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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-20 Regular MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 20, 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 7:01 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, Pam Linder, and Dennis Robertson. CITY OFFICIALS Steven Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; Jack Pace, Acting Community Development Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism and Marketing Manager; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Link Light Rail Update Jim Morrow, Public Works Director Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided a status report of the Link Light Rail project with Sound Transit. He utilized a Powerpoint slideshow depicting various views of the construction site. Mr. Morrow explained there are 3 major street reconstruction projects involved in this endeavor to include: (1) Martin Luther King Way /Boeing Access Road to the north City limits; (2) East Marginal Way /Boeing Access Road to South 112th Street; and (3) 52nd Avenue South up to South 151st Street. Due to road damage, a major overlay program is also being undertaken. The station itself is 90% complete and is estimated to be finished in June 2008. The guide -way is 92% complete, with 15 spans yet to be erected. The estimated completion date for the guide -way is September 2007, with the rails being in place by March of 2008. Following this, an extensive communication system will be installed by May 2008, with electrical and signal systems completed in September 2008. Testing of all systems will take place until July 2009 at which time the transit line should be fully operational. The reconstruction of Southcenter Boulevard from 1 -5 to the transit station will begin in the spring of 2008 and be completed in early 2009. While there will be some lane closures, access will be made available to local traffic with the intent to provide minimal disruption to businesses and citizens. Councilmember Robertson asked if the poles for the transmission lines would be used the entire length of the guide -way. Mr. Morrow responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Robertson conveyed the poles used in Tukwila (as opposed to those along Rainier Valley) are more visually unappealing and inquired if anything could be done by way of mitigation. Mr. Morrow responded in the negative and indicated these poles were chosen for our contract design and would be out of sight for the most part. Councilmember Robertson indicated it appears there are no noise barriers on the west end of the structure due to the shortness of the wall. Mr. Morrow explained the noise walls are not all the same height and the sizes will vary along the structure. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes Auaust 20. 2007 Councilmember Robertson asked if the Southcenter Boulevard construction would conflict with upcoming work on Klickitat Drive, and Mr. Morrow responded in the negative. In reference to the poles along Rainier Valley, Mayor Mullet commented that $50 million was provided for that project by way of mitigating other issues. The City of Tukwila accepted mitigation in different areas of the project. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, inquired as to what kind of sound can be expected to come from the transit line. Mr. Morrow explained it is quieter than the heavy rail sound experienced with trains. There will also be a 3 -year noise- monitoring program in place to assure correction of any problems. Mr. Kennedy asked if the sidewalk will be continued or a bicycle lane added on East Marginal Way. Brian Shelton, City Engineer, said new improvements will include a sidewalk and a wider 14 -foot lane, but not a bicycle lane specifically. Councilmember Robertson asked if the train would be similar to the light rail train utilized in Tacoma, and Mr. Morrow responded in the affirmative. APPOINTMENTS Human Services Advisory Board: Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, introduced Elda Mercado and Terra Straight to the City Council. Both women have a great deal of experience with human services related issues and working with diverse populations. Re- appoint Elda Mercado to Position #4 on the Human Services Advisory Board (term expires 4/30/10). MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO RE- APPOINT ELDA MERCADO TO POSITION #4 ON THE HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (TERM EXPIRES 4/30/10). MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Appoint Terra Straight to Position #1 on the Human Services Advisory Board (term expires 4/30/10). MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO APPOINT TERRA STRAIGHT TO POSITION #1 ON THE HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (TERM EXPIRES 4/30/10). MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Arts Commission: Appoint Trisha Gilmore to Position #4 on the Arts Commission (term expires 12/31/08). Ms. Gilmore was unable to attend the meeting. MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPOINT TRISHA GILMORE TO POSITION #4 ON THE ARTS COMMISSION. (TERM EXPIRES 12/31/08). MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Lodging Tax Advisory Board (no term limits): Katherine Kertzman, Tourism and Marketing Manager, introduced Brad Knutson and Mike Schabbing to the City Council. Both gentlemen have a wide variety of experience working in the hospitality industry and are welcome additions to the Board. (Ms. Voelsgen was unable to attend the meeting.) City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes Auaust 20. 2007 Appoint Brad Knutson to Position #3 on the Lodging Tax Advisory Board. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON TO APPOINT BRAD KNUTSON TO THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY BOARD. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Appoint Mhairi Voelsgen to Position #8 on the Lodging Tax Advisory Board. MOVED BY CARTER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO APPOINT MHAIRI VOELSGEN TO THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY BOARD. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Appoint Mike Schabbing to Position #4 on the Lodging Tax Advisory Board. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO APPOINT MIKE SCHABBING TO THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY BOARD. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. CITIZEN COMMENTS Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, indicated there is graffiti on a large fence across the street from the Teamsters' Office on Interurban Avenue. Mayor Mullet explained the City handles graffiti problems on public property, and that graffiti on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. He relayed that efforts would be made to contact the owner of the fence about the issue. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Vouchers #3333774333603 in the amount of $960,105.68 b. Accept as complete the Allentown Phase 2 /Foster Point Water and Sewer Improvements project with R. L. Alia Company; authorize release of retainage, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $7,932,210.54). MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. An ordinance establishing sewer and water connection fees for Allentown Phase 2 and Foster Point. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING SEWER CONNECTION FEES FOR ALLENTOWN PHASE 2 AND FOSTER POINT; ESTABLISHING WATER CONNECTION FEES FOR ALLENTOWN PHASE 2 AND FOSTER POINT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Now that the final construction costs for this project 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. 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. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, read the proposed ordinance by title only. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes August 20. 2007 MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilmember Carter stated it was her understanding the King County Metro Capacity charge would be billed every 6 months at the rate of $42.00 per month, over a 15 -year period. Review of information from King County indicates the charge will be billed very 3 months. Mr. Morrow relayed he would seek clarification on this issue. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2177. b. Authorize the Mayor to sign Change Order #1 (to Contract #07 -063) with Construct Company for the Westfield Shoppingtown North Sewer Repair in the amount of $120,000.00. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN CHANGE ORDER #1 (TO CONTRACT #07 -063) WITH CONSTRUCT COMPANY FOR THE WESTFIELD SHOPPINGTOWN NORTH SEWER REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $120,000.00. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. c. Authorize the Mayor to sign Supplement No. 2 (to Contract #06 -074) with Abacus Engineered Systems for Year 1 Standby Power Upgrades in the amount of $101,364.00 MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY HAGGERTON TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN SUPPLEMENT NO. 2 (TO CONTRACT #06 -074) WITH ABACUS ENGINEERED SYSTEMS FOR YEAR 1 STANDBY POWER UPGRADES IN THE AMOUNT OF $101,364.00. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported on his recent trip to Miyoshi, Japan to solidify Tukwila's relationship with the new government of our Sister City. Copies of the affiliation resolution /agreement were distributed to the Councilmembers. A delegation from the City of Miyoshi will be visiting Tukwila this week. b. Council Councilmember Duffie indicated he has been approached by a group of citizens regarding an ongoing problem bordering Tukwila in the City of SeaTac. A group of Somali men are gathering in an area near Key Bank, and it has been observed there is disrespectful behavior, as well as blocking of driveways and storefronts. Mr. Duffie has been told the Somali men are fishermen, who upon returning from Alaska, congregate in this area. It has become very difficult to patronize local businesses due to access problems created by these individuals. There is a great amount of littering and reports of alcohol use on the premises of the private businesses. The litter is making its way to Tukwila's side of the street, and citizens are becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation. Mayor Mullet relayed this problem has been ongoing for some time, and the City of SeaTac has been contacted about this matter. Tukwila does not have authority over private property issues in the City of SeaTac. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, relayed that when the "Neighbors Without Borders" group approached the City regarding issues in the past, efforts were made to establish relationships in the community. There is importance in learning about cultural issues, and Ms. Berry explained that congregating and holding conversations is not unlawful, and this is not an easy issue to resolve. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained that he and the Assistant City Manager from the City of SeaTac met with the owners of the property where a great deal of the congregating occurs. The property owners are aware of this issue, and it becomes a private property rights matter within the City of SeaTac. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Regular Meetina Minutes August 20, 2007 Barbara Bader, 13660 Military Road South, relayed the level of frustration, from 30 -40 men standing around in front of businesses in a large amount of garbage, has become very severe. This has been going on now for a couple of years, and she inquired as to whether anything can be done from a code enforcement perspective. Additional problems may ensue as citizens become more and more frustrated with this persistent problem. Mayor Mullet said code enforcement action can be taken within the City limits of Tukwila, and we can take action against littering if we catch people in the act. Kathy Hougardy, 14950 57th Avenue South, inquired if we have a code about littering with regard to regulation on private property. Mayor Mullet responded in the affirmative, but the littering issue has to be in Tukwila's City limits. He conveyed he would ask the Code Enforcement Division to do an emphasis patrol in this area of the City. The Councilmembers discussed this issue and exchanged ideas to include: the possibility of purchasing property, with the City of SeaTac, as a gathering place; seeking non punitive solutions to this problem; recognition that members of the Somali community are also concerned with this issue; use of pro- active code enforcement in the part of the City bordering the problem area; the potential of a joint meeting with the City of SeaTac to discuss this issue; and concern about merging Police and Fire services with SeaTac if this issue cannot be resolved collaboratively. Mayor Mullet emphasized that City staff has communicated this problem to the City of SeaTac, and it may be necessary for the Tukwila City Councilmembers to appeal to SeaTac's elected officials regarding this matter. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Quest Cybercenter tour on August 16, 2007 as well as the Historical Society meeting. Dr. Kay F. Reinartz (author of the Tukwila History Book) was a special guest at the meeting. Councilmember Griffin also attended the Quest Cybercenter tour on August 16, 2007 and the Centennial Planning Committee meeting held August 20, 2007. Councilmember Carter attended the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on August 14, 2007. A presentation was provided at the meeting on the Jails Alternative Program, and the committee is considering the possibility of offering community service hours to those involved with the program. The Highway 99 Action Committee cleanup event will be held on August 25, 2007 at the Econolodge. Ms. Carter also attended the August 16 Quest Cybercenter tour and the August 18, 2007 car show at the Tukwila Trading Company. There were 22 cars in the show as well as over 100 people in attendance at the event. Councilmember Haggerton participated in an August 15, 2007 conference call regarding the Information Technology Conference (ITC) Steering Committee's work on a National Broadband Policy. The policy will be brought to the full ITC Committee in September 2007 and then to the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference in November 2007 for approval. He also attended the August 16 Quest Cybercenter tour and the Duwamish River celebration at Southpark. Mr. Haggerton also provided an overview of the business at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting held this evening. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the Sister Cities barbecue on August 23, 2007. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes Auaust 20. 2007 ADJOURNMENT 8:19 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Steven M. Mullet, Mayor l 1 1,x '��1�� Christy O Flaherty, futy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 9/4/2007