Tacoma City Council Meeting - March 19, 2013

CONSENT AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38646 Authorizing the execution of a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Port Security Grant Program in the amount of $188,814.31; accepting and depositing said sum into the Police Special Revenue Fund; authorizing a required grant match in the amount of $62,938.10, budgeted from said fund; and authorizing the execution of an agreement with Harris Corporation, in the amount of $251,752.41, to purchase technical support equipment to assist in the prevention, detection, response, and recovery of improvised explosive devices. [Captain Shawn Stringer, Tacoma Police; Chief Don Ramsdell]

The Consent Agenda was adopted without comment.

PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Strickland proclaimed April 2013 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Month in recognition of all those who served in Vietnam, on the 37th anniversary of the last service members departing that country on April 30, 1975.

PUBLIC COMMENT
We heard from two commenters speaking in support of the creation of a no wake zone for Tacoma’s Foss Waterway as a benefit to property owners and users of the waterfront, which has seen an increase in traffic of all kinds from commercial traffic to kayakers and paddleboarders. Two speakers voiced support for the renewal of the BIA; one called the program a “beneficial arrangement” for downtown business owners in particular and the city in general, and David Schroedel from the Chamber noted the improvements in downtown Tacoma over the last 25 years. One interesting detail: when the BIA was formed they were tracking discarded syringes, numbers of which have dropped from 1,400 in the early days to 12 last year. The big issue lately is graffiti removal. We heard from the mother of Team Billy Ray’s namesake, speaking in support of funding a feasibility study for an Eastside community center. We also heard from the president and owner of the company purchasing the Swan Creek Library building. The owner of 4 Rent Check.com has family ties in the Eastside, and wishes to purchase the building with the intent to convert it into a daycare, and locate a proprietor to run that facility.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS

Purchase Resolution No. 38643 Awarding contracts to:

1. Tire Distribution Systems, on its bid of $595,358.21, plus sales tax, plus a 10 percent contingency, budgeted from various departmental funds, for recapped tires, new tires, and tire repair services on an as-needed basis, for an initial one-year term with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms, for a projected contract total of $3,274,470.16 – Specification No. GF12-0743F; [Jeffrey Jenkins, Facilities Management Division Manager; Kurtis Kingsolver, Interim Director, Public Works]
2. Northwest Cascade, Inc., on its bid of $1,469,736.25, excluding sales tax, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a cumulative total of $1,616,709.88, budgeted from the Wastewater, Surface Water, and Tacoma Water Bond Funds, for the replacement of 2,800 linear feet of wastewater sewer pipe, 300 linear feet of surface water pipe, and 740 linear feet of water pipe at various locations in the city – Specification No. ES13-0005F; [Geoff Smyth, Science and Engineering Division Manager; Michael P. Slevin III, P.E., Interim Director, Environmental Services]
3. Modern Machinery, on its bid of $395,758.00, plus sales tax, budgeted from the Solid Waste Fund, for the purchase of one track material handler – Specification No. ES13-0004F; [Gary Kato, Acting Solid Waste Management Division Manager; Michael P. Slevin III, P.E., Interim Director, Environmental Services]
4. Harris Corporation, in the amount of $251,752.41, including sales tax, budgeted from the Police Special Revenue Fund, for specialized technical equipment to support field operations for criminal investigations and Homeland Security initiatives – Sole Source; and [Jeff Shipp, Detective; Chief Don Ramsdell, Tacoma Police Department]
5. Western Industrial, Inc., in the amount of $14,175.75, plus sales tax, budgeted from the Wastewater Fund, for a cumulative total of $309,508.75, to increase the contract for painting the Wastewater Treatment Plant digester No. 5 cover – Specification No. PW12-0449F. [Kenneth Tross, Maintenance Division Manager; Michael P. Slevin III, P.E., Interim Director, Environmental Services]

Councilmember Boe complimented staff on the design of item 2, which had a large number of bidders, with tight bids, and came in at nearly 11% below the pre-bid estimate.

Resolution No. 38644 Authorizing the execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Restrictive Covenant with 4 Rent Check.com, LLC, in the amount of $91,000, for the sale of the Swan Creek Library located at 3828 Portland Avenue to rehabilitate the facility and activate it for operation as a daycare center. [Conor McCarthy, Assistant Division Manager; Kurtis Kingsolver, Interim Director, Public Works]

The Swan Creek Library has been closed for two years. After two unsuccessful RFP efforts, the City hired a real estate broker, and a third round generated four proposals. Of those four, the 4 Rent Check.com proposal to build a daycare to be operated for profit was identified as both the most beneficial to the surrounding community, and the clearest plan and timeline for rehabilitating the property. The agreement comes with a restrictive covenant that will require the property to be operated as a childcare facility for at least five years, with any deviation from that plan requiring an okay from the City. All four proposals came in significantly below the appraised value of the property, but in consideration of deferred maintenance and other issues, the bids were determined to be within market value.

Resolution No. 38645 Authorizing the execution of a Real Property Donation Agreement and Quit Claim Deed with the Tacoma Public School District No. 10 for Phase II of the Water Ditch Trail project. [Troy Stevens, Senior Real Estate Specialist; Kurtis Kingsolver, Interim Director, Public Works]

The City will surplus and convey the land within the Edison School site, in exchange for land to be dedicated to the Water Ditch Trail. Phase II project improvements will include space for a pedestrian right-of-way, a curb ramp and other ADA accessibility features, two traffic signals, crossing flashers, and improved stormwater management features. The trail will help provide a non-motorized connection between South Tacoma and the waterfront. The resolution passed with Councilmember Thoms recusing himself to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Resolution No. 38647 Expressing support for the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma Eastside Community Center feasibility study; directing the City Manager to develop a funding agreement; and dedicating up to $25,000, budgeted from the General Fund, to match investments by Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, Tacoma School District No. 10, and Tacoma Housing Authority for said study. [Deputy Mayor Marty Campbell]

Conversations about providing facilities to support positive activities for Eastside youth have been going on for some time now. The continued deterioration of existing facilities and the efforts of the youth and other community members who make up Team Billy Ray and other community groups have moved the issue forward, and a project coordinating committee has identified a number of potential locations for further study. Metro Parks has been designated the lead on this feasibility study, completion of which is anticipated this fall. The resolution passed, with Councilmember Thoms again recusing himself due to the potential for the appearance of a conflict of interest.

FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28137 Providing for the issuance and sale of the City’s Regional Water Supply System Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2013, not to exceed $83,000,000, to provide funds to refund or defease all or a portion of the Regional Water Supply System Revenue Bonds, 2002; appointing the City’s designated representative to approve the final terms of the sale of the bonds; and authorizing an amendment to the Repayment Agreement dated August 24, 2010. [Sean Senescall, Rates & Financial Planning Assistant Division Manager; Linda McCrea, Superintendent, Tacoma Water]

Councilmember Mello asked whether the sequestration has had any effect on the bonds under consideration. We’re not accountants or economists, but the answer seems to boil down to this: no, there’s no direct impact, but nothing in the economy right now seems to be immune from some sort of sequestration ripple effect.

Ordinance No. 28138 Providing for the issuance and sale of water system revenue bonds, not to exceed $87,000,000, to provide funds to finance or refinance costs of capital improvements to the water system and to refund or defease all or a portion of the Water System Revenue Bonds, 2003; and appointing the City’s designated representative to approve the final terms of the sale of the bonds. [Sean Senescall, Rates & Financial Planning Assistant Division Manager; Linda McCrea, Superintendent, Tacoma Water]

A substitute ordinance passed, with some changes to the terms of the agreement. Again: we’re not economists or financial planners, but it has something to do with the way the interest is handled. Sequestration could impact some percent of the percent that you get… Um… Anyway, it boils down to Tacoma Water being able to issue about $2.5 million less in bonds than otherwise… Clear as mud.

Ordinance No. 28139 Continuing the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) for the 26th year; providing for the levy of assessments and other income, in the amount of $814,364.60; and approving the renewed work plan, budget, and assessment of rates from May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014. [Bob Levin, Private Capital Division Manager; Ricardo Noguera, Director, Community and Economic Development]

This will be the 26th year of the BIA public/private partnership special assessment area. Fees collected from property owners in the BIA have funded services including bike patrols, maintenance, removal of graffiti, marketing and community relations, and more. Revenue comes from assessments levied by property owners on themselves. There’s been some conversation around expanding the BIA beyond the downtown core. Apparently McMenamins has expressed interest in extending BIA services north to the Elks building, and Mayor Strickland asked about expanding the program into neighborhood business districts.

Ordinance No. 28140 Amending Chapter 1.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Purchasing Policy Manual, to ensure the inclusion and consideration of locality and sustainability factors in the evaluation and award of City contracts. [Kathy Katterhagen, Procurement and Payables Manager; Andrew Cherullo, Director, Finance]

The sections added to the TMC would allow the City to consider locality and sustainability factors in awarding contracts. Contracts cannot be awarded solely on the basis of locality, but where a real need or value to having contracts serviced locally, it could be considered as a factor.

Ordinance No. 28141 Amending Chapters 1.07, 1.23, and 10.27 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Historically Underutilized Businesses program, to rename the program to Small Business Enterprise; update language to clarify the intent of the program; and align current and existing appeal rights. [Charles Wilson, HUB Coordinator; Ricardo Noguera, Director, Community and Economic Development]

The ordinance requests the name of the HUB program be changed to the Office for Small Business Enterprise, a name which the City feels better reflects the civil rights responsibilities of the office, and will avoid the potential for confusion with the federal program with the same name. Other changes requested would clarify bid formulas and processes, and address jurisdiction for appeals.

Ordinance No. 28142 Amending Chapter 4.10 of the Municipal Code, relating to operation regulations for vessels and watercraft, to establish no-wake zones in the Thea Foss Waterway and within 1,000 feet of marine fueling docks. [Chief James Duggan, Tacoma Fire]

The ordinance requests amendments that would revise the speed limit for all watercraft and vessels within the Foss Waterway from the existing five mile-per-hour limit to a no wake speed. The ordinance would also designate no wake zones within 1,000 feet of fuel docks, of which there are five: two in the Foss, as well as at the Narrows Marina, Point Defiance Boathouse, and Breakwater Marina. The changes are aimed at eliminating disruptive and damaging wakes to reduce fuel spillage and improve safety for the wide range of water uses in the areas considered. Council member Boe will be recusing himself from participation in the discussion and voting on this ordinance to avoid the potential for appearance of conflict of interest.

CITIZENS’ FORUM

We heard from the gentleman who has become the most regular Citizens’ Forum commenter. He once again filled his three minutes, starting with Sandra Day O’Connor and Timothy McVeigh, and running through concerns and harassment from Judge Ladenburg and a mysterious woman in a car. We also heard from two elementary school children: one presented his thoughts on the advancements in medicine since the Egyptians and the importance of supporting Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and a second who shared her thoughts on the value of supporting small local businesses.

REPORTS BY THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Broadnax reported on the Tacoma Police Department’s volunteer recognition ceremony, at which 59 individuals who volunteer to support police officers were recognized, some volunteering for more than 500 hours. Bob McCutcheon, who was involve in the recent West End Alcohol Impact Area proposal, was honored as the volunteer of the year for his commitment to the city.

COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Boe invited everyone to join the Puget Sound Revels for their Spring Sing at King’s Books tonight (Wednesday, March 30) from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your voice, your fiddle, your penny whistle, or other instrument, and bring your friends to enjoy and participate in the music at this pub sing without the pub. It’s a family friendly event.

Boe also announced that the City will be turning out the lights for Earth Hour this weekend. On Saturday, March 23rd, join the City in turning out all non-essential lights to draw attention to earth-friendly choices we can all make every day.

Boe’s final update was on the Pacific Avenue Streetscape project. Concrete sidewalks are completed on the east side of Pacific between 9th and 12th. Next up is the addition of colored concrete sections and traffic bulbs. Come on downtown, check out the work, and frequent the businesses there.

Councilmember Mello spoke to advertise the Sister Cities International Film Festival film for the week. This Thursday, March 21, the film will be Cape #7 from Tacoma’s sister city of Taichung, Taiwan. Doors at the Blue Mouse Theater in Proctor open at 6:00, the cultural program starts at 6:15, and the movie starts at 7:00.

Councilmember Ibsen announced the Orchard and Vine community garden kick-off this Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. Anyone from the area or anyone else is welcome to come.

Councilmember Campbell invited everyone to the Portland Avenue Community Center Spring Celebration this Saturday, March 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30. The event promises arts, crafts, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and more.

ADJOURNMENT