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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers February 9, 2009 7:00 P.M. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Hernandez called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Ms. Hernandez introduced members of the Lady Foster Soccer Team: Rachel Mayers, Savannah Romero, Amanda Mayers, and Bailey Nortin, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joan Hernandez, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. Councilmember Griffin was not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Stacy Hansen, Human Services Specialist; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Introduction and swearing in of Lateral Police Officer Burien Ishaque, Badge #180. Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief, introduced Burien lshaque, Police Officer, to the Council. Officer Ishaque comes from Clyde Hill, serving the Town of Yarrow Point, Washington, where she was an officer for the past two years. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Burien lshaque, Badge #180. Assistant Chief Sutter presented Officer lshaque with her badge. Officer Ishaque stated she 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 Nicholas Hogan, Badge #181. Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief, introduced Nicholas Hogan, Entry -Level Police Officer, to the Council. Officer Hogan is an entry -level officer from Tacoma, Washington. Mr. Hogan served as a military police officer for the last five years. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Nicholas Hogan, Badge #181. Assistant Chief Sutter presented Officer Hogan with his badge. Officer Hogan 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 lshaque and Officer Hogan. c. Report on Charitable Giving Activities from Starfire. Julie Hoyle -Lowe, General Manager, and Michelle Ferrell, Charitable Giving Coordinator, from Starfire utilized a PowerPoint presentation outlining the following: The Starfire mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower youth through participation in sports. Starfire Sports provides world class, inclusive facilities where youth are welcome as equal participants while they develop as leaders and responsible citizens in their community. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 2 of 8 The Charitable Giving Program: Starfire's goal is to contribute 15% of its annual business proceeds to the Charitable Giving Program. The program provides financial assistance to youth (individuals, teams, clubs, and like- minded charitable organizations) for Starfire program participation and Starfire facility utilization. Starfire programs include tournaments, leagues, Starfire Kids of Tomorrow, and micro league indoor soccer. Charitable Events Include: Shooting Stars, which is the Annual 3 on 3 Jamboree. The 2009 goal is to increase participation by 20 Tukwila Police Department Soccer Skills Challenge. The 2009 goal is to increase participation by 10 Starfire partners with over 30 like- minded charitable organizations including: Community Schools Collaboration Seattle Scores Washington Youth TOPSoccer Treehouse New Futures Boy Scouts and Scouting program Special Olympics Tukwila Youth Soccer Club New Partner Tukwila Food Pantry Ms. Hoyle -Lowe indicated there are two different types of partnering depending on the needs of the organization and whether the kids need gear. Tenants in the facility are required to provide a certain amount of charitable donations. The Lady Foster Soccer Team thanked the Council for the support of the City and the opportunity they have been given to participate. CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Human Services Contracts. Council President Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on January 26, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The City Council reviews and approves all contracts over $25,000. Ten human service contracts require approval by the City Council. Tukwila's Human Services Advisory Board has already approved proposals by the represented contracts. Council President Hernandez requested Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, review each of the ten recommended contracts, with a brief description of each. Catholic Community Services Emergency Assistance: This is a contract for emergency financial assistance to support Tukwila residents with shelter, gas, food, prescriptions, and utilities. Councilmember Robertson requested clarification on the split of funding listed on each Exhibit A for all ten contracts. It appears half of the contract amount is spent on operating costs. Ms. Boykan provided a detailed explanation as to exactly how the monies are spent by the organizations. Operating costs include direct service for case management, but not direct financial assistance. Emergency assistance and vouchers are issued from Human Services and the Police Department. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 3 of 8 These contracts and the assistance the City is providing are a one -time assistance aimed at providing stability for Tukwila residents. Institute for Family Development PACT Program (Parents and Children Toaether): This is a contract to provide short -term, intensive, in -home counseling for families at risk of being referred to child protection agencies. Prevention and reduction is the goal of this program. Councilmember Robertson inquired what is meant by "submit outcome results." Ms. Boykan indicated the program is required to provide data to show if families involved were better off than before services were started. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to the skills of the counselors. Ms. Boykan responded they are Licensed Mental Health Therapists. Councilmember Robertson inquired if they were for profit or non profit. Ms. Boykan responded that the Institute for Family Development is a non profit agency. Literacy Source: This is a classroom -based service that provides English -as- second language classes and instruction related case management to adult immigrants and refugees. Councilmember Robertson indicated it appears the City is paying $98.00 per hour for instruction. What does this pay for? Ms. Boykan indicated the City is paying for instructors' time, program administrators, and materials. Multi Service Center Emergency Assistance Program (EAP): This is a new contract for emergency services to address the increasing need in the community due to the economy. Councilmember Robertson inquired what $6,000 in operating costs paid for. Ms. Boykan indicated this amount was for labor, which is the intake, assessment, case management, information referral, and leveraging of additional dollars. This is a one -time assistance serving unduplicated residents. They have to be judicious in how the funds are used. Multi Service Center Housing Stability: This program provides rental assistance for the prevention of homelessness. This is a one -time assistance serving unduplicated residents. Councilmember Robertson indicated the overhead is 40 whereas EAP is 30 Ms. Boykan indicated it is a different program and overhead is based on staffing already in place and funds received from other sources. Renton Area Youth Services: RAYS provides school -based mental health counseling and support services to youth and families in Tukwila. Councilmember Quinn inquired if this program is eligible for Mental Health [110] money. Ms. Boykan indicated they rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursement in addition to the City's funds. Councilmember Robertson indicated this is the largest dollar amount contract at $55,000. Why is this particular contract allowed the larger amount? Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 4 of 8 Ms. Boykan indicated in order to retain licensed and certified staff, the organization must be competitive. The school district has indicated there is a higher need for this type of assistance within the school district. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated when the City decided to implement human services within the City, the survey results indicated this type of service was needed most. Councilmember Quinn indicated this program provides intervention to youth violence. Counselors are highly educated and endure the emotional impact of providing these services. He feels the cost of the program is a long -term investment. Councilmember Duffie stated during his 23 years at Tukwila Elementary School, he has seen the kids who need this type of assistance. He feels this program should be given the highest priority. Councilmember Linder concurred with Councilmember Duffie and spoke to the many positive aspects of the program. It is the key to not needing to build another jail. It is preventative. Ms. Boykan indicated the need for this type of assistance is critical at the elementary school level. She offered to have representatives from Renton Area Youth Services and one of the school district counselors attend a meeting and answer questions for the Council. Refugee Women's Alliance: The program provides cultural and language services for local refugees. Services include case management, system navigation, and emergency financial assistance to access services for refugees who have been resettled to Tukwila and surrounding communities. Councilmember Robertson indicated this is the best value at $42.50 per hour. Spending money to help someone learn how to navigate through the system should be unnecessary; however, it is difficult even for English- speaking people. Council President Hernandez requested clarification on $17,500 for compensation method and payment for 2009 and 2010, totaling $35,000. Exhibit C shows $10,500 for both years, totaling only $21,000. Ms. Boykan indicated it also showed an additional $6,500 for urgent financial assistance. Councilmember Robertson inquired what is meant by "urgent financial assistance." Ms. Boykan responded it was rental assistance, utility assistance, gas vouchers, food, etc. Tukwila Pantry: The pantry provides food assistance and referrals. Councilmember Robertson indicated this contract does not indicate any reporting on operating costs. Ms. Boykan indicated Tukwila Pantry is a bare bones organization with very little staff. Actual operating costs have been compared to revenues. It has been a challenge, and they are working on getting technical assistance so they can become more stable financially. YWCA Domestic Violence Community Advocate: This program supports community advocacy for domestic violence victims. This City has identified this service as a priority for a long time. The program has undergone staffing and organizational changes. Councilmember Robertson inquired if the City is still contracting with D.A.W.N. (Domestic Awareness Women's Network). Ms. Boykan indicated D.A.W.N. is being funded, and they are under the $25,000 threshold that requires Council approval. Councilmember Quinn inquired whether there was an increase in incidents of domestic violence. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 5 of 8 Ms. Boykan indicated that while it is still a stigmatized crime, domestic violence has come out of the closet. There is more reporting, resulting in an increased number of incidents. Councilmember Linder inquired about how this type of program is worked with the Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA). Ms. Boykan indicated that ReWA has a domestic violence unit in Seattle. The domestic violence agencies have received cross training. Ruth Dvkeman Children's Center Mental Health Substance Abuse Services: This organization provides some level of mental health services, but is primarily focused on substance abuse prevention and intervention. It supports a part -time person who is co- located in the high school and middle school. Councilmember Linder requested clarification on the services provided by this organization. Is it also available for kids whose parents are suffering from drug addiction? Ms. Boykan responded it could be. Councilmember Robertson indicated it is disturbing that the school -based programs are very limited and specific. Ms. Berry inquired whether a student that is a Tukwila resident, but attends a school outside the City, would receive assistance in the school they are attending. Ms. Boykan indicated she wasn't sure. However, the RAYS proposal states the services are not exclusive to being based at one location. Councilmember Robertson indicated there are neighborhoods in Tukwila, such as McMicken Heights, where kids are not in Tukwila schools. How can they get assistance if the contracts indicate the services are being provided in the Tukwila Schools? Ms. Boykan indicated, per the Renton Area Youth Services contract, the services can be provided in- house, at school, or at the main location in Renton. Councilmember Robertson asked if neighboring cities, such as SeaTac, provide human services programs. Stacy Hansen, Human Services Specialist, indicated she is a resident of SeaTac, and yes, they do fund human services. They have programs within the school district. Councilmember Quinn stated there is a need for these mental health services. There has been an increase throughout all neighborhoods. Due to the stigma associated with using these services and privacy concerns, the City may never know the full extent of the need. Councilmember Duffle requested information from Human Services on students outside the district being served by these types of programs. Ms. Boykan indicated Renton Area Youth Services covers Tukwila and Renton. She will research it further. Councilmember Quinn indicated he would be interested in tracking the timing of layoffs in order for the City to be prepared. Council President Hernandez inquired if approval of the ten contracts now brings the Council to completion of the review of all contracts over $25,000 for 2009 -2010. Ms. Boykan responded affirmatively. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 6 of 8 Councilmember Linder requested Ms. Boykan pass onto the Human Services Advisory Board the excellent job they did in selecting the top ten contracts. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Agreement for the 2009 Annual Small Drainage Program. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on January 27, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This contract is for design of the 2009 Annual Small Drainage Program. Three firms were short listed from the Consultant Works Roster and KPG, Inc. was chosen as the most qualified. This year three projects are being designed for construction in 2009. Council is being asked to approve the contract with KPG, Inc. in the amount of $58,584.86. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Agreement for the 2009 -2010 Overlay and Repair Program. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 2, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This contract is for design of the 2009 -2010 Annual Overlay and Repair Program. KPG Inc. was selected to provide design services for a two -year cycle beginning in 2008 and is currently in the second and final year of that design. This contract will complete final design and advertise the projects for bid, which includes a list of 22 street sections. The Council is being asked to approve the contract with KPG, Inc. in the amount of $144,333.06. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Howard Hanson Dam on February 4, 2009. He asked the Public Works Director to provide a briefing on the meeting. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated the dam has a depression. The Army Corps of Engineers does not know what caused this problem or what the fix will be. In order to minimize risk, they have decided not to store water behind the dam as high as it has been in the past. It was emphasized the dam is not to prevent flooding, but to control flooding. The City is working on coordinated flood fighting plans, flood prevention, and evacuation plans. Councilmember Duffie requested information on where in the City flooding would occur. Mr. Morrow indicated flooding could happen anywhere. The Public Works Department knows where the weaknesses are, and those areas are being addressed as quickly as possible. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated the City will have a generic map with detailed information and recommendations for the residents and businesses in the area. She also stated the City is at the end of the flood season, and the information pertaining to the status of the Howard Hanson Dam could take approximately six months to finalize. Mr. Morrow stated they are recommending that everyone purchase flood insurance. Councilmember Linder requested a timeline about when the information will be available. Mr. Morrow stated the outreach program will begin as soon as possible based on information received from the Army Corps of Engineers. No one will speak on behalf of the Corps of Engineers; the Army Corps of Engineers will speak for themselves. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 7 of 8 Ms. Berry indicated the City is utilizing all the resources available to begin working on this issue. Mr. Morrow stated everyone should be advised to first tune into the City's radio station, 1640 AM. Councilmember Quinn inquired how the Council could be helpful, such as when to advise residents to purchase flood insurance. Mr. Morrow indicated flood insurance could be purchased right away. The 30 -day waiting period only comes into play when there has been an event, at which point it cannot be effective until 30 days after the event. They will hold as many public meetings as it takes to explain when, where, and how much to pay for flood insurance. Mayor Haggerton indicated the general statement at the meeting was that everyone should have flood insurance. There is no imminent danger. Mayor Haggerton reported Valley Com has had meetings and are continuing the strategic positioning process. The Mayor reported the SCORE.org website for the South County Regional Jail Project is in the developing stages. Mayor Haggerton stated only three cities (Seattle, Pasco, and Tukwila) have expressed opposition to House Bill 1296, regarding rental housing. Further participation by other cities should be encouraged. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in the employee banquet. Councilmember Linder requested Councilmembers review the Southwest King County Economic Development Initiative (SKCEDI) 2009 Legislative positions. Councilmember Robertson expressed concern that if House Bill 1296 passes, it could derail the City's plan for rental inspections. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Tukwila Government Affairs meeting on February 3, 2009. Council President Hernandez attended the Government Affairs Meeting on February 3, 2009. She also attended the Equity and Diversity Commission Meeting on February 5, 2009, and the employee banquet on February 6, 2009. c. Staff There was no report d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental The Council Analyst was not present. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2009 Page 8 of 8 ADJOURNMENT 9:39 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERNANDEZ DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Joar��lernandez, Council President d *thg d/(,)„,4- Minutes prepared by Lady of Letters, Inc. Reviewed by Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk