HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-15 Regular MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
September 15, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
ROLL CALL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Pro Tempore Joe Duffie called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were:
Council President (Mayor Pro Tempore) Joe Duffie, Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Dennis
Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER LINDER FROM
TONIGHT'S MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
Mayor Pro Tempore Joe Duffie asked all Tukwila citizens, employees and members of the business
community to stand and be recognized.
CITY OFFICIALS
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Stephanie Brown, Personnel Analyst;
Bev Willison, Administrative Secretary; Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent; Bruce Fletcher, Parks
and Recreation Director; Robert Noland, Interim Finance Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services
Manager; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy
O'Flaherty, City Clerk.
Mayor Haggerton was not in attendance.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Wellness Program Update Well City Award, Bev Willison and Stephanie Brown, Wellness
Coordinators
Stephanie Brown and Bev Willison, Wellness Program Coordinators, were present to provide information
regarding the City's Wellness Program.
Stephanie Brown, Personnel Analyst, indicated she has been a City employee for over 19 years and has
oversight of the T.H.E. (Tukwila's Healthy Employee) Wellness Program. The City of Tukwila has been
awarded five consecutive WellCity awards. Ms. Brown and Ms. Willison utilized a Powerpoint
presentation to provide an overview of the various components of the program, to include:
Why Wellness
Lifestyle the simple, everyday choices about how we eat, sleep, relax, exercise, drive, smoke, etc.
is the largest single contributor to present day illnesses and untimely deaths.
The wellness approach to health is based on the "health risk" approach to disease.
Wellness programs should be positioned to have the greatest impact on health risks, increasing the
percentage of low risk employees to drive down healthcare spending.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 15.. 2008
Building the Case for Wellness
Healthcare costs for Washington cities rose by 168% from 1997 -2007.
The nation experienced a 25% increase in worker absenteeism in the 1990's and the trend continues.
Total disability, lost -time costs exceed medical costs by 58 %.and accuracy, on- the -job safety, and
presenteeism.
Nationally, the move toward work site health is being recognized as imperative; here in Washington
State, cities are a major part of that movement.
T.H.E. (Tukwila's Healthy Employee) Program Overview
Program implemented in 1994
Mission: To support participants by promoting health and wellness through information, services, and
programs.
Purpose: To assist participants in achieving physical and emotional well being by encouraging
healthy lifestyles.
12 volunteer committee members representing all 8 City departments and Council.
Monthly meeting and event participation during work hours. (Work comes first for employees and
committee.)
T.H.E. program builds awareness through the Top Health newsletter; TUKNET (intranet) Wellness
site; lunch learn brown bag events; medical consumerism booklets and health topic brochures; and
the annual employee Wellness Fair.
The City's self- insured medical /dental plan provides funding for the Wellness Program.
This covers the cost of activities throughout the year, such as the Wellness Fair costs for speakers,
vendors, food, flu shots, program supplies, brown bag speakers, and incentive prizes.
50% of funding goes to the Tukwila Community Center for employee usage fees for workout facilities,
classes, and pool usage.
"Never stop trying, no matter how steep the hill gets!"
The Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Ms. Brown and Ms. Willison for the exceptional work
performed by the Wellness Committee.
b. American Heart Association's Start! Fit -City Award, Dave Johnson, Parks and Recreation
Superintendent
Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent, used a Powerpoint presentation to provide information
regarding Tukwila's involvement in the American Heart Association (AHA) Start! Fit Friendly Program.
The AHA recognizes employers who champion the health of their employees and work to create a
culture of physical activity in the workplace.
Tukwila's on -going efforts to provide a culture of corporate wellness has resulted in the City of
Tukwila becoming recognized as a Start! Fit Friendly organization.
The City was selected to receive the Community Fitness Innovation Award. Mayor Haggerton
accepted the award at a ceremony hosted at Qwest Field on June 23, 2008.
Tukwila Achievements include:
Monthly newsletter to employees regarding healthy lifestyles.
Over 11 miles of trails in the City.
Tukwila Wellness Committee promotes walking and exercise and wellness related events.
Advertisement and promotion of a variety of fitness classes.
Employees are provided access to exercise facilities in Tukwila.
Work site reimbursement for use of facilities through the Wellness Program.
Duwamish Curve Cafe at Tukwila Community Center offers healthy dining options.
Tukwila was awarded the Community Fitness Innovation Award, due to innovative and effective
programs that promote physical activity in the workplace AND the community.
The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Johnson for his work on this program and for the informative
presentation.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 15., 2008
c. All Nations Cup Update /Arts Center Sam Hassan, Sister Communities representative
Sam Hassan, representative from Sister Communities, indicated the All Nations Cup event in June of
2008, held at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, was a tremendous success.
Mr. Hassan gave a synopsis of his vision for an All Nations Arts Center and used a Powerpoint
presentation to convey the different elements of the concept, to include:
Fine Arts Museum of the Immigrant
Multi -Use Theater
Multi- Ethnic Restaurant
Multimedia Center
The Concept
To teach art appreciation in all its forms to the general public
To create a model of waste and resource management that is frugal and achieves beauty without
heavy spending
To bring the communities into actively participating in the project
To create an environmentally friendly building through the use of recycled materials
Multi -Use Theater
Dance (Resident modern dance company)
Theater (Resident theater company)
Movie Theater (Tukwila International Film Festival)
Music (ANC Global Orchestra)
Multi- Ethnic Restaurant
Edible gardens
Food festivals from around the world
Cooking lessons
Total waste management
Support and promote local produce
Multimedia Center
Video /film center
Print /design center
Prose and poetry library lab
Mr. Hassan explained that while Tukwila would be the chosen location for the proposed center, no site
has been selected at this time. The projected funding cost for this facility is approximately $20 million.
The Councilmembers asked questions of Mr. Hassan regarding the presentation and thanked him for his
work in the Tukwila community and for bringing this information before the Council.
APPOINTMENTS /PROCLAMATIONS
a. Appointment of Shawn Hunstock to the position of Finance Director.
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, introduced Shawn Hunstock to the City Council. Mr. Hunstock is
currently the Assistant Finance Director for the City of Auburn. He has responsibility for purchasing,
payroll, grant and contract administration, utility billing, and accounts receivable. He has also served as
advisor to the Auburn Tourism Board and Airport Advisory Board. Mr. Hunstock worked previously as
Director of Finance and Auxiliary Services at the University of Washington, Bothell Campus. He also
worked at the University of Alaska and in other positions for the State of Alaska, including the Department
of Fish and Game and the Division of Retirement Benefits. Mr. Hunstock was selected from a group of
highly qualified candidates and will be a great addition to the City of Tukwila team.
The Councilmembers asked questions of Mr. Hunstock regarding his qualifications and experience.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 15.. 2008
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF
SHAWN HUNSTOCK TO THE POSITION OF FINANCE DIRECTOR. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
b. Appointment of Leonor B. de Maldonado to Position #2 on the Human Services Advisory
Board, with a term ending 4/30/2010.
Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, introduced Leonor B. de Maldonado to the City Council. Ms.
Maldonado works for the Tukwila School District and has had a great deal of involvement with the various
human service providers working within the City.
The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Maldonado for the work she performs in the Tukwila community.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON TO APPOINT LEONOR B. DE
MALDONADO TO POSITION #2 ON THE HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD, WITH A TERM
ENDING 4/30/2010. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
c. A Proclamation declaring September 27, 2008 as Mayor's Day of Concern for the Hungry. Joe
Tice, Tukwila Pantry representative, will receive the proclamation and provide an update on the
Tukwila Pantry.
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, read a proclamation declaring September 27, 2008 as the Mayor's Day
of Concern for the Hungry in the City of Tukwila and encouraging all citizens to join the Emergency
Feeding Program and our food banks to nourish those who are hungry.
Ms. Berry introduced Joe Tice, Director of the Tukwila Food Pantry (the food bank within the City).
Mr. Tice indicated the Tukwila Pantry has been serving the Tukwila community for almost 8 years. The
Pantry operates a congregate meal program known as "Tuesday's Table" and serves approximately 110
hot meals every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. The Pantry also offers the "Backpacks against
Hunger" program that sends weekend meals home with students.
In 2007 the Tukwila Pantry distributed 1,198,563 meals at an average cost of 10 cents per meal and
served over 4,053 residents, representative of 25% of the Tukwila population. The Pantry keeps
administrative costs at less than 2% of budget. At this time in 2008, there has been a 12% increase in
individuals served by the pantry. The increase in economic demands and rise in fuel costs have put a
financial strain on the Tukwila Pantry. These same financial strains affect Tukwila residents, 12.7% of
who live below the poverty level.
Mr. Tice thanked the staff from the Human Services Division and the Tukwila City Council for their
continued support of the Tukwila Food Pantry. Mr. Tice presented each Councilmember with a copy of
the book, Stone Soup, a story of sharing and coming together as one.
The Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Mr. Tice and the members of the Tukwila Food Pantry for
their service to the citizens.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Juliette Lamoreux from the Larouche Political Action Committee, 14712 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest
Park, referenced a collapse of the current economic system. She read a statement from the Political
Action Committee regarding recent economic conditions and why warnings from the Larouche group were
not heeded. The statement calls for Congress to be reconvened and for passage of The Homeowners
and Bank Protection Act of 2007. They are recruiting individuals to the Larouche Political Action
Committee.
Kevin Evers from the Larouche Political Action Committee, 14712 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park,
referred to The Homeowners and Bank Protection Act as the first of 3 steps to an economic recovery.
Five states and 100 cities have passed this act. In his view, the Congress and leading economists have
failed, and he encouraged participation in the Larouche Political Action Committee.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 15.. 2008
Joe Desimone is a resident of the City of Seattle and part of a family trust that owns approximately 100
acres of property along the Duwamish River. He is concerned about the proposed Shoreline Master
Program and the process for public input. He conveyed that he found out about this approximately 1
month ago and was not provided official notice. He feels that adequate time has not been given to review
this complex, 120 -page document. In his view, this program has huge financial impacts to those along
the Duwamish River and does not provide enough flexibility for property owners. He would like to see a
Citizens' Advisory Committee formed with regard to the Shoreline Master Program, similar to those in
other local communities. Mr. Desimone stated that the Mayor conveyed he would wait until after the
Planning Commission completed their review on this matter before he would meet with him on the issue.
Mr. Desimone encouraged the Council to visit the City's website on this issue and review the public
comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 9/2/08 (Regular)
b. Approval of Vouchers #341628 #341951 in the amount of $1,103,488.38
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton was not in attendance.
b. City Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Healing the Land Gathering in honor of the Duwamish people at
Fort Dent Park on September 14, 2008. She reported the Tukwila Historical Society will meet on
Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the George Long Shops at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmember Griffin indicated she is pleased to see the issue of animal control on the Finance and
Safety Committee agenda (for September 16, 2008) in light of recent comments from residents.
Councilmember Hougardy attended the Healing the Land Gathering on September 14, 2008.
Councilmember Quinn conveyed support of discussion on animal control issues at the Finance and
Safety Committee meeting, as this matter involves public safety.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
There was no report.
e. Intergovernmental
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Councilmembers of the Suburban Cities Networking dinner
on September 17, 2008 and the Volunteer Appreciation event at the Tukwila Community Center on
September 19, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 15.. 2008
EXECUTIVE SESSION Pending Litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO ENTER INTO AN EXECUTIVE
SESSION. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
Executive Session Start: 8:46 p.m.
Executive Session End: 8:58 p.m.
8:58 p.m. Mayor Pro Tempore Duffie reconvened the Regular Meeting.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER
INTO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH HOSSEIN SABOUR MOHAJER. THIS SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT WILL CALL FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PAYMENT OF $135,000 TO THE
CITY, A DEED OF TRUST AND CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT TO SECURE THE SETTLEMENT AND
COMPLETE CLEAN UP OF THE PROPERTY BY NOVEMBER 30, 2008. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
ADJOURNMENT
8:59 p.m. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE TUKWILA CITY
COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
C1T (1
Christy OO "Iaherty,` ity Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 10/6/2008