Tacoma City Council Meeting - February 27, 2013

Spring is in the air this week – a couple of sunny days, and the crocuses are showing their faces, as were the Daffodil Princesses at this week’s City Council meeting. We even got a peek at the City Manager’s sunnier side.

CONSENT AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38632 Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with the City of University Place for review and authorization of cooperative permitting for the Narrows Marina Phased Master Site Plan. [Ian Munce, Planning Services Division Manager; Peter Huffman, Interim Director, Planning and Development Services]

The Narrows Marina, which straddles the boundary line between Tacoma and University Place, has previously had to go to both jurisdictions for projects at the site, and at times get multiple permits for the same building. This agreement would divide responsibilities between the cities, without either giving up jurisdiction. One shoreline access plan would cover the site, the SEPA review would be done by Tacoma, and then by U.P., and so on.

PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

The 2013 Daffodil Festival Royal Court was introduced. The girls are ambassadors from high schools all over Pierce County, who will spend an average of 212 hours per princess volunteering in the community over the next year. They invite everyone to attend the Daffodil Queen’s Coronation on March 8, and the Daffodil Parade on April 13. You can also show your support by purchasing a daffodil pin for $5.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Once the sea of yellow Daffodil princess dresses cleared out of chambers, we heard two speakers commenting on the proposed Alcohol Impact Area – one for, one against. A representative of the Washington Beer and Wine Distributors Association advocated for his organization’s proposed voluntary efforts to work with police, retailers, and neighborhood associations to bring the problem under control without an outright ban on the products concerned. A speaker in favor of the AIA argued that the definitive process outlined for an official AIA has worked in other parts of Tacoma, and doesn’t prohibit working with distributors to curb the problem citywide.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38633 Authorizing the execution of a collective bargaining agreement with District Lodge No. 160, on behalf of Local Lodge No. 297 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Rail Mechanics Unit, which consists of approximately ten budgeted, full-time positions assigned to Tacoma Rail, effective January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. [Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The resolution authorizes the agreement recently adopted by the Public Utilities Board, covering wage increases for 10 positions over the next two biennia. The increases are based on contractual obligations, and come from the TPU fund, not the general fund.

Resolution No. 38634 Authorizing the execution of a collective bargaining agreement with District Lodge No. 160, on behalf of Local Lodge No. 297 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Track Workers Unit, which consists of approximately eight budgeted, full-time positions assigned to Tacoma Rail, effective January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. [Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The resolution authorizes the agreement, also recently adopted by the Public Utility Board, for wage increases for eight Tacoma Rail positions over the next two biennia.

Ordinance No. 28132 Amending Ordinance No. 24489, Substitute Ordinance No. 25656, and Ordinance No. 27560, which created and established the Department of Public Utilities Water Assurance Fund, to repurpose the fund, rename the fund to the Water Capital Reserve Fund, and expand the use of fund revenue to all capital projects. [Sean Senescall, Rates & Financial Planning Assistant Division Manager, Linda McCrea, Superintendent, Tacoma Water]

The resolution passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28133 Amending Chapter 12.10 of the Municipal Code, relating to water regulations and rates, to add a new section entitled Franchise Hydrant Service Fee; and adjust rates, charges, and fees for services provided by the Water Division, effective April 1, 2013 and January 1, 2014. [Sean Senescall, Rates & Financial Planning Assistant Division Manager, Linda McCrea, Superintendent, Tacoma Water]

The resolution passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28134 Amending Chapter 12.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to electric energy regulations and rates, to adjust rates, charges, and fees for services provided by the Power Division, effective April 1, 2013 and April 1, 2014. [Bill Berry, Rate Planning and Analysis Section Manager, Ted Coates, Superintendent, Tacoma Power]

Councilmember Lonergan clarified that the rate comparisons with other jurisdictions were indeed computed on the same basis, and the ordinance passed.

Ordinance No. 28135 Creating an Alcohol Impact Area within the West End of Tacoma, and requiring a report to the City Council by August 31, 2013, regarding voluntary efforts to reduce chronic public inebriation. [Lieutenant Dan Still, Tacoma Police Department; Chief Don Ramsdell]

After very nearly taking a vote with no comment, the Council had a lengthy discussion of the implications of both the official AIA proposed in the ordinance and the voluntary option put forward by the alcohol distributors. Councilmember Lonergan and others expressed concern over the involuntary nature of the six-month “voluntary” compliance period.

The ordinance passed as written, with one dissenting vote coming from Councilmember Lonergan, who felt that although he supports the idea of AIAs, he had to represent his district, which is not covered by the proposed AIA, and so could reasonably be expected to see overflow of problems from those areas. Beginning March 11, businesses in the west end AIA will be told that they can’t sell the alcohol products on the banned list. For the following six-month probationary compliance period, they will be asked to comply “voluntarily.” At the end of those six months, if compliance has been good, the AIA will remain “voluntary.” If, as with Tacoma’s other AIAs, voluntary compliance has been low, the full AIA will go into effect, and the Liquor Control Board will enforce compliance.

Apparently there is a review process that would allow for the removal of the AIAs down the road, if compliance gets the problem under control. Councilmember Boe suggested that the carrot of possible lifting of all AIAs in favor of a more comprehensive solution on a citywide or even regional scale could be an incentive for alcohol distributors to put their weight behind helping the City and neighborhood groups solve the problem in the long run.

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28136 Amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement the rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the following unions:

• Teamsters Local Union No. 117, Public Assembly Facilities Unit;
• Tacoma Police Union, Local No. 6;
• International Brother of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Customer and Field Services, Supervisors, Tacoma Water, and Water Pollution Control Units; and
• District Lodge No. 160, on behalf of Local Lodge No. 297, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Rail Mechanics and Track Workers Units.

[Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The proposed amendments to the compensation plan cover nine different bargaining agreements, providing for wage increases to amounts from those negotiated agreements.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

REPORTS BY THE CITY MANAGER

Coming out of the discussion surrounding the passage of Tacoma’s new AIA, the City Manager asked Council for guidance on steps going forward. The creation of a task force was mentioned in the conversation, but it looks like the process will begin with the issue being sent back to committees, probably to a joint meeting of the Neighborhoods and Housing and the Public Safety, Human Services, and Education Committees.

Broadnax acknowledged Katy Johnston for her dedication and service to the city while working in a City Management Fellow position. The City Manager had some nice things to say about Katy’s work, and says he’ll miss her when she moves on to her new budget and management analyst position. Broadnax also thanked interim finance director Steve Call for his work while the City searched for a permanent director. The City Manager wrapped up his unusually warm and fuzzy report by wishing Councilmember Ibsen a happy birthday.

COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Economic Development Committee – Councilmember Campbell reported on the work of the committee.

• A do pass recommendation for the economic developmente strategic framework and two-year action plan. The five-year guide for economic development activities is expected to come before the full council in resolution form at next week’s meeting.
• A do pass for Historically Underutilized Business code amendments, including changing the name of the program.
• Hearing a presentation and lively discussion on proposed changes to drive-through regulations for Tacoma, including an overview of a proposed amendment regarding design of drive-throughs in Tacoma’s pedestrian mixed-use centers.
• At the next meeting the committee will discuss the South Downtown Sub-Area Plan and EIS.

Councilmember Boe put on his update hat (literally), and brought us an update on the Pacific Avenue Streetscape project. Work continues ont the east side of Pacific with the infill and replacement of vaulted sidewalks, installation of antique streetlights, and a planned pressure washing of the parking garage on the west side of the street. Don’t forget that businesses on those blocks remain open during construction, and if you’re downtown, show them a little love.

Councilmember Ibsen invited us all to a couple events.

• This Saturday the South Sound Sustainability Expo will be held at the Convention Center from 10:00 to 3:00 – featuring services, products, companies and agencies focused on increasing sustainability.
• This Thursday at 4:00 p.m. the Ruston-Point Defiance Business District will welcome home designer Wren and Willow, which has moved in next door to the Antique Sandwich Company.

Councilmember Lonergan announced this week’s Tacoma Sister Cities International Film Festival from Fuzhou, China: The Last Train Home about a couple headed home for Chinese New Year. Doors open at the Blue Mouse Theater at 6:00 p.m., cultural program follows, with the film starting at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Strickland shared her experience Tuesday morning at the Sister City student summit, where students met and talked about the importance of international relations for economic development, education, and the arts.

ADJOURNMENT

Okay, so it’s a little early to be calling it spring, but what can we say – we’ll take hopeful signs of sunnier days ahead where we can get them. And the crocuses really are starting to come out.