Works Director and Director of Emergency Management, provided detailed information regarding Tukwila's emergency preparedness progress, future needs, goals, and associated costs. In the past few years, the City has had to respond to a variety of issues: four flooding events, typical winter storms, and a severe windstorm. The City has done an excellent job in planning, responding, and recovering from these events. The City has been fortunate because the events have been relatively short- termed and the First Responder Team (Police, Fire and Public Works) has been able to handle the incidents. However, the City is unprepared for a sustained, major disaster that would require full mobilization of its emergency management organization. Since the establishment of Tukwila's Emergency Management Program in May 2003, after action reports and end -of -year program status reports have consistently identified a number of issues that should be addressed if the City is to be better prepared. Following is a list of corrective actions completed to date: 1. Designated an Emergency Management Director 2. All Hazards Emergency Management Plan has been written (before National Information Management System <NIMS> 3. Created an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)- Golf Maintenance Facility 4. Emergency Operations Center Operations Manual written (before NIMS) 5. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recertified Tukwila's 205 Levee System 6. Authorized a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Position 7. Increased the Emergency Management Budget from $50,000 to $100,000 8. Draft Emergency Communication Plan prepared Following are existing emergency preparedness issues of concern and proposals for corrective action (not listed in order of priority). Traffic Signal Backup: Issue: Having sufficient battery backup capability for operating traffic signals at major intersections. Corrective Action: Additional batteries and a separate charging system. Cost: $10,000. Page 3 of 9 Mav 7. 2007 Public Shelter Capability: Issue: Having sufficient resources to open a 100 person, City- sponsored shelter. Sixteen (16) trained personnel needed for each 8 -hour operational shift. (Does not include security personnel) Corrective Action: Purchase a self- contained Disaster Emergency Response Trailer (DERT). Have a pool of trained personnel; need approximately 200 trained people (City employees and volunteers) in order to get the 48 people required for each 24 -hour period. Cost: DERT costs $100,000. Supplies must be rotated on an annual basis. Annual maintenance costs are approximately $10,000 $15,000. First Responder Support: Issue: Having sufficient resources to care for and shelter and feed 100 response and recovery personnel over a sustained period. Shelter operations will need 10 trained people for each 8 -hour operational shift. In addition the Safe Home Program needs to be implemented. Corrective Action: Purchase of a self- contained DERT for First Responders (which would be separate from the Public Shelter DERT). Implement the Safe Home Program which provides a mechanism to assure first responders their families are safe thereby allowing them to focus on their emergency management tasks for the City. Cost: DERT costs $100,000. Supplies must be rotated on an annual basis. Annual maintenance costs are approximately $10,000 $15,000. Improved Public Information: Issue: Communicating with the public and keeping the public informed. Corrective Action: Electronic reader boards permanently installed at every City facility. Establish an information center. Consistent messages /updates provided to the radio stations used by the School District. Consideration will also be given to the feasibility of the City establishing its own radio station that would be available on a 24 -hour basis and could also be used for non emergency communications. An City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Page 4 of 9 Mav 7. 2007 employee call -in line has already been established for city employees. A similar call -in line to inform the public if City facilities are open would also be established. Institute a phone bank for residents /citizens to call seeking information and to report problems. Capability to go door -to -door to deliver emergency public health messages (messages must be translated into multiple languages). Cost: $150,000 for reader boards. Costs and staffing requirements are unknown for the other improvement suggestions. Requires a pool of personnel (employees and volunteers) to staff the telephones and deliver the messages. Adequacy of City Facilities: 1. Standby Power Issue: City's capability to provide essential services is strained. Nine key facilities have limited or no power backup systems. Corrective Action: Install backup generators at all key City facilities. Cost: City Hall $380,000; 6300 Building $280,000; Tukwila Community Center $370,000; Minkler Shop $255,000; Long Building $150,000; Fire Station #51 $180,000; Fire Station #52 $145,000; Fire Station #53 $123,000; Fire Station #54 $116,000. 2. Earthquake Resistance City Facilities Issue: A number of key City facilities are unable to withstand an earthquake. Corrective Action: A study is underway to ascertain capability and what is needed to bring key facilities up to code. Information will be forthcoming in the next 3 -4 months. Bridges Issue: Of the 21 City -owned bridges, 11 are seismically deficient and 7 should be either retrofitted or replaced. Corrective Action: A prioritized list has been established. The number one priority is Boeing Access Road Bridge (over the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Railways). Concentrate resources on retrofitting /replacing deficient bridges. Cost: To fix the number one priority, the City cost is estimated to be $3,000,000. The Federal share is $12,000,000. Full -time staffing for Emergency Management Program: 1. Staffing Issue: The City does not have any full -time, dedicated emergency management staff. Corrective Action: Hire a full -time Emergency Management Coordinator. Cost: Annual expense is $80,000 2. Plan Preparation Issue: Existing plans need to be updated for NIMS compliance Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and EOC Operations Manual. Need to perform the federally mandated Hazard Identification, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment; and Hazard Mitigation Plan. Corrective Action: Staff time is the limiting factor. Hire a full -time Emergency Management Coordinator that will report to the Director of Emergency Management. Cost: None. Previously identified staff position needed. Emergency Operations Center (EOC): 1. Permanent EOC Issue: Inadequate sized EOC located at the Golf Maintenance Shop. It cannot accommodate all of the anticipated personnel needed to manage a disaster event. Corrective Action: Build a permanent EOC behind the 6300 Building. Consideration will be given to the feasibility of integrating the City's computer servers, wiring, and phone system into the EOC as a communications hub. Cost: Design and construction estimated to be $750,000. 2. EOC Communications Issue: Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) capability for the Police and Fire departments. Corrective Action: Install 2 VRM's in the EOC. Cost: $20,000. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Recommendation: Year 1: Standby Generator for Fire Station 53 Standby Generator for Fire Station 52 Standby Generator for City Hall First Responder Support Standby Generator for Fire Station 54 The Finance and Safety Committee recommended Full -time staff position Improved public information (partial) Total Year 1 Year 2: Standby Generator for Long Building Standby Generator for Community Center *Permanent Staff position Standby Generator for 6300 Building *Finance and Safety Committee recommended the permanent staff position be accelerated to Year 1. Cost of permanent staff position not included in total. Total Year 2 800,000 Year 3: Standby Generator for Minkler Shop Standby Generator for Fire Station 51 *Improved Public Information City Sponsored Public Shelter Capability Permanent EOC with communications Traffic Signal Backup *Finance and Safety Committee recommended accelerating a portion ($50,000) of the improved public information initiative. Total cost for Year 3 does not include the full cost of the improved public information initiative. Total Year 3 Year 4 Replace Boeing Access Road Bridge Recurring Annual Costs: Full -time staff position Replenish supplies for First Responder Support Replenish supplies for City- sponsored public shelter 123,000 145,000 380,000 100,000 116,000 the following additions: 80,000 50,000 994,000 150,000 370,000 80,000* 280,000 255,000 180,000 150,000* 100,000 770,000 10,000 1,415,000 3,000,000 80,000 15,000 15,000 Page 5 of 9 May 7. 2007 Councilmember Duffie expressed the importance of communication with the schools in any emergency situation and wanted public information to be a top priority. He conveyed support for moving forward to correct emergency management issues. Mr. Morrow explained the City has incurred a $7,000 expense in providing radios to each of the schools for use in emergency situations. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Page 6of9 May 7. 2007 Councilmember Hernandez relayed support for transferring the amount of $50,000 for public information from Year 3 to Year 1. She also requested clarification regarding the capability of the Red Cross to provide services in an emergency. Mr. Morrow indicated there are approximately 1.5 million people in King County, and the Red Cross has the capability to open shelters to accommodate 1,000 -1,500 people. While they do have additional supplies, they do not have adequate personnel and are relying on local agencies to assist in that capacity. Council President Griffin inquired about any federally mandated timelines with regard to completion of the emergency management manuals. Mr. Morrow stated the City does have manuals that were composed prior to NIMS coming into place. We have until the end of this year to complete the manuals, but this also involves training of personnel which is an extraordinary undertaking. Councilmember Carter asked for information regarding the function of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) staff position and the Emergency Management Coordinator position being proposed. Mr. Morrow explained the CERT position would handle training and the Coordinator position would assist with the compilation of manuals and publications and effectuating community involvement. The NIMS requirements are changing daily, and the amount of paperwork and reporting is extremely time intensive. Ms. Carter also asked for an explanation of the draft Communications Plan and conveyed it appears to be a different scope than the public information initiative. Mr. Morrow indicated the Communications Plan outlines the means by which the First Responders in Tukwila communicate with each other. The 800 mhz radios are the backbone of communication in the event of an emergency. The First Responders have worked diligently to ensure the radio channels are coordinated between the Police, Fire and Public Works staff to effectively enable communication between them in an emergency situation. That has not been the case in major national disasters such as in New York City during 9/11. Councilmember Carter suggested an article should be placed in The Hazelnut newsletter regarding Tukwila's Emergency Communications Plan. Councilmember Haggerton expressed support for moving the full -time staff position from Year 3 to Year 1 to alleviate some of the burden for emergency management from the Public Works Director. Mr. Haggerton also explained that Year 1, noted in the original recommendation, had been intended to start in the year 2008. The Finance and Safety Committee suggested seeking funding sources to facilitate the Year 1 recommendations, or a portion thereof, to begin in 2007. In his view, it is important to start correcting emergency management problems as soon as possible. Councilmember Robertson relayed support for the three changes proposed by the Finance and Safety Committee. The first change is to move the full -time staff position from Year 3 to Year 1. From his standpoint, if the City is serious about emergency management concerns, a staff person must be dedicated to the associated tasks. The second issue involves moving $50,000 for public information from Year 3 to Year 1. The recent windstorm provided some evidence that public awareness was lacking, and in his view, funding is needed to rectify this problem. The third matter is in regard to getting started in 2007 and not waiting until 2008. Mayor Mullet was in attendance at the April 16, 2007 Finance and Safety Committee Meeting and indicated there was a $1,000,000 revenue excess (one -time only) due to construction activity. These dollars could be used to begin correcting emergency management problems in 2007. Mr. Robertson conveyed that he recently attended a neighborhood meeting wherein comments from the citizens showed support for emergency management related matters. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, stated that two options stand out for funding. One would be bonding and the other would be to set aside monies that derive from a successful financial period. With regard to the one -time unanticipated revenue excess ($1,000,000), Mr. Fuhrer pointed out that some revenue sources are up and others are down. If the decision was made to proceed with the emergency management recommendations, the budget process could be utilized to review revenue sources as well as program expansions and then determinations made about how to proceed. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Councilmember Duffie inquired as to how long a bond issue would actually take (in years). Page 7 of 9 Mav 7. 2007 Mayor Mullet indicated that, based on the memo from the Finance Director, if the whole project were to be bonded, there would be an amount of $250,000 to pay off per year. He inquired if the project could be completed in one year if the money were available, or is a phased concept for the project and the financing a better approach. Mr. Fuhrer indicated this would not likely occur in one year. He indicated that initially a Tine of credit (in an amount up to the approximate cost of the project) would be established and drawn on as needed. If the City did have additional one -time revenues, they could be applied to the project and less money drawn from the credit account. A bond issue could be pursued later in the project if necessary. Mr. Morrow indicated that with regard to replacement of the Boeing Access Bridge in Year 4, that component could be addressed as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). While this is important, it does not require immediate funding concern as design of the structure will take at least 18 months. He does not recommend the entire project be undertaken in one year. Some aspects of the overall project need to be in place well before others, and a phased approach would serve the City effectively. Councilmember Haggerton asked if the line of credit account for the project would be over and above any other credit lines the City might have and inquired as to the impact on overall City finances. Mr. Fuhrer indicated there are presently no lines of credit established for City business. It would be a short-term mechanism that would also help facilitate planning for a future bond issue. Councilmember Robertson expressed support for a 3 -year phased approach beginning in 2007 (excluding consideration of the bridge, due to multiple issues associated with its replacement that require further action by other agencies). Funding from 2007 dollars or a line of credit could be used for Year 1, and Years 2 and 3 could be addressed as part of the standard budgeting process. He suggested the City not be quick to borrow money and should monitor revenues in future budget years for possible funding sources. He relayed it may also be essential to cut spending in other areas if necessary. Mr. Fuhrer indicated the standard period is 20 years with a 10 -year call option for possible early pay -off. This would be a non -voted bond handled within the Council's bonding authority. Councilmember Hernandez conveyed support for a phased approach both for the program goals and the financing and is not in favor of increased taxes. Mayor Mullet indicated the Finance Director and Public Works Director would compile some funding package options for consideration at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilmember Carter asked for clarification as to the definition of "short- term" with regard to the financing. Mr. Fuhrer calculated the approximate time to be 2 -4 years. Ms. Carter stated that if the City utilizes Councilmatic bonds, that would affect Tukwila's overall bonding capacity. When this item comes back to Council, she would like to know how this fits with any other potential bonding matters and how it affects the City's finances as a whole. Councilmember Haggerton expressed support for shorter term funding options as opposed to bonding. He would also like to get started on rectifying emergency management concerns this year. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, thanked the Council for their consideration of this issue. He also emphasized the significance of all citizens being able to take care of themselves and their families for a period of three days in the event of a sustained emergency. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, asked how commercial entities and the Southcenter Mall would handle the thousands of people in the business community in an emergency. Mr. Morrow indicated it is hoped that people could make it home; he reiterated the need to keep emergency management kits in personal vehicles in the event that is not possible. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Zack Hudgins, 4512 South 136th Street, indicated some jurisdictions are using creative financing options that involve new technologies (solar panels, green building standards) for capital projects. He provided examples of some of the various approaches taken by other agencies to finance projects and programs. Jan Lande, Tukwila School District Public Affairs Officer, expressed gratitude for the radios provided by the City for use in the schools. She also conveyed appreciation to Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, for his work with the School District. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet attended an event in the City of Des Moines wherein Governor Gregoire signed into law the bill that provides funding for habitat related matters. Tukwila hopes to proceed with the fish habitat restoration project on the Duwamish Gardens site. b. Council Page 8 of 9 Mav 7. 2007 Councilmember Duffie has returned from a conference in Arkansas that was very beneficial. He also attended the Citizens' Police Academy this past week and found it to be extremely valuable. Councilmember Hernandez attended the April 26, 2007 Police Department sponsored event for Special Olympics at Claim Jumper. That same evening she attended the Historical Society meeting; their next meeting will be held in May at the Helen Nelsen house. On April 27, 2007 she toured the 3rd Place Commons development by Ron Sher in Lake Forest Park. Ms. Hernandez also attended the May 1 Government Affairs Committee. On May 3, 2007 she participated in the National Day of Prayer event and the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. On May 4, 2007 she attended the World's Fair Follies and Fashion Show at Foster High School. Council President Griffin offered a reminder about the upcoming Backyard Wildlife Habitat Festival on May 12, 2007 from 10:00 am -3:00 pm at the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Carter also toured the 3rd Place Commons development by Ron Sher in Lake Forest Park on April 27, 2007. This past week she traveled to Florida for the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to attend a National League of Cities (NLC) Risk Conference. Councilmember Haggerton attended the April 25, 2007 Cascade Water Alliance Meeting in Bellevue where approval was granted for the transfer of Water District #125 and Foster Point/Interurban Avenue into the Cascade Water allotment. That same day he attended a community meeting in the City of SeaTac sponsored by King County Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Dow Constantine. He also participated in the May 3, 2007 National Day of Prayer event at Tukwila City Hall. Councilmember Robertson attended the April 26, 2007 Police Department sponsored event for Special Olympics at Claim Jumper where he was arrested (in fun) as part of the festivities and fundraising effort. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes ADJOURNMENT 9:19 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Christy O'Flaherty, D'ercuty City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; 5/21/2007 Page 9 of 9 Mav 7. 2007