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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL January 28, 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 7:01 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Duffie asked any Tukwila staff members in the audience to stand and be recognized. OFFICIALS Present were Joe Duffie, Council President; Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn. ATTENDANCE Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism Manager; David Haynes, Police Chief; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Brandon Miles, Senior Planner; Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2007 Community Oriented Policing Citizens' Advisory Board (COPCAB) Awards to a City of Tukwila citizen and a Tukwila Police Department employee. Victoria Lindsey, COPCAB member, indicated the goal of this Board is to educate and empower the residential and business community members to assist in the reduction of crime in the City. Each year a Tukwila citizen and Police Department employee are honored by the COPCAB for their outstanding contributions to the community. The citizen being honored for 2007 is Mr. Joe Sabey. Mr. Sabey has contributed countless volunteer hours and worked tirelessly on the Highway 99 Action Committee. Mr. Sabey works in a "hands -on" fashion and pitches in regularly to pick up trash on the Highway. He was successful in encouraging Foster High School students to assist with cleanup on the Highway in exchange for sports related equipment. Ms. Lindsey presented Mr. Sabey with the COPCAB citizen's award for 2007. Ms. Lindsey then recognized Officer Ted Rutt as the Police Department recipient of the 2007 COPCAB employee award. Officer Ruffs devotion and commitment is known throughout the community. He has been a DARE officer for 16 years and a Special Olympics volunteer and is highly regarded in Tukwila. Ms. Lindsey presented Officer Rutt with the COPCAB employee award for 2007. The Mayor, Councilmembers, and audience extended their appreciation to Mr. Sabey and Officer Rutt. CITIZEN COMMENT Art Rosengren, 4022 South 150th Street, referenced the need for sidewalks on South 150th Street between Pacific Highway and 42nd Avenue South. A pedestrian was recently injured while walking in this area. Mr. Rosengren inquired as to the status of sidewalks being constructed in this area. Mayor Haggerton recognized the need for street improvements in this area of Tukwila, and the matter is being discussed at this time. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 28. 2008 Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained there is a lengthy list of issues regarding neighborhood street improvements that are being prioritized based on budgeted funds. He indicated he would review the list and get back to Mr. Rosengren within the week. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Discussion on technology options for the City Council. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on January 23, 2008. The committee members forwarded the issue to the full Council for discussion. It has been suggested that the Councilmembers consider technology options for their use with regard to the business of the City. The ability to access and use the City email system is a priority, as well as the need for document creation by some of the Councilmembers. The Committee discussed the use of blackberries and laptops for these sorts of applications. The agenda packet includes a cost estimate for 8 laptops and associated peripherals and software in the amount of $17,669.12. The Councilmembers discussed the issues associated with technology options and offered the following: Concern regarding the potential legal liabilities associated with the use of personal computers for City business; the desire to know what other cities are doing with regard to Council technology; the need by some Councilmembers for the ability to create and store documents; questions regarding a replacement policy if equipment is lost or stolen; concern regarding the cost of the equipment based on the benefits; and the suggestion that there are 3 laptops available for use by the Council at this time until a final decision is made. The Councilmembers determined further discussion on this issue is warranted at a future Committee of the Whole meeting. b. Interlocal Agreement for Minor Home Repair Program. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on January 14, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the cities of SeaTac and Des Moines to implement a Minor Home Repair program for low and moderate income residents. The City of Tukwila will serve as the fiscal agent on behalf of the three cities, and funding comes from federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, explained this is the second year of this program, and the cities were awarded more money than had been requested. In 2007, over 200 hours of repair services were offered to 25 extremely low- income homeowners in Tukwila.. The program assisted in keeping the homes in good condition and resolved health and safety hazards. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Interlocal Agreement to provide tourism and marketing services to the City of Kent. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on January 23, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Kent and Seattle Southside Visitor Services (SSVS). Tourism and marketing services will be offered by SSVS to increase awareness of Kent as a travel destination. The prior agreement with Kent expired on December 31, 2007, and it is time to renew the contract. This contract commences on January 1, 2008 and will renew for subsequent one -year terms unless otherwise terminated. Kent's payment to SSVS will be $120,000 per year. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 28. 2008 Katherine Kertzman, Tourism Manager, explained the City of Kent paid $100,000 per year during the term of the past 3 -year contract. The amount was raised to $120,000 this year due to an increase in operating expenses by SSVS. Any concerns or questions regarding the monetary contribution are typically addressed during the budget process. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. A resolution creating a Sign Code Advisory Committee. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on January 14, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The purpose of the Sign Code Advisory Committee is to begin the creation of the legislative record. It will also provide an opportunity for debate and issue resolution with affected parties prior to the creation of the draft code and the formal public review process. The Committee shall be comprised of two Councilmembers, to be determined by the Council President; one Planning Commissioner, to be determined by the Mayor; three citizens -at- large, to be determined by the Mayor; and two business representatives, to be determined by the Mayor. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. An ordinance adopting 2008 Standard Specifications. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 15, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Local agencies utilizing federal funds for transportation contracts must incorporate and adopt the 2008 Standard Specifications, as published by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington State Chapter of the American Public Works Association. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. An ordinance adopting WSDOT Access Permitting Standards for SR 181. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 15, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Current state law requires cities to be the permitting authority for state managed access highways within City boundaries. For Tukwila, this applies to SR -181 (West Valley Highway). This ordinance will adopt the WSDOT access permitting standards on state highways within the City of Tukwila limits. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Interurban Avenue Pavement Repair Bid Award. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 15, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The recent Fort Dent/Interurban Avenue South Sewer project left a very rough pavement surface. Six bids were received for this overlay project from the Small Works Roster. The low bid of $28,574.00 was from Lakeridge Paving Company. This company has completed several recent projects for the City, including the 2007 Overlay and Repair project and has performed successfully. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 28. 2008 h. An ordinance adopting by reference RCW 9.16.260, "Cyberstalking." Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on January 23, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The proposed ordinance adopts by reference RCW 9.61.260 regarding cyberstalking. Cyberstalking occurs when electronic communications such as email, text messaging, etc. are used to harass, intimidate, torment or embarrass others. The City's prosecutor has seen evidence of this crime in many police reports recently and would like the ability to prosecute this offense. This City must adopt this ordinance in order for that to occur. Councilmember Hernandez asked for additional information regarding charges, fines, and penalties. Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney, indicated he would look into the issue and provide further information. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. i. An ordinance adopting by reference RCW 9A.56.063, "Making or Possessing Motor Vehicle Theft Tools." Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on January 23, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The proposed ordinance adopts by reference RCW 9A.56.063 regarding the making or possessing of motor vehicle theft tools. Making or possessing these tools is a gross misdemeanor that can be prosecuted in the Tukwila Municipal Court. The City's prosecutor has requested the City adopt this ordinance. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. j. An ordinance amending TMC Chapter 7.04, regarding the appeal process of a dangerous or potentially- dangerous dog. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on January 23, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. At this time appeals regarding dangerous and potentially- dangerous dogs go before the King County Animal Control Authority Board of Appeals. The proposed ordinance would amend the Tukwila Municipal Code so that these types of appeals would go before the City's Hearing Examiner. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton reported that Senator Prentice has sponsored Senate Bill 6767 regarding the Public Facilities District for the City of Tukwila. The Mayor will testify at the hearing on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 1:30 pm. Copies of the full text of the bill will be made available to the Council. He referenced language in the proposal regarding "a City contained wholly in the County and has a total population of less than 19,900 but greater than 17,900 and commences construction on the expansion of an existing regional center prior to July 1, 2008." The date of July 1, 2008 would be problematic for the City, and the Mayor will look into this issue. On January 23, 2008 Mayor Haggerton attended a Cascade Water Alliance meeting. A purchase agreement for the Lake Tapps property has been compiled, and it will be forthcoming to the legislative bodies of each of the member cities. The Mayor reported that he has scheduled a meeting with Mr. Howell (who spoke during Citizen Comments last week) to ensure a full understanding of his concerns. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 28. 2008 On January 25, 2008 the Mayor had a tour of the Westfield Shopping Center south side addition. The project is very impressive, and a grand opening is scheduled for July 25, 2008. b. Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the January 23, 2008 Suburban Cities Association Networking dinner. Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Seattle, was the guest speaker. Councilmember Linder attended the January 23, 2008 South County Economic Development Initiative (SCEDI) meeting. Senator Cantwell has earmarked $300,000 for Highline that can be used by our Small Business Development Center. Ms. Linder will be the Vice Chairperson of the group this year. Councilmember Robertson reported that he and Councilmember Duffie met with members of the Somali safety group on January 23, 2008. They offered information to the group regarding presenting issues of concern to the 4 committees of the Tukwila City Council. Councilmember Robertson is the Chairman of the Finance and Safety Committee, and the committee has 5 issues they will be working on in the future: 1. The Committee would like to review information regarding the new animal control contract on a monthly basis (to start) and then quarterly 2. Investigation of a bi- annual budget with the intent of having a presentation from the Finance Director on the subject in the first quarter of 2008 3. Improvements to the ordinance regarding safety in overnight lodging 4. Review of the pros and cons regarding a panhandling ordinance 5. Council goals (to be discussed further after the Council Retreat) Councilmember Griffin attended the January 23, 2008 Suburban Cities Association Networking dinner. She referenced the high quality of the pictures available from the Centennial website at www.tukwila100.com. Ms. Griffin reported she will be a part of the panel for the Suburban Cities Youth Conference on March 29, 2008. Councilmember Hougardy also attended the January 23, 2008 Suburban Cities Association Networking dinner and the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) workshop for newly elected officials on January 26, 2008. Councilmember Quinn also attended the January 26, 2008 AWC workshop for newly elected officials. Council President Duffie will be out of town this week to attend the Superbowl in Arizona. Mr. Duffie also conveyed he has become aware of a situation in Tukwila involving raising roosters for fighting. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated a similar situation occurred several years ago, and she would communicate with Code Enforcement staff regarding the issue. A discussion ensued among the Councilmembers and staff regarding lengthy discussion items coming forward to the next couple of Council meetings. Comments were exchanged regarding the issues coming forward and the amount of time needed for consideration. Staff and the Council President will work to both accommodate necessary timelines and balance the load. Questions regarding these issues should be posed to the City Attorney as soon as possible due to the complexities of the issues and her rigid schedule. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, requested additional information regarding exactly what type of data the Finance and Safety Committee will need to review the new animal control contract. She also conveyed that the City of Des Moines modeled their Safety in Overnight Lodging ordinance after Tukwila's, and they are currently in litigation over this issue. It is currently in the federal court system, and staff will continue to monitor the situation. Ms. Berry also indicated that City crews are ready in the event of additional snow. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 28. 2008 d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, has prepared legislative talking points for any Councilmembers who may be traveling to the AWC Conference. She reminded the Council of the employee banquet Friday, February 1, 2008. MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Haggerton referenced the recent AWC workshop for newly elected officials. He would welcome any constructive comments to share at the upcoming AWC Board Meeting on January 30, 2008. ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING 8:40 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING o D ffie, Council iredent "ft Chris y O'Flahe Deputy City Clerk