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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-22 Regular MinutesCITY OFFICIALS TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL January 22, 2008 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall REGULAR MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Jim Haggerton called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:03 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: Council President Joe Duffie, Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn. Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133rd Street, referenced "newsletters" received from Councilmember Robertson (regarding the Tukwila South project). She indicated she would also like to hear viewpoints from the "Segales." Mayor Haggerton conveyed that a meeting is planned in early February on this issue, and additional information may be forthcoming after that has occurred. Patrick Howell, 5303 South 144th Street, referenced an incident involving the Tukwila Police Department. In his view, a crime had been committed in his neighborhood involving theft and drugs and an unattended child. He feels the matter was handled with incorrect procedures and negligence, and that they "made up laws that don't exist." Mr. Howell indicated he has spoken with the Chief of Police on this matter and left a message for the Mayor with his secretary that has not been returned. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated she has repeatedly called the phone number provided to City Administration and did not get a phone message. Mr. Howell relayed he has a recording system on his phone. Mayor Haggerton thanked Mr. Howell for his concern and indicated City staff would be getting in touch with him regarding this matter. Richard Weikum, 12211 48th Avenue South, relayed support for his friend of 30 years (Mr. Howell). Mr. Weikum referenced two issues involving (1) a 911 dispatcher and (2) the Tukwila Police Department that he felt were handled incorrectly. In the case of the 911 dispatcher, he relayed that he was asked if he wanted someone to be "sent out" in an instance where he felt a neighbor had tried to "run him down" with a vehicle. The instance with the Tukwila Police Department involved "lack of back -up" in regard to a burglar alarm at his rental home. From his standpoint, these incidents were handled incorrectly. Mayor Haggerton thanked Mr. Weikum for his comments. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes January 22. 2008 CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 1/7/08 (Regular); 1/10/08 (Special) b. Approval of Vouchers #336519- 336784 in the total amount of $1,076,056.43 2007 Vouchers #336533- #336784 for $983,903.05 2008 Vouchers #336519- #336532 for $92,153.38 c. Accept as complete the South 144th Street Improvement Project with Rodarte Construction, Inc. (Contract #05 -057); authorize release of retainage, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $2,069,645.79). MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. NEW BUSINESS a. Formalization of local and regional committee assignments. Due to requirements by King County, it is necessary to follow a formal nomination process to appoint a City Council representative to the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd). At the January 8 and January 15, 2008 Council meetings, the representative position was discussed. Councilmember Robertson expressed interest in serving on this Board. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY LINDER TO NOMINATE AND APPOINT COUNCILMEMBER DENNIS ROBERTSON TO THE SOUTH COUNTY AREA TRANSPORTATION BOARD (SCATBd). MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO APPOINT JIM MORROW, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, AS THE ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTH COUNTY AREA TRANSPORTATION BOARD (SCATBd). MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. The Councilmembers offered information on the various regional committees they each participate in, and it was determined no other formal appointment processes were required by the Council at this time. b. 2008 legislative priorities. Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, provided a synopsis of this issue. The State Legislature has just started a short 60 -day session. The short session, coupled with an attempt to save money in the budget, has resulted in low expectations for significant budget changes as well as new legislation proposals. In consideration of these factors, it is being suggested the City continue working with the priorities set in the 2007 legislative agenda passed by the Council last year through Resolution #1623. There are three new initiatives that the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has determined to be of priority as well that can also be included. The list is as follows: LEOFF I Medical and Long -Term Care Costs SUPPORT Property Tax SUPPORT Infrastructure Funding: Increase Existing Grant and Loan Programs SUPPORT Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) and Job Development Fund SUPPORT Annexation and City /County Governance Transition (new priority for 2008) SUPPORT Gang Task Force Recommendations (new priority for 2008) SUPPORT Taping of Executive Sessions (new priority for 2008) OPPOSE The Councilmembers exchanged comments regarding the above bills and agreed they would be put forward as the Tukwila City Council 2008 legislative priority list. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, offered information regarding a new bill that was introduced today regarding county or city -owned bridges. House Bill 2969 would mandate that if a county or city -owned bridge has a Sufficiency Rating of below 10, the owner (within 6 months from the date of the most recent inspection) shall begin to repair, rehabilitate, or replace the subject bridge. There would also be a City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes January 22. 2008 requirement that 50% of the cost be set aside in a dedicated account. An exemption to this legislation would be if an Interlocal Agreement establishes different criteria. There are two bridges in the City that would be affected by this legislation. The South Park Bridge (with a cost estimate of $100 million) is being worked on by King County. The City of Tukwila does have an Interlocal Agreement with King County regarding this bridge that indicates the County will accept ownership responsibilities. The City Attorney is reviewing the effect of this proposed legislation as it relates to the agreement. The other affected structure is the Boeing Access Road Bridge with a cost estimate of $14.5 million. The City does not currently have funding to set aside 50% of the cost of bridge repair /replacement in a dedicated account. Mr. Morrow provided an overview of the Sufficiency Rating process at the request of Councilmember Griffin. Washington State law requires that each of Tukwila's 23 bridges be inspected every other year. The City hires a structural engineering firm, and an evaluation is conducted through utilization of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Bridge Design Manual. A rating is then assigned based on conditions including the life span of the bridge and necessary repair work. A rating of 10 is considered a "low" rating. The City staff will continue to monitor the progress of this bill. c. Formation of a Public Facilities District (PFD) for operation of Fort Dent Park. A Public Facilities District (PFD) can be established by cities for the purpose of developing certain regional facilities, such as convention or special events centers. They are able to acquire, construct, own, finance, and operate one or more regional centers. As a separate legal entity, the PFD can sue and be sued, hire staff, and operate independently from the City, and is run by an independent board. The City has been asked to pursue a change in state law to provide for creation of a PFD for the operation of Fort Dent Park (Starfire Sports Complex). Council direction is requested as to whether or not there is interest in pursuing a change to the state law during this legislative session. Pursuing this issue during a legislative session in the future may not be possible as the State is closing the door on these types of requests due to the monetary impacts. A decision as to the formation of a PFD could then be made by the Council if the law is changed to the City's satisfaction. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on January 14, 2008. The Committee members made no recommendation and forwarded this item to the full Council for consideration. The Councilmembers engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the pros and cons of pursuing a change in state law to facilitate formation of a PFD, as well as matters directly related to creating the District and potential issues that could occur thereafter. The following comments were conveyed by the Councilmembers: Potential for confusion by requesting a change in the state law and then deciding not to pursue a PFD. The need to know exactly what would happen to the existing contract the City has with Starfire Sports Complex if a PFD was formed. The desire to have a great deal of opportunity for public comment and input regarding this issue. Further clarification is needed regarding the non -voted sales tax, parking tax, admissions tax, and any impacts to Tukwila's Lodging Tax. Concern regarding the need to complete the large projects currently underway in the City (Tukwila Village, Tukwila South issues, Klickitat Bridge, a Local Improvement District (LID), Urban Center Plan, and Shoreline Management) before taking on something with a great many complexities that will be staff intensive. Recognition that this may be the last legislative session where this matter could be considered, and an understanding that a PFD could be utilized for a facility other than Fort Dent Park. Acknowledgement of the benefits, advantages, and value Starfire Sports has brought to the community and the entire region. Lack of clarity as to the exact benefits of the PFD to the City. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes January 22. 2008 The importance of recognizing the historic value of this particular area of Tukwila. An unwillingness to agree to the PFD unless assurances are in place that would not allow the land to be sold. Further clarification as to the make -up of the "Board" and whether a City Councilmember could be a part of that body. An awareness that pursuing a change in the state law that would allow Tukwila to form a PFD does not "lock the City" into that course of action. The Tukwila City Council has the final decision making role in whether a PFD is created even if the law is changed, and it does not have to be done immediately (typically within 2 years). Jenny McCoy, 14202 56th Avenue South, presented a letter referencing the historic significance of Fort Dent Park to the City of Tukwila. Fort Dent Park was once a winter village for the Duwamish Indian Tribe. Ms. McCoy urged great care and caution in the disposition of Fort Dent Park, noting irony that the City might be willing to consider relinquishing the site during the Centennial year. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; and Jamie Durkan, lobbyist for the City offered clarification on questions and issues regarding Public Facilities Districts to include: If a PFD was formed, an enabling ordinance would be created that would "spell out" the details regarding the transaction. It could be as simple or as complex as needed to meet the desires of the City. The purpose of a PFD with regard to Starfire Sports would be to aid in accomplishing the enhanced vision of the establishment. The City is not receiving an admissions tax from Starfire Sports as this facility is not currently eligible for that tax. The PFD would not have the authority to levy admission or parking taxes on any other facilities in the City. There are currently 24 cities that have the authority to create a PFD; Auburn is requesting the law be changed, and Federal Way is asking for a 2 -year extension. There are environmental processes in place that would preserve artifacts on the property. Through the process of creating the PFD, the City could work toward retaining ownership of the property. It is possible for Starfire Sports to be requested to proceed with lobbying the legislature on this issue. Jamie Durkan, City lobbyist, indicated there is an expectation that Senator Prentice would sponsor this legislation, and there would be no negative reflection on Tukwila if the City chose not to proceed with the PFD. Another option is to request capital contributions from federal, state and local governments to help retire construction costs (of Starfire) to use the revenue stream to construct new buildings and provide additional services of value to youth in the community. MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO INSTRUCT JAMIE DURKAN (CITY LOBBYIST) TO PROCEED ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND STARFIRE SPORTS TO CHANGE THE CURRENT LAW WITH REGARD TO CREATION OF A PFD (GIVING THE CITY A COUPLE OF YEARS TO WORK ON THIS ISSUE).* Councilmember Robertson, speaking against the motion, conveyed his concern regarding the complexities surrounding this issue and the amount of staff time involved. He indicated he would make a motion requesting administration work toward acquiring capital funding for Starfire Sports Complex. Council President Duffie, speaking against the motion, relayed the need for the City to finish those projects currently underway and not to continue to overfill "our plate." *MOTION CARRIED 5 -2 WITH DUFFIE AND ROBERTSON VOTING NO. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO WORK WITH JAMIE DURKAN (CITY LOBBYIST) TO PREPARE A REQUEST TO THE LEGISLATURE FOR $5 MILLION IN CAPITAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT STARFIRE SPORTS COMPLEX. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2008 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton reported on a meeting with Sound Transit. Favorable bids have been received on the Southcenter Boulevard project, and construction should begin in the middle of February. The Mayor attended the January 16, 2008 Suburban Cities PIC meeting, where the issue of liability insurance for volunteers assisting in disaster situations was discussed. Issues arise when people step forward to assist in emergencies and can be sued if problems arise from their intervention. The matter is being forwarded on for possible legislation. On January 17, 2008 Mayor Haggerton attended the Enterprise Seattle Economic Forecast meeting. It was reported by economists that employment is strong in our area and only a minor recession, if any, is expected. b. Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the January 16, 2008 South King County Cultural Coalition meeting, and staff from Puget Sound Access Channel 77 provided a tour of their facility. On January 17, 2008 she attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting. Tawny Davis was in attendance at the meeting and brought a video showing the move of the "old Weitzel House" from South 180th Street in Tukwila to the Seward Park area of Seattle. The Mayor and Council are invited to an open house event (date to be determined) for the Riverton Terrace facility on South 144th Street that houses seniors and disabled individuals. Councilmember Linder provided a report on the January 19, 2008 Somali community meeting. She presented the handouts that were distributed at the meeting. She felt the meeting was very successful and provided a good overview of the Somali community. They had provided a list of questions that would require input from City staff. Some of the information conveyed appears to have inaccuracies that could be clarified by the staff. She suggested a letter be drafted and sent by the Council President regarding these issues and thanking the Somali community members for their input. Councilmember Robertson suggested the issue of interactions with the Somali community and appropriate processes and responses be discussed at the upcoming Council Retreat. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated that perhaps the discussion could be broadened to include response methods to resident or community groups in general. Councilmember Griffin expressed support for this meeting occurring in the community. She was unaware of how individual Councilmembers became involved in the meeting and asked for clarification. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the Council Committee process is adhered to on City business matters. Council President Duffle also attended the January 19, 2008 Somali community meeting. He has met with members of the community in the past, and prior to this meeting he received input from the City Administrator and City Attorney. He indicated he will keep the full Council informed as other meetings occur in the community. Councilmember Robertson attended the January 16, 2008 South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting. He also attended the January 19, 2008 Somali community meeting. His original interactions with members of the Somali community was as an individual Councilmember meeting with a very small group (as has been the case with other citizen interactions). He stressed the importance of helping members of the Somali community work within the standard City processes regarding issues of concern. He would like to discuss this issue at the upcoming Council Retreat. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated staff members in the Police Department and Human Services Office have been working to develop relationships with the Somali community. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes January 22. 2008 Councilmember Griffin would like the Council to consider the possibility of having a student representative to the City Council. She is reviewing policies that would provide guidance over the program, and she would like to bring the issue forward to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. Councilmember Hougardy attended the January 21, 2008 Tukwila Historical Society sub committee meeting. A tour of historic homes in the area is scheduled for August 23, 2008 as a sanctioned Tukwila Centennial event. They are hoping to have 20 homes involved in the event for both inside and outside tours. Ms. Hougardy will be attending the Association of Washington Cities dinner on January 23, 2008 and the Newly Elected Officials workshop on January 26, 2008. Councilmember Quinn was a speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr event. He has been involved in the past and was proud to be present as an elected official this year. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of their retreat on February 22 24, 2008. MISCELLANEOUS Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, conveyed concern regarding use of the word "minority" and would like to see the word taken out of commission. ADJOURNMENT 9:53 pm. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. 9I" W Ji Hagge2 Mayor Christy O'Flaher> i, Deputy City Clerk■j APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 2/4/2008