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Home My WebLink About2007-06-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Verna Griffin called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm 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; Jack Pace, Acting Community Development Director; Bob Benedicto, Building Official, Dept. of Community Development; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator CITIZEN COMMENT TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL June 25, 2007 7:00 pm Council Chambers City Hall Mary Koontz, 13802 Military Road South, spoke on behalf of a neighborhood action committee formed by a group of citizens concerned about safety issues and the community's image. They presented a written report and display of photographs depicting issues of concern such as traffic problems, panhandling, alcohol and drugs, prostitution, litter and graffiti. The group is also concerned with the proposed cluster housing development (Military Road South and South 140th) and related issues such as increased traffic and access to the surrounding areas, corresponding road and sidewalk improvements, and responsibility for shared park maintenance expenses. Pam Fernald, 2431 S 133rd Street, SeaTac, has been working with the City's Code Enforcement office regarding a semi trailer that continually parks on East Marginal Way, but she reported the problem is on going. Mayor Mullet reported the City works on many of these issues on a regular basis, including involvement by the City of SeaTac and the Tukwila's Hot Spots Task Force. Staff will review the information provided and contact the group regarding the appropriate subcommittee or other forum for further discussion. The Council thanked the group for their efforts and for presenting their concerns this evening. Larry Hang, 2960 South 135th Avenue, reported on problems he has observed at the intersection of South 135th Street and 32nd Avenue South. He noted many drivers do not stop for the stop sign and inquired about the possibility of a speed bump on South 135th Street to help slow down cars. Mayor Mullet stated he would report this situation to the Police Department. He also advised that speed bumps are not the best option as they cause damage to fire trucks. He reported there is a school patrol presence at that intersection, and members of the Police Department's bike patrol are also there on a regular basis. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes SPECIAL ISSUES a. Adoption of 2006 State Building Code Page 2 of 3 June 25. 2007 Councilmember Linder stated this item received unanimous approval from the Community Affairs Parks Committee on May 30, 2007. Adoption of the new edition of the State Building Code is required in order to be in compliance with the State Building Code Act. She reported the City may adopt rules that are more stringent than those required by the State Building Code Act, but must meet the minimum performance standards and objectives specified. Councilmember Linder also noted the Fire Department will be actively involved in implementation of the new code. Bob Benedicto, Building Official, Department of Community Development, reported one new code requirement would impact retail sales businesses, particularly the larger department stores. The code change will require access aisles within merchandise pad areas to provide clear pathways for access through the merchandise. Education regarding this new requirement will be an on -going process handled jointly by the Building Division and Fire Department during annual routine inspections of all buildings and the normal building permit process. Code changes are typically not retroactive, but as this requirement affects emergency egress, it will be retroactive. Mr. Benedicto answered questions from Council regarding this new requirement, and also clarified changes to the code as it pertains to relocation permits and locking devices. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge consultant selection Councilmember Carter stated this item received unanimous approval from the Transportation Committee on June 11, 2007. The bridge would be constructed over the Green River to connect the Tukwila Station area with the Tukwila Urban Center. The City has received a $200,000 grant, which would cover a majority of the cost of a "Type, Size and Location" study (TSL); the remaining funds would be transferred from the transit oriented development grant. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, noted the map included in the agenda packet materials identifies the general area and one possible location for the bridge but reiterated this is not a confirmed location. The study will identify other possible locations for consideration by Council at a later time. Councilmember Robertson asked about the requirements for the TSL report and the justification for this expense, which would still not include any of the design work. Mr. Morrow explained the TSL is typically done prior to design, which will help determine the type of bridge to be built (i.e. suspension bridge, cantilever bridge). The consultants will also study the geology of the area along the riverfront, and identify potential impacts on businesses and residents. Mr. Morrow also provided information on the subsequent design cost and restrictions on the use of grant funds. Council discussed other benefits of the TSL study, including gathering information on soil samples every 5 feet (and down 100 feet), surveying, and other preliminary engineering study work that will be required for the design stage. Mr. Morrow also clarified the timeframe for presenting conceptual drawings and a physical model of the preferred bridge alternative to Council. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet had no report. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes b. City Council Councilmember Duffie had no report. Councilmember Hernandez reported she attended the end -of- school Latino Parent Night event on June 19, 2007, and commended Emma Mercado for her efforts. On June 21, 2007, she attended a solstice celebration and, later, the Tukwila Historical Society meeting. On June 23, 2007, she attended the groundbreaking ceremony by Habitat for Humanity for a new house being built in Allentown, and met the new homeowners. Mrs. Hernandez also attended the June 25, 2007 school district/TCSC forum, which was the first of three meetings planned for members of the community. Councilmember Carter noted that she would be providing a written report on the recent SCATBd meeting. In addition to many of the events mentioned by Councilmember Hernandez, she attended a Regional Transit Committee meeting last week and the Transportation Committee meeting earlier this evening. Councilmember Haggerton also attended many of the same meetings as mentioned by Councilmember Hernandez. He was very impressed with the blueprint of the Habitat for Humanity house, which has a very appealing aesthetic from the street with the front door and porch. On June 21, 2007, he attended the Firemen's Pension Board meeting, at which they agreed upon a 3.7% increase in the CPI. Councilmember Linder noted there would be a Community Affairs Parks Committee meeting tomorrow. Councilmember Robertson had no report. Council President Griffin also attended the Habitat for Humanity's groundbreaking ceremony on June 23, 2007, and was very pleased to meet the new homeowners. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS ADJOURNMENT 8:04 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. VerWa Griffin, C ncil President Barbara Saxton, Admifiistrative Support Coordinator Page 3 of 3 June 25. 2007