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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL January 14, 2008 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Joe Duffie called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joe Duffie, Council President; Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and Councilmember -Elect De'Sean Quinn. ATTENDANCE Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Oath of Office administered to newly- appointed Councilmember De'Sean Quinn, with term ending December 31, 2009 by Mayor Haggerton. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember De'Sean Quinn (Position #7). 7:07 p.m. Council President Duffie declared a brief recess to congratulate Councilmember Quinn. 7:17 p.m. Council President Duffie reconvened the Committee of the Whole meeting. Council President Duffie recognized his former Chaplain, Jim Stanford, from the 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry in Kent, as being in the audience this evening. Introduction of Hillman Mitchell, Emergency Management Coordinator, Public Works Department. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, introduced Hillman Mitchell, Emergency Management Coordinator, in the Public Works Department. Mr. Mitchell was previously employed by the American Red Cross as a government liaison. He has vast experience working with governmental agencies, as well as community organizations in both emergency preparedness and disaster response. Mr. Mitchell has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Science and Computer Systems from Oklahoma State University. The Councilmembers welcomed Mr. Mitchell to the City of Tukwila. Equity and Diversity Commission 2008 Goals and Activities Emma Mercado, Chairperson. Emma Mercado, Chairperson of the Equity and Diversity Commission gave an overview of the commission as well as information regarding 2008 goals and activities. Key points of the presentation included: History The Equity and Diversity Commission began as a joint partnership between the City of Tukwila and the Tukwila School District. The commission was created by a resolution in 1996 and was formalized by ordinance in1998. The work of the commission has been recognized by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and the National League of Cities (NLC). City of Tukwila Page 2 of 4 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 14. 2008 Accomplishments Provision of transportation for students to Tukwila Days celebration; co- sponsored speaking engagements with Tukwila Children's Foundation; sponsored citizenship classes for Tukwila residents; creation of the City of Tukwila Community Access Guide. 2008 Goals Assist residents to overcome language barriers by helping them gain access to information and resources in the community; link agencies and residents to interpreters and translators to assure our City is an inclusive community; support Foster High School's Multicultural Action Committee; support and implement the goals of the NLC Inclusive Community Platform. Recent Activities and Upcoming Plans Sponsored a welcome sign (in multiple languages) for display at Foster High School; support for the Latino Action Force and Latino Parent Night; Emergency Preparedness Guide offered in English and Spanish; working toward coordination of a performance by Pat Wright. Ms. Mercado provided a copy of the book, "Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands," to each of the City Councilmembers. The book is in recognition of one of the 2008 Council goals to "Seek out opportunities for Councilmembers to further their knowledge, experience and awareness of the different cultures represented within the Tukwila community." The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Mercado for the presentation and work in the community. CITIZEN COMMENT Kathleen Crabtree, 115 Wells Avenue North, Renton, stated she works and owns property in Tukwila. Ms. Crabtree represents the City of Tukwila at the King County International Airport Roundtable meetings. She will return in the future to give a presentation on recent events at the airport. She conveyed that the airport will be having its 80th anniversary in 2008. With the Tukwila Centennial celebration occurring in 2008 as well, perhaps some of the events for the two agencies could be coordinated. Council President Duffie asked any members of City staff in the audience to please stand and be recognized for their contribution to the City. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton thanked all those who participated in the kick -off event for the Centennial Celebration on January 8, 2008. He indicated the event has brought about contact from former citizens and relatives of those involved in the history of Tukwila regarding their experiences with the City. The Mayor attended the Cascade Water Alliance Board meeting on January 11, 2008. The City will be asked to review and consider documentation regarding Puget Sound Energy. Mayor Haggerton also participated in the Valley Cities meeting in Puyallup on January 11. At the meeting, he extended his support to a proposal that will connect the Interurban Trail with Pierce County trails at no cost to Tukwila. A Sound Transit Board Member was also in attendance at this meeting, and the Mayor expressed the need for a permanent commuter rail station in Tukwila. Mayor Haggerton requested that committee assignments for local and regional committees be formalized. He conveyed that Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, is the alternative for the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd), which will meet on January 16, 2008. Councilmember Robertson expressed interest in serving on this board, and it was agreed the issue of committee assignments would go forward to the next Regular Meeting. b. Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the Centennial Celebration kick -off event on January 8, 2008. On January 9, 2008 she attended the Sister City Committee meeting regarding the next trip to Japan, scheduled for April 2008. She indicated the presentation made by Bev Willison from the Mayor's Office City of Tukwila Page 3 of 4 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 14, 2008 was very beneficial. Due to scheduling conflicts, Councilmember Hernandez will be unable to make the trip to Japan this year. On January 11, 2008 Ms. Hernandez also participated in the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce meeting. Councilmember Linder will be attending the Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee on January 16, 2008. Councilmember Robertson referenced Council Goal #4 to provide legislative support and encouragement to Tukwila residents living in rental communities through programs that hold owners and /or property managers accountable for providing safe places to live through the implementation of a rental licensing program. Mr. Robertson has spoken with the Community Development Director, who indicated the issue could be brought forward for discussion with the approval of the Council. Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, indicated that items to be discussed at the upcoming Council Retreat are being gathered at this time. If enough Councilmembers show interest in this (or any other) topic, a list will be created for prioritization by the Council President. Items discussed at the Council Retreat are "information only" and no votes are taken. Councilmember Griffin attended the Centennial Celebration event and the Suburban Cities Association Caucus. She expressed interest in being the alternate representative for the Cascade Water Alliance meetings. Councilmember Hougardy also attended the January 8 Centennial Celebration event, in addition to the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce meeting on January 11, 2008. Ms. Hougardy also participated in the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on January 8, 2008. An offer has been made by the Pacific Institute to train a Highway 99 Action Committee team in techniques to foster energy, creativity, motivation, personal accountability, positive change, goal setting, teamwork and cooperation. This training, which would typically cost thousands of dollars, is being offered at no charge to the team, and a 2 -day commitment is required. Councilmember Quinn conveyed it is a pleasure and a privilege to serve on the Council. Council President Duffie chose to hold his report until after "Miscellaneous" (below). c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, expressed appreciation for the positive comments regarding the Centennial Celebration kick -off event. She indicated the event's success was due to the collaborative efforts of the Tourism Office, Parks and Recreation, and various City departments and staff members. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the shortened legislative session this year 60 days. In 2007 discussions took place among the Councilmembers regarding this matter, and it was suggested there would be no new initiatives for 2008 due to the shortened session. Ms. Matej indicated that photos would be taken of the Councilmembers at the Council Meeting on January 22, 2008. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 4 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 14. 2008 MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Linder inquired about having information presented at the Council Retreat regarding LIDs. There is the potential for multiple situations this year that could involve the LID process, and it would be helpful for the Council to have facts regarding the issue. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, conveyed that while staff does not attend the Council Retreat, an information paper could be provided for discussion purposes. A presentation from staff could be conducted at a later date. Council President Duffie conducted a brief team building exercise with the 7 Councilmembers, Mayor, City Administrator, Council Analyst, and Deputy City Clerk. The symbolism behind the exercise emphasized that all decisions are made collectively and collaboratively by the City Council and not by any one individual. The Council President displayed a banner at the Council dais denoting "Together we Stand Divided we Fall." Mr. Duffie stressed the importance of group decisions being at the forefront of City business. ADJOURNMENT 8:11 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. baffle ouncil PrekInâś“ Christy O'Flalaeity, Deputy City Clerk