Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL May 12, 2008 7:00 pm Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Joe Duffie called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm 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 De'Sean Quinn. [Councilmember Quinn arrived at 7:14 pm.] ATTENDANCE Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Doug Johnson, Acting Patrol Commander; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism /Marketing Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Acting Deputy City Clerk Council President Duffie asked that all citizens of Tukwila in the audience stand and be recognized, followed by all employees of the City of Tukwila. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. A proclamation designating Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation designating May 14, 2008, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and presented a copy to Doug Johnson, Acting Patrol Commander with the Tukwila Police Department. b. Department of Community Development employee introductions. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained there have been a number of vacancies within the department that have now been filled. The position of Electrical Inspector is a new position created since the City took over electrical permitting from the State. Mr. Pace introduced the following new employees: James Benner, Senior Electrical Inspector, was born in Canada and moved to the United States in 2000. He has worked in electrical inspection and construction for the past 20 years, including residential and commercial inspections. Stacy MacGregor, Assistant Planner, attended the University of Washington, and has been working as an intern and extra labor employee for the department. Teri Svedahl, Administrative Support Assistant, is the new front desk person for the counter and telephones. She has worked in the construction and electrical industries for the past 18 years. Mary Hulvey, Code Enforcement Officer, previously volunteered with the Police Explorers. She has been able to help Code Enforcement resolve several outstanding issues. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes CITIZEN COMMENT Page 2 of 11 Mav 12. 2008 Jaimie Reavis, Assistant Planner, attended the University of Washington, and also worked as an intern and extra labor employee for the department. She is actively involved in the City's Walk Roll plan, which is exploring options for trails and bike riding. Dave Larson, Senior Plans Examiner, has been with the City for 18 years, and was promoted to Senior Plans Examiner. He is currently involved with numerous tenant improvement projects at Southcenter Mall. Mr. Pace also introduced Carol Martin, Building Inspector, who has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, and is familiar with building codes in the private sector and field work. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Ave. S., Tukwila, enjoyed the Wildlife Festival, including the chance to tour Councilmember Linder's garden. She noted the large attendance included many people from outside the City. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Ave. S., Tukwila, spoke regarding an increase in graffiti problems. He noted it is a common occurrence near his home at the intersection of S. 130th St., including a telephone pole that was "tagged" within the past few days. It is also a problem in the area near the Tukwila Trading Company, and the Tukwila Transit Station was recently unavailable for a scheduled tour due to vandalism. Jim Morrow, Director of Public Works, agreed the graffiti problem has grown within the City. The Public Works Department works cooperatively with the Police Department, the school district, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and Sound Transit to identify and remove graffiti. He noted the Public Works Department expends approximately $5,000 per month on eradication efforts, and estimated the Parks Recreation Department spends another $2,000 to $3,000 per month. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, clarified these expenditures apply only to City -owned buildings and property. Graffiti on private property is the responsibility of the property owner, although the City's Code Enforcement or Police personnel can provide advice on removal methods. Mr. Kennedy asked whether citizens should call the Police to report graffiti. Ms. Berry explained police might drive by a site of reported graffiti to determine if there is some commonality to the style that might help link a perpetrator to other graffiti sites. She noted an officer must witness the vandalism in progress or have a way to connect an individual to the act in order for an arrest to be made. Specific methods of providing surveillance or monitoring of sites would be handled on a case -by -case basis if a specific area is determined to be a common spot for graffiti. Mayor Haggerton stated Valley Cities has discussed graffiti also as it is a problem common to many cities. Several Councilmembers noted this is a community problem, often occurring nightly and damaging both City and private property including trees and cars. Citizens were encouraged to serve as extra eyes and ears for the Police and report any observations anonymously. Susanne Robertson, 13354 56th Ave. S., Tukwila, stated an overflow park- and -ride lot has developed on her street, which is across from the regular park- and -ride lot off Interurban Avenue. As a result of all the cars, she often cannot pull out of her driveway properly. She noted 4 -hour parking signs have been installed across the way on 57th Ave. S., but her street has no signage indicating no parking, particularly towards Interurban where people are parking on a regular basis. Ms. Berry, confirmed the City is experiencing an increase in ticketing by Police in those limited parking zones, resulting in a corresponding increase in the number of people protesting tickets in the Court. This is a transit problem that is affecting our community. Mr. Pace has been asked to check with Metro about possibly expanding the park- and -ride facility, but that will be a long -range solution. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., Tukwila, agreed that graffiti is a big problem. She noted the power tower at the corner of 51st Ave. S. and S. 160th St. has been tagged for the past two weeks. She expressed appreciation to staff in the Department of Community Development, and Dave Larson in particular, for their work on permitting issues during the past year. She is also looking forward to working with Code Enforcement on several issues on S. 160th St. PUBLIC HEARING An ordinance renewing a six -month moratorium on the filing of sign, development, and electrical permits for the installation and operation of electronic, animated, and holographic signs within the City. Jack Pace, Director of Community Development, explained this ordinance would renew a moratorium dealing with signs that have changeable copy. The City is currently in the process of updating the Sign Code, as it was first developed in 1982 and was designed for a much smaller City and does not address the changing technology of signage. A Sign Code Advisory Committee has been formed and will hold their first meeting on May 15, 2008, with Councilmember Linder serving as Committee Chair. 7:40 pm Council President Duffie opened the Public Hearing and called for citizen comments. Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., Tukwila, spoke in support of extending the moratorium, as it is important that rational decisions be made relating to this issue. She noted it is a good time to address the issue as the Sign Code is being reviewed. 7:42 pm Council President Duffie closed the Public Hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES Page 3 of 11 Mav 12. 2008 a. An ordinance renewing a six -month moratorium on the filing of sign, development, and electrical permits for the installation and operation of electronic, animated, and holographic signs within the City. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs Parks Committee on April 28, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The extension provides the new Sign Code Advisory Committee with a chance to meet and bring recommendations back to the Council. She suggested an additional WHEREAS clause be added to the proposed ordinance reflecting the Public Hearing held this evening. Councilmember Linder stated the Sign Code Advisory Committee is comprised of one Planning Commissioner, 3 residents, 3 business representatives, and 2 Councilmembers. The Committee is in favor of the moratorium. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. 2009 Minor Home Repair Program. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs Parks Committee on April 28, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Staff is seeking authorization to submit the 2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The application would incorporate the cities of SeaTac and Des Moines, which makes the request more competitive against other projects. A copy of the application was not included in the agenda packet but was distributed to Council this evening. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, stated this would represent the fourth year of this program for low- and moderate income home owning residents of Tukwila. The majority of past participants have been very low income (30% of median income), including senior citizens on a fixed income or individuals City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 4 of 11 Mav 12, 2008 with a Tong -term disability. The repairs made provide a benefit to both the individual resident and the neighborhood. The application is not a guarantee of funding for the project, as there is competition with other cities and non profit agencies for these federal block grant funds. The Councilmembers noted this is an important program that helps individual citizens and property values. By joining with two other cities they are increasing efficiency and saving administration costs. They also noted the importance of the CDBG money, which is one of the reasons Councilmembers meet with our legislators in Washington, DC each year. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Street vacation ordinances Sound Transit. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on April 29, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained the agreement with Sound Transit for the guideway also involved agreements for easements they needed. The City has worked with Sound Transit and abutting property owners to vacate dead -end streets and have the property given to Sound Transit and private property owners. Seven street vacation ordinances were developed, each specifying conditions that had to be met. Not all conditions were met in the time specified, and Sound Transit is asking for another time extension. Staff recommends an extension be granted for only two of the seven requests, which were described in Ordinance Nos. 2158 and 2159. The City would receive approximately $500,000 from Sound Transit for that property. All conditions specified in Ordinance No. 2061 have been met and staff recommends that ordinance be recorded. Ordinance No. 2061 was a City initiated street vacation so there will be no transfer of funds. The remaining four ordinances have lapsed and conditions cannot be satisfied. An extension is not recommended for those as the private property owners involved are not interested in participating; therefore those streets will remain public property. Councilmember Robertson inquired whether the property noted in Ordinance No. 2158 (portion of 35th Ave. S., which is the street between the light rail station and Tukwila International Boulevard) was owned by WSDOT or the City, and whether a commitment from them could be expected. Mr. Morrow explained this property is at the very end of the street —close to SR518 —which is why interest from WSDOT is involved. He noted the lack of resolution to date has been a time issue. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Comcast Communications conduit agreement. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on May 5, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The agreement is the result of a request from Comcast to use a 6 -inch conduit under the Strander Boulevard bridge crossing. Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director, explained Comcast currently has a franchise agreement with the City to provide cable and broadband services to customers using their high -speed modem equipment. Most of their focus has been residential, with few commercial customers. Comcast has been studying the feasibility of constructing a fiber infrastructure in the City's commercial business district (CBD), which is not currently served by Comcast. After determining it would be very expensive and challenging to cross 1 -405 and the Duwamish River, they approached the City about using the City's conduit system in the CBD, and then deploying their own infrastructure going towards Westfield Southcenter Mall. They would branch out from the Mall as they acquire more customers. Approval of this agreement will enable Comcast to offer cable TV and broadband services to businesses in the CBD. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 5 of 11 Mav 12.2008 As part of this agreement Comcast would install two 1 -inch interducts for City use at Comcast's expense. In addition, Comcast will provide the following: Comcast Business Class Music for use on the City's TV Channel Partnering on any future build in that area, which would allow for repair or bridging of City conduits that have gaps or damage Upgrade of the infrastructure to provide a high quality cable TV signal to the 6300 Building, which currently has reception problems Councilmember Robertson asked about the anticipated coverage in the CBD and whether any other areas in the City are still without access to Comcast services. Mr. Iriarte explained there are few areas in the City without Comcast services. Through the franchise agreement and access to the Strander Boulevard bridge conduits, Comcast would be able to build a fiber infrastructure to the CBD area. Comcast has submitted a permit that would allow them to build an infrastructure from Strander to the Westfield Mall. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. 2008 Annual Drainage Program— Design consultant selection and agreement. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on May 5, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This program identifies projects for the upcoming year based on maintenance activities and citizen comments and complaints about drainage issues on their property. Mr. Morrow stated three firms were short- listed for consideration as consultant on the projects. Staff is recommending KPG, Inc. as most qualified based on past experience and expertise and knowledge of the City. Page 51 of the agenda packet included a list of the 7 sites that would be investigated prior to preparation of plans and specifications. Councilmember Robertson noted this has previously been called the "Annual Neighborhood Small Drainage" program, but this year three of the seven proposed projects are commercial properties. Ms. Berry explained that the initial projects attached with this program many years ago were primarily in neighborhoods with extensive drainage problems, which was the impetus for the name. The program has expanded since then and the program now refers more to the size of the project (i.e. smaller projects). Mr. Morrow stated they would refer to it as the "Annual Small Drainage Program" in the future, including any reference made in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) during the next budget cycle. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Tukwila Village: Discussion on Request for Proposals (RFP). Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained his last presentation was on the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), from which the three most qualified developers have been selected. The City will now be asking those developers to provide proposals. He clarified these proposals should not be considered the same as a bid. They will serve as guidelines to provide a starting place for negotiations, and will help clarify the trade -offs inherent between the three proposals. Tonight's discussion is not to ask for specific phrasing, but to make a determination as to which items the City will request be included and which items will be required. Many issues will then be worked through during the negotiation process (July- December). City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Mr. Speck provided information on several RFP discussion items and comments were taken from audience members as Council arrived at a consensus on each item. 1. Where should the plaza, library, and neighborhood resource center (NRC) be located? Staff recommendation is that developers be required to site the plaza, library and NRC on the north parcel. Page 6 of 11 Mav 12. 2008 The three selected developers and main uses described in their RFQ are: Legacy Partners: Apartments and retail; develop in phases starting on southeast corner Opus Northwest: Apartments and condos, small office and retail, neighborhood professional services Tarragon: Mainly office and apartments— depending on project timing and market, with street level retail The recommendation by Ron Sher of Metrovation was on the north parcel, which would provide better visibility for the project due to the curve in Tukwila International Boulevard at that location, and to take advantage of the sunlight from the south for the outdoor plaza component. As these three components are all casual gathering features of the project, a determination is also needed on whether they should all be located together. Councilmember Hernandez asked about the library's participation in the process. Mr. Speck explained they have looked at the RFQs and support the selection of the top 3 developers. They prefer siting on the north side, but are flexible either way. They are open to ownership or leasing of the property, depending on how numbers work out (i.e. value of land), which will not be known until the negotiation phase. Councilmember Hernandez inquired as to the pros and cons of leaving the issue of siting open to see what the developers might propose. Mr. Speck stated that if a developer does not know the City feels strongly about one side and bases their proposal on developing the other side, we could potentially "lose" a qualified developer. However, if our position is totally open to consider either location, we should leave the choice open. Councilmember Linder agrees the northeast corner should be the location of the plaza as the "centerpiece" of the project. Councilmember Robertson noted these components all contain indoor and /or outdoor meeting space. He would like to know King County Library System's interest in collaborating on scheduling of the meeting space concept. He would be more interested in keeping these components together as opposed to being firm about which side they are located on. Councilmember Griffin stated she prefers location on the north parcel, especially for visibility as you drive down Tukwila International Boulevard from the Transit Center. Councilmember Hougardy would prefer location on the north side. She stated it would be disappointing to lose one of the developers if they were partial to the south side and not aware of the City's preference. Councilmember Quinn stated he definitely supports the north side. These components would make a welcoming space and would add to beautification efforts on that corner. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62nd Ave. S., Tukwila, feels retail space would be better suited here, with the NRC separated to the south side. Roger Lorenzen, 14038 Macadam Rd. S., Tukwila, suggested that during the winter the only light would be on the south side, so it would not make sense to put a plaza on the north side if you are seeking light. Mr. Speck clarified the property is separated by S. 144th St., with the "north" parcels north of 144th. While the plaza would be located on the north parcel, it would be on the south side of the building. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Council consensus was to require siting on the north side. Page 7 of 11 Mav 12.2008 Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., Tukwila, prefers the north lot as it is larger, has better exposure and maximum exposure, whereas the south parcel has minimal exposure to Hwy. 99. She stated if this is what Council determines they want, they should be very clear about it with the developers. Susan Kruller, 3227 S. 137th St., Tukwila, feels the north side would be preferable due to ambient light and wind conditions. She noted transit oriented development areas are highly supported for funding; this location would be attractive to people waiting for transit. She also suggested the possibility of reducing available parking, as transit oriented developments ask people to consider using green alternatives for travel. 2. Would the City be willing to consider changes in entitlements (e.g. height restrictions) during the negotiations period? Mr. Speck explained the current height limit for mixed -use on this site is 45 feet. One developer has asked for an increase to 65 feet (a standard height for 5 stories of residential over 1 story of retail). More units on the space would equate to a greater value for the land, so the City could potentially receive more money for the property. In addition, more people located on the property would mean more users of retail spaces. Staff recommendation is not to require certain standards and not to promise approval of any changes, but to be willing to consider and discuss proposals. Mr. Speck confirmed that any proposed changes would need to be approved by the Planning Commission and Council. Councilmember Hernandez would prefer not to change the height restriction, but is willing to listen to public comments on the issue. Councilmember Linder stated it is important to be concise, but also to be flexible in order to achieve the best possible project. She would be willing to consider proposed changes. Councilmember Robertson stated he would be willing to consider changes to the height restriction, but would prefer to be specific and not consider requests for changes in other areas such as setbacks, open space, plantings, etc. Mr. Speck clarified height was used as an example of an entitlement, as it is the most significant entitlement change likely to be proposed. There may be other requests, however, such as a zoning change request for a particular type of business that is not currently an allowed use. Councilmember Griffin stated she would be willing to consider changes, but would like further input on how a zoning change would affect the project in terms of process, time, etc. Councilmember Hougardy stated she would be willing to consider proposals regarding height and zoning. She is comfortable with the wording as stated, which allows for some flexibility. Councilmember Quinn finds the proposed wording acceptable. Chuck Parrish, 4430 S. 150th St., Tukwila, stated he feels the current language makes sense. Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., Tukwila, is in favor of raising the height limitation in order to gain some optional open space as a trade -off. She hoped any proposed zoning changes would not cause significant delays in the project. Gary Vanderhoff (Pastor, Neighborhood Life Center), 29640 55th PI. S., Auburn, feels the increased height would help the building stand out. He recommended limiting the wording to those particular entitlements Council would be willing to consider. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 8 of 11 May 12. 2008 Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Ave. S., Tukwila, spoke in favor of raising the height limit to stimulate future business development. Roger Lorenzen, 14038 Macadam Rd. S., Tukwila, noted a 65 -foot high building on that corner may possibly have a 360- degree view of every mountain peak in the State. Council consensus was to be willina to consider changes to certain entitlements. 3. Two -fold issue regarding activating the space: a. Should the City require an indoor public gathering /meeting space? b. Would the City be willing to consider a partnership for leasing and scheduling the public space(s)? Mr. Speck referred to the site plan of the ground floor of the first phase as developed by Ron Sher, which included retail, parking, a plaza, library, and a 4,000- square -foot indoor commons /food court. He noted many retail businesses can be community gathering places on their own. Developments such as Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park take that to another level with indoor and outdoor plazas featuring food court vendors and mobile tables as a physical means of "activating the space." With the addition of those spaces come questions such as: Who pays for the lease /rent on "community" spaces (public or private funds or a combination, i.e. non profit)? Who handles the scheduling? Would the City be guaranteed a certain amount of access to those spaces? Would specific types of commercial /residential tenants be required? Staff recommendation is to indicate a preference for an indoor public gathering /meeting space, and indicate the City is willing to consider a partnership for leasing and scheduling. Councilmember Hernandez stated the City would have more control over creating and scheduling active space if the NRC space was owned by the City. It is a desired component; the question is whether the City or developer will provide and pay for it Councilmember Linder stated this component is the key to the vision she has been hearing from residents for the past 10 years. She likes the welcoming, energetic atmosphere of developments such as Third Place in Lake Forest Park and the Crossroads Center. She feels the gathering space needs to have a life of its own separate from the library and NRC. She considers this an essential component versus a preference, and would consider partnering for leasing and scheduling. Councilmember Robertson stated he would consider it a requirement to have an indoor and outdoor gathering /meeting space. He would like to see the KCLS be part of the leasing and scheduling process rather than requiring a full -time City employee to manage this function. Councilmember Griffin stated activating the space is what this project is about, and she is in favor of requiring this component if that is needed to let developers know what we want. Councilmember Hougardy expressed excitement about various levels of activating the space such as a coffee shop, meeting rooms at the library, and public space at the NRC. She noted management of those spaces would be particularly important due to the close proximity to the high school. Councilmember Quinn stated this component is what the community would like to see. He noted Ron Sher's proposal included a commitment by all tenants of the complex to partner to manage the space. He also feels partnering with non profit organizations would be important. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 9 of 11 Mav 12, 2008 Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Ave. S., Tukwila, stated the size of the space would be an important consideration when determining the types of businesses that might locate on the site. He would like to see one or more restaurants on the site. Provisions for inclement weather and a usable size will also contribute to the success of an outdoor area as a gathering place. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62nd Ave. S., Tukwila, agreed any indoor public space should be large enough to be functional. He noted the Kent Station development does not have an indoor facility and wondered about the reasoning behind their decision. The City of Renton has a large building available for public use as part of their transit center development. Ms. Berry asked if the Kent Commons has a partnership with the college for using any of their indoor spaces. Mr. Speck was not sure but agreed to look into the question. Council consensus was to reauire an indoor and outdoor public gathering /meeting space. 4. Workforce rental housing 5. Workforce ownership housing Mr. Speck explained the intent is not to build for the lowest income level housing. For rental housing, the target would be a family earning 50% to 80% of area median income, and for ownership housing between 80% and 120% of area median income (or any combination of the two). He noted it is not possible to restrict sale or rental to artists, teachers, etc., specifically, but marketing efforts can be geared to attract specific groups. Mr. Speck showed examples of two artist loft developments in Seattle, which include galleries and retail on the street level. He explained these types of developments have strict covenants regarding allowed methods of creating art, etc. Mr. Speck noted Council's concern with high turnover in schools and the feeling apartments can contribute to that situation. He stated each neighborhood and each particular site should be looked at separately to determine the appropriateness of apartments. The Tukwila Village site is not ideal for single family housing. With approximately 3,045 owner occupied single family homes and condos in the city, and 4,141 single family rentals and apartments, the addition of 150 to 300 units at Tukwila Village would not significantly change that ratio. Mr. Speck extended an invitation to provide tours of workforce housing and /or senior housing developments to any interested Councilmembers and citizens. Staff recommendation is to indicate a preference for a portion of residential units to be workforce housing. Councilmember Hernandez stated she would prefer ownership or a mix with workforce housing, but would be willing to consider all levels of housing depending on the market. She also noted smaller units usually have a greater turnover, and so would prefer 2- or 3- bedroom units be required to encourage a more stable tenancy. Councilmember Linder agreed there should be a mix of housing types. She is interested in offering housing to people who currently live in our city, particularly housing that addresses the gap between a starter home /apartment and ownership housing. She likes the idea of building the units to ownership specs so they can be converted to condos later. She noted that should apartments be included, they would be among the best apartments in the City, and provide a housing option for young professionals with a mix of incomes and occupations. Councilmember Robertson expressed an overwhelming preference for ownership housing. He stated 65 to 70 percent of housing units in the City now are rental, and his conversations with voters reflected opposition to Council sponsoring more apartments and /or low- income housing in the City. He would prefer 2- and 3- bedroom units, and would be open to workforce housing if there was a way to ensure the end result was consistent with the concepts discussed this evening. Councilmember Griffin recalled a comment from a prior meeting that there is a two -year waiting list for an apartment at one complex in the City. She has seen artist housing being done in other cities, and feels a successful project could force redevelopment in the area. She is comfortable with the proposed wording. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 10 of 11 Mav 12, 2008 Councilmember Hougardy would like to see diversification of the space to include a combination of workforce rentals, regular rentals, workforce ownership, and business condos. She also agrees with the suggestions of building to ownership specs, larger units, and on -task management. Councilmember Quinn stated he likes the mixed -use concept and feels the Council's message to developers should be clear. He noted one artist housing development in Seattle attracts a lot of people to the open house at their art gallery once a month. He confirmed that while you cannot legally limit housing to a specific type of worker, you can target an income level. He also feels a commitment of residents and tenants to support and participate in management of space critical. Michael J. West, owner of Southtowne Auto Rebuild, 14864 Tukwila International Blvd., Tukwila, cautioned Council about requiring a component the market will not support. He feels that although residents or voters may not support one particular component, they would support the Tukwila Village project as a whole and its economic viability. He appreciates the support he has seen at recent meetings from the Mayor and Council for this project, and encouraged Council to keep the momentum going. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Ave. S., Tukwila, noted she has commented previously about being opposed to apartments. She would like to see this project make a good impression, and would prefer condos and townhomes. She noted that not all apartments are managed as well as others. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37th Ave. S., Tukwila, prefers ownership housing, but has heard reports about Bremerton having to cut the prices on condos there. He also feels ownership housing would help reduce turnover in schools, as would larger units. He noted senior housing is needed as many seniors are not able to maintain a single family home. Chuck Parrish, 4430 S. 150th St., Tukwila, stated he had a fear when this process was discussed at the end of last year that Council would try to micromanage the project. He has heard some of that this evening, but appreciates the out -of- the -box thinking by some Councilmembers and their willingness to be open to providing good direction to developers. He feels many citizens who expressed opposition to apartments in the past may feel differently now. Gary Vanderhoff (Pastor, Neighborhood Life Center), 29640 55th PI. S., Auburn, stated the ideas being discussed would take housing options in the City "up a notch," by giving some people a chance to step up to a better apartment without excluding others. He feels having options to rent, own, etc. is important. Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., Tukwila, spoke in favor of condo quality apartments. She feels the market may change by the time the project is completed, and the City should be prepared. Condos are not being built at the moment, so four years from now there may be an active market for them. She also agreed with the concept of building toward the median income and having 2- and 3- bedroom units, but feels some 1- bedroom units are needed for seniors. Ms. Mann stated special financing is available for teachers, and the developers can work with banks and lenders to create a market. She expressed appreciation for Derek Speck's work with both Council and the community on this project. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62nd Ave. S., Tukwila, has lived in single family home neighborhoods where many homes turned into rentals, and also next to multi family housing, and has found there is definitely a difference when units are owner occupied. He noted today's society is much more mobile, which causes turnover of owner occupied housing, and would like to see controls in place that limit the number of units that can be sublet out. Ron Lamb, 4251 S. 139th St., Tukwila, stated he feels most people would prefer owner- occupied housing, but he does not want that to be a deal breaker for the project as a whole. Existing apartments in the City were built many years ago and were built as "boxes," with no amenities and geared for adult living (i.e. no play areas for children), which may be the cause of many negative feelings about apartments today. He feels amenities are important —not just square footage or number of bedrooms. Roger Lorenzen, 14038 Macadam Rd. S., Tukwila, would like the units to be upscale, with a mix including senior housing. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Councilmember Duffie noted that not everyone has the means to own a home. Mayor Haggerton asked Council to consider how each of these issues affect the vision established for Tukwila Village. He noted the media might portray the market for condos or office space as down, and then find the market has changed. He stated a developer has recently expressed interest in building a large condominium project in another area of the City. He expressed faith in the three developers selected if they are given leeway to develop the project. Mr. Speck relayed the next step will be to ask Council to approve issuance of an RFP at next Monday's meeting, with responses expected in mid -June. g. Contract with the Prothman Company for the services of Bob Noland as Interim Finance Director. Page 11 of 11 Mav 12.2008 Councilmember Robertson noted the normal process would have been for this item to go to the Finance Safety Committee before coming to a Committee of the Whole meeting, but the City is faced with a very short time frame before the current Finance Director leaves his position. Ms. Berry explained the City began talking about an interim director immediately after Kevin Fuhrer announced his resignation, particularly in light of Council's desire to implement a biennial budget. The candidate selected is in the employ of the Prothman Company, so some of the money to be paid is salary and a portion is for benefits /finders fee. Mr. Noland's credentials include experience with a two -year budget, Eden software, as a Finance Director, as an interim City Administrator, and with personnel and IT work, and his services will be helpful as the City begins the process of hiring a Finance Director. She noted the contract with Mr. Noland would be for a minimum of 3 months and probably no more than 6 months. Mayor Haggerton expressed appreciation to the Council for considering this item tonight due to the tight deadline. He noted the City received very positive comments about Mr. Noland from numerous sources. He explained Mr. Noland lives in Kennewick and has asked for one weekend trip per month to return home which was considered very reasonable. REPORTS Council agreed to dispense with reports to immediately convene the Special Meeting. Councilmember Hernandez reported the new Parks Open Space Plan has been distributed to Council and will need to be reviewed by the May 27, 2008 Committee of the Whole Council meeting. 10:28 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Barbara Saxton, A6tind Deputy City Clerk