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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Verna Griffin called the meeting to order at 7:02 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 Steven Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Cyndy Knighton, Senior Engineer; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENT Katrina Dohn, 14442 46th Avenue South, relayed appreciation, stemming from a conversation with other Tukwila citizens, regarding the flower baskets that hang at major intersections. She indicated they are "fabulous" and add civility to the community. SPECIAL PRESENTATION 1-405 Construction Update; Lisa Hodgson, Project Engineer, Washington State Department of Transportation, and Dipak Parekh, Project Manager, Bilfinger /Tri State Cyndy Knighton, Senior Engineer, provided a synopsis of this issue, to include background information with respect to Tukwila's affiliation with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) regarding mutual projects in the area. She indicated the 1 -405 construction project is now in the design build stage of development and includes project team members Lisa Hodgson, Project Engineer with WSDOT, and Dipak Parekh, Project Manager with Bilfinger /Tri- State. Lisa Hodgson, Project Engineer with WSDOT, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an overview of the 1 -405 construction project. The 1 -405 Master Plan includes: 2 new lanes in each direction Local arterial improvements Bus Rapid Transit System 9 new transit centers added 50% transit service increase HOV direct access ramps and flyer stops 5,000 new park and ride spaces 1,700 new vanpools Environmental Enhancements TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 23, 2007 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall Ms. Hodgson relayed the plan will address the worst congestion choke points first. Two of the worst congestion points in the State of Washington are on 1 -405 from Tukwila to Bellevue and at the 1 -405 and SR -167 interchange. The 1 -405, 1 -5 to SR -169 Stagel widening project will: Add one new north and southbound general purpose lane from 1 -5 to SR -167 Add new southbound auxiliary lane on SR -167 Lengthen southbound HOV lane on SR -167 City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 2 of 4 July 23. 2007 Dipak Parekh, Project Manager with Bilfinger /Tri State, conveyed the design -build portion of this project is expected to be complete in mid -May 2010. He indicated he has been working with City staff to ensure there is minimal disruption to events occurring in the City. They are also mindful of minimizing disturbance to local businesses and the citizens, and much of the work will be accomplished during off peak hours. It was also relayed the Regional Transportation Improvement District (RTID) ballot measure that goes before area voters in November 2007 would provide additional funds for 1 -405 improvements, if passed. The Councilmembers asked questions of Ms. Hodgson and Mr. Parekh and thanked them for the updated information regarding this regional project. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Tukwila Village; examine current context, basic options, and pros and cons of basic options Council President Griffin requested input from the Councilmembers regarding the schedule for consideration of Tukwila Village issues at upcoming Council meetings. The Councilmembers reviewed the upcoming agenda schedule and offered comments regarding the timelines. There was concern expressed regarding the need to pace the discussions at least 2 weeks apart, with documentation available at least a week prior to the meeting. Due to the complexities of the issues, this would allow time for thorough review and discussion with staff and possible alternate proposals. Most of the Councilmembers found the timeline acceptable, with the understanding it is a "tentative" schedule that can be altered if necessary. It was determined the Council President would make the decision during the weekly agenda review process about putting Tukwila Village issues forward for consideration, as well as assuring other City business items do not go unattended. It was requested the Council President be provided tentative agenda schedules before they are made public. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to offer information regarding examination of the current context, basic options, and pros and cons of the options. Data was offered on the following topics: 1. Current Real Estate Market (per Gardner Johnson analysis from February 2007) 2. Market Value for Tukwila Village Land if sold "as is." Draft opinion of value for the Tukwila Village land is $14.00 $18.00 per square foot. 3. Status of other property along Tukwila International Boulevard. Light Rail opens in 2009 and should bring a boost to the economy in the area, but not guarantees. 4. Basic Options. a. No action b. Sell the property as is c. Develop a mixed -use, gathering place d. Explore other alternatives such as City Building, City Park, Dedicated Senior Housing 5. Pros and Cons of Basic Options (The comparison is considering the parcels north of South 144th Street totaling 3.76 acres.) a. Land sale revenue b. Annual revenue and cost c. City tax revenue d. Revitalization stimulus e. Future option f. Staff time g. "Active" gathering The Councilmembers offered comments and asked for clarification throughout the presentation to include: a request for a copy of the draft value assessment for the Tukwila Village land; concern regarding exclusion of the south parcel in discussions; the importance of the library as an anchor tenant if the land is developed; the need for the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) to be located at the site; the necessity of continued review of senior citizen housing options; and the potential, based on past studies, for development of the property to require subsidies from the City. Mayor Mullet indicated it is not intended to have additional cash flow toward the project; a subsidy could occur based on the sale of the land below market value. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 3 of 4 July 23. 2007 Dwight McLean, 13015 38th Avenue South, commented this issue has been ongoing for years, and he would like the City to take the risk and develop the property. He also extended an invitation to citizens to attend the Highway 99 Action Committee that meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Tukwila Community Center. He relayed statistics show that crime is down in this area of the City. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, requested that a police presence be a part of the development to afford a needed sense of security. He also hopes to see higher quality restaurants in the area. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, asked that apartments not be included on the site as, in her view, homeowners take more pride in the community, and Tukwila already has a high number of rentals. Barbara Bader, 13660 Military Road South, conveyed that she would like to see rentals restricted in the development of the site. She would like to see home ownership and condominiums. Katrina Dohn, 14442 46th Avenue South, would like to see a police focus within the development and efforts directed toward crime abatement. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150th Street, conveyed that, in his view, rentals do not equate to inferior quality or poor clientele, and the Metrovation concept encouraged apartments as a means to control the population. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160th Street, stated she liked this evening's presentation and encouraged moving forward with those concepts that "make sense." She explained there is concern about safety in this area, and that a positive presence on the highway could change perceptions. She is also worried about Link Light Rail bringing people to Tukwila who may engage in criminal activities. Marie Parrish, 4430 South 150th Street, relayed that for 32 years she lived near Tukwila International Boulevard and never felt unsafe. If there had been acceptable housing in place when they chose to move, they would have considered relocating to the area being considered for Tukwila Village. She encouraged moving forward with the development. Gerry Myklebust, 14718 58th Avenue South, commented that he finds the decision making model presented this evening to be reasonable and that after 10 years, it is necessary to move forward. He also relayed the importance of including the south side of the area in discussions for potential development. Mr. Myklebust is against the inclusion of rental units in the development of this area. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62nd Avenue South, explained his concern with rentals in Tukwila is the turnover caused in area schools. He suggested the City consider a non -owner occupant tax to mitigate this problem. Councilmember Robertson noted the City has spent approximately $8.4 million on the land associated with the potential Tukwila Village development. From his standpoint, an investment of this magnitude warrants careful consideration. Council President Griffin thanked the citizens in the audience for their comments. 9:31 pm Council President Griffin declared a five minute recess. 9:40 pm Council President Griffin re- convened the Committee of the Whole meeting b. Discussion on Council Travel Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, provided a Council Travel Status Report. The information reflects expenditures through June 30, 2007 as well as anticipated travel costs through December 2007. All local meetings, mileage, and meals have been subtracted from the shared /pooled Council travel budget. Based on the Council travel guidelines, a Councilmember should submit a "Request for Travel" form (currently being developed) to the Council President requesting use of the shared /pooled funds. Ms. Matej explained that registration fees come out of a different budgetary line item than meals and lodging, which come out of the travel budget. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 4 of 4 July 23. 2007 The Councilmembers commented on their past and upcoming travel plans, and the current numbers indicate there is funding available for all known travel needs through the end of the year. It was suggested the Councilmembers be given information at the beginning of each year as to their travel allotment and regular updates as to how much has been spent. It was also recommended that coordinating arrangements through Kimberly may result in getting the best travel rates. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported he would be out of town July 25 -27, 2007. b. Council Councilmember Duffie indicated his neighborhood is preparing for the Night Out Against Crime. Councilmember Haggerton attended the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC) forum on July 23, 2007. Councilmember Robertson attended the Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA9) meeting last week where 6 different projects were proposed for State funding. One of the projects involves the Riverton Creek in Tukwila. The installation of flap valves would allow enhanced water flow making the conditions more desirable for salmon. The feasibility study costing approximately $50,000 was not approved for funding. Councilmember Robertson will be making a proposal for the 2008 budget year that the City fund the feasibility study, which will allow Tukwila to apply for grant funding for other aspects of the project. Council President Griffin conducted the "Pedal with the President" (bike riding and idea sharing) event on July 21, 2007. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported that Hal Hiemstra from Ball Janik, the City's federal lobbyist, has indicated Tukwila was not awarded any appropriation requests. Senator Patty Murray will be invited to Tukwila in August to observe past projects that utilized federal grant funding. Ms. Berry also attended the July 23, 2007 TCSC forum. One element that came out of the meeting is that there are not only language barriers that prevent parental participation in area schools, but also cultural issues that cause difficulties. Dialogue will continue on this issue and efforts made to work through the problems. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING 10:03 p.m. C UNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEEfINc ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. V na Griffin, Council President Christy O'Flali4rty, Deputy City Clerk v,'