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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesCITIZEN COMMENT TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 13, 2007 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Verna Griffin, called the meeting to order at 7:02 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; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; David Haynes, Police Chief; Jack Pace, Acting Community Development Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. Mark Segale, 5811 Segale Park Drive C, provided a summary regarding the status of the Tukwila South Project. This 10 million square foot proposed development is intended to enhance employment and revenue for the City and has been supported by federal, state, and county representatives. Mr. Segale indicated negotiations regarding the development agreement have been ongoing for 2 1/2 years, and the situation has reached an impasse. If assurance of a 2008 spring construction start time is not reached, it is their intention to terminate the project. State and federal grant funding could be lost for road construction if the project is not undertaken. Mr. Segale conveyed he is not asking the Council to negotiate the development agreement, but to accept or reject the agreement as submitted to the Mayor. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, urged the Council to consider the above request from Mr. Segale. Her recollection is that the development is beautiful and would make Tukwila the envy of surrounding cities. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, relayed he has become aware of a sign issue with a dry cleaning company on Military Road wherein they have been assessed fines. He also indicated he has received complaints about hand painted signs in the community. Mayor Mullet conveyed he is aware of the issue with the dry cleaner, and incorrect information had been provided to the business by a sign company. No fines have been assessed by the City to the dry cleaning business. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration Year -End Report; Deborah Salas, Executive Director Deborah Salas, Executive Director, Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC), utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide a summary of the 2006 -2007 school year. She expressed that a highlight of the year was national recognition of TCSC being awarded the Coalition of Community Schools Certification of Excellence. Nineteen individuals traveled to Washington DC to receive this prestigious award. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray both made commitments to visit the City to review the TCSC program. Ms. Salas provided an overview of TCSC involvement at each of the area schools as well as family assistance and outreach, partnerships with the City, and community liaisons. The mobility rate for students in the district and those involved in TCSC activities has dropped dramatically since the inception of the program. A financial synopsis for the 2007 -08 school year was also provided. Total expenses are City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 13. 2007 expected to be $694,501 and confirmed revenues of $510,333 (this includes $100,000 from the City of Tukwila). While there is a shortfall, Ms. Sales conveyed confidence in securing funding from other sources such as United Way. There has been so much success with TCSC that area cities such as Burien and SeaTac would like to be involved in the endeavor. She provided information on a replication model that could be utilized in bringing other cities into the program. She also expressed that funding and resources toward the City of Tukwila would not be adversely impacted by inclusion of other cities. The Councilmembers asked questions of Ms. Sales and expressed appreciation and thanks for the excellent work being provided by TCSC and the positive benefits to the community. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance setting Allentown Phase II and Foster Point water and sewer connection fees Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 8, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided an overview of this issue. The contract with R. L. Alia Company is complete for the Allentown Phase II and Foster Point Water and Sewer Improvement project. (Final acceptance of the project is scheduled for the August 20, 2007 Regular Meeting, and a copy of the letter being sent to the residents regarding the program will be included in that packet). Now that the final construction costs are known, the water and sewer connection fees have been determined. At the April 24, 2006 City Council meeting, the Council put a cap on the sewer connection fee at $15,000.00. Mr. Morrow noted the City sewer fund is subsidizing $4,668.92 per connection. The water connection fee will start at $8,247.13 for new construction (existing water services do not pay the connection fee). Both water and sewer connection fees will increase 4% on the first year and will increase by that same dollar amount every year for 10 years. Mr. Morrow noted there are 3 reasons that existing homeowners would need to connect to the sewer system: 1. Septic or health problems are identified by King County Health Department that require repair of the septic tank system, or 2. The home changes ownership, or 3. Remodeling occurs adding a bathroom or bedroom Only existing single family residents are eligible for the payment plan. All new construction must pay the connection fee up front for water and sewer. In addition, new homes constructed after September 1, 2007 are required to make full sewer connection fee payment before issuance of the City's building permit. New homes are also required to pay in full the current fee set for the King County Sewer capacity charge and bring proof of payment to the City's Permit Center prior to the Public Works' final inspection approval. Mr. Morrow indicated monthly payments may be started prior to obtaining a sewer connection permit. On January 1, 2018 if a homeowner has not connected, the full fee would be payable at that time. Councilmember Hernandez indicated that on Page 3, Section C of the proposed ordinance, the word "sewer" should be replaced with water, in the last sentence of the paragraph. Councilmember Carter asked for clarification as to why the City is subsidizing approximately $4,600.00 per sewer connection. Mr. Morrow explained that when all of the charges were accumulated, the costs were approximately $27,000.00; to lessen the impact on citizens, the cap and subsidy were put in place. Councilmember Haggerton relayed that some jurisdictions charge their citizens for sewer services even when the resident is not connected to the sewer system. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13. 2007 b. Westfield Shoppingtown North Sewer Repair Project Change Order #1 with Construct Company Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 8, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow provided a summary of this topic. This project repaired the sanitary sewer lines that had settled at the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall. The repair is required before the sewer lines can be turned back to the Mall for ownership and maintenance per the developer's agreement. During construction, massive utility conflicts were discovered that required a re- design and a new alignment of the sanitary sewer line. Change Order No. 1 is for $120,000.00 and is over the contingency and budgeted amount. The shortfall of $71,000.00 will be taken from the sewer fund (402). Councilmember Robertson expressed that upon review of the sewer enterprise fund, the subtraction of the $71,000 shortfall for this project will bring the account to a negative balance in 2009. Mr. Morrow explained there will be an assessment of the fund for the 2008 -2010 period, and restructuring of projects to assure the fund does not go negative. Mayor Mullet reiterated this project was part of a developer's agreement with Westfield Shoppingtown as part of their expansion. The City agreed to repair the sewer as part of the agreement with Westfield. The Mall would then take on responsibility for full ownership and maintenance after the repair. It is not always clear what costs will be incurred and what problems might transpire in situations involving developer's agreements. There can be significant risks involved and once the agreement is signed, all parties are bound to fulfill the terms regardless of unforeseen and potentially costly circumstances. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Standby Power Upgrade Supplement #2 with Abacus Engineered Systems Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 8, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The original contract was for a pre- design report for the Standby Power Upgrade project and included the four fire stations, City Hall, 6300 Building, Minkler Shops, George Long Shops, and the Community Center. This supplement is for the final design and construction observation services of four facilities: City Hall, and Fire Stations 52, 53, and 54 for an amount of $101,364.00. The scope of services also includes design of electronic reader boards at the 3 fire stations. Council approved the Emergency Operations initiatives on May 21, 2007 for the design of standby generators at the four facilities. Councilmember Linder referenced Page 29 of the packet wherein the "fee proposal is valid for a period of thirty (30) calendar days." She expressed concern the proposal may be void before approval of the supplement at the next Regular Meeting. Mr. Morrow offered assurance the proposal would retain validity until the August 20, 2007 meeting. Councilmember Robertson requested clarification as to the term "observation services." Mr. Morrow indicated that since this is the contractor's design, they will be observing any testing to assure the equipment is operating as intended. This will cause some reduction in the construction management costs. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to the status of the seismic studies for City facilities. Mr. Morrow indicated he has received a preliminary report, and it should not have an impact on this proposal. Mr. Robertson asked if there are substantial seismic issues, and Mr. Morrow responded in the negative. Mr. Morrow will be providing an executive summary to the Council on this issue, and copies of the report will also be made available. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Tukwila Village discuss project vision, options, and details Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained time is being afforded tonight to discuss the information provided at the prior Council meeting, and no decisions are being requested. At the end City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 13. 2007 of this evening's discussion, the following documentation will be distributed to the Council: Tukwila Village Development Process, Request for Proposals (RFP) Worksheet, a letter from Miller Condominium Marketing; and the Metrovation Conceptual Analysis. The Councilmembers engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding Tukwila Village issues and offered comments to include: concern that the housing component of the project was a stumbling block toward moving forward; fear that other projects in the City are not receiving attention due to the emphasis on Tukwila Village; the possibility of approaching the development in phases, with the housing element coming later; focusing on the project as a neighborhood center as opposed to a City center; eliminating housing from the project altogether and specifically not allowing apartments; the necessity of City ownership of the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC); and the need to be responsive to citizen comments requesting the City move forward with this project. Mayor Mullet commented that past proposals have indicated the housing portion of the project is necessary to support the retail component. It was felt that without developing a customer base, the retail businesses would not be sustainable. Kathy Hougardy, 14950 57th Avenue South, conveyed the need for increased crime prevention in this area so citizens can be assured a feeling of safety. She read a letter from a woman who lived with her daughter in the OI Cara Apartments, which is a 5- minute walk from the Tukwila Village site. There was a great deal of crime (prostitution, drugs, weapons, and theft) in and around this facility that caused the family continual fear until they moved to another location. Mayor Mullet indicated there is currently new management in place at the OI Cara Apartments and positive strides have been made to improve the living conditions in this complex. The new manager has worked toward ridding the facility of problem tenants, bringing about more favorable living conditions. The Mayor relayed it is important to communicate the success stories with regard to crime prevention in the City. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, would like to see condominiums in the Tukwila Village development as opposed to apartments and strip malls. He conveyed it is also important to get rid of the car wash and telephone poles. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet indicated he would be in the City of Miyoshi, Japan from August 14 -17, 2007. The agreement with the City of Miyoshi will be approved at a later date. Mayor Mullet relayed that negotiations with the Segale family on the Tukwila South project have come to an impasse. In addition to money related matters, there are also concerns related to police and fire, relocation of a fire station, as well as annexation related issues. This could result in an extremely negative financial impact for the City of Tukwila, which is why the developer's agreement has not been brought forward to a Council meeting. The Councilmembers engaged in a lengthy discussion on this issue while giving consideration to the best methods to further deliberate on the matter. It was concluded the Council President would send a letter to the Segale family conveying it would be at least 3 weeks for the Council to determine its role in this matter. A copy of the developer's agreement, to include comments from City Administration, would be provided to the City Council. At the next Committee of the Whole meeting, the Council will (1) discuss the proposal using a questions -only format as a guideline; (2) ask for input from the City Attorney as to what role the Council can take in this matter and any legal implications. At the following Regular Meeting a motion can be made as to how the Council intends to proceed. (No action will be taken on the developer's agreement at that meeting.) City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 13. 2007 b. Council Councilmember Duffie participated in the Night Out Against Crime event on August 7, 2007. He indicated he received some comments about campaigning occurring during the event. He also visited the Women's Refugee Alliance this past week and found it to be very informative. Councilmember Hernandez attended the August 1, 2007 Seattle Times' Southeast Living magazine Open House in Kent and also toured the Angle Lake Village facility the same day. She also participated in the Candidates Forum on August 2, 2007 and the Government Affairs Committee meeting and Night Out Against Crime on August 7, 2007. Councilmember Carter relayed the Tukwila Car Show is this Saturday, August 18, 2007 in the parking lot of the Tukwila Trading Company. She indicated she was asked to be on a panel regarding abandoned property and was pleased to decline since this is not a problem in the City of Tukwila. Councilmember Haggerton also attended the August 7, 2007 Night Out Against Crime event and received a complaint about campaigning during the event. He also inquired about police activity on August 10, 2007 in the area of Macadam Road and 58th Avenue South. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated she would look into the matter. Councilmember Linder also attended the August 7, 2007 Night Out Against Crime event and was asked why the monthly Block Watch Newsletter has been discontinued. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated this resulted from staffing issues, but the subject can be revisited at the next Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Ms. Linder indicated the Duwamish group spoke with her about the "no on- street parking" issue in their neighborhoods. Some of the citizens felt this action had been taken without their knowledge; Ms. Linder found documentation from the year 2000 delineating that most of those individuals had been in attendance at the meeting where it was discussed. Councilmember Robertson attended a 1 -day seminar on impact fees and concurrency this past week. A presentation was made at the event on global warming. It was conveyed that this past June, King County Executive Ron Sims signed an order stating impact fees would be required based on global warming and carbon emissions. Washington and California adopted the background legislation to make this a possibility, and all King County jurisdictions will be affected. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported that Tukwila will be the sponsor of the Green Fleets Initiative in October. Our fleet managers have been meeting regarding green fleet conversion, and a neighboring jurisdiction has purchased a "green" aid car. We are taking steps to measure our current carbon footprint to establish a baseline and determine where we need to be in the future. The Department of Community Development is taking the lead on this issue and more information will be forthcoming in the fall. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING 10:2 p.+' COUNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE E =1 1 C• AD URNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Verna Gri n, Cou it President Christy O'Flafferty, Deputy City Clerk(/