HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesExecutive Session Start: 6:30 p.m.
Executive Session End: 6:44 p.m.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Joe Duffie called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
Council President Duffle asked all City employees, citizens and visitors to stand and be recognized.
OFFICIALS
Present were Joe Duffie, Council President; Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis
Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn.
ATTENDANCE
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Derek Speck, Economic Development
Administrator; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Ted Rutt,
Police Training Officer; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance
Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
September 22, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:30 7:00 p.m.
Pending Litigation, pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
a. Introduction and swearing in of Lateral Police Officer Randall Rusness, Badge #178.
David Haynes, Police Chief, introduced Randall Rusness, Police Officer, to the Council. Officer Rusness
was born and raised in Kent, and graduated from Kentridge High School. He comes from Royal City,
Washington, where he was an officer for the past 2 years.
Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Randall Rusness, Badge #178. Officer Rusness'
fiancee, Christina, pinned on his badge. Officer Rusness stated he is very excited to be in Tukwila and
thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve the City.
b. Introduction and swearing in of Entry Level Police Officer Micah Ristow, Badge #179.
David Haynes, Police Chief, introduced Micah Ristow, Police Officer, to the Council. Officer Ristow is an
entry level officer from Raymond, Washington, where he served for two and —a -half years as a reserve
and a provisional officer. Officer Ristow is currently attending the Police Academy.
Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Micah Ristow, Badge #179. Chief Haynes presented
Officer Ristow with his badge. Officer Ristow indicated he is very excited to be here, and thanked the
Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve Tukwila.
The Councilmembers and Mayor offered congratulations to Officer Rusness and Officer Ristow.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
c. Tukwila School District Report on Student Achievement.
Dave Larson, Board Director, noted the Council requested information on the status of student
achievement at the May 2008 joint City Council Tukwila School Board meeting. Mr. Larson utilized a
Powerpoint presentation outlining the following:
Summer school enrollment for the 2008 session saw 700 students enrolled throughout the district. The
numbers show the commitment the students and their families have to achieving success.
Another issue raised at the joint meeting was healthcare and what the School District is doing to help the
students with physical and mental health. The following is a sample of resources and programs to
promote healthy and socially balanced students:
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September 22. 2008
Transient Student Population
Percentage of students who stayed in the Tukwila School District for grades 4 through 10 are
as follows: 2006 had 36%
2007 had 30%
2008 has 31%
2009 estimated at 31%
2010 estimated at 34%
English Language Learners (ELL)
For the 1999 school year the percentage of English Language Learner students was 16 The
percentage for the 2008 school year is at 34 an increase of 18
Free and Reduced Lunch Percentages
Data for school year 1999 was at 60% of student population, and currently for the 2008 school
year 70% of students are receiving free and reduced lunches.
WASL Reading and Math Cohort 2006
Students that stayed in the Tukwila School District during grades 4 through 10 scored slightly
above the district average.
WASL Reading and Math Cohort 2008
Students that stayed in the Tukwila School District during grades 4 through 10 scored above
the district average and very close to the state average.
Free physical and dental examinations
Free immunization clinics
English language lessons for parents and students
Parenting and early school preparation classes
After school programs that provide safe activities, tutoring and homework help for students
Relocation, housing, and immigration assistance for refugee students and their families
Work placement and training programs
Counseling and mental health services
Substance abuse prevention
Food bank referrals and emergency assistance
Crisis and domestic violence resources
On -going activities include:
Partnership with Community Schools Collaboration for after school activities and community
liaisons
Partnership with Tukwila Parks and Recreation
All day Kindergarten at all three elementary schools
Ready for K! to help parents prepare students for Kindergarten
One item of interest is the Seattle Times article from June 13, 2008 titled "The impact of school and
community on the lives of our students." This article illustrated the trials of two students from Foster High
School and the profound impact their teachers, community and peers had on the positive change that
took place.
Councilmember Linder expressed appreciation for the data provided, and commended the school district
for the hard work of teachers and the school board toward helping students succeed.
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CITIZEN COMMENT
Anna Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, expressed her thanks for the Volunteer Appreciation Luau at
the Tukwila Community Center on September 19, 2008.
Cathie Desjardin, 3826 South 116 Street, stated she has concerns with speeding boats on the river in
front of her home, which have caused property damage by erosion. She expressed a desire to have this
problem resolved. The Council held a brief discussion regarding jurisdiction of the waterway. Rhonda
Berry, City Administrator, indicated staff will research the issue of jurisdiction on the river and contact Ms.
Desjardin.
Dave Fenton, 14201 42 Ave South, inquired about any possible changes regarding the agreement with
Northfield Car Wash and when the business is to vacate the property. Mayor Haggerton explained the
agreement between Northfield Car Wash and the City states the premises will be vacated by October 10,
2008. Mr. Fenton also congratulated the Council and Derek Speck, Economic Development
Administrator, for all the hard work done to move Tukwila Village to the decision phase.
Brian Kennedy, 12802 37 Avenue South, asked Councilmember Linder about the noise abatement
project in relation to King County International Airport at Boeing Field. Ms. Linder stated information she
received shows Duwamish /Allentown as the stopping point for the Tukwila portion of the project. The
Riverton area is not included. She suggested contacting King County International Airport directly.
Dixie Archer, 13013 56 Avenue South, expressed concern regarding the Draft Shoreline Master
Program, and feels there is a rush to adopt this plan. Ms. Archer stated residents in the area of the
Shoreline Master Program should have the right to review this plan prior to the Council adoption. She
stated she left messages for three Councilmembers and Councilmember Hernandez was the only one to
return the call.
Councilmember Hernandez stated she did return the call to Ms. Archer, and left a message encouraging
her to speak at the Council meeting.
Councilmember Linder explained the setbacks in the Draft Shoreline Master Program were provided to
the City by the Washington Department of Ecology.
Council President Duffie requested Jack Pace, Community Development Director provide additional
clarification information on this issue. Mr. Pace confirmed the statements by Councilmember Linder and
provided history on this item. The challenges the City faces is trying to combine two Shoreline Master
Programs into one program, covering the City of Tukwila as a whole. Mr. Pace also indicated the
Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on August 28, 2008 and, due to the overwhelming response,
staff requested a second public hearing be scheduled. The second public hearing will be held on October
9, 2008. There also is an Open House scheduled for October 1, 2008 for citizen question and answers.
Mr. Pace also indicated he and City staff has been meeting with residents and businesses along the
program area to answer any questions they may have. Community Development staff is also preparing
to send out notices for the October 9, 2008 public hearing. City staff has been using a variety of
resources to notify the public including: tax assessor records and "The Hazelnut."
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Contracts for Structural Plan Review Services.
Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks
Committee earlier this evening. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 22. 2008
The Department of Community Development requires consultant services to provide structural plan
review for building permits. Currently, there is no consultant under contract to provide this service. The
permit revenues pay for the consultant's permit application review, and there will not be an impact to the
General Fund. Due to plan review needs at this time and a tight timeline, the Council is being asked to
approve the contracts at the Special Meeting directly following the Committee of the Whole.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING.
b. Automated Cashiering System proposal.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee on
September 16, 2008. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
There is a need for an automated cash receipts system in the Finance Department to modernize the cash
handling and posting process and to provide for the acceptance of credit /debit card payments. The
Council is being asked to approve the expenditure of $40,000 to purchase a cash receipting system.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
c. Tukwila Village discussion and developer selection.
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an
outline of this evening's discussion.
Tonight's Purpose
1. Staff presentation
2. Developer presentations
3. Council discussion
4. Public comment
5. Special meeting
Advantages Legacy
More feasible
Less risk of market demand, Fewer unknowns
-80% of development in Phase 1
Indoor commons area
Estimated land value of $1 million to $3 million more
50 senior apartments (low income)
25 for sale townhouses (first -time homebuyers, moderate income)
Advantages Tarragon
More retail space
-More welcoming atmosphere
Better ability to "grow" with Tukwila
$100,000 additional in sales tax and $25,000 in property tax annually
Many citizens prefer the extra retail, larger plaza, and aesthetic appearance
60 apartments for moderate income
Challenges /Risks Legacy
Architecture, plaza, and landscaping needs to be "warmer" and more welcoming
Would need to structure a partnership between property owner and City to manage indoor commons
May be challenging to find apartment tenants willing to pay rent of $1.45 to $1.80 per square foot per
month
Challenges /Risks Tarragon
Locating a 15,000 square foot store at the corner of Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) and 144th
separates the plaza from the rest of the community and is challenging to make attractive along TIB
May not be financially feasible to build project for estimated rents of $1.35 per square foot
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Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Seotember 22. 2008
City may not want the proposed heights or density on Phase 2
A large portion of retail space may be services
Phasing Affordability Legacy
Phase 1, 200 market rate apartments
Phase 1, 50 senior apartments (income restricted 50% AMI)
Phase 1, 25 townhouses (income restricted 80% AMI)
Phase 2, 68 market rate apartments
Phasing Affordability Tarragon
Phase 1, 115 market rate apartments
Phase 1, 29 apartments (income restricted 80% AMI)
Phase 2, 123 market rate apartments
Phase 2, 4 market rate townhouses
Phase 2, 31 apartments (income restricted 80% AMI)
Multi- family tax exemption
Both developers are requesting multi family tax exemption
Tarragon's Final Presentation
Kristin Jensen, Senior Development Manager and Partner with Tarragon stated Tarragon shares in the
vision the City has for what Tukwila Village can be. This vision goes beyond the property lines of this
project and will have a positive impact on the neighborhood and community at large. Concerns have
arisen that the vision proposed is risky. Pursuing a vision takes chance; sometimes taking chances aids
in achieving a goal. The decision made tonight is the first step in a long process to achieve the vision of
Tukwila Village, and a decision about who will become part of the community in the long run. The
construction of Tukwila Village will be a collaborative process, a process to ensure the needs of the
community and City are met to the best of Tarragon's ability. Ms. Jensen stated this process will involve
the City Council, the community and Tarragon's team of experts and designers. Together this team will
refine the details of where the Neighborhood Resource Center is located, how much parking is required,
and exactly how much retail the area can absorb.
Ms. Jensen stated in today's economy 50,000 square feet of retail would be hard to lease, but this project
has not been built today. The property management combined with the mixed use environment will
create a better shopping experience for visitors and the community.
Joe Blattner, President and Managing Partner, stated Tarragon is very committed to creating a project
that meets the City's vision and is a focal point in the community. Mr. Blattner stated this project has
potential for a high degree of success. The community involvement is apparent in the attendance at
meetings regarding the development of Tukwila Village. Mr. Blattner thanked the Council for the
opportunity Tarragon has been given.
Legacy's Final Presentation
Kerry Nicholson, Senior Managing Director (PNW Region), and Chris Meyer, Development Manager with
Legacy, thanked the Council for the opportunity to bid on the Tukwila Village project. Legacy has
proposed a site that fits within the vision set forth for Tukwila Village, including the Neighborhood
Resource Center, anchor tenant of sit -down restaurant type (not currently on the boulevard), and the
expansion of the Foster Library. Mr. Meyer utilized a Powerpoint presentation to highlight the following
key points in Legacy's proposal:
$3 million higher land value; that would double the police crime prevention budget for the City for
the next 5 years.
Superior project feasibility with a variety of residential product types; less market risk through
Legacy's diversity of products; Legacy's experience at managing apartments through all types of
economic conditions.
80% of the development completed in Phase I; 275 units, including 50 senior housing
apartments, 25 for sale townhomes, and the market rate apartments.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 22. 2008
Generous indoor and outdoor community spaces surrounded by active elements to ensure a
vibrant atmosphere; 3,000 square feet of indoor commons area for year -round community
programming and activities. The 8,000 square foot outdoor plaza can be expanded up to 30,000
square feet to accommodate a weekend farmers market or large event.
Legacy's proposed retail space of 16,000 square feet is in -line with the Ravenhurst Report, the
City's consultant, who stated the area could absorb no more than 20,000 square feet of retail.
Better neighborhood integration with underground parking.
The Ravenhurst Report states, "The Legacy program is more thought out, more pragmatic, and
has a higher likelihood of execution."
Mr. Meyer stated Legacy's proposal includes the mixed use residential element along with generous
indoor and outdoor community spaces, surrounded by active elements to ensure a vibrant atmosphere.
City Council questions and discussion (not listed in order of priority):
1. Legacy was asked if the property is sold in the future, would the senior housing also be
sold.
Chris Meyer, Development Manager with Legacy, stated the senior housing apartments would be held by
the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) and due to Federal regulations these types of units are retained
for 50 years.
2. Each developer was asked why the design they have proposed is best for Tukwila.
Kristin Jensen, Senior Development Manager and Partner with Tarragon; stated the City Council and
community have a vision for Tukwila Village. Tarragon's proposed design achieves the vision as a whole.
The vision to create a space for the community, a gathering place and a place the community can be
proud of. With Tarragon as developer and manager of the property they also become part of the
community, which will make this project that much more successful. They would be at the property day to
day, taking pride in the project and continuing to improve it.
Mr. Meyer indicated the community and City have been trying to work on the vision of Tukwila Village for
10 years now. Legacy admires the vision of a retail village, however they do not think that is feasible.
The Legacy project is feasible and will go forward; 80% of the project will be completed in Phase I. The
proposal has met all the requirements of the vision, and our design team is willing to work out the details
of the changes requested by the Council.
3. Citizen comments are consistent with the need for a gathering place (indoor and outdoor).
Tarragon was asked how their design meets that need.
Joe Blattner, President and Managing Partner with Tarragon, stated the proposal includes a large outdoor
plaza. The design can be modified to include an indoor meeting space if that is something the City and
community would like included.
4. Legacy was asked why the proposed land swap with the apartment complex to the
northeast is important, and how this third -party agreement can be satisfactorily accomplished.
Mr. Meyer stated Legacy's proposed land swap with the existing apartment complex would be mutually
beneficial to both sites. There has not been any discussion with the land owner at this time; the design
team suggestions to relocate the parking were seen as an option. Legacy is prepared to move forward
absent the and exchange.
5. Tarragon was asked to describe the type of retail to which the proposed retail site would
be marketed.
Ms. Jensen stated the prospective tenants will be neighborhood comparable. Tarragon envisions coffee
shops, restaurants, possibly a small grocer and service providers. This would be neighborhood -based
types of retailers and service providers; a mix that would compliment the neighborhood, not repeat what
is in the same vicinity.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 22. 2008
6. Will Tukwila residents have an opportunity to participate in the construction of Tukwila
Village?
Ms. Jensen stated Tarragon is a local company that builds their own projects. They hire local sub
contractors, who seek out local talent to assist in the construction phase of the project.
Mr. Meyer stated Legacy has their own general construction division and they also seek locally -based
contractors to construct projects. Legacy would recruit local talent for the construction and project
management of Tukwila Village.
7. Legacy was asked how their design for Tukwila Village addresses the transient student
population.
Mr. Meyer stated the 80% median income townhomes would provide stability for the transient population.
This would give them the stable foothold they need in ownership housing, which is generally considered a
catapult into a more stable style of life to raise a family. That is an important element that will begin to
move the transient population into an area where they do not require the subsidy from the school district
or the City. The market rate apartments will draw young professionals to this development to strengthen
the professional sector for the City. The senior housing will help the growing senior population stay within
the community and closer to their family unit. The library would provide the resources needed for the
young children to further their education.
8. Tarragon was asked to clarify the statement regarding the requirement for an anchor
tenant on the corner of South 144 and Tukwila International Boulevard.
Ms. Jensen stated that is not a requirement of the project. She conveyed it would serve the area to have
a key anchor tenant to help draw people to the space.
9. Tarragon was asked if the large retail space on the corner of 144 Street and Tukwila
International Boulevard could be redesigned to show more of the plaza from the street.
Ms. Jensen stated the current design was completed with the building on the corner of the space after
many design studies were completed. The studies reviewed the environmental conditions, traffic noise
and traffic speed. The balance between urban design and exposure to the boulevard is part of the
collaborative process after a developer has been chosen.
10. Legacy was asked what features of their proposal will draw visitors in.
Mr. Meyer stated the presence of the unique indoor and outdoor plaza, with the library as a resource.
Legacy's vision for Tukwila Village is convenience retail and businesses the community will use on a daily
basis. This could include a bank branch, shipping facility, coffee shop and eatery.
11. Legacy was asked to explain the lack of "green" in their proposal.
Mr. Meyer stated Legacy's proposal does not depict the actual amount of trees and greenery proposed.
The site will include landscaping to soften up the plaza. The construction of the facility will be Built -Green
Certified, with stormwater management on -site. The fine details were omitted from the plans to show the
schematic drawings of the site. The goal of the proposal is to make this a welcoming and inviting space.
12. Tarragon was asked to address the concerns regarding the inadequate amount of parking
proposed.
Ms. Jensen stated the first priority in the design process is to conduct a parking management study to
identify the parking needs.
13. Tarragon was asked to respond to the $3 million proposal difference the City could
potentially be giving up.
Ms. Jensen explained the $3 million could do a lot for the community; however, it should be recognized
that the project can only be successful with a land value that supports the project as a whole. Tarragon
wants to put as much into this project as possible and believes the City will get that back as well. The
City will see the return through a successful project, a stronger sense of community and higher retail
sales with increased sales tax revenue.
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 22. 2008
9:20 p.m. Council President Duffie declared a brief recess
9:28 p.m. Council President Duffie reconvened the Committee of the Whole meeting
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Rashawn Johnson, 4242 South 144 Street, Junior Class President at Foster High School, is
representing the Highway 99 Action Committee. Mr. Johnson read a fictitious article on their vision for the
grand opening of Tukwila Village as follows. "Tukwila, a diverse, historic city in Washington State
celebrated the grand opening of Tukwila Village an innovative, visionary community gathering place.
The key strategies for including all members of the community in the development process have become
a national model. Three years ago the corner of 144 Street and Tukwila International Boulevard was a
vacant lot. Now it's a center for the community of Tukwila, providing government and commercial
services in close walking distance to Tukwila's residential neighborhoods. The once tarnished reputation
of what was known as Highway 99 has been replaced. It's not the beautiful landscaping, charming shops
or diverse ethnic restaurants that have changed this boulevard; the driving force of this change has been
the residents themselves."
Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160th Street, indicated that by 2010, 80% of Tukwila Village could be
complete, creating a renewed excitement for this project and for the City. This project is a pivotal point for
the entire Tukwila International Boulevard corridor. The City of Tukwila has come a long way in ten years.
Ms. Mann also stated she would like to see less parking garages, and more underground parking.
Brian Kennedy, 12892 37 Avenue South, stated there is hope for the Tukwila Village Project, and this is
a chance for the community to have a gathering place that is safe and inviting.
Marie Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, requested the Council keep the vision for Tukwila Village in the
forefront and think about who will manage the property for the next 15 years, not the money.
Gary Vanderhoff, 29640 55th Place South, Auburn, Pastor in Tukwila, stated Tukwila International
Boulevard is the place to see and meet people. Tukwila Village means two things Tukwila Life and what
it takes to bring people to the area and support Tukwila Life. People will want to be a part of that life, and
this decision tonight will fulfill that vision.
Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133` Street, stated the placement of the Neighborhood Resource Center
is very important. She would like to remind the Council and developers of citizens' requests to have that
visible and easily accessible.
Nancy Lamb, 4251 South 139 Street, conveyed the developers have done an excellent job. Ms. Lamb
asked the Council to remember the long -term residents of the community and to make a decision to move
forward with this project. Deciding to not move forward with this project would send a negative message
to the community.
Bryan Nelson, 3223 South 136 Street, commented this project is not about just selling some land; this is
about the vision for Tukwila Village. Mr. Nelson addressed Tarragon and inquired about their willingness
to reduce the amount of retail space due to current economic conditions. Kristin Jensen, Senior
Development Manager and Partner with Tarragon, stated the reduction of retail space will need to be part
of negotiations, and answered in the affirmative Tarragon is flexible.
Mr. Nelson also inquired whether Legacy would be willing to add more retail space should the need arise.
Chris Meyer, Development Manager with Legacy, stated Legacy's design includes 15,000 square feet of
retail based on research and demand in this area. If the market allows an increase in the retail space,
Legacy would add an additional 5,000 square feet to bring the total to 20,000 square feet.
City of Tukwila
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City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 22. 2008
REPORTS
Council dispensed with reports to move onto the Special Meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
9:56 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING.
Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk