Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Hernandez called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Ms. Hernandez introduced Austin Curtis, Lacey McQuade, and Andy Delic from the Tukwila Police Explorers, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Hernandez thanked Officer Don Dart and the Tukwila Police Explorers for participating in the meeting this evening. OFFICIALS Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers January 26, 2009 7:00 P.M. MINUTES Present were Joan Hernandez, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Bruce Linton, Police Commander; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENT Lynn Peterson, 15185 62 Avenue South, indicated he would like the Council to look into the possibility of revising the commission and board terms. By limiting the length of a term to three years, and two consecutive terms, the City could advertise more to fill the vacant positions created by this revision. The addition of new members on the boards and commissions could provide a renewed outlook and different views of particular issues. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A resolution establishing a petty cash fund for the City Clerk's Office. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on January 21, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, indicated this item is the change fund necessary for the implementation of the new cashiering system. Once the new system is in place, the Finance Department and the City Clerk's Office will accept Visa and MasterCard. With the addition of the new cashiering system, the City will be able to process payments quicker and the City will have fewer returned checks. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Bid award for Foster Golf Links Reclaimed Water Pipeline Extension Project. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on January 13, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated extending the pipeline would allow Foster Golf Links to use King County's reclaimed water for irrigation. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 26, 2009 Page 2 of 6 c. Bid award for Tukwila Village Northfield Car Wash Demolition. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on January 13, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This project will demolish the Northfield Car Wash building at the Tukwila Village site. The low bid of $35,109.34 was from Pacific NW Earthworks, LLC, who has previously done this type of work satisfactorily. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. A resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the 2009 -2012 Interlocal Agreement for the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd). Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 20, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Since 1992, SCATBd has been an effective South King County forum for information sharing, consensus building, and providing valuable input on regional and state transportation planning and implementation decisions. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. An agreement for construction management services for Tukwila International Boulevard Phase II and III with Harris and Associates. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 20, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Requests for construction management proposals were advertised, with seven proposals submitted and four firms interviewed. Harris and Associates rated the highest, with the most qualified team to deal with the complex construction issues of this project. The Harris contract will supplement in -house construction management capabilities for a fee of $1,275,049.00. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated a representative from Systems Consulting, LLC was present and would like to speak about this agenda item. Gretchen Adams, President of Systems Consulting, LLC, read a prepared statement: "We are a certified DBE, MWBE firm that supplies engineering and construction management support on large infrastructure projects, serving King, Pierce, and Thurston County since 1999. The reason we are here is because our firm participated on the Harris and Associates proposal team for the Tukwila International Boulevard Phase II and III construction services project. This matter is up for approval tonight. Systems Consulting, LLC, helped write the proposal, attended interviews, and was proposed to provide scheduling services for the project. Our team won the proposal. After final selection, and unbeknownst to us, during negotiations our company was removed from the team and our proposed employee was hired to represent Harris to fulfill our role on the project. We recently learned of this on January 15, 2009 via e -mail from our employee. We notified Harris that the employee was in violation of our employment contract. We also notified the employee, and the City's project manager. Harris has not responded or compensated Systems, and the project manager at the City says he sees nothing wrong with this behavior, "this happens all the time," and in an e-mail said it would be un- productive to bring this matter before the Council. We are here to inform the Council that we have consulted with an attorney. If the matter is not rectified, we plan to file an injunction. In conclusion, we are asking the Council to defer the contract award to Harris Associates for 30 days to allow the state to review this procurement process we have just encountered and for Harris to correct this situation." Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 26, 2009 Page 3 of 6 Mr. Morrow explained this matter is between Systems Consulting, LLC and Harris and Associates. It has to do with employment of an individual, and this is not a City issue. To clarify what staff has done after learning of this situation, is to bring in and discuss the actual consultant agreement the City has with Harris and Associates with the Department of Transportation. Staff is trying to make sure what the City has done and the procedures we have gone through to bring Harris and Associates to this point are according to the Local Agency Guidelines manual that the City is required to use. Mr. Morrow requested the Council not delay the awarding of the contract this evening, but forward it to the next Regular Meeting. At that time, staff will present the findings and facts to Council to aid in the decision making on the requested contract award. Ms. Adams clarified Systems Consulting, LLC, is requesting the Council defer the award of the contract to Harris and Associates for only 30 days. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Supplement #7 to contract #02 -108 for Tukwila International Boulevard Phase II and III with KPG, Inc. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 20, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Mr. Morrow indicated this supplement is for the design and engineering portion of the Tukwila International Boulevard Phase II and III project. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Authorize the purchase of a construction management trailer for Tukwila International Boulevard Phase II and III project in the amount of $30,000.00. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 20, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The City has typically provisioned a field office for the management of large construction projects through the construction contract. Valuable field time is used to get the trailer set up at the start of each project. The trailer has a 10 -15 year life span. The Council is being asked to approve the purchase of a mobile field trailer for use on this project and future projects. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated staff has completed a price comparison, and there is a higher cost savings with purchasing the job trailer than leasing one. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. h. A resolution setting a public hearing date for a street vacation on a portion of right -of -way along 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 20, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This is a resolution setting a public hearing date for a street vacation due to an application the City has received regarding a section of right -of -way located at 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of 2009 DRAFT Legislative Priorities Council President Hernandez requested the Council Analyst introduce this item. Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, indicated staff has prepared a draft 2009 Legislative Agenda for Council consideration. The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 26, 2009 Page 4 of 6 agenda is intended to be utilized as a tool for Councilmembers when they meet with State legislators in Olympia this February. Councilmember Robertson indicated the Council might consider an additional statement regarding options to leave open for discussion the rules and processes used to distribute money under streamlined sales tax mitigation. Ms. Matej requested permission to speak directly with the Finance Director regarding wording after the meeting. Councilmember Quinn indicated clarity of the formula would be helpful. Mr. Quinn inquired if particular transportation projects would be highlighted. He also indicated the City of Tukwila could reassure legislators that the City has never had an issue with taping of Executive Sessions, but it is important that they oppose mandatory legislation. Ms. Matej stated, after approval by Council, she will prepare packets prior to meeting in Olympia, so that Councilmembers will be informed of all issues to be discussed with legislators. She indicated other items, such as attorney /client privilege, have been added to this bill. More information will follow. Councilmember Hougardy inquired as to the format of the Legislative Agenda. Ms. Matej indicated talking points would not be provided for the meeting in Olympia. Issues will be summarized and the City's position on issues provided, and background information will be provided to the delegation going to Washington D.C. Councilmember Robertson indicated it might be more consistent if wording of the last sentence under Joint Partnerships was changed to reflect the City will encourage opportunities for outreach within constraints of the budget. Ms. Matej indicated discussions regarding budgets and partnerships have taken place. Wording could be changed as the Council deems necessary. Councilmember Linder stated inclusion of the budget is important. Councilmember Quinn indicated partnerships will be encouraged by the state as they release funds. Councilmember Griffin inquired if anything would be introduced addressing the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) limits. Ms. Matej stated the Economic Development Administrator and Finance Director are researching this item. Councilmember Linder indicated the 1°/0 property tax cap is the biggest issue for the City at this time. Councilmember Quinn indicated he agrees with Councilmember Linder regarding the property tax cap. He also indicated funding for human services is where partnerships will be most effective with the current state of the economy. Councilmember Robertson indicated his agreement with Councilmember Linder regarding the 1% tax cap, but feels timing is not right to address it due to the economic downturn. Ms. Matej indicated the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) will seek an increase in the property tax cap of 1% for City Emergency Management Services permanent levies. She requested permission to add human services to the Legislative Agenda in response to Councilmember Quinn's comments. Councilmember Griffin indicated her support of inclusion of human services in the Legislative Agenda. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 26, 2009 Page 5 of 6 Council President Hernandez inquired about the possibility of a briefing for Councilmembers who will be attending the Association of Washington Cities Conference, regarding the different legislative items the City is supporting. She also inquired about a similar briefing for attendees to the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference in Washington D.C. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated a Federal Legislative Agenda is not typically prepared for bills and resolutions being considered. The City does not support specific bills; we support the appropriation requests for specific projects. A briefing for the NLC conference attendees will take place in Washington D.C. with the City's lobbyists. Council President Hernandez indicated it would be beneficial for the entire Council to have a briefing from the lobbyists. Ms. Berry indicated it would be possible to have a briefing at either a Committee of the Whole or Regular Meeting prior to the delegation departing for the conference. Council President Hernandez concurred. Councilmember Hougardy indicated she would support a briefing prior to the trip and a de- briefing after the delegation returns. REPORTS a. Mayor The Mayor was not present. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie expressed his appreciation to all City departments relating to the responses to the two fires in Tukwila. He also acknowledged the Street Department and the great job done removing the sand from the roadways. Councilmember Linder attended the Plein Air Committee meeting on January 22, 2009. Councilmember Griffin attended the Short Course on Local Planning meeting on January 22, 2009. Councilmember Hougardy attended the January 21, 2009 Suburban Cities Association meeting. Councilmember Quinn indicated the Boeing Access Road Bridge Replacement grant application has been denied. Washington State Department of Transportation had $31 million available, and the City's application was for $24 million. Funding from the $31 million was applied to projects that ranged in the $1 to $2 million category. Council President Hernandez attended the Suburban Cities Association dinner meeting on January 21, 2009 and the Short Course on Local Planning on January 22, 2009. She indicated there is a public meeting January 29, 2009 for the Tukwila Commuter Rail Station regarding environmental impacts. Councilmember Linder suggested Council President Hernandez send a letter to Sound Transit requesting a presentation regarding the Tukwila Commuter Rail Station. The Councilmembers indicated they support Council President Hernandez requesting a presentation on the Tukwila Commuter Rail Station. Councilmember Robertson indicated he received information that Metro has a new bus route and inquired about this item from staff. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated Metro has been in contact with the Community Development Department regarding the new bus route. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 26, 2009 Page 6 of 6 c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated staff is preparing a letter to Mayor Tetsutaro Tawara of Tukwila's Sister City, Miyoshi, Japan. Due to the state of the economy, only one student was able to confirm attendance. The purpose of the delegation is for students to visit the Sister City and learn from the experience. Ms. Berry indicated the Sister City Committee is working on another attempt at sending a delegation to Miyoshi in 2010. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Hernandez indicated a presenter, by the name of Robin Rose, has been selected for the Council retreat. Ms. Hernandez provided a handout outlining Ms. Rose's experience and a recommendation for suggested topics the Council would like her to review prior to the retreat. Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, requested Council provide the recommendations to her, until the City is able to negotiate a contract. ADJOURNMENT 8:26 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERNANDEZ DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Hernandez, Council President Minutes prepared by Lady of Letters, Inc. Reviewed by Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk