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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 10, 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 Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Dennis Robertson. Councilmember Joe Duffie was not in attendance. ATTENDANCE Steven Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Frank Iriarte, Public Works Deputy Director; Pat Brodin, Maintenance and Operations Manager; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; David Haynes, Police Chief; Jack Pace, Acting Community Development Director; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION a. Introduction of new employees: Susan Brock, Administrative Support Technician, Public Works Dept. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, relayed that Susan Brock, Administrative Support Technician, is the newest member of the Public Works Department. Susan had been a staff member in Tukwila's Department of Community Development and has been with the City for 6 1/2 years. Susan was unable to attend the meeting this evening due to a last minute emergency. Mr. Morrow indicated she is a welcome addition to the Public Works team. Melissa Hart, Fiscal Technician, Finance Dept. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, introduced Melissa Hart, Fiscal Technician in the Finance Department. Melissa has had prior municipal experience in the areas of business licensing, auditing, and tax data. She has also lived in Tukwila for the past 27 years and is a graduate of Foster High School. Ms. Hart indicated she feels the City is an "excellent place to be." The Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Hart to the City of Tukwila. b. Mid -year budget review Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director Kevin Fuhrer, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to illustrate the steps involved in the 2008 budget process. Key elements of the presentation included: Review Process Analyze each line item account by fund for reasonableness through July 31, 2007 Maintain conservative estimation of revenues and expenditures Background Information Source: Attachment A of the 2006 -2007 6 -Year Financial Planning Model Projected an increase in General Revenues of $1,468,000 or 3.4% growth Projected an increase in Operations and Maintenance Expenditures of $3,109,000 or 7.8% City of Tukwila Page 2 of 8 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 10. 2007 2007 Beginning Fund Balance Aggregation of the excess of revenues over expenditures throughout time Actual balances were generally greater than budgeted fund balances The 2006 actual carryover is $3,178,000, greater than the amount estimated in Attachment A of the Financial Planning Model Cautions include: Remembering the equation of fund balance primarily with respect to capital projects; if some are not underway or as advanced as originally projected, fund balance will be impacted; the Planning Model does provide compensation. 2007 Budgeted Revenues At the mid point, the City is on track to meet budgeted revenue projections by way of sales tax, permits, and capital projects 2007 Budgeted Expenditures At the mid point, the City is on track with budgeted expenditures by way of capital projects, legal services, emergency management preparedness 2008 Budget Process: Staff has met with the administration and financial data is being summarized and put into a user friendly form. The budget message this year is "sustainability." Considerations involve salaries, benefits, generators (for emergency preparedness), and the Centennial celebration. Closing Comments Ongoing monthly analysis and projection development will occur through 2007 Budget amendment, if necessary, in the latter part of November or early part of December 2007 The Councilmembers asked questions of Mr. Fuhrer regarding the presentation and upcoming budget process. Mayor Mullet encouraged the Councilmembers to provide any suggested budget initiatives to him as soon as possible. CITIZEN COMMENT Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, expressed concern about on -going issues regarding Wells Trucking Company near 128th Avenue South and East Marginal Way. He indicated that semi trucks park on both sides of the street, often blocking neighborhood traffic. There are occasions when trucks are left unoccupied in the middle of the street. From his standpoint, the trucks speed in the neighborhood, honk their horns, and provide a safety issue for pedestrians and other vehicles. He inquired if anything could be done about this issue, to include the possibility of a change in zoning. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained the City is aware of issues with the trucking company and has been addressing various concerns over the years. This company has been in business for several years and is grandfathered into this area of the City with regard to zoning. Police and Code Enforcement continue to handle matters in this area. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Consultant contract for Shoreline Master Program update Councilmember Robertson (reporting for Councilmember Linder as she was unable to attend the Committee meeting) indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on August 28, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign a new consultant contract with ESA Adolfson to continue their work on updating the Shoreline Master Program. The City has received an additional $38,000 in grant funds from the Department of Ecology (in addition to the $65,000 originally awarded in 2005) to complete the update of the Program. The majority of these funds, in the amount of $35,000, will be used to reimburse the consultant for their work. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 8 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 10. 2007 b. Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezone request from Sabey Corporation Councilmember Robertson (reporting for Councilmember Linder as she was unable to attend the Committee meeting) indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on August 28, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Sabey Corporation has submitted an application for a Comprehensive Plan map change and rezone from Manufacturing /Industrial Center Heavy (MIC -H) to Light Industrial (LI) for 36.5 acres, located south of Boeing Field at the Associated Grocers site. The applicant wants this to be considered an emergency and reviewed in 2007 with the current applications, rather than waiting until 2008. At this time, the Council is being asked to: (1) Consider the matter an emergency; (2) Forward the issue to the Planning Commission for review. A public meeting will be conducted at the September 17, 2007 Regular Meeting. Councilmember Carter referenced a document on page 59 of the Council packet regarding grants; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, indicated it was included by mistake and will be removed from the documentation. Ms. Fox also requested that Council bring their September 10 agenda packets with them to the September 17, 2007 meeting to avoid the need for duplicating the materials. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. City Government Channel Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on September 5, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. In 2006 the City Council approved a pass- through amount of $.25 per Comcast Cable subscriber (approximately 4,361 subscribers) per month to cover capital costs for a City Government Channel. Comcast has completed the installation and testing of head -end cablecast equipment. The final phase of the City Channel project is the procurement and installation of digital broadcast equipment. As part of the procurement process, several vendors were contacted. Four criteria were used by which to evaluate the proposals: 1. The equipment had to be digital and easy to maintain and operate. 2. The vendor had to have been in business for several years. 3. The system needed to be integrated and easy to operate and maintain without high costs; and that with minimal training, one person could operate the equipment. 4. The vendor that provided the equipment had to offer services that separate them from their competitors. With the exception of TelVue Virtual Television Networks (TVTN), none of the vendors offered a complete, integrated TV system. Given TVTN's unique state -of- the -art digital broadcast solutions, staff is recommending purchase of capital equipment and services from TVTN. TVTN provided quotes for three different packages as follows: Capital Cost Pass through Cost Franchise Extension Operations Maintenance* *0 M paid out of general funds OPTION 1 1 OPTION 2 $48,293 1 $24,540 $.24 /month 1 $.20 /month 30 months 1 12 months $448.50 /month 1 $191.00 /month OPTION 3 $11,974 $.17 /month N/A $83.73 /month Option 1 is considered the premium version and provides a full range of digital multimedia broadcast solutions including 24/7 remote operations, web channel monitoring, and managed services. Option 2 provides all the equipment needed to run a cable TV channel on a smaller scale. Option 3 provides all the same equipment, software and services as Option 1 at a reduced cost due to a Sponsorship Program. In consideration for the price reduction, the City must agree to the terms and conditions of the Sponsorship Program. This option offers the best value for the City. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 8 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Seotember 10. 2007 TVTN will seek the 5 sponsors that will have 15- second spots in an hour's worth of programming. TVTN will seek parties which meet community standards and satisfy the cable company's non commercial nature of the channel. In order to meet the requirements, TVTN sets guidelines similar to those followed by non commercial broadcast stations (regulated by the FCC). The Council is being asked to approve a sole source resolution to acquire the equipment and choose one of the 3 options listed above. The Councilmembers discussed this issue and offered comments to include some concern for the overall benefit of the system; potential impacts to the staff in terms of time spent on updating the information; the concept that this project should fall under the Information Technology Division; misgivings about the sponsorship component of the project; and support for another means of providing information to the public. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150th Street, expressed support for another means of providing information to the public and is not concerned about the sponsorship element of the system. He also indicated he would like to see the Council meetings broadcast on the channel and the program handled by the IT Division. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Water use efficiency goals resolution Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at Utilities Committee meetings on August 21, 2007 and September 5, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, was directed by the Washington State Legislature to adopt a water use efficiency rule under House Bill 1338. Local agencies must adopt conservation goals setting water use efficiency measures in a public forum. Tukwila already performs these conservation goals, but the law now requires the City to report the conservation use efficiency goals to the Washington State Department of Health. The most recognizable programs are under the Washwise program for rebates on high efficiency washers and toilets. Tukwila also participates in the regional educational programs such as bus and theater ads, as well as the "Watering Smart" brochures. The Council is being asked to adopt a resolution establishing water use efficiency goals and identifying proposed water use efficiency measures to be implemented. Councilmember Carter referenced the 4th Whereas clause in the resolution and inquired about the method of public notice. Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk, indicated a public hearing is not required on this issue, and the resolution will be amended to remove the reference to public notice. The water use efficiency goals must be adopted in a public forum (Council Meeting) and citizen comments will be accepted. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Expenditure of funds for Regional Fire Authority Study and consideration of consultant contract and interlocal agreement Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on September 4, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The cities of SeaTac and Tukwila have had a series of meetings to discuss the possibility of providing fire services jointly. Staff from both cities have met with representatives from Emergency Services Consulting, Inc., the company that worked with the cities of Auburn, Algona, and Pacific to form their Regional Fire Authority. The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of SeaTac that includes moving forward with a cooperative fire services study to be conducted by Emergency Services Consulting, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $40,000. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained this expenditure will result in a master plan for the Fire Department. Actual implementation of a Regional Fire Authority would have to be approved by voters in both the cities of SeaTac and Tukwila. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 8 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Seotember 10. 2007 Councilmember Carter referenced the interlocal agreement and suggested the following modifications: Eliminate the word "common" in the 2nd Whereas clause on page 124 Determine whether item 3c is necessary on page 124 Use Roman numerals under sub sections that start with a capital letter (as opposed to lowercase letters) at the bottom of page 124 Specify the quantity needed of the reports noted on page 140 Councilmember Carter inquired if the City Attorney has looked at the agreement. Ms. Berry indicated the City Attorney has reviewed the documents, and the suggested changes will be incorporated into the agreement. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Expenditure of funds for South County Jail Study Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on September 4, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Staff members from cities in suburban King County have held a series of meetings to discuss solutions to the problem of decreasing availability of inmate beds in the King County jail. South County cities recognized their needs were somewhat different than those of eastside and north end cities and formed a separate group for evaluation purposes. The member cities of Des Moines, Federal Way, Renton and Tukwila have formed a group known as the South Corrections Entity (SCORE). SCORE is based on the Valley Communications (Valley Com) model. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was published in June, and responses were received from 4 consultants. Upon evaluation it was determined the DLR Group provided a superior response. The SCORE group reviewed the proposal and was able to trim down the initial $351,000 proposed cost to $161,000 to evaluate a 500 -bed facility. Cost allocation for each city has yet to be determined and will most likely result in a pro -rata share based on average daily inmate population. Tukwila's share for the study ranges from $34,000 $41,000, and Council is being asked to authorize an expenditure of $45,000 to cover any unforeseen expenses. While Tukwila's share of construction costs for a new jail could be $6 -8 million, this phase of the effort is just to perform a study of the situation. Councilmember Carter referenced the informational memorandum in the packet and asked for clarification as to "differing needs" with regard to a jail facility. David Haynes, Police Chief, indicated that Tukwila prisoners often have medical needs that require additional resources. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Use of Police Department Seizure Funds for vehicle purchase Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on September 4, 2007. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Chief of Police is requesting approval of an expenditure of approximately $50,000 from Police Department seizure funds for a joint purchase with the Valley Special Response Team (VSRT) for a Lenco BearCat Armored Vehicle. The Valley Special Response Team agencies of Tukwila, Renton, Auburn, Port of Seattle, Federal Way, and Kent use armored vehicles to provide transportation and ballistic protection on barricaded subjects, warrant services, and hostage situations. The vehicles transport VSRT members and negotiators into the perimeter of the crisis site, are used for conducting evacuations, and can perform downed person rescues while affording ballistic protection. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 8 :56 pm Council President Griffin declared a 10- minute recess. 9 :07 pm Council President Griffin called the meeting back to order. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 8 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 10. 2007 h. Tukwila Village —Draft Vision Statement Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to convey the Tukwila Village Draft Vision Statement and next steps in the process. The recommended vision is as follows: Tukwila Village will be a welcoming place where all residents can gather and connect with each other. This mixed -use development will draw upon Tukwila's strengths and include a library, a neighborhood police resource center, retail, restaurants, public meeting space, and an outdoor plaza. The Village may also include office, live /work, and residential space. This active, vibrant place will set high standards for quality and foster additional neighborhood revitalization and civic pride. Mr. Speck outlined the steps in the process and possible timelines as follows: 1. Council approves vision and direction (tentatively scheduled for 9/17/07). 2. Administration coordinates developer selection process (RFQ /RFP) and briefs Council on progress. 3. Council approves selection of a developer (early 2008). 4. Council approves development agreement (mid to late 2008). Councilmember Hernandez expressed support for the recommended vision statement. She also indicated it would be beneficial if a future Request for Proposals (RFP) could give a higher rating toward homeownership. Councilmember Carter relayed the statement acknowledges past discussions on the subject and is well worded. Councilmember Haggerton relayed that in the past, a stumbling block has been the housing component be it rentals or condominiums. He indicated he would like flexibility in this area to prevent this issue from impeding the project from moving forward. He also commented this vision statement is superior to the one composed in 2001. Councilmember Linder commented this vision statement captures what the citizens have requested and is broad enough to be effective. Councilmember Robertson conveyed he does not necessarily feel a vision statement is needed on this issue. He offered the following changes: Removing the word "all" in the first line as he believes it is implied that everyone is welcome Removing the word "retail" as, in his view, there had been no definite agreement about that component Possible elimination of the word "office" since studies have shown that office use is not a high seller at this time -With regard to the "residential space" phrase, he would agree to a statement that says condos, but does not want apartments as part of the project. He cannot support the vision statement with the phrase "residential space" as it provides an opportunity for the inclusion of apartments. Councilmember Robertson also related comments from Councilmember Duffie who could not be in attendance this evening. Councilmember Duffie feels the City should be working on the budget at this time. He does not want additional City money going into the project, to include the potential of selling the land below market value. Council President Griffin expressed support for the recommended vision statement as it is currently worded. It does not lock the City into anything and is broad enough to garner proposals. Councilmember Robertson relayed he could not support the recommended vision statement as it is currently written. Council President Griffin referenced a letter submitted via email from Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122nd Street, conveying support for moving forward with the Tukwila Village project. Bill Ptacek, King County Library System, expressed support for the Tukwila Village project and conveyed the intent of the Library System to house their facility in the complex. He stated the citizens of Tukwila City of Tukwila Page 7 of 8 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Seotember 10. 2007 voted in 2004 to have expanded library service, and continued delays and the increasing cost of construction could cause the Library System to look for other potential locations. Councilmember Hernandez inquired how much space the library would need for the facility. Mr. Ptacek said approximately 8,000 to 10,000 square feet. She also asked if they would prefer to lease or own the property. Mr. Ptacek indicated they are flexible, and at this time their preference would be to do a long- term lease and tenant improvements. This may be a motivator for developers and for others to get involved in the project. Councilmember Hernandez also inquired if the Library System has a preference for the north side or the south side of South 144th Street. Mr. Ptacek indicated they have been focusing on the north side of the parcel, but are flexible. They have found that having a connection to residential seems to make a stronger development. The information they receive from developers regarding other library facilities being constructed in King County has conveyed that a connection to a residential component makes for a stronger project. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Avenue South, does not want to see apartments as part of the Tukwila Village project. From his standpoint, people will move into condominiums and it is important that businesses be of a quality nature. He hopes the project will keep moving forward. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150th Street, likes the recommended vision as it is currently written and does prefer use of the word "all." He also supports use of the word "residential" and while he does understand the preference toward owner occupied housing, it is important to be open to all avenues of development before making a decision. Marie Parrish, 4430 South 150th Street, expressed support for the recommended vision. She is pleased with the words "active" and "vibrant" as they are welcoming and convey energy. Betty Gully, 13017 Macadam Road South, encouraged the Council to think past the development that currently exists on Tukwila International Boulevard. When apartments are thought of in context with "the Highway," it seems an unpleasant concept. In other areas of King Counties there are very pleasant and attractive developments that encompass apartments. With the right amenities, a development with apartments could be both attractive and provide a desirable housing option. Barbara Bader, 13660 Military Road South, commented that weight should be given to home ownership housing in the Request for Proposals. De Sean Quinn, 4636 South 150th Street, related support for the recommended vision statement and to the Tukwila Village project as a mixed -use residential development. He also indicated there are high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in this area, and creating walkable communities would be beneficial. He commented that young professionals often live in apartments as it is expensive to purchase a home. With a library and other amenities in the area, people will be encouraged to take care of their residences. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160th Street, thanked Derek Speck for his work on the vision statement as it encompasses both the needs of the Council and the citizens. Ms. Mann likes the idea of owner occupied housing and indicated perhaps incentives could be given to builders regarding this issue. If developers build affordable homes, there is special financing available that could help people purchase houses. Kathy Hougardy, 14950 57th Avenue South, indicated if the residential component of the project was handled in a phased approach, it may be advantageous and pose less of a risk. Allan Ekberg, 4920 South161st, conveyed the need to factor senior housing into the project when providing information to potential developers. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING, WITH NO WORDING CHANGES TO THE RECOMMENDED VISION STATEMENT. City of Tukwila Page 8 of 8 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 10, 2007 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported that on September 14, 2007, the movie, Charlotte's Web, will be shown at dark at the Community Center, and the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic will also be held the same day. He will be attending a Suburban Cities PIC meeting this coming week where the Flood Control Advisory Committee report will be discussed. The Mayor will also be in Spokane on September 15, 2007 as part of the Building Code Council. b. Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the September 5, 2007 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting and the September 6, 2007 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. The commission has decided to amend the Equity and Diversity Commission ordinance to include a reference allowing the Mayor to remove an inactive member. The commission will also add a new goal in 2008 regarding implementing the National Inclusive Communities platform. Councilmember Carter attended the Regional Transit Committee meeting where the decision was made to review sub -area boundaries. She also attended the Transportation Committee meeting this evening. Councilmember Haggerton attended the Information Technology and Communications (ITC) conference in Lenexa, Kansas this past week. A National Broadband Deployment strategy has been developed that will be presented at the National League of Cities (NLC) conference. Mr. Haggerton had an opportunity to tour multiple telecommunications companies while at the conference. Council President Griffin attended the September 6, 2007 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting and made hamburgers at the Foster High School football game. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported the Tukwila Employee Wellness Fair will be held at the Tukwila Community Center on September 13, 2007 from 11:00 am -1:30 pm. The theme this year is "Balance your Life." On September 15, 2007 the September Teen Fest will take place at the Community Center and the Huskies Smiles Dentistry van will be on -site. The Tukwila Tickers team will be participating in the Heart Walk in October, and the Council Analyst can be contacted for further information. The opening of Famous Dave's Barbecue restaurant has been rescheduled to September 24, 2007. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. ADJOURNMENT 10:12 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GRIFFIN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING AQJOORNED. i 1 Vetha'Griffin'ouncil Presider •\,.t Christy O'Flaherfy, Deputy City Clerk