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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-06 Regular MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL CITY OFFICIALS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS b. Update on Duwamish Riverbend Hill. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 6, 2008 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mayor Jim Haggerton called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Melissa Hart, Deputy 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. Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. a. Introduction of Mike Mathia, Project Manager. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, introduced the newest Public Works Project Manager, Mike Mathia. Mr. Mathia was the Capital Project Manager in Maple Valley and has over 30 years experience in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Project Management in both the private and public sector. Mr. Mathia thanked Mr. Morrow for the introduction, and he stated it is a privilege and honor to work for the City of Tukwila. The Council welcomed Mr. Mathia to the City of Tukwila. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Hayes Swinney, Cascade Land Conservancy, and Nate Cormier, Senior Landscape Design Architect, SvR Company. Mr. Cormier indicated the topography of this location is very unique. The design of the project is to keep a very light footprint, with the trails limited to the current footprints so as not to disturb the sensitive areas. Mr. Cormier stated the project was designed with the uniqueness of the area in mind, with the trail switchbacks and natural saddle. The design includes kiosks and storytelling benches at each of the trailheads and viewpoints. Mr. Cormier utilized a presentation to provide Council with the Phase I design development update. The five key points discussed were the following: 1) Main trailhead 2) Lower viewpoint 3) Outdoor classroom 4) Upper viewpoint 5) Neighborhood trailhead Due to the steep incline and existing trail structures, Mr. Cormier explained the design will have large steps and an ADA ramp up the trail from the main entrance to the lower viewpoint that continues to the outdoor classroom. This will provide easy access for all visitors of the park. At each of the viewpoints, there will be a storytelling bench and storyboards detailing the history of the Duwamish tribe. Mr. Cormier indicated there would be nine storyboards throughout the park, with seating to read the history of the City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes October 6. 2008 Duwamish Tribe or admire the view. The expectation for the outdoor classroom is not only to teach the history of the area, but utilization as an outdoor theater as well. The upper viewpoint is designed with a picnic meadow, storyboards with seating, and bench seating for viewing the downtown Seattle skyline. The neighborhood trailhead connects to all the viewpoints and the outdoor classroom. The neighborhood trailhead will also act as the gated maintenance parking with a vehicle turnaround area. Mr. Cormier stated the design also includes the possibility of shifting 115 Street closer to the hillside, thereby creating beach access, boat launching and increasing the shoreline habitat. Mr. Cormier indicated all parties are looking forward to the start of construction in November 2008. Councilmember Hernandez thanked Mr. Cormier for the update on the project, and the explanation of the storyboards and kiosks. She inquired about the preservation of the fossils in the area. Mr. Cormier stated they have had the area surveyed, and at this time there are no fossils present. Councilmember Linder conveyed appreciation for working with the existing footprint and not creating any new trails. Councilmember Griffin expressed her appreciation for allowing the Foster High School students to tour the site. The history of this area is important to our City. Councilmember Quinn stated he appreciated the level of outside collaboration with the Parks Commission and Cascade Land Conservancy on this project. He would like to see continued collaboration on other projects in the future. Robert Jensen, 11682 44 Avenue South, asked if the new access to the park will be gated and locked or open at all times. Mr. Jensen also inquired if there would be trashcans and restrooms available for public use, and more parking. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, indicated the park would remain open to the public at all times. There will be trash receptacles throughout the park and restrooms are part of Phase 11, depending on funding. Mr. Fletcher explained the additional parking is scheduled for Phase III. c. 2008 Centennial Recap "Looking back 100 years" Pat Brodin, Historical Society President. Pat Brodin, Tukwila Historical Society President, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide the Council with a recap of the following Centennial Celebration events: Centennial Launch at Westfield, January o Festivities were well received and attended Walt Wagner Concert, March o Foster High School Graduate Walt Wagner performed a concert at Arts Center. City's Birthday and Time Capsule reveal, June o Media coverage of the June 23, 1908 incorporation of Tukwila and buried time capsule. Tukwila Days Celebration and Parade, August o The expansion of the Parade o Classic Car Show o Old World Oxen and Wagon o Addition of the Tukwila Community Center Spray Park o Large children's play area o Local arts and crafts Historical Homes Tour, August o Touring the historical locations within the City Healing the Land Gathering, September o The Duwamish Tribe recognition and presentation of gifts from the City of Tukwila and the Historical Society. Buckboard Project, on -going o The Buckboard has been assigned Number 1, and has an expected completion date of 2009, hopefully before the Tukwila Days Parade 2009. the Foster Performing the opening of the City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Regular Meetina Minutes October 6. 2008 Mr. Brodin indicated the following events would take place in 2009: Burial of Time Capsule Northwest Boys Choir Concert Tribute to Joseph Foster Completion of the Buckboard Tukwila Historical Society web -site update Tukwila History Book update The Councilmembers congratulated Mr. Brodin on a job well done and for his hard work and enthusiasm in promoting the history of Tukwila. APPOINTMENTS /PROCLAMATIONS a. Appointment of Steve Mullet to Position No. 3 on the Arts Commission, with a term expiring on 12/31/2012. Mayor Haggerton expressed appreciation for Mr. Mullet's willingness to continue serving the community after completing his 8 years as Tukwila's Mayor. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVE MULLET TO POSITION NO. 3 ON THE ARTS COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. b. Appointment of Alma Villegas to Position No. 8 on the Equity and Diversity Commission, with a term expiring 7/31/2009. Councilmember Hernandez indicated Ms. Villegas is the Latino Coordinator and Supervisor for Community Liaison for the Somali, Russian and Bosnian communities, and her background qualifies her for the Equity and Diversity Commission. MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF ALMA VILLEGAS TO POSITION NO. 8 ON THE EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. c. Appointment of Eugene DeMesa to Position No. 9 on the Equity and Diversity Commission, with a term expiring 7/31/2010. Councilmember Hernandez introduced Eugene DeMesa to the Council. Mr. DeMesa is very interested in giving back to the community. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF EUGENE DEMESA TO POSITION NO. 9 ON THE EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Mr. DeMesa thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve Tukwila and the ability to help create a better community. CITIZEN COMMENTS Greg Haffner, 555 West Smith Street, Kent, is representing the Strander family regarding the Shoreline Master Program. The Strander family has been property owners in the City for more than 90 years. Mr. Haffner indicated the concern is regarding the blanket non conforming use conveyed onto the properties along the 13 -mile stretch of the river. If the non conforming use is conveyed to the properties, it will have a serious impact on the values, marketability, insurance and use as collateral of said parcels. He asked the Council to slow the process down, get more citizen involvement, and review the information on the City website regarding questions raised by property owners and legal counsel. Robert Jensen, 11682 44 Avenue South, expressed his appreciation for the anti graffiti hotline and the rapid response to calls regarding graffiti. Mr. Jensen inquired about signage along the river to remind anglers of littering and no dumping laws. One other item is the parking of campers and vehicles with flat City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes October 6 2008 tires along 115 Street, next to the riverbank. The police are responding to the abandoned vehicle calls, but people are removing the markings and continue to park in the same spot. Councilmember Linder indicated Mr. Jensen is doing a great job collecting trash and calling to report vehicle issues. The way to get the issues resolved is to bring the problems to the attention of the Police Department. She also thanked him for his involvement in the community. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 9/15/08 (Regular) and 9/22/08 (Special) b. Approval of Vouchers #342072 #342386 in the amount of $916,230.05 c. Accept as complete the Minkler Shop Re -Roof Building B Project with Pacific Sheet Metal and Roofing, Inc.; authorize release of retainage, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $91,489.83). MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Authorize the purchase of an automated cashiering system from the Finance Department budget in the amount of $40,000.00. Councilmember Quinn inquired about the life of the existing system. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, indicated the current system is a very old cash register at the front counter. The proposal is to remove that unit and purchase a cashiering system. The new equipment will have a life cycle of 5 to 10 years; the software has been in use by other cities for over a decade. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF AN AUTOMATED CASHIERING SYSTEM FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000.00. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. NEW BUSINESS a. An ordinance establishing a six -month moratorium on the acceptance of applications for sign, development, and electrical permits for certain types of signage. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING A SIX -MONTH MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS FOR SIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL PERMITS FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF SIGNAGE WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA; REPEALING ORDINANCE NOS. 2165, 2170, 2180 AND 2202; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2208. Councilmember Robertson indicated a draft sign code will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in February 2009 with Council review in spring 2009. The purpose is to hold the moratorium in place temporarily, until the draft sign code is adopted. Councilmember Linder indicated the Sign Code Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on October 16, 2008 to finalize the committee's recommendations before submittal to the Planning Commission. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Reaular Meetina Minutes October 6. 2008 b. Authorize the Mayor to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the matter of Union Pacific Railroad v. City of Tukwila, Cause Number 07 -2 -23751 KNT in the amount of $125,000.00. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY LINDER TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE THE MATTER OF UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD V. CITY OF TUKWILA, CAUSE NUMBER 07- 2- 23751KNT IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,000.00.* Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided a brief history of this item. The City started the construction on the South 180 Street underpass in 2001. The project was complete in 2003; it was not until 2005, two years after project completion, that the Union Pacific Railroad brought a claim against the City. In 2008, the Union Pacific Railroad provided the documentation for the claim. Through negotiations it was determined the $125,000 settlement is reasonable. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton referenced a letter of appreciation from Qwest Corporation in response to a roof fire at the Qwest Cyber Center on September 29, 2008. The letter expressed gratitude to the Fire Department for working to maintain critical operations and ensuring no loss was experienced by Qwest Corporation. Mayor Haggerton reported that successful negotiations with La Pianta, LLC have occurred regarding the Tukwila South Project. On October 3, 2008, the City and La Pianta, LLC reached agreement regarding terms of the project. Mayor Haggerton read from a document outlining the various terms of the proposal. A development agreement can now be negotiated by both parties and then put forth for Council approval. Mayor Haggerton stated the preliminary budget process has taken slightly longer than usual due to changes in preparing the biennial budget. The preliminary budget will be provided to Council at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. b. City Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the Suburban Cities Association dinner meeting on September 17, 2008, the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on September 19, 2008, the joint Association of King County Historical Organization South King County Cultural Coalition meeting on September 23, 2008, and the Showalter mural unveiling. She also attended the co- sponsored City of Tukwila and City of SeaTac panel discussion on Homelessness at the SeaTac City Hall on September 25, 2008. Councilmember Griffin attended the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on September 19, 2008, the Showalter Mural unveiling on September 23, 2008, and the National League of Cities' Council for Youth Education and Families Meeting on September 25 -26, 2008. Councilmember Hougardy attended the employee Wellness Fair on September 18, 2008, the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on September 19, 2008, and the Showalter mural unveiling on September 23, 2008. She also attended the Shoreline Master Program Open House on October 1, 2008. Councilmember Quinn attended the Suburban Cities Association dinner meeting on September 17, 2008 c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, read a prepared statement from the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC): City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Regular Meetina Minutes October 6. 2008 "The Washington Public Employment Relations Commission conducted a legal proceeding in which all parties had the opportunity to present evidence and argument. The commission ruled that the City of Tukwila committed unfair labor practices in violation of State Collective Bargaining Laws, and ordered us to post the following notice to employees: We unlawfully refused to bargain with the Tukwila Police Officers Guild before we implemented medical insurance premium sharing to pay for the City's self insured medical plan." The Public Employment Relations Commission requires the reading and posting of this notice. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reported the Council Coffee Chat dates have been set for the fall sessions and expressed appreciation to the Councilmembers for their continued support of this type of outreach. MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Haggerton stated the date for Northfield Car Wash date to vacate the premises is October 10, 2008. The application deadline for the vacant position on the Planning Commission is also October 10, 2008. Councilmember Linder expressed thanks to the participants of the September 10, 2008 lunch and learn "Fall Bulb Planting" presentation. ADJOURNMENT 8:40 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. J'm HaggGe ayor Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 10/20/2008