Tacoma City Council Meeting - September 24, 2013

CONSENT AGENDA

ASSESSMENT ROLLS

Ordinance No. 28174 (First and Final Reading) An ordinance approving and confirming the Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District No. 5729 for the construction of a 12-inch water main to serve the Harold E. LeMay Museum development. [Ralph Rodriguez, L.I.D. Administrator; Phyllis Macleod, Hearing Examiner]

Ordinance No. 28175 An ordinance approving and confirming the Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District No. 7724 for the conversion of the overhead primary electrical distribution, utilities, telephone and cable TV systems to an underground system along Stadium Way, from the intersection of Stadium Way and Borough Road northwesterly to the dead end. [Ralph Rodriguez, L.I.D. Administrator; Phyllis Macleod, Hearing Examiner]

Ordinance No. 28176 An ordinance approving and confirming the Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District No. 7729 consisting of a three phase primary underground extension, telephone and cable TV systems, to serve the Harold E. LeMay Museum development. [Ralph Rodriguez, L.I.D. Administrator; Phyllis Macleod, Hearing Examiner]

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38735 A resolution authorizing the execution of an Interlocal Agreement with the Port of Tacoma in the amount of $500,000; accepting and depositing said sum into the Heavy Haul Industrial Corridor Permit Fees Fund for the rehabilitation of Port of Tacoma Road. [Thomas Rutherford, Project Manager; Kurtis Kingsolver, Interim Director, Public Works]

COMMUNICATIONS

Hearing Examiner recommending approval of a modification to a previously approved reclassification to include the reclassification of an additional 7,400 square-foot parcel located at 3808 South Mason Street from “R-2” One-Family Dwelling District and “R-3” Two and Three-Family Dwelling District to “R-4-L” Low Intensity Multiple Family Residential District, for the development of a 114-unit apartment complex with landscaping and parking. (VBC Mason Avenue, LP; File No. 40000078775)[Phyllis Macleod, Hearing Examiner]

Council concurred with the findings of the Hearing Examiner. All consent agenda items were adopted.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Two speakers this week. One of the co-chairs of the City's Transportation Commission spoke in support of the creation of the two new funds named in the ordinance on this week's agenda for a final reading, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds. A retired former City employee came forward to speak in opposition to the resolution regarding the Discrimination Investigation Administrative Support Program, expressing concerns over accountability, oversight, and appropriate service to the public.

REGULAR AGENDA

APPOINTMENTS

Resolution No. 38736 A resolution appointing Christine Cooley to the Sustainable Tacoma Commission to fill a vacant unexpired term through April 1, 2014. [Doris Sorum, City Clerk; Elizabeth Pauli, City Attorney]

The appointment to the commission in charge of overseeing implementation of Tacoma’s climate action plan was adopted.

PURCHASE RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38737 A resolution awarding a contract to Ceccanti, Inc., in the amount of $1,442,800.00 including sales tax, for a cumulative total of $12,183,576.99, budgeted from the Wastewater, Surface Water, Street Special Revenue, and Capital Projects REET Funds, and the 2010 LTGO Bond Fund D, to increase the contract for additional costs related to the Stadium Way Arterial Improvement Project - Specification No. PW12-0083F. [Mark D’Andrea, Civil Engineer; Kurtis Kingsolver, Interim Director,Public Works]

The resolution was removed from the agenda at the request of staff.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38738 A resolution authorizing the execution of Amendment No. 2 to the agreement with HealthConnect Consulting, LLC, in the maximum amount of $1,371,970, budgeted from the EMS Fund and the Fire Miscellaneous Special Revenue Fund, to extend existing contracted professional medical and social work services in support of the TFD CARES program through December 31, 2016. [Roger Edington, Assistant Chief; James P. Duggan, Fire Chief, Tacoma Fire Department]

This resolution alllows Tacoma Fire Department to extend the TFD CARES pilot project, a program that directs frequent users of emergency services to more appropriate programs and services.

The program is designed to address the needs of citizens who call 911 frequently and for inappropriate reasons such as chronic conditions, behavioral and chemical dependency issues, and social and other resource needs, thus reducing the drain on emergency resources.

In one year the top 50 utilizers called 911 a total of 843 times. Of those top 50, 46 were also among the most frequent users of Multicare ER services. 

TFD CARES worked with 93 identified high utilizers in the first year of the pilot, and saw a dramatic decrease in 911 calls. The above graph shows 911 calls in red showing a decreasing trend, contrasted with TFD CARES interventions in light blue for the pilot program.

This week's resloution allows the program to continue through 2016.

Resolution No. 38739 A resolution designating the Discrimination Investigation Administrative Support Program as a special project of limited duration, and designating general salary classifications and benefits for persons employed on the project pursuant to Tacoma Municipal Code 1.12.155 and 1.24.187 and Section 6.1(h) of the Tacoma City Charter. [Marya Gingrey, Human Rights Manager; Tansy Hayward, Director, Neighborhood and Community Services]

The program in question deals with issues relating to complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, other situations within the city limits. Pursuant to budget reductions, the City shifted its service delivery model, implementing a pilot project earlier this year, which included the reduction of full-time complaint investigators, and adding a temporary administrative staff position. The City continues to receive a high number of complaints, the majority alleging race and/or disability discrimination. This resolution continues the pilot service delivery model as a special project of limited duration.

Resolution No. 38740 A resolution sponsoring the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s application for enrollment to join the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust. [Anita Gallagher, Management Analyst, City Council Office]

The resolution gives Tacoma's support to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, as it seeks to be included in the benefit program. TPCHD decided that this employee benenfit program best meets its needs. The Association of Washington Cities requires the sponsorship of a city for any non-city entity to participate. There is no financial impact on the City of Tacoma in sponsoring TPCHD in this matter.

Resolution No. 38741 A resolution authorizing the execution of a proposed Letter of Agreement with the Professional and Technical Employees Union, Local 17, which consists of approximately 258.9 budgeted, full-time positions, to implement rates of pay and other compensation, retroactive to January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014. [Joy. St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The resolution was continued to the meeting of October 15, 2013.

FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28173 An ordinance relating to the budget of the City of Tacoma; creating two new funds to be known and designated as the “Street Operations and Maintenance Fund” and the “Transportation Capital and Engineering Fund”; to promote sustainability and transparency for revenue collections and expenditures related to transportation infrastructure and maintenance. [Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]

We were once again treated to the City Manager's presentation on Prop 1.

This ordinance does four things.

1. Establishes a new fund solely for managing the estimated $10.9 million that would be generated if Prop 1 passes. That fund would be dedicated to street repairs.
2. Establishes new accounting systems within the City that would allow the 6% previously existing utility tax to continue to flow into the general fund, while the new 2%, if passed, would be diverted directly into the newly established dedicated streets fund.
3. Provides for the development of a 6 year rolling infrastructure management plan focused on maintenance of the City's infrastructure, to be updated on biennial basis, with quarterly reports to Council and the public.
4. For the utilities already taxed at 8%, 2% of that will be directed specifically to street imaintenance and improvements. These funds would take the place of general fund dollars currently used, setting aside a more stable and dedicated fund. That 2% will account for about $6.2 million, to be set aside for roads funding regardless of whether Prop 1 passes.

These measures are designed to provide protection and accountability for the City's use of funds for streets operations.

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28177 An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation, and changes in classification to reflect the organizational structure, for employees represented by the Professional and Technical Employees Union, Local 17, which consists of approximately 258.9 budgeted, full-time positions; and the Teamsters Local Union No. 117, PAF Unit, which consists of approximately 14 budgeted, full-time positions. [Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The resolution related to this ordinance was continued to the October 15 meeting, pending Public Utility Board approval. Those proposed amendments will be brought forward at that time. A substitute ordinance was proposed and adopted that would provide for the creation of a new position called “Assistant Public Assembly Facilities Maintenance Chief.” The creation of this position would allow a worker to leave the department to work with the Tacoma Dome and Convention Center. This change would not add a new employee, but would instead be a promotional opportunity for an existing employee. The substitute ordiance will be considered next week.

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND APPEALS

Jameson Babbitt Stites & Lombard, P.L.L.C., representing the appellant H&P Tacoma Acquisition, LLC, by appealing the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner regarding the request to reclassify approximately 1.78 acres/ 75,000 square feet of the southeast corner of a larger property located at 4601 South Orchard Street from a “R-2” Single-Family Dwelling District to a “M-1” Light Industrial District, to be developed with a stormwater detention facility requiring approximately 15,000 cubic yards of grading, landscaping, and up to 100 passenger car parking spaces; and to develop a driveway across the parcel for commercial and passenger vehicle access to South 48th Street. (Paul McCormick, Innova Architects on behalf of H&P Tacoma Acquisition, LLC; File No. REZ2013-40000199731) (Continued from the meeting of August 20, 2013)

The item was removed from the agenda at the request of staff.

REPORTS BY THE CITY MANAGER

This October will be Pet License Amnesty Month. Pet owners can update their pets' licenses with no late fees. Just apply for the current year's license online, by mail, or in person before October 31 to avoid late fees of up to $20 per pet. Licensing your pet lets people know that the pet has a family, and gives them a ticket home to you; it improves public safety, and it's the law. Sounds more like Pet Owner Amnesty Month.

The City Manager also wished a happy birthday to Mayor Strickland.

COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilmember Woodards reported on topics covered at recent Public Safety, Human Services, and Education Committee meetings.

• Heard an update from United Way of Pierce County on their new funding priorities and strategic plan, including an emphasis on prevention through early childhood development.
• Received an informal briefing from Tacoma Police Department on their child abduction response team certification process.
• Heard a briefing from the Human Rights Division on their complaints investigation process.
• Received an update from Metro Parks regarding programming changes to the Sparx program, which brings programming to middle schools in Tacoma.
• Heard from Tacoma Housing Authority on their education programs, specifically the program at McCarver, which provides five years of gradually reduced rental support and intensive case management services to 50 families with children at McCarver Elementary.
• Recommended the approval of the City's digital radio upgrade project.

At the next meeting the Committee is scheduled to hear an update on the mental health and chemical dependency program, and an informational briefing on 2012-13 state gang grant performance.

Mayor Strickland mentioned that she's pleased to hear about strides made in education, and gave a shout out to Connie Ladenburg, who is in the audience. Fortunately this wasn’t a Citizens’ Forum week…

Councilmember Boe had a short list of fun events to share - most related to Fall Bike to Work Week, which is going on now.

•  Wednesday, September 25 is your chance to bike around downtown with the City Council at 6 p.m. Meet at the Saint Helens side of City Hall, and end at The Social.
• Friday there will be a bike pub crawl beginning at the Harmon Hub at 5 p.m.
• Saturday Stadium Fare will once again be taking place in the Stadium District from 10 to 3 with craft vendors, food, and other booths. You could probably bike there too, just to make a full week of it.

ADJOURNMENT

For more on the items on this week's agenda, see our City Business Preview for the week.