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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-23 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 the Tukwila Fire Explorers, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joan Hernandez, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Dennis McOmber, Police Commander; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. 2008 Year -End Report. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers February 23, 2009 7:00 P.M. MINUTES Nancy Damon Hinthorne, Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, introduced board members in the audience-: Carol Colson, Louise Strander, and Mike Hansen. Ms. Damon Hinthorne distributed a packet, which included the 2009 Chamber Directory, the Chamber map, a dining guide, the first issue of the "At Your Service" brochure, the February e- Newsletter, and the latest Weekly Bulletin. Ms. Damon Hinthorne then focused on the 2008 achievements and milestones, which included: Expanded website to include links to sites benefiting members and guests Created "At Your Service" promotional piece The second edition of the Dining Guide Served as the lead organization in presenting the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalitions Reception Participated in the kick -off celebration of Tukwila's Centennial Celebration Participated in the Westfield Southcenter Grand Reopening Celebration Participated in planning of Seattle Southside Economic Forum Participated in the Micro Enterprise Committee of Burst for Prosperity Celebrated eight ribbon cuttings for Tukwila businesses Partnerships with Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, the Port of Seattle, and King County continued in 2008 and updated reports were submitted quarterly Continued association with Seattle Southside Visitors' Center Continued monthly Tukwila's Government Affairs Committee Meetings Continued to staff the Highway 99 Action Committee Published monthly articles in the City Beat section of the Business Advocate and the Chamber's e- newsletter In 2009, the Chamber will continue its participation in regional transportation issues, watch projects and issues in the region, and strengthen the Chamber through increased memberships and member promotions. Councilmember Linder thanked Ms. Damon Hinthorne for the information on the Chamber's Legislative agenda. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 2 of 8 Councilmember Griffin thanked the Chamber for the support on the Running Start Program. b. Lake -to -Sound Trail Presentation. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember, and Ryan Abbotts and Jenny Bailey from Parametrix. Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember, thanked Bruce Fletcher and Jim Morrow for the coordination and work they have provided on this project. Ms. Patterson explained the Burke Gilman Trail connects Seattle to north King County and east King County. The new Lake -to -Sound Trail will connect South County cities to each other, beginning at Lake Washington in Renton, traveling through Tukwila, and eventually ending at the Des Moines Beach Park on Puget Sound. It will be 17 miles long and connect to urban centers, transit centers, schools, and community centers throughout south King County. King County has committed $705,000 this year toward the construction of the trail. An additional $3.7 million has been committed from the parks levy over the next five years. Ms. Patterson indicated they are recommending two federal grant applications; the first is for the Black River Riparian Forest trail, and the second is for the Des Moines Memorial Drive to Normandy Park connector. Parametrix was hired to identify the best alignment for the trail based on land availability, cost constraints, and the ability to connect to other major trails. Jenny Bailey from Parametrix came forward to provide a brief overview of the feasibility study they prepared for the County. Ms. Bailey pointed out the preferred alignment and alternatives. Ryan Abbotts indicated the trail will start at Lake Washington, follow Houser Way, continue in Renton, cross Monster Road Black River Riparian Forest, continue to Fort Dent Park, and onto Southcenter Boulevard. The new trail will have an enlarged sidewalk on Southcenter Boulevard to provide a larger buffer; it will continue along Southcenter Boulevard, connect to the Sounder Station, and connect with existing trails. Councilmember Hougardy inquired if the connectors are dependent on grant funding. Ms. Patterson indicated the funding is not completely in place. The Puget Sound Regional Council has marked this as a top priority and it scores high on the federal list for possible grants. The Burke Gilman Trail was not completed all at once. The trail system will take time. This presentation represents the first steps in the program. Councilmember Quinn thanked Bruce Fletcher for his work on this project. Public health is a concern in the community. The potential of the trail system is exciting. Council President Hernandez thanked Julia Patterson, Ryan Abbotts, and Jenny Bailey for their presentation. Ms. Patterson indicated Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac have agreed to write a letter in support of the Lake to Sound project and she requested the City of Tukwila do the same. Council consensus existed to provide a letter of support on this issue. CITIZEN COMMENT Jeremy Kane, Tukwila Fire Explorer, provided a brief description of the current Fire Explorer Program. Councilmember Duffle inquired about the number of participants in the program. Mike McCoy, Captain, Tukwila Fire Department, indicated the Fire Explorer program currently has 27 participants. Council President Hernandez thanked the Tukwila Fire Explorers' advisors, Captain Mike McCoy and Brian Kane, for participating in this evening's Council Meeting. Ms. Hernandez introduced the Fire Explorers: Kyle Guerrero, Jeremy Kane, Kirill Plyushko, Ilya Mocharnney and Desiree Nelson. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 3 of 8 PUBLIC HEARING a. An ordinance vacating a portion of right -of -way along 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard. 7:41 p.m. Council President Hernandez opened the public hearing. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated the City has received a petition from 139, LLC for a street vacation of the property abutting 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard as well as a comprehensive appraisal. The Council set a Public Hearing date of February 23, 2009 per Resolution 1678. Compensation per the fair market value appraisal to the City is $25,000.00. Serina Baker, 13838 38 Avenue South, requested information on the proposed use of the property. Tom Johnson, 3515 NW 67 Seattle, representing 139, LLC, indicated the additional land will provide the owner the ability to have adequate parking for the property. 139, LLC was unaware, until after the purchase of the property, that the section of property in question belonged to the City of Tukwila. 7:46 p.m. Council President Hernandez closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance vacating a portion of right -of -way along 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 17, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The petitioner, 139, LLC, provided a completed request for a street vacation of the property abutting 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard and a comprehensive appraisal. Council held the Public Hearing this evening. Compensation to the City per the fair market value appraisal is $25,000.00. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. An ordinance renewing a Sign Code Moratorium. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 9, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The moratorium the City has in place regarding the placement of certain signage types will expire in April 2009. Community Development staff is requesting the moratorium be renewed and extended for an additional 180 days to allow sufficient time to complete the Sign Code update. Councilmember Linder indicated this item has been reviewed by the Sign Code Committee and currently is under review at the Planning Commission. She is in favor of sending it forward. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. An amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Conservation Futures for Duwamish Gardens. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 9, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. King County and the City of Tukwila entered into Interlocal Cooperation Agreement #92 -113 for the allocation of King County Conservation Futures for the acquisition of parks and open space. This amendment will include new funding of $700,000.00 for the acquisition of Duwamish Gardens. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 4 of 8 d. An agreement for the Riverton Creek Flap Gate project. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 9, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The project will improve fish access to Riverton Creek by removing the flap gates and installing an open water connection to the Duwamish River. Three firms were short listed from the Consultant Works Roster and Berger /Abam Engineers, Inc. scored the highest. Councilmember Linder requested clarification on the information provided. The budgeted amount is $200,000 for the design of the project, and the contract award is for $121,842. She asked where the remaining funding would be used. Mr. Morrow indicated the balance of the budgeted funds will remain in the 301 Fund, and will be used for matching funds on the construction of the project. Councilmember Robertson indicated the costs seem high for what seems like a simple project. Mr. Morrow indicated the environmental aspects of the project dictate the older existing outfalls need to be replaced. This project is more expensive due to the sensitive area and possible flooding situation. Councilmember Griffin inquired if vegetation removal and replanting was included in the contract cost. Mr. Morrow replied vegetation removal would be part of the construction project. Councilmember Quinn indicated a fish window also had to be considered. Mr. Morrow indicated the State Department of Fish and Wildlife closely regulate the fish window to ensure all work performed will improve the habitat and not endanger it. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. An ordinance renewing a franchise with Time Warner. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on February 10, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Time Warner Telecom (TWTC) Franchise Ordinance No. 2114 expires on March 15, 2009. The new ordinance will renew the Time Warner franchise for three years and includes some changes to the utility relocation requirements in Section 5E. Council is being asked to approve the ordinance for the new franchise agreement with Time Warner Telecom with an expiration date in March 2012. Mr. Morrow indicated the new ordinance clarifies the relocation responsibility should right -of -way roadwork take place. Currently, there is legislation that would transfer the responsibility to the City. Councilmember Linder expressed her appreciation for the work Frank Iriarte continues to provide the City. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. 2008 Winter Storm After Action Review. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, presented a summary of the After Action Review of the City's response to the December 2008 storms and related events. The After Action Review was written after discussion with relevant City staff members and departments. The report's goals are to: (1) document response activities; (2) identify successes /problems during emergency operations; and (3) make recommendations to improve mitigation, response, and recovery activities. An action plan will need to be developed to implement any recommended improvements. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 5 of 8 The first of a string of severe winter storms struck the City on December 17, 2008 with blizzard conditions, record or near record snowfall, freezing temperatures, freezing rain and ice. These weather conditions caused widespread hazardous conditions for citizens, homes, businesses, public utilities, public facilities, and infrastructure. Roads throughout the City were either officially closed or blocked by snowfall during the series of storms. In addition to the snowfall, extremely cold temperatures caused widespread damage, including the breakage of a 10 -inch water main the afternoon of Thursday, December 18, near 57 Avenue South. Water Department crews repaired the break by that evening, without interruption of residential or commercial water service. Snow removal was more problematic. Snow accumulation was so rapid at times, that road crews could not keep up, despite having all of the City's snow removal equipment in service. The City's many hillside streets became safety hazards. The crews worked around the clock until Christmas Day, by which time they had finally gotten ahead of the accumulation for the major roads. On December 26 all the crews were back at work clearing side roads. Further, a landslide was encountered on Interurban Avenue South below the Canyon Estates Condominiums. Six additional landslides occurred between 11:30 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The hillside was deemed unsafe and the roadway was kept closed. The following day a geotechnical engineering firm was employed to assess the stability of the hillside. Recommendations to relieve weight were made to the City, and a logging company was brought in to drop the trees located on the edge of the slide area. By 5:00 p.m. that day, crews began cleanup of the landslide. By midnight, Interurban Avenue was reopened. City crews kept all the major arterials open, even when snowfall outpaced their best snow removal speeds. At one point, snowfall rates got so bad Mr. Morrow recommended to the Mayor that they close City operations on Friday. The Mayor agreed, at which point the City's employee call -in line was updated so employees could be apprised of the situation. The Police Department, the Fire Department, and the Public Works Department had plans in place, such that all three departments could get into any neighborhood in the City for emergencies, even if those city streets had not yet been cleared of snow. The Fire Department responded successfully to several emergency dispatches that occurred during the storm. Of all the findings and recommendations in the After Action Report, the most critical is the necessary utilization of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). During the series of storms, the Tukwila Police Department's Training Center was used as an Emergency Operations Center. The EOC provided a direct link to all of the traffic camera systems in the City. The First Responder Team was able to monitor all of the snow removal simultaneously throughout the area. The EOC worked well, with the camera information so readily available. Mr. Morrow requested the Council support a permanent EOC, which would be consistent with past requests to the Council and the Council's previous support for such a facility. Mr. Morrow explained the City received many requests to clear snow from trouble spots, even when those trouble spots were not on the priority snow removal list. Mr. Morrow did authorize some diversion, in the hopes of alleviating citizen frustration. Upon review of the situation, those diversions cost the City a full 24 hours of snow removal time. Given that experience, it is recommended that crews not be diverted from priority snow removal routes, except for life- threatening situations. He suggested a hotline be established for people to call and report trouble spots, so they can be added to the priority list efficiently, rather than causing a diversion from existing priorities. Total cost of the storms was $110,806.83. Given the amount of equipment in use, the duration of the storm event, and all the staff overtime, this represents a reasonable cost. The overtime budget for the Public Works staff went over by $6,000 for the entire year. Mr. Morrow conveyed that residents rely very heavily on the City during these types of events, and distinctions need to be made between life- threatening issues and inconveniences. It is in the best interest of residents to be prepared for future emergencies. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 6 of 8 Councilmember Duffie commented the City did a great job during all of the emergencies and thanked Mr. Morrow. He agreed the Emergency Operations Center was impressive, and that the public must be educated in taking care of themselves for several days during emergencies. Councilmember Linder thanked Mr. Morrow and the First Responder Team for their work during the various severe weather events. She agreed that public education must be a major focus for the City. Simply publishing that information on the website or on Channel 21 is not sufficient. That information must be everywhere, and repeated until people are truly prepared. Mr. Morrow replied that, as an example, during a high winds event, the City has an existing policy that no one from the Police, Fire, or Public Works departments will be dispatched except for life- threatening emergencies. Councilmember Robertson also thanked Mr. Morrow and his staff for their efforts to keep the City moving. He indicated that residents tend to be vocal about City services during such events regardless of prior preparation efforts. He indicated that in some cases residents do not have the means of keeping adequate provisions on hand for an emergency. Mr. Morrow replied that there are times when residents become frustrated with issues, and they call Councilmembers with the expectation of receiving an immediate resolution. That can be problematic for the staff in adhering to the need of addressing crucial matters in priority order. Councilmember Griffin added the City could spread the preparedness message via many different channels. Constant communication is the key. She felt they needed to keep messages going, not only with existing methods but also with new and innovative methods. She agreed that people must learn to live on their own for 3 -5 days without assistance. Mr. Morrow explained that while the storm events did present a great deal of inconvenience, every Fire and Police dispatch call was answered, and no essential services were disrupted. An event such as the failure of the Howard Hanson Dam would present greater challenges. City staff and citizens would have only a few hours notice, and citizens would need to be personally prepared prior to learning of the event. Councilmember Hougardy pointed out that despite trash collection issues throughout the City, the garbage drop -off location at the Tukwila Village site seemed to work very well. _In addition to thanking Mr. Morrow for the great job, Ms. Hougardy proposed re- thinking the priority routes. She has concern that the City did not offer shelter during the storms. She would like to see warming shelters as part of any future Emergency Operations Center plans. In her view, the 3 Days/ 3 Ways preparedness plan should be part of any educational effort. Mr. Morrow explained that priority routes would need to be changed by policy decision. The Tukwila Community Center was advertised as a warming shelter during the storm. While Tukwila is in the position of considering a City- sponsored shelter, King County had 21 individual shelters open during the storm and found there were far too many shelters available than there was need. Mr. Morrow relayed the City's website has a great deal of information on 3 Days /3 Ways preparedness. There are a variety of methods that can be used in preparing for an emergency, and economic hardship is usually not a determining factor in preparation. There is evidence that suggests that when government agencies try to stock up for residents, those citizens tend not to take the personal initiative necessary to be truly prepared in emergency situations. Councilmember Quinn thanked Mr. Morrow for his work during the storm response. Tukwila was lucky there were no injuries and no loss of life. It is okay for citizens to have high expectations, and the City was right to put safety first. Many people hear forecasts for severe weather that never materialize, and then decide they do not need to prepare. The citizens need to be informed on methods to become better prepared. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, felt that residents should read the After Action Report, because it would be an eye- opener for them. The report should be sent to all residents and businesses in Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 7 of 8 Tukwila despite the cost. She also thanked Mr. Morrow and the First Responder Team for their hard work. Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133 Street, said she was very grateful for the help she personally received from both neighbors and strangers during the storms, and that people should look to build relationships with their neighbors. Mr. Morrow conveyed that one of the challenges involves identifying the "vulnerable population." Citizens will be asked to inform his department, privately, of medical issues so staff can plan for providing transportation well in advance of any evacuation. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated the social network site, Facebook, has a group called "Help Me Help You." It gets back to the idea of neighbors helping neighbors and is another avenue to be reviewed. Even for individuals who do not have computer access, the same idea can be put into place via neighborhood groups, block watches, and other neighbor networks. Council President Hernandez added these storms would have caused even more problems if the power had gone out. In addition, the City might consider requiring homeowners' associations to plow private roads, so emergency response crews can get to them if necessary. Council President Hernandez thanked Mr. Morrow for the excellent service that he and his First Responder Team provided during the storm. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton thanked everyone for their work at the Legislative Conference in Olympia on February 18 and 19, 2009. On Friday, February 20, 2009, he attended the media event for the Rock and Roll Marathon. He also attended the Rotary Club meeting on February 23, 2009. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended the Legislative Conference in Olympia on February 18 and 19, 2009. Councilmember Robertson also attended the Legislative Conference in Olympia on February 18 and 19, 2009. Mr. Robertson expressed his appreciation for the work done by the Council Analyst on the information that was provided to the Council for use at the conference. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Legislative Conference in Olympia on February 18 and 19, 2009. Councilmember Quinn attended the Legislative Conference in Olympia on February 18 and 19, 2009. Council President Hernandez attended the Legislative Conference in Olympia on February 18 and 19, 2009. Ms. Hernandez indicated she received an email regarding House Bill 2051 and Senate Bill 6051 regarding the protection of King County lodging tax revenue for heritage activities. She also reminded the Councilmembers of the Council Retreat on February 27 through March 1, 2009. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated volunteers are needed at the starting line for the Rock and Roll Marathon, which starts in Tukwila on June 27. Students are able to earn volunteer credits for helping with the marathon. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 23, 2009 Page 8 of 8 d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Griffin indicated she received an email in response to an article about Westfield Southcenter changing the mall hours. Councilmember Quinn suggested the City hold a safety fair at Westfield. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated the City held safety fairs in the past and, due to staffing, the City was not able to continue. The City would need to coordinate with Westfield for such an event. If Councilmembers have suggestions, they should provide them to the Council Analyst. ADJOURNMENT 9:49 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERNANDEZ DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Joan Hernandez, Council President Minutes prepared by Lady of Letters, Inc. Reviewed by Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk