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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-02 Regular MinutesROLL CALL CITY OFFICIALS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Tukwila City Council City Hall Council Chambers MINUTES CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Regular Meeting March 2, 2009 7:00 P.M. Mayor Haggerton called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. a. Certificates of Appreciation to Russell Bradley, Arts Commission, and Lavern Peterson, Equity and Diversity Commission Mayor Haggerton presented Russell Bradley with a Certificate of Appreciation, in honor of Mr. Bradley's 12 years of service to the City of Tukwila's arts community. Mr. Bradley accepted the award and thanked the City Council and the Arts Commission for the recognition. Mr. Bruce Fletcher, Director of Parks and Recreation, said Mr. Bradley's expertise and humor will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him. Mayor Haggerton indicated that Lavern Peterson, firefighter, could not be here this evening to accept his Certificate of Appreciation. He will be invited to a future meeting to receive recognition for his service on the Equity and Diversity Commission. Councilmember Linder referenced the Plain Air Project to be held on June 12 June 19, 2009 that Mr. Bradley's wife, Jackie will be working on. The artists involved will be painting scenes from Tukwila. The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Bradley for his volunteer service to Tukwila. b. An Overview of 2008 Accomplishments and 2009 Goals Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember, came forward to give an overview of accomplishments in 2008 and goals for 2009. With regard to public health and human services, many of this agency's programs are in jeopardy due to the current budget crisis. She is committed to working with the State Legislature to create stable, long- term funding sources for these critical services, many of which are used by Tukwila citizens. The County Council is also working on expansion of South King County's trail system. The 17 -mile Lake -to -Sound Trail is in the planning stages. The Council is also working to expand passenger -only ferry service throughout King County. In 2007, the County Council voted to create a new taxing entity called the County Ferry District, with the goal of providing regional passenger -only ferry service. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2009 Page 2 of 7 Jail capacity is also being considered by the King County Council. The most recent population projections have predicted that King County will grow by 1.2 million people by the year 2030. The County does not currently have sufficient jail capacity for that population increase. Flood infrastructure, which is particularly crucial for Tukwila, is a priority. The region has experienced devastating floods in the last few years, which prompted the County to create a Flood Control District. Many of the County's residents were already served by a flood control district. Finally, she wanted to remind the Councilmembers that both she and Councilmember Constantine represent Tukwila residents on the Sound Transit Board of Directors. The Sound Transit constituency approved Proposition 1 in November 2008's election. That proposition expanded service. One of the most important projects covered by that proposition was the completion of the Tukwila Station project. She would work very hard with the Tukwila City Council to ensure the Tukwila Station will meet all their shared constituency's needs. In summary, the single biggest challenge for the King County Council in 2009 will be to pass a balanced budget. The budget process is expected to be very difficult. There will be cuts, but they will work hard to find every possible efficiency before those cuts are made. c. 2009 Goals as King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, Chair of the King County Council, gave an overview of his goals for 2009. The budget process last year was difficult, requiring a $93 million cut from a $627 million general fund budget, which was in addition to previous cuts. The 2009 budget process will be even more difficult. He was proud that they were able to protect basic services. He is concerned that many programs considered indispensable by many in his constituency received only partial funding, in the hopes that some funding source would be developed later. That is not expected to happen. The County Council has been working with the State Legislature to relax existing funding rules, to free up revenues for critical programs. The County must be able to show taxpayers they are getting the greatest possible return for every tax dollar. That required a new way of thinking for government policymakers. Instead of thinking about how to get more money and operate as they always have, county lawmakers must consider how to get more value with financial resources that are static or even diminishing. Councilmember Constantine has focused on efficiency, accountability and effectiveness in county government. The Council will ramp up implementation of Council- initiated performance measures, to evaluate how well each agency or program uses money, then direct money to those programs that use it most effectively. The County Council has also been working on county animal shelters. The Council's actions include passing legislation to require adoptable animals be kept healthy while in the shelters, and not be allowed to fall sick and be euthanized, set up a policy to increase spays and neuters, ramp up adoption efforts, provide volunteer opportunities, and improve medical care and sanitation. Councilmember Patterson added that she and Councilmember Constantine plan to introduce legislation to provide greater oversight of residents who own dogs that can be potentially dangerous. That same legislation provides very specific protocols for people who have dogs that show aggressive behavior toward people. The main question about the legislation is whether it will be breed specific, but it will not be. Rather, the County will be able to regulate possession of dogs known to be dangerous. They are also working on legislation that would limit the amount of time dogs can be chained. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2009 Page 3 of 7 Also on the topic of transit, Sound Transit increased the number of Tukwila bus routes. Route #140 has many more trips per week with a number of stops in Tukwila. Route #174 is due to be upgraded to a bus /rapid transit route between Federal Way, Des Moines, Kent, SeaTac and Tukwila on International Boulevard. That service came from the voter approved Transit Now proposal. Sound Transit Two will also add options for south King County residents, by extending the system by 34 miles, for a total of 59 miles of light rail, along with 65% more Sounder service, longer trains, four new round -trip trains, at least one train scheduled for mid -day service, and improvements to Tukwila Station. These improvements would not only answer Tukwila residents' requests for improved transit options, it will also save them money and improve traffic conditions. Councilmember Patterson added that Tukwila is the only suburban city with all three transit modes already in place light rail, regional bus service, and Sounder service. Council President Hernandez indicated that she and members of staff attended an open house on the environmental assessment evaluation of the Sound Transit commuter rail station. She requested that Councilmember Patterson advocate for a quality design for that station, adequate to address the increased ridership, that such a station would encourage. Councilmember Robertson relayed the City had considered dangerous animal legislation in 2008, and realized that such changes would not be effective until the City had adequate animal control officers in place. Since then, the City has considered several different solutions, and a draft contract is still under consideration. The City is counting on King County to provide animal shelters or arrange for that service to be provided by others. Councilmember Robertson indicated that bus route #156 is fairly comprehensive in its coverage, and he does not want to see it dropped during future budget talks. That route provides not only a connection between the Sounder and the airport, but also a great deal of commuter travel between various employment centers. Councilmember Patterson said they would check on that particular route and send him an update on its proposed status. Councilmember Griffin thanked Councilmember Patterson for keeping routes #150 and #161 going. She thanked both Councilmember Patterson and Chairman Constantine for their attendance and presentations. Ms. Griffin reminded the City Council of an upcoming Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2009. Councilmember Hougardy thanked Councilmembers Patterson and Constantine for all their work. She was particularly thankful for their willingness to seek ways to save programs rather than cutting them. Councilmember Quinn indicated that everyone wants more services, even though there is less money to go around. He offered the reminder that many people rely on public transportation, and he would like that to be considered if changes are going to be made. The County Council's goals seem to be similar to the Tukwila City Council goals in terms of effective governance. He thanked the County for their commitment to service and collaborative spirit. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, relayed that the City's Flex Pass Program will now be available to all benefit eligible employees. That program replaced the previous bus pass reimbursement program, which applied only to those employees who used mass transit for a majority of their weekly commute. It was hoped that not only would more employees use mass transit to get to work, but they would also use mass transit for non -work travel. CITIZEN COMMENTS Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133 Street, spoke regarding the lovely homes in the City that would be candidates for the Community Pride award. She suggested there be more outreach to get the word out that citizens can nominate homes to be considered for the award. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2009 Page 4 of 7 CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 2/2/09 (Regular) b. Approval of Vouchers #345063 #345321 #20090302 in the amount of $1,178,865.22 MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. PUBLIC HEARINGS An ordinance renewing a six -month moratorium on the acceptance of applications for sign, development and electrical permits for certain types of signage. 7:54 p.m. Mayor Haggerton opened the Public Hearing. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, gave an overview of this issue. On October 6, 2008 the City Council adopted Ordinance #2208, which established a 180 -day moratorium on the installation of certain signage types within the City. The sign types include billboards, freeway interchange signs, dynamic signs, and freestanding signs taller than six feet. The moratorium will expire in April and given the significance of allowing such signs within the City, staff proposes to renew the moratorium for an additional 180 days. Mayor Haggerton asked for public comment. No comments were received. 7:55 p.m. Mayor Haggerton closed the Public Hearing. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. An ordinance renewing 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, RENEWING 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 NO. 2208; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2225. b. An ordinance vacating certain property, generally described as approximately 128 feet by 10 feet, located along 13911 Tukwila International Boulevard. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, VACATING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY, DEDICATED FOR STREET PURPOSES, GENERALLY DESCRIBED AS APPROXIMATELY 128 FEET BY 10 FEET LOCATED ALONG 13911 TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL STREET MAP OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2009 Page 5 of 7 Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2226. c. Authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment to Interlocal Agreement #92 -113 with King County for the allocation of Conservation Futures for the acquisition of Duwamish Gardens. MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT #92 -113 WITH KING COUNTY FOR THE ALLOCATION OF CONSERVATION FUTURES FOR THE ACQUISITION OF DUWAMISH GARDENS. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. d. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Berger /Abam for the Riverton Creek Flap Gate Removal project in the amount of $121,842.00. MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH BERGER /ABAM FOR THE RIVERTON CREEK FLAP GATE REMOVAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,842.00. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. e. An ordinance granting a non exclusive franchise to Time Warner Telecom of Washington LLC for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining a telecommunications system in certain public rights -of -way in the City. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, GRANTING A NON EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO TIME WARNER TELECOM OF WASHINGTON LLC, LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING, OPERATING, AND MAINTAINING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY IN THE CITY; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2114; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2227. NEW BUSINESS Motion to elect a Mayor Pro Tempore during the upcoming absence of Mayor Haggerton and Council President Hernandez. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO ELECT COUNCILMEMBER LINDER AS MAYOR PRO TEMPORE IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR HAGGERTON AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERNANDEZ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, requested the City Clerk be notified in any instances when both Mayor Haggerton and Council President Hernandez are absent, as this motion only takes effect when that occurs. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2009 Page 6 of 7 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the City Council Retreat February 28 -29, 2009. He reported that the Northfield Car Wash demolition is underway. The Mayor met recently with the Director of the Community Schools Collaboration; they are seeking members for the Board of Directors. He also attended a SCORE Jail Meeting on February 25, 2009, and Penny Bartley from the City of Renton will serve as the Interim Director. The Mayor also attended the Suburban Cities Association Board Meeting and the Cascade Water Alliance Board Meeting. Mayor Haggerton also attended the Enterprise Seattle annual meeting, where he was re- elected to serve on the Board of Directors. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie thanked the Council for the excellent retreat they had and thanked everyone for their hard work. Councilmember Linder also thanked Council President Hernandez for her guidance during the retreat, and Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, for her assistance. Council President Hernandez reported on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board meeting she recently attended, where they received a legislative update. She was appointed to the Senior Housing subcommittee. She also attended the recent Council Retreat and thanked everyone who participated. Councilmembers Robertson and Griffin agreed the retreat was a great experience and thanked all the organizers and staff members who worked on the event. Councilmember Hougardy agreed the retreat was very beneficial and that the presenter, Robin Rose, was exceptional. Councilmember Quinn thanked Kimberly Matej and Council President Hernandez, who kept them on task at the retreat. He also thanked the Mayor and City Administrator for their contributions. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated the Tukwila Urban Center Open House is on Wednesday, March, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This Open House is intended for the business community. Additionally, she referenced the D.A.R.E. graduation on Thursday, March 5, from 11:45 a.m. until 2:00 p .m. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Robertson reported that at the retreat it was decided to have a budget review in May, after the numbers are received for the first quarter in 2009. One of the items that came up involves the Codiga Farm Improvement funds. It would be necessary to change the City ordinance that controls how the second half of the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) dollars are spent. The Finance Director will provide those numbers as soon as they become available. He suggested the Finance and Safety Committee look at a change to that ordinance, such that the City has access to those funds during a financial emergency. Such a change would allow the REET dollars to be redirected to another capital fund item. That would equip the City to respond to a potential financial crisis without delay. Councilmember Robertson is not Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2009 Page 7 of 7 suggesting action be taken regarding those funds immediately; rather that preparations be in place for a potential future need. Councilmember Quinn expressed concern about the legality of such an approach. He felt they had several options and he would not want to start down one path that would be prone to significant opposition until those questions are answered. Councilmember Linder suggested the Finance Director provide input on this issue. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, explained the City receives two types of REET funds, both of which come to the City in equal dollar amounts, known as REET1 and REET2. According to the Tukwila Municipal Code, one of those two types is specifically allocated to parks and open space purchases. That is not a state requirement. Parks is one of the allowable usages of that money, in addition to the other types of capital projects. The change that Councilmember Robertson referred to would give the City flexibility to use that money not only for parks, but also for other types of capital projects, such as streets and transportation improvements. Councilmember Robertson clarified he would like to get the process underway. The Council agreed to get more information on this option from the Finance Director. Councilmember Quinn reiterated his suggestion to also consider efforts at the State legislative level, even as more information about this option is gathered by the Council. ADJOURNMENT 8:26 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. L 143 -4 J' aggerto yor A Minutes prepare by Lady of Letters, Inc .C/ Reviewed by Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 4/6/2009