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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesOFFICIALS CITY OFFICIALS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Update on YMCA Services. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers June 22, 2009 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Council President Hernandez called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Georgina Kerr, Tukwila resident, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Joan Hernandez, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Rick Still, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief; Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. Claudia Tanis, Executive Director, and Amy White, Financial Development Director, of the YMCA utilized a Powerpoint presentation and facility video to update the Council on the progress of the new Highline YMCA Facility scheduled to open October 2009: This YMCA will feature traditional YMCA activities plus programming targeted to strengthen our local community. Surveys, Needs Assessments Focus Groups 2008 Communities Count, Social and Health Indicators Report: Teen pregnancy Obesity Diabetes Asthma The new Highline YMCA is uniquely positioned to take this information and address these issues: Senior programs Health and wellness as well as social opportunities Organized wellness classes Club activities Volunteer opportunities tutoring, mentoring etc. Cross generational opportunities Youth and Teen Leadership opportunities, gang prevention, achievers programs as well as mentoring, tutoring and recreation programs Youth Development Center placement School based programs Families Fun activities the whole family can participate in that support health and wellness as well as recreation Family fitness classes Parent /Child healthy cooking Cultural exchange nights Recreation swim Swimming lessons Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 22, 2009 Page 2 of 6 Everyone Healthy Habits Classes Childhood inactivity and obesity Family nutrition and cooking Healthy habits support Smoking cessation Healthy eating and diet support Heart health Managing diabetes Wellness seminars Community Impact The goal is to make the new Highline YMCA a true community hub. The YMCA will serve 15,000 individuals and employ about 150 -200 full and part -time positions. Hiring is expected to occur during this down economy. Some of the leadership recruitment has already begun and the bulk of the positions will be hired this summer. Membership Membership sales began in January and the goals are being met. Sales and Welcome Center have opened their doors. Financial assistance is available for membership to ensure no one is turned away. Council President Hernandez thanked Ms. Tanis and Ms. White for this updated information. CITIZEN COMMENTS Roger Mitchell, 14759 62 Avenue South, indicated his family recently relocated to the area, and he wanted to introduce himself and thank the Council for their work. Georgina Kerr, 3834 South 116 Street, stated she and many of her neighbors have been experiencing excessive train noise due to the Sound Transit Light Rail testing. The loud noise is bound to have an adverse effect on the residents in the area. Ms. Kerr inquired about options available to the residents regarding the excessive noise associated with the new light rail system. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained the current agreement with Sound Transit includes a section for noise monitoring over the next three years. Ms. Berry explained she would need to review the consultant's agreement for the specific period of noise monitoring. She stated it would be possible to have the consultant provide a presentation to Council regarding the noise monitoring findings, and the options available to remedy some of the noise issues. Councilmember Quinn encouraged the residents to continue to update the Council related to the noise issues for the light rail system. Mr. Quinn stated some Councilmembers are on regional committees, and having all the information available will assist the Council in obtaining the best response from participating groups. Ms. Kerr thanked the Council for the presentation by the YMCA, and wanted to add that the City has a wonderful pool that is very important to the many regular users. The residents are lucky to have this facility available for use. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160 Street, indicated she is here representing the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee. She would like to extend an invitation to the Council and meeting attendees to participate in the Boulevard Clean Sweep on Saturday July 11, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. to spruce up the Boulevard from the new rail station and heading north. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 22, 2009 Page 3 of 6 SPECIAL ISSUES a. Change order No. 1 to contract #09 -057 for side sewer installation at 13906 51 Avenue South. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on June 9, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated the 1970 as -built drawings depicted an existing side sewer stub but, after many hours of video inspection and excavation, a sewer stub was not located. A new sewer stub had to be installed at an extraordinary depth of 18 feet. This circumstance required more effort and materials to complete the connection. The funding for this change order is payable from the sewer enterprise fund. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. A resolution rejecting bids for the Codiga Park project. Councilmember Griffin indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on June 8, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Codiga Park construction bid opening was April 21, 2009, and 15 bids were received that were all under budget. However, due to the economic environment, this project has been moved from the Capital Improvement Program list to the discretionary future projects list. A resolution is necessary to reject all bids at this time. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, explained at the request of the Community Affairs and Parks Committee, staff has reviewed all of the available options for grant funding, and the current cycles ended in April. Approximately $52,000 would be available from the King County Conservation District, and the remaining balance could be funded from the City's fund balance as a loan to be paid back from the 2012 Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Fletcher stated the bids received for construction are valid for 90 days and, due to the delay of the project, a resolution is required to reject all the bids the City received. Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122 Street, relayed she has followed this project for many years, being on the Parks Commission and as a resident. She acknowledged the difficult decisions ahead for the Council, and she also wanted the Council to be aware of all aspects of the project. In the last two years, there have been approximately 725 volunteers and 2,900 volunteer hours, equaling an estimated $50,500 that have been invested in this project. The amount of hours and volunteers should be acknowledged by the City when making the decision on this project. The educational opportunities for the public are invaluable at this location. Councilmember Robertson emphasized this issue presents a difficult decision. A primary responsibility of the Council is the budget and fiscal accountability. The Council is asking for budget reductions from each of the departments, and the data that has been provided to date has not been encouraging with regard to the stability of the budget. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, explained this decision is based on a decline in sales tax revenue, which has been precipitated by streamlined sales tax and a decline in the economy. The staff has reviewed expenditures and determined what recommendations could be made to the Council to reduce expenses, while continuing to maintain the current levels of staff and services. A group of General Fund projects was reviewed for postponement, and a 3% cut from all departmental budgets is necessary to meet the challenges ahead. Councilmember Duffie stated the citizens and volunteers are extremely important to the community. At this time, the economy is driving the direction of City business. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 22, 2009 Page 4 of 6 c. A resolution declaring a 1994 Fire Department rescue boat surplus and authorizing its donation. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on June 16, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief, indicated the Fire Department has recently replaced a rescue boat and motor. A small, all- volunteer fire department in Guatemala has a need for this resource. The value of the boat and associated equipment is less than $500.00. The Fire Department requests the Council approve a resolution to authorize the donation of the rescue boat and motor. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. An expenditure request to change Police vehicles to a black and white configuration. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on June 16, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Police Department is proposing to retro -paint the existing patrol fleet in order to implement a new black and white color scheme. The Council is being asked to approve painting the existing fleet, using monies from the drug seizure account, not to exceed $50,000, to fund this proposal. Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide a history of black and white police vehicles: The use of contrasting -color police vehicles dates back to the 1920's when virtually all vehicles were black. The contrasting white color for the doors of the vehicle provided greater visibility to the public. Initially, this contrasting -color scheme was exclusive to police vehicles and was easily recognizable. Over time, the use of the contrasting black and white color scheme became the norm for many law enforcement vehicles. The 1960's, 1970's and 1980's saw a break from tradition, with the introduction of solid white police vehicles with discernible police lettering for identification. Color variations from black and white were intended to reflect community image and distance police stereotypes portrayed in the media. The 1990's, moving forward, have seen the Community Oriented Policing (COP) philosophy break upon the scene. Studies have shown that the black and white scheme for police cars brings about higher visibility and greater police recognition by communities. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, conveyed she has received information from the cities of Kent and Auburn, indicating the black and white color configuration has created a positive response from residents in those areas. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to what other items could be purchased with drug seizure funds. Chief Villa clarified that drug seizure funds can only be used for law enforcement with a connection toward narcotics. The higher visibility of law enforcement qualifies the money to be used for the retro painting of the police vehicles. Councilmember Robertson relayed that in communicating with his neighbors on this topic, the idea of painting police vehicles brought a questionable response. With bids being rejected for the Codiga Park project and the cancellation of Spring Cleanup, the timing for this matter is unfortunate. The Councilmembers discussed this issue and exchanged ideas and comments to include: uncertainty regarding the benefits of painting police vehicles without adding new officers; concern about the City's fiscal future and potential decreases in staff and service levels; the possibility of revisiting this issue after the Fall budget update; the need for the citizens and business community members to feel safe; confidence in the research performed by the Police Department and acknowledgement that drug seizure Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 22, 2009 Page 5 of 6 monies are to be used for law enforcement; the heightened police visibility could increase safety in neighborhoods; and the role of the Council in making sound decisions in difficult times. Ms. Berry indicated the issue of retro painting the police vehicles was brought to City Administration during budget discussions. By the time staff had concluded their research, the issue was postponed due to the cancellation of some Council Committee meetings. She clarified that the Codiga Park project and Spring Clean -up event involve General Fund monies and not special purpose funds, such as the drug seizure account. She emphasized that City Administration has not considered reductions in staff. Roger Mitchell, 14759 62 Avenue South, inquired about the number of vehicles the Police Department is proposing to paint. In his view, the perception of an added police presence will be helpful and thanked the Police Department for bringing this forward. Chief Villa indicated 16 vehicles are proposed to be painted: 2 vehicles used by sergeants and 14 front- line vehicles. This will also include minor body repair and new graphics and will not exceed $50,000. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. A proposed change to the Police organizational structure. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on June 16, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief, indicated the Police Department is requesting the Council authorize a change to the Police organizational structure. The Major Crimes Unit Sergeant supervises nine Detectives, one Domestic Violence Advocate, and one Records Specialist. One person cannot effectively handle the span of control and responsibilities for the position. The Police Department is requesting a Traffic Officer position be moved to the Major Crimes Unit as a second Sergeant, and approval of the transfer of funds within the Police Department. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton was not present. b. City Council Councilmember Linder attended the Tukwila Plein Air Paint Out festivities on June 14 19, 2009. Councilmember Robertson attended the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting on June 16, 2009. Councilmember Griffin extended an invitation to the Council for the CASTT performances at Foster High School on July 17 18, 2009. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting on June 18, 2009 and the Plein Air Paint Out judging on June 19, 2009. Councilmember Quinn attended a presentation on health care benefit savings on June 17, 2009. Council President Hernandez attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting on June 18, 2009 and the Plein Air Paint Out judging on June 19, 2009. c. Staff There was no report. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 22, 2009 Page 6 of 6 d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Councilmembers to provide her with their responses to the participation request regarding the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon events on Saturday, June 27, 2009. ADJOURNMENT 9:30 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERNANDEZ DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Joan Hernandez, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk