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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL June 11, 2007 7:00 pm Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Verna Griffin called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Verna Griffin, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Pam Linder and Dennis Robertson. Councilmember Haggerton was not present. ATTENDANCE Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Jack Pace, Acting Community Development Director; Don Tomaso, Fire Marshal; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator. CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Surplus of City -owned property on South 180th Street Councilmember Robertson (reporting for Councilmember Haggerton) stated this item received unanimous approval from the Finance Safety Committee on June 4, 2007. The buildings on the site need to be razed, and therefore bring no value over the raw land value. The biggest limiting factor to this property is it is accessible only from the westbound lanes, which reduces its value as a retail /commercial property. He noted that the City paid considerably more for the property than it can be sold for, due to the judgment associated with the condemnation procedure. The $480,000 recommended by the appraiser is less than King County's appraised value, but that is because the county included the value of the two buildings. If you take the two buildings away, $480,000 appears to be a fair market price. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, explained that the last time these buildings were utilized was during the construction of the South 180th Street underpass. The building at 7210 South 180th Street (commonly referred to as the Candle Shop) is in a very deteriorated state. This past winter the City had to do temporary patches to repair the roof on the warehouse at 7220 South 180th Street. This is also an opportunity to put these two properties back on the tax rolls, and the City has had some third parties express interest in them. Mr. Fuhrer noted that those interested parties could be notified when the public notice was sent, advising them the City was accepting sealed bids. He also reported that Public Works will be identifying the areas on those two lots where city frontage improvements were completed (bike /pedestrian path and retaining wall) in order to include that information in the bid notice also. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes b. Permit application for fireworks display at Starfire Sports Complex d. Transportation Improvement Program for 2008 -2013 Page 2 of 7 June 11.2007 COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Councilmember Robertson (reporting for Councilmember Haggerton) stated this item received unanimous approval from the Finance Safety Committee on June 4, 2007. This item is being brought forward in plenty of time for the 4th of July display. It was also noted that the applicant, Mr. Tom Whitacre, is the same gentleman who has conducted the display for the last several years. Don Tomaso, Fire Marshal, reported that he has now heard back from the City of Renton and they have no opposition to the plan. He also confirmed that they are currently working with the Police Department regarding crowd control for the event. Councilmember Linder clarified that the $10,000 cost for the display comes from the Parks Recreation Department's budget. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Adoption of 2006 International Fire Code Councilmember Robertson (reporting for Councilmember Haggerton) stated this item received unanimous approval from the Finance Safety Committee on June 4, 2007. These items are mainly administrative changes and corrections to the Code. Mr. Tomaso stated that the most substantial change is a reduction from 10,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet for commercial buildings requiring a sprinkler system. This will provide both a savings of water and increased safety for firefighters. He explained that our first alarm responders can deliver between 1,200 and 1,500 gallons of water per minute, which is usually what would be required to contain a 5,000- square -foot structure. If a building has sprinklers, they would activate and help keep the fire from escalating to a point where much larger amounts of water would be required to control it. He also explained that specifying a specific color of red paint in the Code should help streamline this compliance process for businesses, as this is a common question received by Fire Department personnel. Mr. Tomaso clarified the changes noted in his memo dated May 29, 2007 to Section 14.24 of the TMC regarding hydrants have already been incorporated into the Code in a previous ordinance. There was also discussion regarding the fact that some cities (including Redmond, Kirkland and Olympia) are now requiring sprinkler systems in residential construction to enhance fire safety for those occupants. The installation costs have come down substantially, making sprinklers a good option for cities trying to reduce the surface area of access roads and still maintain a level of safety for citizens. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Councilmember Carter stated this item received unanimous approval from the Transportation Committee on May 29, 2007. She explained that a project must be included in the City's Transportation Improve- ment Program (TIP) if the City wants to apply for grant funding for it or collect transportation impact fees. Staff has looked at the plan passed last December and has added one new project this year. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, clarified this new project is a left -turn pocket at the intersection of Macadam Road and South 144th Street (site of the Macadam Winter Garden). A public hearing on the TIP is scheduled to be held next week (June 18). Councilmember Linder questioned the need for the new left -turn pocket as she rarely encounters other cars in this area. Mr. Morrow stated that future growth is projected into the model looking 10 years down the road —as well as reviewing the service levels, to determine how long cars would have to wait at each intersection. Based upon the anticipated growth, the model shows the service level at this location will deteriorate to a point where significant backups will occur if the left -hand turn pocket is not developed. City of Tukwila Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Construction is not scheduled to start on this project until 2011. It was agreed the need could be reassessed when the City is ready to move into the design stage. Councilmember Robertson reiterated the TIP is a financing document and does not commit the City to any particular project. It is required to be adopted on an annual basis by July 1st. The CIP (Capital Improvement Program) is a separate document prepared in conjunction with the City's budget preparation each fall, and differences between the two documents may occur due to priority changes and /or funding availability. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Bid award for 2007 Small Drainage Program Councilmember Hernandez stated this item received unanimous approval from the Utilities Committee on June 5, 2007. This year's program will include construction for 8 projects, with funding coming from a combination of the Annual Neighborhood Drainage Program and the Private Storm System Adoption and Rehabilitation Program. Road Construction Northwest was the low bidder at $517,281.00. Councilmember Carter clarified the cost of this program is one of the things that the surface water fees (paid twice a year by residents) helps fund. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Bid rejection for Tukwila International Boulevard Phase I Final Cleanup Councilmember Carter stated this item received unanimous approval from the Transportation Committee on May 29, 2007. She explained that although Seattle City Light has taken their utility lines down from Tukwila International Boulevard, Qwest and Comcast still have overhead utilities and poles in place. Due to the long delay in getting the lines removed, the City closed out the Phase I contract in 2005. Only one bid was received when the Final Cleanup Project was advertised, and it came in $68,000 over the engineer's estimate. Staff has recommended rejecting the sole bid received and soliciting bids under the Small Works Roster. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Concurrency modeling consultant agreement h. Tukwila Village discussion Page 3 of 7 June 11.2007 Councilmember Carter stated this item received unanimous approval from the Transportation Committee on May 29, 2007. This agreement is to update the City's overall concurrency model, which is needed on a yearly basis. Concurrency modeling is a scientific tool used for assigning priorities and planning road projects, taking into account development and traffic patterns in the area. Mr. Morrow explained the agreement this year includes a site specific analysis for a proposed develop- ment on the Associated Grocers site. The Sabey Corporation has agreed to pay the additional study costs they have requested in conjunction with this task. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Mayor Mullet introduced this topic by referencing the high degree of audience participation at last week's meeting, and noted many of the attendees expressed support for proceeding with the Tukwila Village project. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained that tonight's discussion is an opportunity for additional comments and consideration of the concept plan presented last week. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 4 of 7 June 11. 2007 Councilmember Duffle stated he wants features included that will draw people in, but that are not City sponsored. He wants some homes there. He does not feel the City should spend additional money on the project if the property is just going to sit there as it has for the past 3 years without any further progress. He stressed the importance of having the public involved and encouraged citizens to continue to let the Council know what they want. Councilmember Hernandez appreciated the recent tours of the Lake Forest Park, Crossroads Mall and Saffron developments, and would like to see some of those concepts applied to our community. She would like to see places where people can interact. She is pleased the King County Library System has conveyed a willingness to partner with the City, including the suggestion that Tukwila would maintain design control. She also likes the idea of a police presence in that area, including the possibility of the Neighborhood Resource Center being located there. Councilmember Carter felt the presentation accomplished the basics of what this community asked for at community meetings 4 years ago. She noted the Mayor made the point this is an "economic revitalization project," and she agrees it would have a very positive effect on the neighborhood. Ms. Carter also noted that the King County Library System has been very patient, as they have had bond money available for a new library for several years; this money will buy less and less every year a decision is delayed. She believes there is strong support in the community for going forward. She also feels the decision of rental housing vs. condominiums may be dependent on the market rather than preference. Councilmember Linder stated the concept reconfirms the vision the Council had when the property was purchased 10 years ago. She likes the idea of having the library located on the site. She is agreeable to having the housing handled in a phased approach if the studies convey it might be better to have two different developers, or to complete the first part and reassess at that time (as long as it is market value). Mrs. Linder stated she found the comments last week on rental units interesting, although she feels the City already has one of the highest numbers of affordable or subsidized housing in King County. Councilmember Robertson reported that Councilmember Haggerton had asked him to relay his feeling that it was time to move forward with the project. Councilmember Haggerton is in favor of the library locating there. He is also in favor of having housing and retail uses there, but not at the expense of the City. Councilmember Robertson stated that this presentation substantiated the previous two consultants who indicated the City would have to bear the cost to put anything of any size up there, as the market will not facilitate housing or a retail area. Mr. Robertson recalled a comment made last week by a man who mentioned that to get his children to the Community Center, he has to drive them there. He feels this would also be true of this project site. Although the area may be the geographical center of the City, with two major freeways running through the middle of the City he does not feel the idea of it being a future village for the whole city will work. He would like to see the project be appropriate to that area of the City. Mr. Robertson stated that he agrees with putting the library there, and is in favor of a Neighborhood Resource Center. He would also support a very small retail area and /or gathering place, but on a scale for the neighborhood, not for the whole city. He does not support the concept of residential housing at this location. Mr. Robertson proposed using the triangular parcel of land (where the library, NRC, and coffee shop are shown), but replacing the housing shown behind that with parking. He would also recommend selling the parcel currently shown as parking and the property to the south, using the income from those sales to build the City's portion (the non library part) of the project. He also suggested the possibility of leasing out the coffee shop space similar to the restaurant agreement the City has at the golf course. Should funds be available, another suggestion would be to retain the property to the south for use as a courthouse or police station. Council President Griffin stated she likes the concept of having this type of project with the library located there. She also likes the idea of having a situation where the community would run programs up there, such as that being done at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park. Ms. Griffin stated that Tukwila is unique in that it has numerous grassroots organizations and a lot of people who care about the community. She also stated she does have issues with the housing portion of the project. Ms. Griffin City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 5 of 7 June 11. 2007 commented that although this site may not be in the middle of the whole city, it is in the middle of a corridor where a lot of things are happening, including Light Rail, the Department of Homeland Security's building, and Sabey Corporation's properties. Mr. Speck summarized the various issues that will need to be brought back for further discussion, including concerns about the project's financial proforma, developer selection, and issues regarding residential housing. Council President Griffin then invited members of the audience to speak on the issue. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150th Street, Tukwila, agreed with most of the concept. He stated that the point about the geographical center of the City makes sense, with a major arterial in both directions, but felt there is still a lot going on in that corridor. He likes the idea of the restaurant on the corner —back off the street for safety reasons, and likes the idea of no national chain businesses. He referenced the Sustainable Seattle program, which shows that when local business retailers are involved in a community, more of those net proceeds are applied back into the community. Mr. Parrish was also pleased the design included some off street parking, and supports the idea of building homes. He also commented he does not see a developer coming into the project without some sort of public /private cooperation. Gerry Myklebust, 14718 58th Avenue South, Tukwila, stated that he would like to consider public /private cooperation. He suggested selling the property the housing was to go on, retailing the rest of the land, and leasing it to whoever is going to develop the office. He likes the idea of the library as an anchor, and the corner pad concept. He stated he is in favor of condominiums vs. apartments, with the stipulation there be a covenant that says if the condo owners rent their unit, it has to go through the control of a property manager on the scene. Mr. Myklebust also felt it was important to have a project that will stabilize the neighborhood. He likes the idea of the residential part being separate from the businesses, but does not like the idea of having the residential above the businesses due to crime problems. He also likes the idea of the Neighborhood Resource Center being there, although some specific requirements would need to be taken into consideration. Lastly, Mr. Myklebust stated he would like to see the property on the south side used for convention center space similar to those in Lynnwood and Yakima. Jeremy Keaton, 13730 45th Avenue South, Tukwila, stated the current Foster Library is too small. He felt the urban design and transportation issues in this concept appeared to be in line with current thinking. Mr. Keaton feels the Community Center is a great place, but is not a walkable destination for people who do not live in that area. He also agrees with comments made last week that the project is not big enough. He wondered how the expected cost of the project compares to the cost for police to patrol that area because of the current negative elements. Richard McLeland- Wieser, 14234 58th Avenue South, Tukwila, stated that many cities across America have embraced the concept of new urbanism, which encourages more community, mixed use, pedestrian friendly design, higher density, more open space, more green space, and more economic diversity. He gave examples such as Snoqualmie Ridge, Issaquah Plateau, Redmond Town Square, and New Holly in Seattle. He is worried about only seeing cars and no people to make it friendly to be there. He compared the situation to the idea of trying to walk from the Bed, Bath Beyond store to the Starbucks that is right across the street but separated by heavy traffic and big parking lots. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62nd Avenue South, Tukwila, noted that he is on the City's Planning Commission, but is not representing the Commission this evening. He feels the area is currently a torrent of cars and light rail, with a lot of concrete. He would like to create a more walkable community, possibly with a business bypass on Military Road or near the hospital, and having the speed limit dropped from 40 to 25 mph. Mr. Peterson also stated he would like to see things like a water feature on the corner where the restaurant is planned, and a courtyard like at Kent Station, so the buildings aren't right on the sidewalk but have room for seating and landscaping. In addition to the library, a mini City Hall, and a Neighborhood Resource Center, he would like to have the first two stories contain commercial /retail /restaurant facilities. He envisions the upper floors as condominiums, with the residential component set back and possibly an area for children to play on the roof and resident parking City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes underground. Other ideas included a food court like at Third Place Commons, a stage area that could also be turned into a meeting room, and vendor stalls. Katrina Dohn, 14442 46th Avenue South, Tukwila, stated that she does not want the City to limit their vision to what Tukwila is now, but what it can be. She feels that vision can redefine Tukwila and be a huge step in moving Tukwila forward and capitalizing on the potential already here. She also said she disagrees that people from many neighborhoods would not come to the area, citing other locations such as the Starbucks on Interurban and on Andover Park West where people often meet. Ms. Dohn stated the project will enhance the desire for community and "connectiveness" that we have heard over and over, and we should not let the fact that the location is not perfect limit us. Gary Vanderhoff, Neighborhood Life Center, stated they consider themselves part of the greater Tukwila area. He feels Tukwila is a unique city because it is a regional city —right by an international airport. He likes the recommendations made in the presentation, noting that while it is not particularly convenient to drive to Pike Place Market, many people still want to go there. Referencing the talk of having local businesses only, Mr. Vanderhoff noted that choosing the right national brands could be a good fit. People will drive to a quality place that has a reputation to draw people. He also agreed this project should be totally diverse and unique from Southcenter Mall, and conveyed a conference /convention center space would be a good addition to the project. Mr. Speck stated he will work with City administration and staff to determine next steps. Discussion will be held at future Council meetings to examine the current context and options, determine if there is general consensus on this concept or if there are options that can be ruled out to begin to narrow the focus. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported he will be attending the AWC meetings in Tacoma this week, but will have to travel back and forth for other commitments as well. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie had no report. Page 6 of 7 June 11.2007 Councilmember Hernandez attended the Tukwila Government Affairs Committee on June 5, 2007, at which Senator Karen Keiser and Representative Dave Upthegrove were the speakers. She also reported on a recent visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she was impressed with the free trolley car service they operate that runs in a continuous loop to take residents and visitors to various neighborhood and shopping districts in the City. Councilmember Carter chaired the Transportation Committee meeting this evening where the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan and consultant selection for the Pedestrian Bridge over Green River were discussed. She also attended a National League of Cities Steering Committee meeting last week, which included a discussion on strip malls and deteriorating infrastructure associated with those. Councilmember Haggerton was not present. Councilmember Linder noted that the Community Affairs Parks Committee meeting scheduled for June 12, 2007, has been cancelled. She also asked for a substitute to review vouchers for her this week. Councilmember Griffin agreed to review vouchers. Council President Griffin attended a National League of Cities meeting in Baton Rouge last week, at which they discussed the faces of poverty and the affect it has on communities, and the issue of childhood obesity. She also noted that at a dinner at the historical governor's mansion the attendees met actor Lou Gossett, Jr. He has started the Eracism Foundation, which works with children in poverty. He has most recently been working with the Mayor of Los Angeles. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Councilmember Robertson had no report. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported the City has been a victim of the widespread problem of thefts of metal, cables, wires, etc. A number of light poles were hit this past weekend along 42nd Avenue South between 144th and 146th Streets. Another location was discovered later in the day also. The Public Works Department plans to weld the access doors shut on the bottom of the light poles. Ms. Berry also reported the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC) is one of three cities in the nation chosen to receive a national community schools award (National Award for Excellence). Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director, will be traveling with the contingent to accept the award on June 14. Ms. Berry also stated that TCSC has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Stewart Foundation to replicate TCSC in the City of SeaTac. The proposal would include an expansion of the current model with a CEO to oversee TCSC and "SCSC." She reiterated that resources would not be taken from TCSC, but that this effort would be over and above and duplicative of the Tukwila program. Councilmember Robertson noted a number of children who live in Tukwila attend school in the Highline School District and would benefit from a program in SeaTac. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental The Council Analyst was not present. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie recently attended graduation ceremonies at Foster High School and commented how much more diverse the school population has become since he moved to the City in 1968, and what a great environment that can be for the students and families. ADJOURNMENT 9:17 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Velma Griffin, Council President ad4Vti Barbara Saxton; Administrative Support Coordinator Page 7 of 7 June 11 2007