HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-18 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council
City Hall Council Chambers
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL
Mayor Haggerton called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Regular Meeting
May 18, 2009 7:00 P.M.
Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator, called the roll of the Council. Present were
Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy
Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn.
CITY OFFICIALS
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Sara Springer, Assistant City Attorney; Jack Pace, Community
Development Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director;
Don Lincoln, Police Commander; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Lisa Verner, Project
Manager; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Stacy
Hansen, Human Services Specialist; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative
Support Coordinator.
PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS
a. A proclamation designating May 17 -23, 2009 as National Public Works Week.
Mayor Haggerton read the proclamation designating the week of May 17 through May 23 as National
Public Works Week, with this year's theme "Revitalize, Reinvest, Renew," and presented the signed
proclamation to Jim Morrow, Tukwila's Public Works Director.
b. Confirm the Mayor's appointment of Rashaun Johnson to Position #9, high school
representative, on the Community Oriented Policing Citizens' Advisory Board, with a term
expiring upon graduation from high school.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO CONFIRM THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF
RASHAUN JOHNSON TO POSITION #9, HIGH SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE, ON THE COMMUNITY
ORIENTED POLICING CITIZENS' ADVISORY BOARD, WITH A TERM EXPIRING UPON HIS
GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Rashaun Johnson stated he is a member of the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee, and
hopes to serve as a voice for the students. The Councilmembers thanked him for his willingness to step
forward and hoped it would inspire others to do the same. Mr. Johnson is part of the class of 2010.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Christopher Fertakis, 11822 42nd Ave S., an 8th grader at Showalter, extended an invitation to all to
attend the River Legacy concert at the Foster Performing Arts Center on May 29, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. He
noted this is an official Tukwila centennial event and will include a mix of American folk, patriotic and
spiritual music of the first people of Puget Sound. Mr. Fertakis is a member of the Northwest Boychoir
who will be participating in the concert, their first concert at the Performing Arts Center. They have been
working for the past two years to prepare for this concert and CD.
Mary Fertakis, 11822 42nd Ave S., displayed a commemorative poster created for the event. The poster
features an original oil painting commissioned by the Church of Tukwila for last year's Healing the Lands
ceremony, and will include a dedication to event sponsors. The CD will be made available to King County
schools to be used as part of their music program. She noted that tickets will be available at the door if
they are not sold out prior to the event.
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May 18, 2009 Page 2 of 9
Aaron LeFebvre, 12501 50th PI S., is a real estate agent with John L. Scott's office in Des Moines. He is
working with a resident of Allentown who has approximately $125,000 in equity in his home. The
homeowner has lost his job and would like to sell, but the home has not been connected to sewers yet.
The City's current ordinance requires that all sewer connection fees and the connection itself be
completed and paid before the property changes hands. Mr. LeFebvre explained that while some sellers
are not in a position to come up with the connection costs up front —and could not sell their homes at all
otherwise —there would be plenty of funds available to pay the applicable fees (approximately $22,000
total) once the home is sold. He suggested the intent of the ordinance be readdressed or reworded to
allow for the fees to be paid within two weeks of closing on the sale of the house.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained Council previously established a policy setting three
occasions upon which sewers would have to be connected:
1. If the existing septic system failed.
2. If an additional bedroom or bathroom is added.
3. Upon sale of the residence.
He also noted a recent instance where paperwork was presented showing an individual had gone into
bankruptcy and sold under foreclosure, so the money would not come to the City in that case.
Councilmember Linder suggested the policy could be reviewed by the Community Affairs Parks
Committee. Councilmember Robertson stated this appeared to be a timing issue and not something in
conflict with the intent of the ordinance.
Mr. LeFebvre expressed his appreciation to Council for considering the unique situations encountered in
conducting real estate transactions.
Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., noted the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee has
discussed the garbage situation and proposes the placement of more trash containers on the street. The
committee collected 120 pounds of trash on their last pickup day, bringing the total to over 20,000
pounds. She noted the City already provides a coupon for disposal of the trash, and the City picks up
trash at bus stops. She referenced a study that states a container should be available every 50 feet to
encourage use by passersby. Ms. Mann also noted that Wendy's restaurant has removed the trash
receptacle from their property.
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, suggested Public Works be consulted regarding possible siting of
additional containers and financial and other implications associated with the proposal. She also noted
Wendy's should be contacted regarding requirements for having a trash receptacle.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 4/20/09 (Regular); 5/4/09 (Regular)
b. Approval of Vouchers #346569- 346575, 346576- 346838, and 200905181 200905183 in the amount of
$1,366,495.76
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY LINDER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
PUBLIC HEARING
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Development Agreement with La Pianta, LLC
for the project known as Tukwila South.
Mayor Haggerton explained the procedures for those making comments and noted there would be a
5- minute limit for each speaker.
7:28 p.m. Mayor Haggerton opened the public hearing and called for citizen comment.
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May 18, 2009 Page 3 of 9
Lisa Verner, Project Manager, explained La Pianta LLC began discussions with the City five years ago.
RCW 36.70.b.170 -210 authorizes jurisdictions to negotiate development agreements with private property
owners. The development agreement negotiated and being discussed is known as the Tukwila South
project. The Mayor sent the development agreement to the Council with his recommendations for
approval, noting economic development is good for the City and the state, and the project will produce
new sources of revenue for the City. The City Council is holding five work sessions and two public
hearings, with a decision anticipated to be made on June 1, 2009. The property's approximate
boundaries are: S. 180th St. on the north, the Green River on the east, S. 204th St. on the south, and
Orillia Road and 1 -5 on the west. There are approximately 500 acres in the project; 217 are currently in
the City and 259 will be annexed as part of this set of actions. Approximately 33 acres of wetlands are in
the City of Kent and will remain wetlands as part of the mitigation plan for the project.
The project description is up to 10.3 million square feet of development, with a limit of 10,166 net new
p.m. peak -hour trips. Campus -style research and office environments are envisioned, with a mix of
supporting uses such as retail, residential, commercial and flex -tech (but no new warehouse uses). Part
of the package includes a new Tukwila South Overlay District (a new zoning district). The City would also
relocate and build an expanded 5 -lane Southcenter Parkway between S. 180th and S. 200th St.
La Pianta will dedicate the right -of -way for this street, and will pay Highline Water District and Puget
Sound Energy costs associated with development of the street. This development agreement does not
envision rebuilding or relocating S. 178th St. The City will vacate a portion of the existing Southcenter
Parkway right -of -way and a portion of the Frager Road right -of -way, which will become unnecessary once
the 5 -lane Southcenter Parkway is constructed.
The development agreement includes revenue guarantees in the form of letters of credit and a deed of
trust. La Pianta will pay the City's parks, fire and traffic impact fees in place at the time of development.
They will rebuild the levee along the Green River (from S. 196th to S. 204th), and relocate the existing
cross Valley levee. La Pianta will give the City an easement for a public pedestrian and bicycle trail along
the top of the levee, and will contribute $500,000 toward a pedestrian /bicycle bridge to be located across
the Green River. The length of the agreement is 15 years. The public hearing tonight is to obtain public
comments on this development agreement. As part of the Tukwila South development, there are several
land use and development regulation actions. Deliberations on the development agreement and land use
actions are proposed for next week's meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
Nancy Hinthorne, Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, read a letter in support of the
agreement, which included the following points: The Tukwila South project is an opportunity to
strengthen and increase the economic base of the southwest King County area, and will have a
significant impact to the City and the members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as foster growth in
surrounding cities. The location will be attractive to national and international companies, and will create
up to 25,000 new jobs, increase tax revenue, and spur new opportunities for existing businesses.
Dave Fenton, 14201 42nd Ave. S., spoke in favor of the annexation and development of Tukwila South.
He felt it was important this opportunity not fade away in the way projects such as connectivity and senior
housing have in the past. He feels Tukwila South is 100 times greater in scope than any project brought
before the Council in the past 20 years. While there are significant challenges and considerable costs to
consider, the City should not turn away from state and federal grant money totaling $18.5 million. He
emphasized that Councilmembers are responsible for setting policy, being good stewards of taxpayer
money, and having a vision for the City for the next 5 to 10 years.
Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Ave. S., noted she has been in favor of this project from its inception 5 years
ago, saying the location near the freeway and the airport is amazing. Since it is not realistic to leave the
area green and undeveloped, it is important the City apply rules and regulations to the project. She is
pleased the plan does not include more strip malls and warehouses.
Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember, spoke in support of the Tukwila South project. It is
important to attract high quality developments to South King County. She noted this particular
development is especially interesting as it will be an environmentally responsible project. Wetlands will
be restored and enhanced to create a channel habitat for fish. A significant portion of land will be set
aside for people to work and live. This type of sustainable development cuts down on traffic congestion,
which is exactly what the Growth Management Act envisioned when it was passed over 20 years ago—
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May 18, 2009 Page 4 of 9
imploring local jurisdictions to zone land to make it possible for people to live close to where their jobs
are. Councilmember Patterson commended the Mayor, Council and City staff for moving forward with
due diligence to make this project a reality.
Cody Olson, Municipal Liaison Manager, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), noted PSE has had a long and
productive relationship with both the City and La Pianta. At full build -out, PSE will serve the residential
and commercial customers of Tukwila South with natural gas and electricity. At full capacity and with the
City's current utility tax, they estimate the City would generate approximately $2 million in utility taxes
from this project. Puget Sound Energy would add both a transmission loop and a new substation to the
area. The transmission loop will increase reliability throughout the area, reducing the impact of major
storms. The substation will ensure the area has adequate power supply to serve current and future
customers.
Michael J. West, Southtowne Auto Rebuild, 14864 Tukwila International Blvd., spoke in support of the
agreement and the unique opportunity the project represents for the City. In his view, the large and
contiguous acreage, $18.5 million in government grants, and a $12 million expense guarantee put
forward by the developer make this project unique regionally and on the west coast. He stated it is time
to invest in the future. The jobs that building this project will create, plus the potential of 25,000 new jobs
once it is fully developed, will create an economic engine and tax base that will be competitively superior
to other cities in the region.
Louise Strander, 15000 57th Ave. S., spoke in support of the La Pianta project, and feels the City can
reliably put their trust in this project.
Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., expressed appreciation to the Council for holding firm, as the current
proposal appears to mitigate the risk so current residents and taxpayers will not be subsidizing the
development. She stated she has never heard an elected official say this was not a good project,
however she noted two concerns. The first is the decision to not build bicycle lanes on Southcenter
Parkway. She agrees having the trail is good, but feels future residents of the new area who want to visit
Southcenter Mall would want to head north on Southcenter Parkway, as the trail would double their miles.
The second item of concern is clarifying the City is not giving away property at no cost —it is part of a land
swap. The current language in the development agreement may be misleading to citizens or others in the
future. She suggests adding additional language such as as part of the land exchange as permitted by
TMC 11.60.060" to areas of the contract where it currently says at no cost."
Margaret Bratcher, 13003 56th Ave. S., spoke in favor of the annexation of the Tukwila South project.
While these are difficult economic times now, she feels the City needs to think of future generations. The
easement along the river is an excellent opportunity for amenities for citizens. The project has given a
greenbelt that will add to the habitat. She would like to see Tukwila always be a frontrunner, as they were
in becoming the first city in the State of Washington to be certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National
Wildlife Federation. The project will be costly, but jobs will start when the infrastructure construction
begins. She recalled many questions being raised at the time of construction of the Tukwila Community
Center, which has since become a valuable resource for citizens as well as groups outside the City.
Council President Hernandez read a letter dated May 18, 2009 from Henry Marvin, a citizen and former
member of the Tukwila Planning Commission. The letter expressed support for the project, stating it
"represents the kind of partnership that the city has been seeking and this development will have a
positive impact on both the City of Tukwila and the region."
Mayor Haggerton noted the City also received a letter from the City of SeaTac.
Ralph Shape, Mayor, City of SeaTac, came forward and thanked Mayor Haggerton for a recent briefing
he gave to SeaTac Councilmembers and the Highways and Parks Committee. Mayor Shape stated he
supports the project and commends the hard work of Council. The City of SeaTac does have serious
concerns about traffic, which they have expressed in the past. Traffic will pass through the streets of
SeaTac going to the airport, to the freeway, and to the light rail station. They are concerned about traffic
on Orillia Road, which studies show has a capacity of 2,500 cars per hour; the forecast is this project will
put the road at 4,000 cars per hour. Traffic at Orillia Road and 1 -5 and on 188th will be worse. They are
also concerned with the potential of changing 178th Street (which comes down to the Mall) into what
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May 18, 2009 Page 5 of 9
amounts to an arterial, as this is a street that leads up to residential neighborhoods. He expressed hope
the two cities can continue to work together to mitigate these concerns. In particular, he recommends
that Section 4.10 of the development agreement regarding S. 178th Street be left out at this time.
Vern Meryhew, 4431 S. 148th St., stated this is a great plan with a local developer who has a record of
quality projects. The bike trail along the river and the hillside are great amenities. This project will
provide a good stimulus for the economy with jobs and increased revenue, and he encourages the City to
move forward.
Joanne McManus, 5610 S. 133rd St., encouraged the Council to move forward with the project. She
noted the developer has ties with Tukwila, and feels the City would be amiss to not sign the agreement
not only for ourselves but for future generations.
Allan Ekberg, 4920 S. 161st St., recalled looking at the Comprehensive Plan in 1994 when the City
started thinking about the south end of the City, and 15 years later Council has a chance to support and
make the Tukwila South project a reality. He served as a member of the Planning Commission, which
reviewed and made recommendations on the annexation area. He supports the removal of warehouse
space from the plan, and likes the trail along the river.
8:06 p.m. Mayor Haggerton closed the public hearing.
Mayor Haggerton reminded the audience a public hearing will be held on additional items related to the
Tukwila South project at the next meeting (on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, due to the Monday holiday), and
Council will deliberate at that meeting also.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign an application for Community Development Block Grant funds for
the 2010 Minor Home Repair Program to serve the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, and
Covington in the amount of $91,000.00.
MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY QUINN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN
APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FOR THE 2010 MINOR
HOME REPAIR PROGRAM TO SERVE THE CITIES OF TUKWILA, SEATAC, DES MOINES, AND
COVINGTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,000.00. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
8:07 p.m. Councilmember Duffle left the Council Chambers.
b. 2009 Comprehensive Plan amendments (to be discussed in public meeting format).
Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, noted the City is beginning its annual review of proposed Comprehensive
Plan amendments. Ms. Fox used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the process for amending the
Comprehensive Plan. Tonight is the first step, during which Council will take comments from the public
and applicants. Council will then make a threshold decision to either:
1. Forward the application to the Planning Commission (as is or modified) for further consideration.
2. Defer the application for a year.
3. Reject the application.
8:10 p.m. Councilmember Duffie returned to the Council Chambers.
In order to make a decision, Council will generally consider the following review criteria:
1. Is the issue already adequately addressed in the Comprehensive Plan?
2. Is the proposed change needed?
3. Is this the best means to meet public need?
4. Is there a net benefit to the community?
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2009 Page 6 of 9
For any applications the Council does forward, there will be an environmental review, and the Planning
Commission will review the application, hold a public hearing and make a recommendation. The
recommendation will return to Council for a public hearing and final decision. Both of these amendments
would potentially result in more intensive development of the type that was desired by the community and
spelled out in the Tukwila International Boulevard Plan.
The first amendment is the Osterly Townhome project, a rezone request at 3421 S. 144th St. It is a
quarter of an acre of vacant property and is part of Tukwila's first townhome project. The specific request
is to change the zoning from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential to allow additional
units to be built.
Mike Overbeck, 4620 S. 148th St., is the applicant, and he requests the project be forwarded. He noted
the project includes six tax parcels and stated he is available to answer any questions.
Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., stated the amendment sounds reasonable to be moved forward, and it is
exciting that Tukwila may be getting a townhouse development. She noted the area already has High
Density Residential.
Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., feels a project of this type would complement the Tukwila Village
development.
The second amendment is to establish an Urban Renewal Overlay District, approximately 7 blocks in area
in the vicinity of Tukwila International Boulevard, including the Tukwila Village site. The potential Tukwila
Village developer proposed concepts that require some changes to existing development regulations.
Changes would apply to the entire overlay district (roughly between S. 140th, S. 146th, 37th Ave. S, and
42nd Ave. S.). The zoning would remain the same. The proposed changes would spur redevelopment
through alternate development regulations intended to improve development and add vitality by focusing
on compact development, pedestrian improvements and transit oriented development. The primary
changes are increased building height and reduced residential parking requirements. In exchange,
applicants would need to meet specific criteria including significant structured residential parking and
significant pedestrian amenities.
Michael J. West, Southtowne Auto Rebuild, 14864 Tukwila International Boulevard, encouraged Council
to send the Urban Renewal Overlay district proposal to the Planning Commission for consideration. The
changes will allow the Tukwila Village project to become financially feasible and one step closer to reality.
He feels requiring the developer to hold to current height and parking regulations will kill the project.
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator and project manager for the application, explained
a number of developers have pointed out the typical standard for "mixed -used residential over retail" is for
5 stories of residential over 1 story of retail, which requires the ability to build up to approximately 65 feet.
Mr. Speck used a PowerPoint presentation to display photographs of existing 4- and 5 -story develop-
ments. Parking is usually 1 parking space for a 1- bedroom unit, and a higher number for 2- bedroom units.
Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., feels the proposal meets the four criteria needed to be considered to be
forwarded for consideration. She feels the proposed development will bring the community together and
serves as a focal point on Tukwila International Boulevard.
Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Ave. S., feels condominium complexes never have enough parking, so she
would like to ensure enough parking is available.
Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., feels the community trusts the Council will make the right decision and
move this item on. She stated most of the items mentioned were included in both Tukwila Village
development proposals previously presented, both of which were supported by the public.
MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY LINDER TO FORWARD THE 2009 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.*
Mr. Robertson spoke in favor of the motion, noting both issues are not adequately addressed in the
Comprehensive Plan.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2009 Page 7 of 9
*MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
c. Authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment to Contract #06 -059 with Commercial Development
Solutions for project management services in the amount of $48,000.00.
MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY LINDER TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT #06 -059 WITH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS FOR
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,000.00. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton distributed an agenda for the Budget Workshop scheduled for May 28, 2009. Up -to-
date information will be provided at the meeting. On May 13, 2009, the Mayor attended Suburban Cities'
Public Issues Committee meeting. On May 14, 2009, there was a WRIA 9 meeting, which included the
North Winds Weir Duwamish Salmon Habitat Acquisition and Restoration project in Tukwila, which was
moved forward in the amount of $2 million. He noted Seattle has indicated a desire to opt out of their
membership in WRIA9 (but would stay in WRIA8). On May 15, 2009, the Mayor addressed the Knights of
Columbus state convention at the Doubletree. They had 300 members in attendance plus guests. He
also attended the Tukwila Pantry fundraising lunch and dessert auction that same day. Earlier today he
attended Cascade Water Alliance's 10th Anniversary meeting, which was held at the Museum of Flight.
He reminded all in attendance of the celebration to be held at the Museum of Flight on Memorial Day.
b. City Council
Council President Hernandez attended the National Police Officers Memorial Day ceremony on May 15,
2009 and the Tukwila Pantry lunch. She reminded everyone to encourage groups to volunteer to lead the
Pledge of Allegiance at Committee of the Whole meetings.
Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Quinn attended a meeting of transportation leaders in the
County on May 14, 2009, where King County Metro described their current budget problem.
Mr. Robertson distributed information on Metro budget and system reduction issues and asked for
direction from Council in preparation for his attendance at a South County Area Transportation Board
(SCATBd) meeting tomorrow. Chart "A" shows the discrepancy between actual and expected sales tax
revenue.
Chart "B" shows Metro expects a budget deficit of $17 million in 2009, $74 million in 2010, $94 million in
2011, etc. Chart "C" describes attempts to optimize their operation but those efforts are not expected to
make up the difference. Capital spending is committed to next year, but then drops off dramatically,
meaning they will then have to cut service. Metro is asking for a policy level recommendation from the
jurisdictions involved and SCATBd is one of the vehicles available to provide a recommendation.
Chart D shows 3 graphs that represent the number of hours of bus usage in any given time of the day,
including two peaks that reflect rush hours. The "Congestion Relief' graph emphasizes service during the
rush hour portions and reduces service during the rest of the day. The "All Day Mobility" graph has
smaller peaks during rush hour and higher service during "all day." The "High Demand Corridors" graph
is a mix of the two, in which they would try to work the high demand corridors.
Chart E explains the above options in another format.
Councilmember Robertson expressed his feeling that the needs of most Tukwila citizens would be met by
the All Day Mobility model, which would best serve those who are dependent on buses all day.
Councilmember Linder stated that in her experience on routes serving Tukwila, a lot of Tukwila citizens
do take the bus to work.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2009 Page 8 of 9
Councilmember Griffin agreed, saying many who live here do depend on the bus to go to work (including
herself). She often hears other residents talking of the limited bus options available.
Councilmember Hougardy felt the high demand corridors option would not serve Tukwila well.
Councilmember Quinn suggested they make a recommendation of some guiding principles the City would
like to see included in the discussion, taking into consideration that Tukwila has supported directing
people to transit oriented centers /park- and -rides in the past. This is a region -wide crisis and they want a
region -wide response.
Councilmember Hernandez noted the comment she hears from people most often are that they find park
and -ride lots full with no options.
Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., noted she worked on this issue for a number of years. The Puget Sound
Regional Council has surveys for the City showing how many people come in from the outside and the
cities where Tukwila residents go to work. She suggested going beyond the language given at SCATBd
to explore the possibility of other agendas. For example, service in Seattle is frequent and available at
almost every corner and runs all day. Outlying areas have been fighting for more than just commuter
service. Strategically, connecting centers may benefit Tukwila more than the all day option. Stops in the
suburbs are typically at the beginning or end of routes, which is why comments are often made that buses
are "empty" in the outlying areas.
Council discussed and reached a consensus on the items listed on Chart E, as follows:
"Existing routes" over "Transit Now" commitments
Balance between "All day service" and "Peak capacity"
"Coverage" over "Productivity"
Balance between "Choice riders" vs "Transit dependent" (taking into consideration parking costs, CTR
requirements)
"Highest ridership routes" over "Where tax collected" (discussion included whether property tax would
favor Seattle, whereas sales tax may favor Tukwila)
Balance —or to the right between "Service quantity" and "Service quality" (quality was thought to mean
cleanliness, on -time buses, being able to count on your bus showing up)
"Centers focus" over "Dispersed land use"
Councilmember Griffin facilitated a roundtable discussion at the South King County Cultural Coalition
meeting on May 13, 2009. Her topic was, "What part of your population do you feel is not particularly well
served by your commission
Councilmember Hougardy attended the Tukwila Pantry luncheon on May 15, 2009.
Councilmember Quinn spoke to middle school and high school students involved in the Youth Work
Training Development program in Renton and also the National Honor Society. He is very impressed
with members of Foster High School's Honor Society, which is very diverse and whose members are not
only competitive but focused on the organization's four pillars of Character, Service, Leadership, and
Scholarship.
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated as the parent of a high school student, she has had the
opportunity to see excellent qualities in today's high school students.
Ms. Berry provided an update on the Edward Byrne Memorial Recovery Act grant application as reported
on by Assistant Police Chief Mike Villa at the last meeting. As of Friday, May 15, 2009, an agreement
was reached with the County and all the cities that were signatories regarding the division of the grant
money, and Tukwila should be receiving a Memorandum of Understanding soon.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2009 Page 9 of 9
d. City Attorney
There was no report.
e. Intergovernmental
Kimberly Matej noted court is expected to run until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. This may
cause a delay to the 5:30 p.m. start time of the Council's Tukwila South work session.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Quinn announced the King County Council selected current chief of staff Kurt Triplett as
the Interim King County Executive.
Council President Hernandez confirmed Work Sessions are scheduled for May 19 and 20, 2009.
ADJOURNMENT
9:06 p.m. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE TUKWILA CITY
COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
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Haggeyt a/ yor
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Barbara Saxton, Recording Clerk
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 6/8/2009