HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
February 25, 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 7:03 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, Dennis Robertson, Verna
Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn.
Councilmember Pam Linder was not in attendance.
ATTENDANCE
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Kevin
Fuhrer, Finance Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Jack Pace, Community
Development Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Fire Department Awards Nick Olivas, Fire Chief.
Nick Olivas, Fire Chief, provided a summary of the Tukwila Fire Departments involvement in the rescue
operation of a U.S. Army Blackhawk Helicopter. The crash occurred on December 21, 2006 in the Mt.
Peak area of Enumclaw, Washington. The three member crew from the 4th Division of the 6th Air Cavalry
Squadron from Fort Lewis was flying a training mission in severe weather when the aircraft went down.
All members of the crew lost their lives.
Tukwila's involvement in the rescue operation was requested by the Enumclaw Fire Chief. The Tukwila
Fire Departments heavy rescue equipment and team were needed to facilitate recovery in this difficult
terrain area. This effort was the first activation of the Zone 3 rescue response, and over 15 hours were
expended in various stages, steps and procedures to successfully extricate the pilots and equipment from
the crash site. Members of the Tukwila Fire Department demonstrated innovative solutions to an
extremely complex and hazardous problem. Their actions decreased the risk of injury or death to all who
responded to this incident.
Chief Olivas awarded the Medal of Merit to the following members of the Tukwila Fire Department for their
involvement in this rescue operation.
Chris Flores, Assistant Chief
Charles Mael, Captain
Matthew Czuleger, Firefighter
Matthew Gilbert, Firefighter
Brian Lucero, Firefighter
Mark Morales, Firefighter
Charles Woolley, Firefighter
The City Council, Mayor, and audience members applauded these Tukwila Fire Department personnel for
their valiance.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 25. 2008
Police Department Promotion of Mike Villa to Assistant Chief.
Dave Haynes, Police Chief, conveyed that Mike Villa has been promoted to the position of Assistant Chief
in the Police Department. Mr. Villa has been a member of the Tukwila Police Department for 17.5 years
and spent 13 years as part of the Valley SWAT Team. He graduated from the FBI Academy in 2006 and
is currently working on obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Mr. Villa is a past
recipient of the Medal of Merit and City of Tukwila Excellence in Action award.
Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Assistant Chief Villa, and his wife pinned on his
badge.
The City Council, Mayor, and audience members congratulated Assistant Chief Villa on his promotion.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Mary Koontz, 13082 Military Road South, referenced an ongoing traffic concern on South 135th Street
and 32nd Avenue South where vehicles continually run the 4 -way stop signs. A calming device is needed
at this location, and she inquired about the issue being placed on a Transportation Committee agenda.
Dave Haynes, Police Chief, explained that Tukwila Patrol Officers have been alerted to problems
associated with this intersection.
Councilmember Robertson (in the absence of Councilmember Linder, Transportation Committee
Chairperson) provided dates, location, and times for the upcoming Transportation Committee meetings
and invited Ms. Koontz to attend. (Council Committee meetings are open to the public.)
Elvira Rodewald, 13500 32nd Avenue South, lives at this intersection and indicated lights and signs are
needed at this location. There is a great deal of speeding in this area, and on one occasion a child was
hit while riding a bicycle.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. A resolution increasing the Municipal Court Change Fund.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee
meeting on February 20, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The Tukwila Municipal Court maintains stewardship of an operating change fund at a level of $150 as
mandated by Resolution #1647. An increase from $150 to $300 is being requested to enhance
operational efficiency and provide an adequate change fund level to meet customer needs.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. A contract for In -Car (Police) Video Purchase.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee
meeting on February 20, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Coban Research and
Technologies, Inc. for the purchase and installation of digital in -car video for 15 Police patrol cars. The
total cost is $150,532.47, and funding has been allocated since 2006.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
Dave Fenton, 14201 42nd Avenue South, asked if the images from the in -car videos would be connected
to the cameras currently installed throughout the City. Dave Haynes, Police Chief, answered in the
negative as they are on separate systems.
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c. Amend conditions of the contract with Sound Inspections Investigative Engineers, LLC for
the Westfield Mall expansion.
Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks
Committee meeting on February 11, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending
approval.
The Council is being asked to authorize an amendment to a contract with Sound Inspections and
Investigative Engineers for inspection services associated with the Westfield Mall expansion. Changes
need to be made to the scope of work, contract duration time, and dollar amount for services rendered.
The current contract amount was not to exceed $25,000, and the amended figure would be an amount
not to exceed $65,000. This cost does not impact the City's General Fund as the permit fees cover the
cost of inspections by the consultant. The new termination date for the contract would be July 31, 2008.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
d. A contract for services with Freedman Tung Bottomley (FTB) to complete the Tukwila Urban
Center Plan (grant funded).
Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks
Committee meeting on February 11, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending
approval.
The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Freedman Tung Bottomley
(FTB) for services related to the completion of the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) Plan with the use of grant
funds in the amount of $81,540.00. The Department of Community Development and the Public Works
Department have been preparing a subarea plan and associated implementing regulations, a
supplemental environmental impact statement, and a planned action ordinance for the TUC. This plan
will establish a redevelopment strategy and maintains the economic viability and regional focus of the
TUC, encourages a mix of land uses (including housing) with densities supporting bus and commuter rail
service, and creates a more attractive, pedestrian- oriented center.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
e. Consultant selection and agreement for 2008 Overlay Program.
Councilmember Quinn (in the absence of Councilmember Linder) indicated this item was discussed at the
Transportation Committee meeting on February 12, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in
recommending approval.
The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with KPG, Inc. for design
services and preparation of bid documents for the 2008 Overlay Program in the amount of $89,561.60.
Both residential and commercial streets are included in the program. The agreement also includes
gathering data to update the Pavement Management System and the ability to supplement for 2009
Overlay Program design services.
Councilmember Hernandez inquired if some of this work would also be part of the upcoming Klickitat
project. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated that while that may be the case in the future, there
are immediate issues that require resolution at this time.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
f. Museum of Flight Pedestrian Bridge Airspace Lease.
Councilmember Robertson (in the absence of Councilmember Linder) indicated this item was discussed
at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 12, 2008. The committee members were
unanimous in recommending approval.
The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign an airspace lease with the Museum of Flight for
their new pedestrian bridge (to be built by the end of 2008) over East Marginal Way South, just north of
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 25. 2008
South 94th Place. The law requires that public agencies charge a fair market value with an agreement for
the use of the airspace, as long as the space is not needed. The rent to be paid to the City by the
Museum of Flight shall be $1,200 per year.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
g. Interlocal agreement with the City of Renton for the Strander Boulevard Extension Project.
Councilmember Robertson (in the absence of 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 Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Renton
for the Strander Boulevard Extension Project in the amount of $2,801,000. In future years, it is projected
there will be additional costs of approximately $2.5 million, and it is anticipated the City will use bonding to
fund the project. In 1986, as part of a reciprocal annexation agreement, the Cities of Renton and Tukwila
agreed to cooperate with each other to ensure the construction of the Strander Boulevard /SW 27th Street
Improvements and the SW 43rd Street/South 180th Street Grade Separation Project.
Strander Boulevard currently extends from Southcenter Parkway on the west to SR 181 (West Valley
Highway) on the east. The project will extend Strander Boulevard across both the Union Pacific Railroad
(UPRR) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks, across the Boeing Longacres site, and
connect to existing SW 27th Street at Oakesdale Avenue.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) traffic projections show that Strander
Boulevard will carry 46,000 vehicles per day in the year 2030 (with the direct High Occupancy Vehicle
<HOV> connection to SR 167), and 20,000 vehicles per day in 2015 (without the direct HOV connection
to SR 167). The SW 27th /SR 167 Interchange is included in WSDOT's long -term plan. The completion
of the route will provide significant traffic relief to South 180th Street and Grady Way and will also relieve
some traffic from 1 -405. The next phase of the work will be the relocation of the UPRR tracks during
2008 -2010. The City of Renton is the lead agency on this project.
Mayor Haggerton relayed he recently met with the Mayor of the City of Renton, who conveyed a strong
commitment to this project. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated grant funding will also be
pursued for the project.
Councilmember Hernandez requested information regarding how this project will affect the City's bonding
capacity. Ms. Berry indicated the Finance Director would provide a response to the inquiry.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
h. Bid award for Minkler ReRoof Project, Building "B."
Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on February
19, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Pacific Sheet Metal and
Roofing, LLC for the Minkler Shops Re -Roof of Building B in the amount of $87,446.70. The Minkler
Shops Building B roof is over 30 years old and past its life expectancy. Bids were solicited by putting out
a request to all of those contractors listed on the Small Works Roster, and reference checks indicate this
company has completed many similar projects with positive results.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
i. 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. The item was discussed at the January 28, 2008 Committee of the Whole meeting and was
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 25 2008
forwarded on to a future Committee of the Whole for further consideration. The following issues were
raised at the January 28, 2008 Committee of the Whole meeting.
1. Potential legal liabilities with the use of Councilmember's personal computers for City business
2. Desire to understand what other cities are doing with regard to Council technology needs
3. The need for all Councilmembers to access City email
4. Only some Councilmembers have the need to create and store documents
5. Questions regarding a replacement policy if equipment is lost, stolen or damaged
6. Concern regarding the cost versus benefits basis for Council technology
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, relayed that even if personal computers are not used by
Councilmembers for City business, there is the possibility they could be subpoenaed in a legal matter.
The following 3 alternatives for Council technology needs were considered:
1. Continue to depend on loaner laptops for Council needs
2. Purchase a standard device /software for each Councilmember
3. Fund a technology allowance that each Councilmember can use to meet their individual needs
The Councilmembers discussed the above options, and there was consensus to proceed with Option #3
Fund a technology allowance that each Councilmember can use to meet their individual needs.
Councilmember Robertson relayed the purchase of the equipment should be an amount not to exceed
$50,000. Ms. Berry explained the authorization at the upcoming Regular Meeting would be to pursue the
acquisition of Council technology devices, and a budget adjustment could come at a later date.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton was the featured speaker at the Tukwila Masonic Lodge meeting on February 20, 2008.
The group conveyed their intent to become more involved in the affairs of the City. On February 21,
2008, the Mayor was interviewed at Renton Technical College by Tony Ventrella. The interview covered
City topics related to the Centennial Celebration, the Westfield Mall expansion, and the City's emergency
preparedness achievements.
Prior to the February 22, 2008 Council Retreat, Mayor Haggerton attended the Valley Cities meeting at
the City of Kent. Representatives from Sound Transit were present, and the Mayor stressed the
importance and need for a permanent facility at the Longacres Station. He also suggested a possible
change in the method for creating subarea designations. With Renton being in the east subarea and
Tukwila in the south subarea, there is a potential for conflict in working through transit related issues.
b. Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended the February 20, 2008 Finance and Safety Committee meeting for
Councilmember Linder. She also attended the Historical Society meeting on February 21, 2008 and the
Council Retreat February 22 -23, 2008. She thanked Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, for the resource
materials provided to the Council during the retreat. Ms. Hernandez referenced the Community Affairs
and Parks Committee meeting this evening. There was one item on the agenda regarding golf course fee
increases, and staff is requesting it go directly from Committee to the March 3 Regular meeting due to
cancellation of the March 10 Committee of the Whole meeting (due to the NLC Conference). Council
concurrence existed to forward the item directly to the March 3 Regular meeting.
Councilmember Robertson referenced his attendance at the Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA9)
meeting last week. WRIA9 encompasses the Duwamish /Green River watershed. He has been
representing the City at these meetings for approximately 4 years. The WRIAs were developed as a
means to mitigate the issue of Chinook salmon being on the endangered species list. The federal
government has indicated efforts must be made to circumvent this problem or there could be national
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 25, 2008
involvement in our local zoning decisions. The planning tool created by the WRIA9 group would cost
approximately $30 million a year and has proven to be unattainable. The committee is going to utilize the
services of outside professionals to assist with an action plan for moving forward.
Councilmember Robertson referenced the Tukwila Village Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document
recently distributed to the Council. He referenced Item #6 "In addition to the library, Police Resource
Center uses, the City is amenable to proposals that include office, live -able work or residential as major
components of development. Apartments will definitely be considered, but preference may be given to
proposals with ownership housing. Although the pace of sales of ownership housing in the Seattle
market has cooled somewhat, 2007 prices have increased over those of 2006. We believe there is
untapped market demand in this area for moderately priced condominiums and townhouses."
Mr. Robertson proposed the following change to Item #6: Apartments will dcfinitcly be considered,
but preference may will be given to proposals with ownership housing
The Councilmembers discussed the proposed amendment to Item #6 with multiple references to the need
to "cast a wide net during the RFQ phase of the project. Council concurrence existed to leave the
wording in Item #6 as it is currently written.
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained the RFQ is being distributed to attract a wide variety of
developers. Once responses are received to the RFQ, then a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be
disseminated with more detailed requirements regarding the development.
Councilmember Robertson requested that the RFP document be forwarded to the Council at least 2
weeks prior to the April 30 deadline for discussion at a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Mayor Haggerton welcomed Council input and indicated the Economic Development Administrator has
developed a timeline for staying on track that is a high priority.
Councilmember Griffin attended the February 20, 2008 Tukwila Pantry Board meeting where various
fundraisers were discussed. There will be a bowl -a -thon (at Acme Bowl in Tukwila) on March 29, 2008 to
support the Pantry. There will also be an all day educational experience on March 29 involving local
youth and elected officials. The keynote speaker is Lawrence Stone, a former gang member and drug
dealer, who does an excellent job unraveling the appeal of drugs on youth.
Councilmember Hougardy offered a reminder of the Walt Wagner concert on March 29, 2008 at Foster
High School. Mr. Wagner is a graduate of Foster High School and plays contemporary music and jazz.
Ms. Hougardy also attended the February 21, 2008 Historical Society meeting.
Councilmember Quinn referenced the "quality" experience he had at the Council Retreat February 22 -23,
2008.
Council President Duffie indicated he will work toward keeping track of citizen comments or complaints
that come to the attention of the Council. He offered a reminder to Council to be sure to read and
respond to emails from the Council Analyst. Mr. Duffie also announced that Verna Griffin and Pam Linder
will be the Council representatives on the Sign Code Advisory Committee.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovernmental
There was no report.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 25. 2008
ADJOURNMENT
8:40 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
ADJOURNED.
E 9fie, �ouncil Pr i� rrf
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Christy O'Flal'rty, Deputy City Clerk V