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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-07 Regular MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 7, 2008 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mayor Jim Haggerton called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were: Council President Joe Duffie, Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; David Haynes, Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Introduction of new Police Department employees: Tim Bonagofski, Police Officer, and Chris Partman, Community Policing Coordinator. David Haynes, Police Chief, introduced Chris Partman, the new Community Policing Coordinator for the Police Department, to the City Council. Ms. Partman was born in Washington and currently lives in the Boulevard Park area of King County. Previously she worked for the City of Seattle in the parking enforcement division for 19 years. The Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Partman to the City. Chief Haynes introduced Tukwila's newest Police Officer, Tim Bonagofski. Officer Bonagofski was a member of the United States Marine Corps for 8 years, serving time in Iraq and Asia as a member of the sniper platoon. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Tim Bonagofski, Badge #176. Officer Bonagofski's wife, Jamie, pinned the badge on her husband. Officer Bonagofski introduced members of his family in the audience and thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve Tukwila. The Councilmembers welcomed Officer Bonagofski to Tukwila. b. Fire Department Honor Guard presentation to the Mayor. Nick Olivas, Fire Chief, introduced the members of the Fire Department Honor Guard who were in attendance at the meeting: Firefighters Mark Morales, Aaron Johnson, and Jim Schell. There are 7 members of the Honor Guard at this time. The Fire Department Honor Guard came to fruition approximately 2.5 years ago and has served at funerals for former firefighters of the City. The members have been given commendations on their conduct and professionalism while serving in this capacity. Firefighter Morales expressed appreciation for his recent training opportunity that was conducted in Washington D.C. This 5 -day training session, working with Marines who perform Honor Guard functions at the National level, for the President of the United States, was invaluable. He hopes further opportunities for training will be afforded to members of the Tukwila Fire Department Honor Guard. Firefighter Morales presented a plaque to the City Council from the training event that took place in Washington D.C. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meetina Minutes Page 2 of 7 July 7. 2008 The Councilmembers conveyed their appreciation, respect, and thanks for the contribution and service provided by the Fire Department Honor Guard. Chief Olivas indicated that anyone requiring the services of the Honor Guard can contact him for further information. c. Presentation regarding new quarters for Tukwila Post Office currently located at 225 Andover Park West, Russ Rainey, Project Manager, U.S. Post Office. Russ Rainey, Real Estate Specialist/Project Manager for the United States Post Office, introduced himself to the Tukwila City Council. Mr. Rainey also introduced Alisa Masunaga, the Tukwila Post Office Operations Manager, and Jeff Maxfield, the Customer Service Operations Manager for the City of Seattle. Mr. Rainey explained that the Post Office Community Contact process involves notification to the Mayor and subsequently, the City Council, with regard to changes occurring within Tukwila. Mr. Rainey met with the Mayor and City Administrator on May 28, 2008 regarding the Tukwila Post Office location at 225 Andover Park West. The lease for that postal office expires on December 1, 2008 and will not be renewed by Westfield Mall. Mr. Rainey is working to secure a new location for a Post Office in the area within the following preferred boundaries: South 144th Street on the north; South 180th Street/Orillia Road on the south; West Valley Highway on the east; and Southcenter Parkway on the west. A building of approximately 3,600 square feet on approximately an acre of land is being sought. Mr. Rainey outlined the process to include solicitation for proposals, site selection, design and construction. He indicated the Mayor would be kept informed of each phase of the project as it progresses, and will be given 30 days to respond each time he is contacted regarding project development. Mr. Rainey's expectation is that a new facility would be in place in 18 to 24 months. The planned, new facility will be approximately the same size as the current location. While the current lease does expire on December 1, 2008, Westfield has conveyed willingness to work with the Post Office until a new location is secured. It is possible the new postal location will be within the Westfield Mali. The Councilmembers asked questions and offered comments to Mr. Rainey, to include: an awareness that the Tukwila Post Office is very busy and serves not only 17,000+ citizens, but also a daytime population of 100,000+ business community members and visitors; the need for the Post Office to consider expanding the size of the facility in Tukwila; concern that the lease is expiring without adequate time for a new facility to be sited and constructed; the improbability of finding an acre of land in Tukwila within the preferred boundaries; and the desire that the Post Office provide sufficient notification to the public regarding these changes. Mr. Rainey conveyed that the Mayor can provide input regarding the size of the proposed facility. He also indicated that altering the current plan would be difficult and extremely time intensive. Jeff Maxfield, Customer Service Operations Manager for the City of Seattle, indicated that several postal locations in Seattle are facing non renewal of leases and are in the same situation as Tukwila. The past practice of the U.S. Post Office was to lease buildings, as opposed to purchasing. With current land values being what they are, property owners are choosing to tear down postal facilities in favor of more lucrative developments. While everyone wants a post office in their neighborhood, it has become challenging for postal staff to find locations to place them, as they are at the mercy of the real estate market. The Mayor and City Council thanked the staff members from the Post Office for this update on the Tukwila location. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes CITIZEN COMMENTS Page 3 of 7 July 7, 2008 Jenny McCoy, 14202 56th Avenue South, represents the "Church of Tukwila" which is one church that consists of many congregations. She provided letters of invitation to the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator. The invitation is for a Healing the Land Gathering (formerly the Peace Potlatch), and this is a sanctioned Centennial Event. The purpose of the event is to honor the Duwamish Tribe as Tukwila's first nation and assist in the restoration of their tribe. This gathering of the Duwamish people and the people of Tukwila is Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Fort Dent Park (the historic site of Chief Seattle's winter village). There will be delegations representing the City of Tukwila, the Tukwila School District, the Tukwila Historical Society, the Church of Tukwila, and guests from the community, the County, the State and Federal governments. There will be a presentation of gifts, entertainment, and a traditional salmon bake. The City is being asked to form a delegation to attend the gathering and consider an appropriate gift for the event. While the event on September 14 is by invitation only, a video seminar on "America's hosts' peoples" is open to all on August 10, 2008 at the Foster Tukwila Presbyterian Church from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Ann Barstow, 5930 South 149th, conveyed concern regarding new construction near her home. Large cement blocks have been brought in that are 2 -feet wide, 2 -feet high, and 4 -feet long. These have been placed a foot from her fence and the width of her lot. She has a 5 -foot high cyclone fence that can be breached by someone who can now stand on the 4 -foot high blocks to easily come over her fence; she feels this is a safety issue. Ms. Barstow also has concern about anything that may fall within this 1 -foot area, as it cannot be accessed and wonders who will manage the weed growth in this area. These blocks are visible to Ms. Barstow and will not be visible to the new homeowners. In her view, they are not similar to other retaining walls in the residential area of the City and are typical of what is found on freeways. She is also concerned, with the new construction and inclusion of concrete blocks, that drainage problems will occur that will affect her property. Ms. Barstow has been in contact with City staff who indicated these are allowable conditions. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated that drainage stub -outs are being provided by the builder, so that roof run -off will go into the public system. The driveways will also drain into catch basins that will then go to the public system. Mr. Morrow will look into the issue regarding the concrete blocks. He explained that a retaining wall can be up to 4 -feet high; anything above 4 -feet high requires structural review and a building permit. Michael Moore, 5936 South 149th, indicated that in his view, these blocks are over 4 -feet high as they have a raised ridge on top. He feels they are an eyesore and that someone could become hurt, if they got between the concrete blocks and the fence. Mr. Moore also conveyed concern that from his standpoint, the Tukwila Elementary School grounds are not properly maintained. The sprinklers should be turned on more often and the weeds should be dealt with. The Councilmembers asked questions and offered comments to include matters regarding height of rockeries and retaining walls, drainage concerns, and the possibility of reviewing City ordinances on these issues. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained these types of issues are often governed by International Codes adopted by the City. City staff reviews developments to ensure code compliance is adhered to. City Administration will review this situation, and code amendments can occur if the Council deems them to be necessary. Council President Duffie, who is employed at Tukwila Elementary School, indicated the cost to run the sprinklers at the school is $4,000 a month, and the grounds are mowed twice a week. Mayor Haggerton indicated that issues regarding the Tukwila Elementary School fall under the jurisdiction of the Tukwila School District. The City will communicate this concern to the District office. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, expressed thanks for the fireworks and 4th of July activities at Fort Dent Park. She rode the shuttle to the event and hopes the shuttle service will be better advertised next year. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 06/16/08 (Regular); 06/23/08 (Special) b. Approval of Vouchers #340165 #340430 in the amount of $832,934.73 MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. BID AWARDS Page 4 of 7 July 7. 2008 a. Award a contract to TransTech Electric, Inc. for the East Marginal Way South /92 Place South Traffic Signal Pole Replacement project in the amount of $83,061.00. MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO TRANSTECH ELECTRIC, INC. FOR THE EAST MARGINAL WAY SOUTH /92ND PLACE SOUTH TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,061.00.* Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on June 24, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Typically this item would have come to a Committee of the Whole meeting prior to a Regular Council meeting. Due to heavy Council agendas for the next several weeks, this uncomplicated item was placed on a Regular Meeting agenda, with the approval of the Transportation Committee. This project was bid for installing a traffic signal pole that was destroyed in a traffic accident (by an errant southbound pickup truck) on East Marginal Way South and 92nd Place South. The driver survived, and his insurance company will be reimbursing the City for the cost of this project. One bid was received for the project from TransTech Electric, Inc. in the amount of $83,061.00. The Engineer's Estimate was $58,000.00. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. b. Award a contract to Purcell Painting for the Green River Pedestrian and Utility Bridge project (painting only) in the amount of $134,000.00. MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO PURCELL PAINTING FOR THE GREEN RIVER PEDESTRIAN AND UTILITY BRIDGE PROJECT (PAINTING ONLY) IN THE AMOUNT OF $134,000.00.* Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on June 24, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Typically this item would have come to a Committee of the Whole meeting prior to a Regular Council meeting. Due to heavy Council agendas for the next several weeks, this uncomplicated item was placed on a Regular Meeting agenda, with the approval of the Transportation Committee. This project was bid for painting the Green River Pedestrian and Utility Bridge on the Green River Trail near South 180th Street and Andover Park East. This project is a re -bid of a previously advertised project which included repair work with the sealing of the bridge. The repair work was bid as a separate project and was completed in 2007. This contract includes coating the entire bridge with a stain /sealant to preserve the wood from further deterioration. Five bids were received, with the low bid of $134,000.00. from Purcell Painting. The Engineer's Estimate was $197,300.00. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. c. Award a contract to Watson Asphalt Paving Company for the 2008 Overlay and Repair program in the amount of $697,322.75. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7 July 7. 2008 MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO WATSON ASPHALT PAVING COMPANY FOR THE 2008 OVERLAY AND REPAIR PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $697,322.75.* Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on June 24, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Typically this item would have come to a Committee of the Whole meeting prior to a Regular Council meeting. Due to heavy Council agendas for the next several weeks, this uncomplicated item was placed on a Regular Meeting agenda, with the approval of the Transportation Committee. This project was bid for the 2008 Annual Overlay and Repair Program. Watson Asphalt Paving Company was the 2nd low bidder in the amount of $697,322.75, after the original lowest bid was retracted due to a significant math error in the bid documents. The Engineer's Estimate was $865,905.00. While the cost for asphalt work is rising, contractors are striving to mitigate those impacts. In the case of this bid from Watson Asphalt Paving, the grinding machine was purchased, as opposed to being rented, which keeps the costs lower. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton commended the Parks and Recreation Department and Fire and Police Departments for the excellent work done for the Family 4th at the Fort event. He felt it was "one of the best ever," and the special area for children under age 5 and the 3 -on -3 basketball tournament were great additions. He received feedback that other jurisdictions were charging for children's play activities at their 4th of July events, and it was notable that Tukwila's events were free. b. City Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the July 5, 2008 Government Affairs Committee meeting where Dr. Mary Everett from Highline Community College was a speaker. The meeting theme was "What Can Highline Community College Do for Business," and they received many good suggestions, including a possible satellite location in Tukwila. Councilmember Linder hosted the Council Coffee Chat at the Tukwila Trading Company on June 28, 2008. She thanked Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, for the packet that was provided before the chat and expressed appreciation for the cooperation provided by the Manager at Tukwila Trading. Ms. Linder sat outside the store, and multiple people stopped and shared comments who had originally just planned to shop. She indicated she would like to host another chat in approximately 2 weeks in the same manner. Some of the comments she received included: Mosque parking blocks pedestrian traffic. Tukwila TV Channel 21 should include text that is audible (read aloud). More information needs to be provided regarding the Tukwila Pantry and opportunities to donate and volunteer. Higher priority should be given to a 10 -block area on Tukwila International Boulevard, and there was an expectation of a bike patrol this year. More information should be provided to help businesses. -Signs regarding Tukwila as an "inclusive community" are only in English. -The website is considered sterile and not interactive nor about community building. Concern was expressed about crime at motels on Tukwila International Boulevard; does Tukwila have an abatement process and is it used. There is not enough signage regarding the re -route on Southcenter Boulevard. Council President Duffie expressed thanks for the City's July 4 celebration. He indicated the brochures did not reach people in time and should go out earlier next year. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Councilmember Robertson also attended the City's July 4 event and found it to be very well done and family oriented. He suggested an area be set aside on the website for points discussed at the Council Coffee Chats. When Councilmember Robertson hosted the chat, people came because they had seen the notices for the event. He feels it is coming together and "starting to work." Councilmember Griffin reported she has been attending the July 4 celebration in Tukwila since it began a few years ago. It just keeps getting "better and better," and it is her "favorite event." Councilmember Hougardy attended the July 4 event and commented on how well Police managed the parking lot to get people out in a timely manner. She also received positive feedback about the activities being lined up along the edge, as opposed to the center area, which represented a better use of space. Councilmember Quinn indicated that Tukwila citizens are doing a great job of adhering to the fireworks ban in the City. He spent time in a neighboring City and found a great many violations were taking place. Mr. Quinn attended a meeting at the Tukwila School District on July 1, 2008. The administration and faculty have lofty goals to help the district perform at a higher level and meet special needs. He also indicated the King County Council passed an ordinance putting a 2 -year extension on the jail (regarding the housing of inmates from local jurisdictions). c. Staff d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Page 6 of 7 July 7, 2008 Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, expressed appreciation regarding the feedback on the July 4 celebration. It becomes a balancing act when working to inform the citizens of events, as doing so too far in advance can cause people to forget. City staff will continue to strive toward prompt communication to the citizens. She also conveyed that placement of activities at Fort Dent Park is dependent on other events occurring at the facility, and the City does not have full control of those issues. Ms. Berry reported that starting in August, reimbursement for Tukwila Municipal Court interpreter costs will be received from the State, due to a grant received earlier this year. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained the levee repair project is going well. As work has progressed on the project, an "official breach of the levee" has occurred of approximately 200 feet. If the water were to rise above 6,000 cubic feet per second (the water level is currently not near that number), there would be nothing to stop that water. The construction is being followed very closely, and completion is expected on August 15, 2008. Mr. Morrow relayed that for the mall opening on July 25, 2008, the City will have a Mobile Command Unit in place. In the future the same procedure will be in place for City events such as the 4th of July, Tukwila Days, etc. This unit came from the Federal Protective Services and is the same unit that handled the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Mayor Haggerton referenced an article from the Daily Journal of Commerce titled "County Talks to Lease Data Center." The article references King County's negotiations with the Sabey Corporation to lease 11,500 square feet of space at the Intergate East location in Tukwila for a data center. The County hopes to complete this move by October 2009. City of Tukwila City Council Reaular Meeting Minutes ADJOURNMENT 9:00 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flah rty, City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 7/21/2008 Page 7 of 7 July 7. 2008