HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesOFFICIALS
Councilmember Linder was not in attendance.
ATTENDANCE
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
June 23, 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 7:05 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
The Council President asked all citizens of Tukwila and City employees to stand and be recognized. He
then asked any senior citizens in the audience to stand and be recognized, noting that tonight marks an
important milestone in the history of the City of Tukwila.
Present were Joe Duffie, Council President; Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson,
Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn.
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Derek Speck, Acting City Administrator; Jack Pace, Community Development
Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director; Rick Still,
Deputy Parks Recreation Director; Bob Noland, Interim Finance Director; Lori Sutter, Assistant Police
Chief; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Katherine Kertzman,
Tourism /Marketing Manager; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Barbara
Saxton, Acting Deputy City Clerk
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Tukwila Historical Society presentation of a portrait of one of Tukwila's patriarchs
Council President Duffie introduced a speaker to address the City as it turns 100 years old.
"Joel Shomaker," founding Mayor of Tukwila, formerly living at 14243 58th Ave. S., Tukwila, unveiled a
portrait of Joseph Foster, in tribute to one of Tukwila's great patriarchs. Two of the signature, stone
etched portraits were produced from the archives of the Museum of History Industry. One was
presented as a gift from the Tukwila Historical Society to the school district, and one is presented on
permanent loan to the City of Tukwila. He explained Mr. Foster came to Tukwila in 1853 (two years after
the Collins party landed in 1851) with his brother, Stephen, led by two native Americans assigned by
Chief Seattle. They arrived by canoe, and as he stood at the confluence of the Black and the White
Rivers, he predicted that a great city would one day arise at that point.
Joseph Foster was well respected across the state, and spent 22 years serving in the territorial
legislature. At the end of that 22 -year term, he was asked to become the Governor (as Washington was
about to incorporate as a state). Foster, however, chose to retire from public service. His first donation
land claim was just south of the current golf course. He partnered with his brother, Stephen, and William
Gilliam in clearing land and building cabins for settlers. He bought more property later, including the area
where the school district is now located.
The City's celebration of its 100 years is a good time to give tribute to these early settlers.
"Mayor Shomaker" then displayed a "chunk of Public Works history," in the form of a pipe that was dug
out at Crystal Springs Park in 1992. The pipe was originally installed by the Independent Water
Company, which was formed and organized by James Nelsen, who had the foresight to see the need for
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easy access to water for farms and livestock. The wood -stave pipe was installed in 1908 and water
flowed from the park down to the interchange with West Valley Highway to the Nelsen house, which still
stands on West Valley Hwy. The house is now a museum, run by a curator, and this piece of pipe will be
on permanent loan to the Nelsen Historical Trust.
"Mayor Shomaker" displayed newspaper clippings marking the City's celebration of its Golden Jubilee in
1958, which state Tukwila was incorporated on June 8, 1908. He explained June 8 is the date the Mayor
and city fathers met on the second floor of Hull's Grocery Store and made the decision to incorporate.
That ordinance became law 14 days after the decision was made (after midnight on June 22), thereby
making June 23 the City's official date of incorporation.
Originally from Kentucky, "Mayor Shomaker" described himself as a rough rider, a minister and a
journalist. He came west in 1898 to Tacoma and later worked for the Seattle P -I as the farm editor. As
industrialization efforts of the valley increased, talk turned to dredging of the Duwamish River. Realizing
how such action would affect the area, Shomaker expressed a desire to preserve the integrity and quality
of life in Tukwila, and addressed a meeting of the town council and citizens, saying,
"The town is noted at home and abroad for its industrious, active and progressive inhabitants. It is
made up of working men and women who place the sanctity of home above the corrupting
influences of commercialism. We represent all political parties and religious creeds, and stand
united on the platform which declares 'Tukwila for Progress.'
In an effort to get the community involved in the incorporation plans, a contest was held to name the new
town. The winning entry of Tuck- Wil -La was submitted by Kate Sheperd. The name was not original,
however, as the Puget Sound Electric Railway had already named the Interurban stop Tukwila Station,
and the indigenous people had called the area Tukwila "the land where the hazelnuts grow for many
years.
"Mayor Shomaker" then revealed himself as Pat Brodin (Chair of the Tukwila Historical Society and Public
Works Operations Manager). Mr. Brodin explained this first person style narration is a unique method of
conveying history (the style used by Clay Jenkinson). Mr. Brodin noted others who have played a pivotal
role in Tukwila's development, including Mayor Baker who took a helicopter flight over the current
commercial business district (which was swampland in the mid 1960s) and envisioned what it could
become.
Mr. Brodin introduced the family of Joel Shomaker who were in the audience, as well as Louise Brown, a
descendant of the Maple family.
Dr. Kay Reinartz, author of "Tukwila, Community at the Crossroads," was in the audience, and members
of the Tukwila Historical Society were also asked to stand and be recognized.
Dr. Kay Reinartz, 3011 NW 94th St., Seattle, stated she was delighted to have been selected in 1989 to
research and write Tukwila's history book. She noted the project would not have happened without the
assistance of several hundred volunteers, including Louise Strander, Joan Hernandez, Roger Baker, and
Maxine Anderson. Of the five community history books she has done, Dr. Reinartz stated she is most
proud of Tukwila's, and noted she received five awards including a national award for the quality of the
history. She also expressed appreciation for the financial and other assistance provided by the City's
government.
Dr. Reinartz suggested the City plant some "Tukwila" trees to commemorate the centennial, and noted
this is an occasion for honoring the past, coming to the present and looking forward to the future. She
asked that everyone in attendance take a moment to think about those first pioneers who had the
courage to come to this area in 1851 and in all the decades since, as a way to honor those who have
gone before. She noted the importance of preserving history, stating, If you don't know where you come
from, it's hard to figure out where you're going to go."
Mayor Haggerton asked that any past employees or officials of the City stand and be recognized.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
Councilmember Hougardy expressed appreciation to Pat Brodin for his efforts, saying he has brought
new energy to the Historical Society. She also thanked Kay Reinartz for her investment in the City.
Steven William Harp, Federal Way, wished the City a happy birthday saying, "Keep up the good work."
b. A proclamation celebrating Tukwila's 100th birthday
Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation from the Office of the Mayor noting 2008 marks the 100th
anniversary of the incorporation of the City, commemorating the contributions of its pioneers and
community leaders throughout the past 100 years, and expressing appreciation to staff, officials,
sponsors, community organizations and residents for their contributions to the centennial celebration.
Council President Duffie asked that any City volunteers in the audience stand and be recognized.
Council President Duffie noted the cake in the lobby was donated by Costco and invited everyone to
enjoy the refreshments.
7:36 p.m. Council President Duffie declared a 10- minute recess.
7:51 p.m. Council President Duffie reconvened the Committee of the Whole meeting.
[Special Presentation items a. and b. were presented in reverse order.]
CITIZEN COMMENT
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June 23. 2008
Barbara McMichael, Administrator of the South King County Cultural Coalition (SoCo Culture), 22810
Thunderbird Dr. S., Des Moines, noted she has had the opportunity to get to know many citizens of
Tukwila and was pleased to join in the festivities this evening. SoCo Culture was founded a few years
ago by Julia Patterson to increase visibility of arts and heritage groups in the South King County area.
The organization has grown from 40 groups to 65 groups in the past 18 months. Ms. McMichael
distributed bookmarks that feature the organization's website. She also stressed the importance of
utilizing resources such as the 4Culture /Lodging Tax grant opportunities so some of that funding can
come back to South King County. Ms. McMichael congratulated the City on its 100 -year celebration.
Cynthia Volkmann, 13041 34th Ave. S., SeaTac, explained she is interested in what is happening in
Tukwila and had heard about traffic problems near Cascade View Elementary School. She drove by that
location today and noted it is a blind intersection as you head down 135th to 32nd, with no indication
there is a school or children in the area. She feels there is a need for increased signage on the street.
Elvira Rodewald, 13505 32nd Ave. S., lives next to Cascade View Elementary and is a member of
Neighbors Without Borders, which has concerns about the intersection at 135th and 32nd Ave. S. She
noted that although the problem is worse when school is in session, children play there year round. She
has observed that people do not heed the signs, and would like to see a lighted stop sign on both the
west side and east sides as a means to make drivers aware there are children present. She explained
the group has also been in contact with the Tukwila Police Department and the school principal in their
efforts to improve the situation.
Mary Koontz, 13802 Military Rd. S., Tukwila, and Pam Fernald, 2431 S. 133rd St., SeaTac, are members
of the Neighbors Without Borders Action Committee. They asked for suggestions to help resolve the
traffic issue near Cascade View Elementary. They also suggested sidewalks be installed from Military
Road down to 32nd Ave. S. as many children walk that route. The group met with Principal Baker again
last week, and he wrote a letter of support and agreed with the group's observations and statistics
collected. They also have information on the "Safe Routes to School" grant program available through
the Washington State Department of Transportation.
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Jim Morrow, Director of Public Works, explained he has received information from Neighbors Without
Borders. Public Works is researching the situation and possible solutions in conjunction with the Police
Department.
Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., Tukwila, noted the State Traffic Safety Commission has grants available
to add flashing lights on school speed limit signs. The organization's goal is to have these signs up at all
elementary schools across the state. The grants pay for the cost of the sign, but not installation costs.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Elite Racing for the 2009 -2011 Rock `n' Roll Seattle
Marathon in the amount of $150,000.00 per year.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Safety Committee on
June 17, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The issue was
also presented to the Community Affairs Parks Committee as an informational item.
Katherine Kertzman, Tourism /Marketing Manager, noted the issue was also presented to the Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee.
Councilmember Hougardy thanked Ms. Kertzman for her efforts. She noted people from around the
country would come to the City and participate in a fun event and potentially spend tourist dollars in
Tukwila.
Councilmember Quinn inquired about some of the benefits the event could bring to the City.
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June 23. 2008
Ms. Kertzman noted that as sponsor of the start line, the City will receive the same (if not more) marketing
and visibility as any other leg of the race route, while being able to dismantle and resume normal City
operations early in the day. She also displayed a mock -up of the logo for the event, and noted "Rock 'n'
Roll Marathon" is the brand identity. Seattle will be the destination, and the tagline is "Tukwila to Seattle."
Jessi Richardson, 14406 59th Ave. S., Tukwila, noted she is a fifth generation Tukwila resident and her
family has lived here for over 100 years. She explained she recently ran in the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll
Marathon, which was also an Elite Racing event and gave a participant's perspective that it was an
excellent event. She noted there have been concerns about traffic and noise, and expressed confidence
in the organization and feels this event will be a great addition to the City.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
b. Authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment #2 to Contract #07 -165 with Sound Inspections and
Investigative Engineers, LLC for the Westfield Mall Expansion Project in the amount of
$100,000.00 (no impact to the General Fund).
Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs Parks
Committee on June 9, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This
contract originally started in November 2007, and was then amended in 2008 to extend the term of the
contract. An additional $100,000 needs to be added to the original and amended contract amount, with
the scope of work to include inspection services related to building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel and gas
piping permits, and plan review when required. She noted the inspection workload has increased from 22
at the beginning of the year to 373 in the month of May. All costs for the contract are recovered from
permit fees.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
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June 23. 2008
c. Authorize the transfer of funds from narcotics seizure funds, held in the General Fund, to the
Equipment Rental and Replacement Fund for purchase of a SWAT team vehicle for the Police
Department in the amount of $156,081.41.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Safety Committee on
June 3, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The funds would
be used to buy a new SWAT team vehicle; the current van has been in operation since 1988. This
purchase would be made entirely with seizure funds, so there would be no impact to the General Fund.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
d. A resolution increasing the Police Investigation Fund level.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Safety Committee on
June 3, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. He explained the
Police Department has a Petty Cash Fund that is used to facilitate criminal investigations. The fund has
historically been $5,000, which is often not enough in today's economy. The increase does not impact
the budget; the purpose is to increase the amount of accessible funds to $10,000.
Assistant Police Chief Lori Sutter confirmed there is no overall impact to the budget. Inflation and the
increased number of detectives on staff have affected availability of funds since the $5,000 amount was
set almost 20 years ago.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
e. Authorize the Mayor to submit a Federal Highway Program grant application for the Boeing
Access Road bridge. (The current cost estimate is $31 million, with the City's match in funding at
approximately $6.2 million.)
Councilmember Robertson (reporting for Councilmember Linder) indicated this item was discussed at the
Transportation Committee meeting on June 10, 2008. The committee members forwarded the item to the
June 23, 2008 Committee of the Whole Meeting for discussion. Money has become available through a
grant; however, the Committee felt the City's matching amount ($6.2 million) represented a significant
commitment and recommended the issue be brought to the full Council for discussion.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained the City inherited the 44- year -old bridge as part of the 1989
annexation. Prior to that time, the bridge did not receive adequate maintenance. Since 1990, the City
has performed two separate deck overlays, painting, repair of joints, and other routine and minor repairs.
In 1997 the Council recognized the bridge would ultimately require replacement and included it in the
City's Capital Improvement Program.
The bridge is now approaching the end of its useful life, accelerated by its earlier inattention, as well as
effects of the Nisqually earthquake in 2001. A sufficiency rating (which assesses a rating out of a
possible 100 points) based upon bi- annual inspections of each bridge in the City is performed by
consultants and City staff. In the last 4 years, the sufficiency rating for the bridge has dropped from 50.2
to 21.86, making it eligible for replacement funding. Based on current conditions, it is anticipated that
within 5 to 7 years the bridge would more than likely be posted with a weight limitation, followed by
possible closure within 10 to 15 years. Load limits would significantly affect truck traffic. Current counts
show 4,000 trucks a day go over that bridge, which would be forced to find an alternate route such as
East Marginal Way, Interurban, or M.L King. The bridge serves the King County Airport, as well as the
City's manufacturing and industrial center. Mr. Morrow also referenced a major development that has
been proposed in close proximity to that bridge. The success of the development will depend on access
from
1 -5.
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Possible options are:
1. Do nothing.
2. Rehabilitate the bridge. Indications are that rehabilitation costs would approach the cost of full
replacement (with the end result still being a 50- year -old bridge).
3. Replacement. This is the first time grant funding has become available for bridges in the past 3
years.
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June 23. 2008
Page 38 of the agenda packet outlined the replacement costs ($31 million total including grant funding
and a City match). On grants over $10 million for replacement costs, funding becomes an 80/20 split.
The proposal is for a grant of approximately $25 million, with the remaining coming from City matching
funds.
Mr. Morrow addressed the question of how the City would fund the matching amount, including debt
service through bonds. He noted it would take 2 years for project design and 2 years for construction
(assuming the grant was awarded for 2009). Bills would be submitted to the granting agency for
reimbursement to the City. Therefore, the cost would be spread out over 4 years for replacement of the
bridge. The issue has been discussed with Bob Noland, Interim Finance Director. The City currently has
$2.960 million in debt service tied up with 4 bonds, one of which becomes due in 2014 for $748,270
(reference page 153 of the City's budget).
If the grant application is successful and authorized by Council, the total amount of debt service would
become effective at approximately the same time that first bond matures in 2014, meaning the City's debt
service would not increase (and would, in fact, be less). If the full matching amount of $6.2 million were
borrowed, it would work out to $490,000 of debt service a year. That debt service amount could also be
reduced through a Public Works Trust Fund loan. If the application is not successful, it may still prove
beneficial to have publicized the bridge's deteriorating condition, as it is a regional asset with total volume
over the bridge today in excess of 40,000 trips.
Councilmember Hernandez noted that Public Works Trust Fund loans seem to have become harder to
get each year.
Mr. Morrow indicated the City of Newcastle was recently awarded a Public Works Trust Fund loan that
included building a bridge. In light of safety considerations and the fact this bridge is a regional asset, he
felt a request would be competitive.
Councilmember Robertson noted Mr. Morrow's memo shows it would take approximately 4 years to
complete the project. With the expectation that load limits could be imposed within 7 years, the
replacement project should start within the next 2 to 3 years in order to be completed before that point is
reached. The City's share would be $6.2 million. Mr. Robertson pointed out several other large projects,
including authorization for a bond for the Strander Extension Project (to be followed by another for the
second half of that project), jail replacement (anywhere from $0 to $15 million depending on the final
scenario), Tukwila South, and Tukwila Village, not to mention a $250,000 request for the item to follow
next on this evening's agenda. The City's six -year financial plan does not reflect a substantial amount of
money left each year to pay back bonds. He would like to receive a commitment from the Council
President and Mayor to present a work session within the next three months that would address major
capital funding prioritizations rather than dealing with each of these on a piece -meal basis.
Continued Council discussion included having a list of capital project funding commitments as a point of
reference and the benefits of a work session on prioritization, the City's bonding capacity limits, and the
decline in investments in infrastructure and availability of regional funding.
Mr. Morrow noted the proposed route for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon would take 20,000 runners over this
bridge. The City is currently conducting a separate structural analysis as it has been learned that runners
send up a particular harmonic motion that is different from the motion made by vehicle traffic.
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Council President Duffie indicated he would work with the Mayor regarding a possible work session on
capital project funding prioritization.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
f. Authorize the Mayor to submit a FEMA grant application for a permanent Emergency
Operations Center. (Grant amount is $1 million, with the City's match in funding at $250,000.00.)
Councilmember Robertson stated this item would have been discussed at a Finance Safety Committee
meeting if time had permitted; however, a grant opportunity (and deadlines) arose too quickly to utilize the
standard committee process.
Mr. Morrow apologized for the short notice provided on this issue; information was just received from the
Department of Homeland Security regarding the availability of money for rehabilitation and construction of
Emergency Operations Centers (EOC). To date the City has been very successful in handling
emergency incidents (including a windstorm, 4 flooding events, and 2 shootings that required a significant
concentration of personnel). However, the City would not be able to handle a sustained incident requiring
the full activation of our emergency management organization, which would entail approximately 25 to 40
people on a 12 -hour operational shift (which he likened to trying to accommodate that many people in a
space the size of Conference Room 3 at City Hall). The four -year phased plan endorsed by the Council
in 2007 included $770,000 in Year 3 for construction of a permanent EOC. There have also been
discussions regarding telephone system switching gear and backup capability for IT investments, which
could be built in conjunction with an EOC. He confirmed a grant would be just for the construction of an
EOC; the location would be a separate issue.
Mr. Morrow noted that a decision to proceed with the application would result in significant staff time and
effort to process the grant paperwork. Department of Homeland Security staff have advised that
Tukwila's application would likely be very competitive.
Councilmember Hernandez reiterated that Council's discussion in 2007 regarding building an EOC was
not site specific. She noted funding is again a difficult issue, although the City's contribution would be
only $250,000 instead of the $750,000 estimated without a grant.
Councilmember Robertson stated this grant application illustrates the uniqueness of our City. An
application may not be as competitive if it were based solely on the 17,000 people who live here. The
fact that a large number of people shop, work and drive through the City everyday may help drive a
successful application, and also drives our need to have an EOC.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
g. An ordinance adopting a new Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at Community Affairs Parks Committee
meetings on April 28, May 12, and May 27, 2008. The committee members forwarded the item to the full
Council for consideration. She noted the draft and matrix of comments presented this evening are
different than those reviewed previously. She inquired as to deadline requirements for approval.
Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director, noted work has been on -going for 8 months, including
several public hearings, public meetings, and telephone and written surveys, with all that information
being incorporated into the plan. If any additional corrections were incorporated this evening and the plan
approved for adoption, the City would be eligible to apply for a $240,000 grant from the Recreation
Conservation Office in July (which has a $120,000 match for which the funds are covered). If that
deadline were missed, the City would withdraw the grant application and apply in 2009. Mr. Fletcher
explained the grant would be used on the Duwamish Hill project.
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Councilmember Robertson noted it is a wonderful plan that will contribute to the quality of life for people
who live, work and shop in the City. He suggested any "fatal flaws" be noted this evening and changes
made in order to meet the grant deadline, with the understanding that the plan could be reviewed in
approximately 3 months to incorporate any additional changes recommended following further review.
Mr. Fletcher agreed this would work well, as they will also be working with the Fire Department on park
and fire impact fees.
Councilmember Hernandez pointed out two suggestions:
1. Page 31, under number of sites, item 22: Correct information on Jake's to state "Storefront located
on East Marginal Way and S. 130th..." [not International Boulevard].
2. Exhibit A.12 page. "City was incorporated as a code city in 1908 and currently operates with a strong
Mayor form of government."
Mr. Fletcher also stated they would add the following under "Unique population characteristics:"
"Tukwila has a very unique daytime population with well over 100,000 visitors to the City each day."
Councilmember Hernandez also asked if the quality of the maps would be better when the plan is printed
in its final form. Mr. Fletcher stated staff agrees with the comment.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton attended the Association of Washington Cities conference in Yakima on June 17, as he
serves on the AWC Board of Directors. AWC's newly elected president is Karen Rogers of Port Angeles.
He noted that Bruce Fletcher also attended the conference and staffed a booth for the Washington State
Parks Recreation Association. The Mayor displayed a plaque and brochure presented to Tukwila as
the City received a Well City award for the 5th consecutive year.
The Mayor attended workshops on budgets (with an emphasis on biennial budgets) and streamlined
sales tax. He explained the State will use the year ending June of 2008 as the sampling for the City's
revenues, and will then compare upcoming months to that average to determine mitigation payments. He
noted Tukwila could lose up to $3 million per year due to the change in distribution of sales tax.
Earlier today he was interviewed by Channel 13 regarding the remodel at Westfield Southcenter Mall and
the impact Southcenter has on Tukwila's economics (the interview is scheduled to be aired starting the
morning of June 25). Several TV channels were also present during the opening of the time capsule
today at 3:00. He noted the condition of the items in the time capsule were of good quality. He felt the
30 -year time frame for opening the time capsule worked well, as some of the masons involved in burying
the capsule were able to be present today for the opening.
The Mayor also attended an event at Qwest Field where Tukwila was awarded the Platinum Award and
Community Award from the American Heart Association. Tukwila was one of only 16 recipients around
the country to receive the Community award. Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent, will make a full
presentation to Council in August.
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b. City Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended a June 17, 2008 breakfast meeting in honor of the King County
Executive. On June 19, 2008 she attended a Tukwila Historical Society meeting, and the breakfast
fundraising event for Tukwila Pantry on June 20, 2008. On June 22, 2008, she attended the closing
ceremony for All Nations Cup. Earlier today she helped serve cake at Costco, and also attended the
opening of the time capsule.
Councilmember Linder was not present.
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June 23. 2008
Councilmember Robertson hosted the Council Coffee Chat on June 21, 2008 at Tukwila Trading
Company. He noted the space available there on Saturday mornings is very isolated and not very visible.
Councilmember Griffin attended the Tukwila Pantry Board meeting on June 18, 2008, and a Tukwila
Children's Foundation Board meeting on June 19, 2008, where Dave Johnson discussed a Tukwila High
Tech Geo- caching event to be held on Saturday, September 6. Tukwila Children's Foundation will
partner on a shoe drive for Tukwila's three elementary school C.A.R.E. nights (Clothes Are Really
Expensive) at which bags of clothing are distributed to local families. She also attended the Tukwila
Pantry fundraising breakfast on June 20, 2008, and was pleased to see many City employees in
attendance. She also expressed appreciation to Great American Casino, which provided food for the
event at no cost.
Councilmember Hougardy visited Costco today for the birthday cake ceremony, and also the time capsule
opening. She noted one item in the capsule was a picture drawn by a then -third grader from Tukwila
Elementary School, and the artist, who now lives in Puyallup, was able to attend the opening. She
suggested the upcoming time capsule contain more three dimensional objects (not all paper items). She
also attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting on June 19, 2008, and the Tukwila Pantry breakfast
on June 20, 2008, which raised $3,100.
Councilmember Quinn had no report.
Council President Duffie attended the cake cutting at Costco today. He thanked Costco for their support,
noting that at one point there were 10 cakes on the table. Costco also provided employees to help cut
and serve the cake. On June 18, 2008, he attended a meeting of Neighbors Without Borders, and noted
he did not attend as a Councilmember, but at the request of his employer as he serves as the safety
steward for a school. He noted the group plans to meet with the principal at Cascade View Elementary,
the City, the police department and school officials; however, the school district's transportation
department prefers the meeting be held closer to the beginning of the next school year.
c. Staff
Derek Speck, Acting City Administrator, had no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovernmental
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, suggested the meeting point for the upcoming Coffee Chats at Tukwila
Trading Company could be moved to a more visible location.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Hernandez stated she received a phone call over the weekend relating to the detours
caused by Sound Transit, which are resulting in more traffic through residential areas.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
Councilmember Robertson asked if there was still interest in a budget training session, which was
originally proposed as a joint effort between former Finance Director Kevin Fuhrer and himself. He
explained the intent was not to have a discussion on the content of the budget, but geared toward
explaining the various documents used for the budgeting process, how they relate, and how to use and
understand them. This would also include the three major sections of the Financial Planning Model and
the seven spreadsheet attachments to the financial plan.
In response to a question from Council President Duffie about the appropriateness of this request, Mayor
Haggerton stated this training would be a major undertaking at a time when the Interim Finance Director
is working on the budget (and suggested most of this information could be covered during that process).
He noted Councilmembers indicated an interest in another special meeting regarding capital expenditures
earlier this evening.
Councilmember Robertson confirmed this issue was discussed at a previous meeting under
"Miscellaneous," and Council consensus at that time was for information to be prepared.
Discussion among Councilmembers included recognition of the value of the information and the
possibility of including some of it in the regular budget process, interest in the capital project funding
prioritization work session and the time constraints on having both, and interest in approaching the
budget process in a new way this year in order for Council to provide input prior to receiving the draft
budget.
Derek Speck, Acting City Administrator, encouraged Council to forward any requests, ideas and
suggestions they would like to see implemented during the budget process to the City Administration
office.
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June 23. 2008
Mayor Haggerton stated that Council has full responsibility over policies, and suggested policy should
drive the budget —the budget should not drive the policies. He recommended Council outline their
desired short-term and long -range policies. Dollar amounts could then be attached to those items and
the budget work can focus on how to make that happen when compared to the City's anticipated revenue.
Councilmember Robertson reported attendance at a South King County Area Transportation Benefit
District (SCATBd) meeting on June 17, 2008. Sound Transit plans to put another proposition (ST2)
before the voters. The City of Burien is proposing that a study be added to the ST2 packet regarding a
Light Rail link that would link Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Renton together. Burien Councilmember Sue
Blazak requested Tukwila co -sign that letter.
Mayor Haggerton stated the City just submitted a letter to Sound Transit on June 19, 2008, which
emphasized the following points that have been discussed previously by Council:
1. It is imperative Tukwila have a permanent station, including all access improvements.
2. The second issue was in regard to Link Light Rail, and construction of a station in the vicinity of
Boeing Access Road and East Marginal Way (which was in the original plan but pulled due to
financial constraints). A new Sabey development is in that area, and Boeing is increasing production
in their offices in the area.
3. Third, assurance that sufficient funding will be available to construct a parking garage and access
improvements to the South 154th Link Light Rail station. City staff feels the parking needs at that
station have been underestimated.
The Mayor stated he would need more information on Burien's request before writing a letter of support,
and is concerned a second letter could diminish the requests stated above. He suggested discussing the
issue with staff and bringing that information back to Council.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
9:55 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING.
I Offie o il Preside
Barbara Saxton, Act g Deputy City Clerk
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June 23. 2008