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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Joe Duffie called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Duffie asked all City employees, citizens and visitors to stand and be recognized. OFFICIALS Present were Joe Duffle, Council President; Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn. ATTENDANCE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 25, 2008 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bob Noland, Interim Finance Director; Lisa Verner, Project Manager; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Mid -Year Budget Review Bob Noland, Interim Finance Director Bob Noland utilized a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the main items for discussion in this review: General Fund and Fund Balances 2007 Budget vs. Actual Summary 2008 Revised Estimates Sales Tax review 2009 -2010 Biennial Budget Preparation Closing Comments Mr. Noland explained the actual ending balance for 2007 was $4,472,000 greater than the estimated balance from the budget model. The 2008 budget model has been updated with the end -of -year fund balances, creating revised starting fund balances and estimates for the 2009 -2010 biennial budget. Mr. Noland explained the goal for this report is to provide actual ending balances, and commented on the conservative nature of past spending. Sales tax reports for 2007 reflect the actual amount of $19,416,000 collected; an increase of 8.8% from 2006. This was a banner year for the City, largely due to the construction of the Westfield Mall expansion. At this juncture the City is on track to meet the budgeted revenue projection of sales tax collections. The original message from the Association of Washington Cities regarding the new Streamlined Sales Tax Initiative stated there is potential the City could lose approximately $3,000,000; this has not been proven and the City should continue business as usual. Staff has been diligently working on the 2009 -2010 biennial budget. Per the Finance Department's request, each department has submitted their preliminary models, and department reviews will start the week of September 2, 2008. At first review, it appears there will be a deficit at the end of the 2010 year, but all departmental information requires review before any type of discussion takes place regarding program changes. The Finance Department currently has ongoing monthly reviews of revenue received City of Tukwila Page 2 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auoust 25, 2008 and expenditures. One item of interest is the gambling tax revenue is down $350,000 from previous years; this tax is a general fund item. Further discussion entailed the possible consideration of dedicating a portion of the sales tax to debt service and construction projects. Currently, the City has a number of large construction projects related to the Capital Improvement Program and the jail feasibility study. Another possibility is the dedication of a portion of property tax to the Facilities Replacement Fund (302 fund). Councilmember Hernandez inquired whether the ending balance includes the Rainy Day Fund, and would increasing this fund be possible. Mr. Noland stated the Rainy Day Fund is a separate fund and has not been included in the information presented. An increase in revenues would be required to increase the fund balance. The Councilmembers asked questions of Mr. Noland regarding the presentation and upcoming budget process. Mayor Haggerton provided clarification on fund issues and streamlined sales tax mitigation. Council President Duffie thanked Mr. Noland for his presentation. CITIZEN COMMENT Pam Carter, 4115 South 139 Street, gave an overview about services and ideas available from the Association of Washington Cities regarding budgeting and the new Streamlined Sales Tax Initiative. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, complimented the Historical Society for the Historical Homes Tour on August 23, 2008. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37 Avenue South, inquired about the status of the Northfield Car Wash. Mayor Haggerton stated per the agreement with Northfield and the City, the operations should cease September 25, 2008 and the property is to be vacated by October 10, 2008. Natalie Hunter, 14239 53 Avenue South, described an issue with lack of sidewalk definition on 53 Avenue South. People are parking where the sidewalk should be, which pushes pedestrians into the street to bypass the cars. She would like the City to define the actual sidewalk area with striping or signage. Mayor Haggerton thanked Ms. Hunter for her comments and stated the Public Works Department would look into the situation. PUBLIC HEARINGS An ordinance establishing level of service standards for parks and open space and amending Ordinance No. 2207 that adopted the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Lisa Verner, Project Manager, indicated the issue before the Council is to adopt an ordinance establishing level of service (LOS) standards for parks and open space and amending Ordinance No. 2207, which adopted the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, to incorporate the LOS standards. 7:46 p.m. Council President Duffie opened the public hearing and called for citizen comments. Mark Segale, P.O. Box 88028, representing Segale Properties, indicated they do not oppose impact fees, which is the next step in this process. They have two major areas of concern, the first regarding neighborhood parks. The draft ordinance shows 22.3 acres of neighborhood parks, which is School District property. Mr. Segale asked if the City made an investment in those 22.3 acres. If not, he questioned whether it is fair and reasonable to use that total acreage in the calculation. The second issue involves regional parks. The City is very fortunate to have Foster Golf Course and the Fort Dent complex located within the City. The fact that the City currently has a large amount of regional facilities does not mean the same amount is required to go forward. Using the proposed ratio in the draft ordinance, there will be approximately 6,800 new citizens in the City, requiring an additional 50 acres of regional parks. In his view, it appears the ratio is overstated for the regional parks. They do support park City of Tukwila Page 3 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 25, 2008 impact fees, and ask that before an ordinance is passed the level of service standards be reviewed regarding the standards for neighborhood and regional parks. 7:50 p.m. Council President Duffie closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance establishing level of service standards for parks and open space and amending Ordinance No. 2207 that adopted the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on August 11, 2008. At the committee meeting it was discussed the City needs to amend the Parks and Open Space Plan adopted June 7, 2008 to include the level of service standards. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember Linder stated the level of service standards represent a tool to communicate with developers should the City implement impact fees which is a requirement if the City applies for future grants and for the City to plan for the future. The level of service standards can be modified, reviewed annually, and possibly raised should the growth exceed projections. Councilmember Linder confirmed the level of service standards are based solely on the residential population, not the daytime population which is considerably higher. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to who the regional parks serve, how the levels of service standard ratios were formulated, and where these parks are located. Lisa Verner, Project Manager, provided clarification; the ratios are derived from taking what the City currently has and calculating by the number of residents. The level of service provided now is at an acceptable level; therefore that level of service standard is acceptable for future growth. Ms. Verner confirmed the previous statements that daytime occupants of the City are the most recorded users of the City's park system. Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, provided clarification regarding regional parks, saying they do not necessarily need to be located in the Tukwila City limits. The City of Kent is currently developing a park, and parks located in the City of SeaTac are helping to fill the regional need. The proposed level of service standards fall within the national average, and the number is sound in achieving the neighborhood park acreage. The neighborhood parks do include School District parks. The City leased the land, and built the parks to use as neighborhood facilities. Councilmember Robertson inquired about the Tukwila Community Center and how the calculation was achieved at 1.63 per 15,000 residents. Mr. Still stated the national average for centers is 1 per 15,000 residents. The remaining 0.63 could be addressed with a satellite center in another part of the City. Councilmember Griffin stated the discussion during committee was the fact the number of users at the City's parks is higher than being shown, due to the number of businesses in the City. Ms. Griffin also reiterated that the level of service standards are a tool for the City to use if impact fees are needed in the future. Mr. Still indicated this amendment would break down all specific types of parks, and is a more definitive tool for the City to use in the future. Councilmember Hougardy requested an example of how the City would be involved in the development of a regional park that is not located within our City limits. Mr. Still stated the Parks Department staff is involved in committees for the region. Right now the City is working with the City of Renton on a connector trail, and the City of Seattle asked for input from Tukwila's Parks Department on a study to see what types of facilities Tukwila residents would be interested in using. Councilmember Hougardy inquired about whether the City is financially responsible for these regional parks. Mr. Still answered in the affirmative; noting Grandview Park is an example. The City classifies that facility as a dog park, and the City commits funds on an annual basis for maintenance. Councilmember Quinn stated his appreciation for the charts provided at this meeting. He also stated the local and regional parks are important to the residents that do not have space at their homes for outside activity. The City's robust park system provides the residents many options within the City to find open space for activities. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 25. 2008 Councilmember Hernandez asked Ms. Verner to explain the next steps for the level of service standards. Ms. Verner stated the LOS implementation is important for the Parks and Open Space Plan and the foundation for discussion on impact fees. This would be an alternative fund source for the Parks and Fire Departments. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.. b. Contract for travel planner advertisement for Seattle Southside. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on August 19, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Katherine Kertzman, Tourism Program Manager, gave an overview of this issue. Destination Media Alliance, LLC will provide Seattle Southside's full back -page, 4 -color ad in the 2009 Official Washington State Travel Planner at a cost of $27,750 as part of the overall 2009 Media Plan. Funds for this proposed agreement are budgeted from the Lodging Tax line item. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Sale of surplus property at 7220 SW 43 Street. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on August 19, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This property was obtained through condemnation procedure in association with the construction of the South 180 Street underpass. The property was subsequently declared surplus by Resolution No. 1637 on June 18, 2007. An appraised value of $480,000 was accepted by Council, and the successful bid from the Harnish Group is in the amount of $501,000. Councilmember Hernandez inquired as to what fund the monies would be applied. Mr. Noland, Interim' Finance Director, stated he would research this issue and provide further information. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. 2008 Overlay and Repair Construction Management Supplement with KPG, Inc. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on August 12, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember Linder stated the City currently has a base contract with KPG, Inc. that included the design engineering services for the 2008 Overlay Program. The supplemental agreement with KPG, Inc. will provide part -time, on -call construction management, engineering consulting, and inspection support to Public Works project staff for the duration of the project. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Bid award for 2008 Small Drainage Program. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 18, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember Griffin explained the 2008 Small Drainage Program constructs drainage projects throughout the City that are too large for City staff to complete. Councilmember Linder inquired whether Site Number 2, Macadam Road, is in the same location where the City has had problems in the past. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, stated this particular location is just to the south and has nothing to do with the problem area from the past. It is a long -term problem the City would like to correct. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 25. 2008 COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Bid award for Interurban Avenue South waterline. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 18, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember Griffin asked Mr. Morrow, to provide a brief summary on this item. Mr. Morrow stated this project consists of replacement of a 40+ year old, cast -iron waterline. Cast -iron pipelines settle and can crack, and create problems, which is the basis for replacement. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to funding for this project. Mr. Morrow stated the monies for this project are budgeted in the enterprise fund (Water Department fund) in the Capital Improvement Program. City staff recommends award of the contract be to Gary Merlino Construction Company. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Consultant agreement for Storm Lift Station No. 18. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on August 18, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Storm Lift Station No. 18 provides service to the Allentown area and was constructed as part of the Allentown Phase I Sewer project in 1997. The station contains one 8 -inch pump manually brought online prior to winter each year and then manually taken offline each spring. Mr. Morrow, indicated staff is concerned with several aspects of Storm Lift Station No. 18's one pump. PACE Engineering, Inc. has worked with the City previously and is recommended for this project. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 8:22 p.m. Council President Duffie declared a brief recess. 8:30 p.m. Council President Duffie reconvened the Committee of the Whole Meeting. h. Tukwila Village developers proposal continued discussion. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained the goal this evening is a follow -up discussion for Council to understand both developers' proposals. No action is being requested at this time. Staff presentation will review selection criteria, compare proposals, and identify challenges. Both developers will provide 30- minute, question- and answer sessions this evening regarding their proposed plans for the property located at Tukwila International Boulevard and South 144th Street. Further discussion on Tukwila Village is scheduled to occur at the September 8, 2008 Council meeting. A PowerPoint presentation utilized by Mr. Speck provided the following highlights: Staff Analysis: Review selection criteria, Compare proposals, Identify challenges Selection Criteria: Developer financial capacity, Developer experience, Responsiveness of proposal to the purpose and scope of the City's vision for the project, Financial package Financial Capacity and Experience: Both are qualified, Legacy has more experience with residential led mixed -use projects; Tarragon has more experience with retail centers and retail -led, mixed -use projects. Proposal Comparisons: Type and size, Housing types, Housing affordability, Phasing of development, Estimated land value, Policy changes City of Tukwila Page 6 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 25. 2008 Requested Policy Changes: Height limit increased to 65 feet, Multi- family property tax exemption, Increase in housing units per acre, Reduction in parking spaces per unit, Advancing funding for 144 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP), On- street parking (Tarragon),Townhouses allowed (Legacy) Challenges: Market demand for apartments, Market demand for retail, Architectural style, Connection to Tukwila International Boulevard Mr. Speck introduced Kay Johnson, from the King County Library System. Ms. Johnson explained the library has been following the progress of the Tukwila Village project. The library is very excited at the prospect of relocating to a more visible location within the project. More and more it has been concluded that libraries are more of a retail operation. The most successful locations the library system currently has are located at Westfield Mall and Crossroads Shopping Center. She stated they are very pleased to be part of this project and hope to continue the service to the residents and visitors of Tukwila. Council Questions Regarding Legacy Partners Presentation (not listed in order of priority) The following representatives from Legacy Partners were present to discuss their project proposal: Chris Meyer, Development Manager; and Karen Anderson Bittenbender and Mike Woo from Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI). 1. If the City decided not to sell the land described in Phase II, would you still be willing to develop Phase I? Chris Meyer, Development Manager, responded in the affirmative. The Legacy proposal is designed to move forward with 80% of the project up- front. At the completion of Phase I, Legacy would be at critical mass and would like to see the project through fruition to develop the entire site. That would be our preference, and we are open to dialogue with the City. 2. Please elaborate your statement regarding project management start-to- finish. Mr. Meyer clarified that Legacy is able to control the project from design to construction of the finished site and operations and maintenance for the long term. 3. How important is the multi family property tax exemption to your proposal? Mr. Meyer stated the multi family tax exemption allows Legacy to pay more for the land value. Both developers have asked for the same exemption as stipulated from staff. If the exemption does not exist, Legacy can still make the project function, but are not able to pay as much for the land. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, stated that as part of the Request for Proposals (RFP's), certain assumptions were provided to each of the developers, in order to create a level comparison. The value of the multi family tax exemption can be provided to Council for review. 4. Please describe your underground parking and how it is affordable. Mr. Meyer explained the cost for underground parking is significantly higher, but the grade of the land for the location of the parking garage is higher than at curb side. Legacy's proposal is to dig ten feet down and push that dirt to the curb side to raise the grade for the retail and plaza level for more visibility with the street. Typical parking garages are constructed by digging straight down, and then the garage would be two or three stories. In this case, Legacy is creating a single plane and supporting the buildings with columns above, eliminating large amounts of dirt. This constitutes the cost increase for underground parking garages. 5. Please describe the decks for the private residences. Mr. Meyer indicated the decks are the ground level plazas for the apartments, which have landscaping and small privacy fencing. The common area for ground floor units will be concrete with pavers for drainage, have some landscaping, and possibly a fountain or trees. This would cover the underground parking and provide an active open space for the residents. 6. Where will the play spaces for children be located? Mr. Meyer stated the play spaces for children will be located with the family townhomes. An additional space can be added should the need arise within the market -rate apartments. City of Tukwila Page 7 of 10 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 25. 2008 7. Please describe what it is in your proposal that makes Legacy the right choice. Mr. Meyer explained there are several reasons why Legacy should be chosen. The first is the $3 million difference in the offering price. Secondly, Legacy is prepared to go forward with 80% of the proposal, which would allow Council to have more momentum going forward sooner. Thirdly, Legacy is prepared to go forward with this project with no retail pre leasing. In this type of retail environment some projects will require pre leasing; Legacy does not have that requirement and is prepared to take that financial risk. Legacy's proposal includes all the elements the City has requested: the library, plaza and community policing center. 8. Is there funding available for the senior housing and the Low Income Housing Institute project? Due to the competitive nature and 3 -year wait for funding from the Housing Trust, have you taken this into consideration and completed a study to show the need for housing on this site? Karen Anderson Bittenbender, Deputy Director of the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), stated LIHI currently has senior housing projects under construction that did not require funding from the Housing Trust; LIHI is able to use a 202 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant and Washington State Finance Housing Commission tax credits. Mr. Meyer informed Council the demand for this type of product is high in the City of Tukwila. 9. Have you worked with a municipality on a project similar to the City of Tukwila's? Mr. Meyer stated Legacy's Puget Sound office does not have the municipal experience. As for the type of project, the Redmond River project is very similar. The Redmond project has the same amount of retail space, public amenities, green space, public art, a patio, and a number of other different elements. Legacy has tried to knit together to create a cohesive community that is anxiously awaited by the residents of Redmond. 10. Please explain how important the density increase is to your proposal. Mr. Meyer stated this request is very important. With the existing zoning for this site, the type of facilities the City desires cannot be built. Legacy is trying to create a spark, a catalyst in the community; it needs a density of people, a density of activity, and a whole sort of a buzz of activity happening. 11. Please explain the design option with the open space facing Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB). Mr. Meyer explained if you isolate the plaza and public areas from the primary point of view, and put it behind a curtain, defeats the purpose of having this great resource there. Legacy sees the visibility as a connection to the rest of the primary corridor, and opening the project to the boulevard is an amenity to the site not a challenge. 12. Please describe how you determined the number of different types of apartments you will construct. Mr. Meyer stated the 25 percent studios, 40 to 50 percent 1- bedrooms, and the remainder as 2- bedrooms is about what the market would absorb in this location. 13. With the reduction of parking spaces for units, approximately how would you address the affordability of possibly paying for extra parking spaces? Mr. Meyer explained this project is trying to change the paradigm of Tukwila. It is expected this development will be a transit oriented site, and those who opt to live here will choose transit options, as opposed to owning multiple vehicles. 14. Please explain why there are no 3- bedroom apartments in your proposal. Mr. Meyer acknowledged the apartments are not larger than 2- bedrooms. The larger 3- bedroom units would compete with the townhomes. There is an abundance of 3- bedroom units currently in the City, and we do not want to compete with that market. Mr. Meyer also clarified some of the 2- bedroom units would include a den /office. City of Tukwila Page 8 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 25, 2008 15. Would the property management company manage the entire site? Mr. Meyer stated the property management company would manage the living spaces. Management of the common areas would be a collaborative effort with the City Administration, the King County Library System and the Parks Department. Council Questions Regarding Tarragon Presentation (not listed in order of priority) The following representatives from Tarragon were present to discuss their project proposal: Kristin Jensen, Senior Development Manager and Partner, and Amy Benezra, Development Assistant 1. If the City decided not to sell the land described in Phase II, would you still be willing to develop Phase 1? Kristin Jensen answered in the affirmative. 2. Does the Kent Station have a police presence or a resource center? Ms. Jensen answered in the negative; the police department is two blocks south of the property. 3. The written proposal submitted did not have any proforma data included. Please explain why. It is very early in the process and any numbers provided would be estimates, and that is something Tarragon does not share at this point. Also, due to the public nature of this project, the proforma data is proprietary, and Tarragon does not want financial information to be part of the public information. However, Tarragon acknowledged as the project moves forward, with detailed negotiation of the property, that information would be easier to compute and more open discussion could occur at that time. 4. What made Tarragon decide to have the retail closest to the street rather than the plaza? Tarragon saw the opportunity to urbanize this neighborhood move the buildings out to the sidewalk, and engage the streets and sidewalks with the architecture and the building forms. Ms. Jensen acknowledged the need for visibility of the plaza from the boulevard. However, the reason Tarragon relocated the plaza was to create a comfortable space with the buildings and surrounding retail, creating a buffer between the activity of the plaza and the streets. 5. Why should the City choose your design concept? Ms. Jensen stated Tarragon's design would provide the centric development Tukwila is looking for. The proposed design will act as a catalyst for future re- development of this neighborhood. Tarragon would then become an active part in this community. 6. Why did the Tarragon proposal only include 59 units of affordable housing? Ms. Jensen explained the area will support market -rate apartments. It is a value to the community to add affordable housing, and the design group picked a number it is comfortable with. 7. The Tarragon proposal states a completion date of April 2012 dependent on lender requirements for the number of leases signed, which might delay the project. Have you completed a study that shows there is a market for 42,000 square feet or more of retail? Ms. Jensen stated Tarragon has never said that there's any pre leasing required of the retail space. That is something Tarragon has never done. The project must move forward if retailers are to be attracted to the project. As for the question of a study, Tarragon has not conducted a study to show the amount of retail that could be absorbed. Early information from contacts is providing positive feedback. 8. Is Tarragon willing to make slight modifications to the design to open up the area, so it does not appear the design is turning its back on Tukwila International Boulevard? Ms. Jensen answered in the affirmative. Tarragon is open to change as this is a concept design. The nature of having the retail entrances open to the plaza is to create cohesiveness. 9. How will the community gathering plaza work with the 300 plus unit apartment complex? Tarragon explained that is what the retail element will bring to this place. People can shop in multiple shops and visit the restaurants. There will need to be a balance between the level of security for the tenants of the building and the retail, restaurants and plaza below. City of Tukwila Page 9 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 25. 2008 10. Will there be security on this property? Ms. Jensen stated there will be security 24 hours a day. 11. Regarding the Kent Station Project, are special event programs coordinated between the property management and the City of Kent Parks Department? Tarragon has an employee who coordinates all the program activities for the plaza, including the marketing. There is collaboration with the City of Kent and some shared activities. The majority of the work is being completed on -site by the Tarragon staff. 12. What is Tarragon's vision for the residential areas of the project, and do you include senior housing? Ms. Jensen stated the units Tarragon has proposed are of average size, with a spread of modularity throughout based on similar types of projects. Tarragon did not include senior housing as part of the program at this time. 13. How important is the on street parking to your proposal? Ms. Jensen explained the project can work without the advantage of on- street parking. Tarragon proposed the on- street parking to engage the street and slow traffic closer to the schools. 14. Tarragon's proposal did not include indoor plaza space. How will you coordinate activities outside in the winter? Ms. Jensen stated at Kent Station activities are held through -out the year. There are a number of restaurants that visitors can enjoy at the location as well as the satellite community college location. People still enjoy the public spaces despite the weather. 15. Would Tarragon be willing to move the Police Resource Center out of the back and closer to the street? Ms. Jensen explained this is a concept design and changes will be considered. Citizen comments: Gary Vanderhoff, 29640 55th Place South, Auburn, Pastor in Tukwila, inquired if in Tarragon's proposal senior housing integrated within the residences. Ms. Jensen, stated seniors are welcome to rent available units; they do not have a segregated area specifically for them. Mr. Vanderhoff also requested clarification on the study completed by Ron Sher that called for 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of retail, and asked if the City recalled what was shown as the amount of residential space that would benefit the area. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, stated he did not have that information readily available. Roger Lorenzen, 14038 Macadam Road South, stated both proposals are very impressive. The larger gathering space is especially appealing. A suggestion to both developers would be to eliminate most of the parking closest to the plaza and design most of the parking as angle -in parking on 144 street. This would slow traffic on the street, and the plaza area could then be larger. Pam Carter, 4115 So 139 Street, stated both proposals have some very good aspects. Citizens are looking for a high quality redevelopment in this area of Tukwila. She thanked the Council for moving forward on this project. Eric Showell, 13752 34 Avenue South, thanked Mr. Speck for all his work. He likes Kent Station and the way the area is removed from the street. As for the two proposals for Tukwila Village he feels the Tarragon gathering space is more appealing. He asked whether changes to Legacy's proposed design would be an option, such as exchanging some of the apartments for retail and or office space. Chris Meyer, Development Manager, stated Legacy is open to changes. Legacy would like to do market research for the expansion of additional retail space in this area. City of Tukwila Page 10 of 10 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Auaust 25. 2008 Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133rd, requested clarification from Tarragon as to the Neighborhood Resource Center location. Ms. Jensen stated the proposed site is off the plaza space in the back. Citizen comments show an interest to relocate the resource center closer to Tukwila International Boulevard, and they would consider that option. Nancy Lamb, 4251 South 139th Street, said the proposals indicate meeting space outside and in busy areas, and asked if the new library also have the same type of meeting place that currently exists. Kay Johnson, King County Library System, responded in the affirmative. Brian Nelson, 3223 South 136 Street, indicated he would like to thank staff, the developers and the Council for all the hard work. He requested confirmation that the City has invested approximately $8 million in purchasing the land. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, stated the City did invest that much in the properties and businesses. Mr. Nelson asked both developers to explain, beyond the economic factors, why they want to do this project, and how your percentage of retail and residential will help spur the re- development of the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor? Ms. Jensen explained Tarragon is interested in the project because they hold their real estate forever. The best value of this project is that it is a community -based project. When you can create a mixed -use retail and plaza area, people want to keep coming back; and keeping the spaces occupied. Tarragon believes unless you have a critical mass of retail present, the activation of the plaza will not take place. Chris Meyer, Development Manager, Legacy, explained "retail follows roof tops," saying the residential node must be present in order to draw the interest of retailers. The diversity of this development with senior housing, young families, existing local retailers, and the diverse community that currently exists provides the right mix. Legacy's residential heavy design is to appeal to the transit oriented, with the light rail station ten blocks to the south. With the current retail base in place, we will add the residential, and the rest of the boulevard will perk up. The Councilmembers inquired about the results of the Tukwila Village community survey. The Council would like to see the results of the survey before a decision is made. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, stated the results should be complete by the end of September 2008. Mr. Speck explained the results should not affect the choice of a developer, but the final design. This is just the first step of survey and focus groups in the project. Councilmember Linder asked both developers to provide a more detailed answer regarding the question asked by Mr. Nelson saying she would like to see the reasoning in writing. Council President Duffie thanked everyone who participated in the discussions tonight. REPORTS: Due to the lateness of the hour, the Council dispensed with reports. ADJOURNMENT 10:44 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. 1 n-� e43uffi cil Presiden Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk