HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 07/02/1973Kent, Washington
July 2, 1973
Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Hogan, Councilmen: Elliott, Just, Kitto, Martell and
Masters, City Administrator Street, Public Works Director Ulett and
Planning Director Harris. City Attorney Mirk and Councilmen Baffaro
and Thornton were absent. Also present: City Treasurer Margaret Drotz
and Police Captain Gerry Grant.
Elliott moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 18th as
printed, Masters seconded, motion carried.
SUBDIVISION Letters were read from the following agencies regarding
CODE the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed
Subdivision Code: Puget Sound Air Pollution Control,
Metro, the Highway Commission and the'state offices of
Program Planning and Fiscal Management. A memo from
Public Works Director Ulett was read, recommending
that the proposed subdivision code be amended before
adoption as follows: On Page 11, Section 2.3.2, Item
2B, change paragraph 4 to read: "Show the location
of proposed property lines within the plat and show the
following, both within the plat and within one hundred
(100) feet of the plat boundaries: existing property
lines and ownerships, existing section lines, streets,
buildings, water courses, railroads, bridges, all
recorded public easements for utilities or roadways
and all recorded private easements for utilities or
roadways", AND on Page 16, change Item 3 to read:
"Certification by a licensed land surveyor that a per-
imeter survey has been made; that a survey of all
interior lines will be made; and that monuments and
stakes will be set." MASTERS MOVED to accept the letters
and for them to be made a part of the record, Just
seconded, motion carried.
The public hearing was opened. Miles Drake commented
on the proposed code from the audience, suggesting that
the reference to the Trails Plan on Page 19 did not
clearly state what the provisions would be. Referring
to Page 20, Item B, regarding full width improvements,
Drake stated that these items should not be required in
all cases, and pointed out that in some instances might
even cause drainage problems. He noted that the County
has adopted rules just the opposite of this, because of
drainage problems. He noted that requirements for
storm drains should be based on the need for them in
each particular location. He pointed out that these
items were costly, sometimes unnecessary, and if re-
quired only increased the cost of a lot without actually
improving the property. He referred to Page 21, Item
#9 regarding Pavement Widths for streets, noting that
extra widths for local streets and cul-de-sacs were
unnecessary and costly. On Page 22, regarding Lengths
of Blocks, Drake opined that in some isolated areas,
blobks over 1000 feet long should be permitted. He
suggested that Section 3.1.8, Item #4 on Page 22 is
unnecessary and that access to lots should not be limited
to only one. On Page 25, Exceptions, Section 4.1,
Paragraph,lB, he stated that the. intent was not clear.
Drake referred further to Section 4.2, Paragraph 2,
under Penalties, which states that a person owning land
which is undergoing platting procedures is subject
to a fine if he sells a portion of the land. He noted
that more than one owner should be allowed to own the
parcel. He pointed out that he had raised all of these
objections at the Planning Commission hearing, except
the last one.
Mr. Van Giesen representing the Sanwick.Corporation,
referred to Page 4, Item 32, regarding the Short
Subdivision Committee and suggested an additional
member, such as a realtor or an engineer. On Page 8,
Section 2.2.4, regarding the size of the plat map,
Van Giesen suggested that inasmuch as a recent survey
recording act requires that the map size be 18" X 2411,
that the City follow this size requirement. He noted
that there is approximately a 44 day time frame from the
date a plat application is filed to the end of the
appeal time and suggested that this time frame be
shortened. He further suggested that the Public Works
Director approve the actual preparation of this code.
He noted that the Sanwick Corporation has a lage in-
dustrial park which. has�nbt: ass,,yet�'gone through the
formal platting procedures, and they will discuss
with Harris how the new code would affect them.
There were no further comments from the audience.
In answer to Mr. Drake's comments, Harris referred
to Page 19 regarding the Trails Plan and noted that
the key word is "provision", which meant that the
matter would be discussed with the property owner.
On Page 20 regarding sidewalks, Harris stated that the
5' sidewalks would be required on through streets only,
not cul-de-sacs and not on both sides of the street.
Regarding Page 25, Exceptions, Harris explained that
exceptions were similar to variances and would be heard
before the Planning Commission, and could be appealed.
On Page 21, regarding Pavement Widths, Harris noted
that the committee's original recommendation for
local streets was 50' for right-of-way and pavement
width 28' - 321, but that the Planning Commission
had changed this to 60' for the right-of-way and 32'
for the width. On Page 22, regarding Block Lengths,
Harris stated that King County has stipulated that
block lengths be no more than 15001, but in certain
instances, blocks might be longer. Regarding Section
3.1.8, Item #4 on Page 22, he noted that one of the
two local streets inside a subdivision would be con-
sidered the major street, and noted that residents would
prefer to not have access off the major streets.
Regarding transfer of sales, Section 4.2.2. on page
25, Harris stated that the Planning Commission is of
the opinion that portions of land should not be sold
before the subdivision has been completed.
In answer to Van Giesen's objections, Harris referred
to Page 4 regarding the Short Subdivision Committee,
noting that the duties of the committee should be
administrative procedure handled by city officials
and pointed out an -appointee from the general business
area might find it difficult to attend meetings.
Harris stated he had no objection to changing the size
of the plat map to 18" X 24". Regarding the time frame
on Page 9, Section 2.2.7 under Appeals, he stated that
the 30 days stated for Council action on an appeal
could be changed to 21 days and the Short Subdivision
Committee meeting date element referred to on Page 8
could be shortened to 15 days after receipt of the
application, instead of 30 days. Upon Elliott's question,
Harris noted that old plats will not be affected by
the code, that a cut-off date will be determined.
'Street pointed out that in the future all plats will
come under the jurisdiction of the Council.
Street agreed with Miles Drake in that the problem of
storm drainage is variable, but maintained that
improvements should be included so as to be part of
the buyer's loan. He agreed with Drake that the
developer should keep the water on his own property.
He noted that any street that is not asphaltic con-
crete costs more to maintain and if accepted by the
city, the city must be prepared to pay the maintenance
costs.
Martell agreed with Miles Drake regarding storm drain-
age, noting that if there is an open ditch, the water
goes back into the soil. He agreed with Van Giesen
about the Short Plat Committee and referred to Page
14 regarding the requirement for a check in lieu of a
bond, noting that the meaning is not clear. Regarding
the Trails Plan, Martell opined that this is an area
which could cause problems, and if the City wants
property for trails, it should be purchased from
the owner or donated by him. IIe pointed out that
Ordinance 1142 (Construction Standards) indicates that
gravel streets are acceptable. IIe referred to Page 20,
Item 13, Full Ylidth Improvements, and indicated that he
did not think these widths were necessary and stated
that the type and volume of traffic should determine
the size and type of construction of the street.
Iie further noted that he did not think sidewalks should
be required in a subdivision which was on the out-
skirts of the City. IIe noted that blocks longer
than 1000, should be allowed. Iie disagreed with the
provision that an owner could not sell a portion of his
land while it is undergoing platting procedures.
Street pointed out that if a person owned 40 acres,
he could final plat 10 acres, have it accepted and
then sell that 10 acres, which is a standard pro-
cedure for developers.
Just stated that developers ask the City to e.:tend
water, sewers, storm drainage, etc. to areas on the
edge of the city limits, and if we then allow them to
develop without proper streets, curbs and gutters
etc., it would not be fair to those who have developed
areas properly, closer to the downtown area.
Kitto referred to Section 4.5 on Page 26, Repeal,
noting that the repealer section is not broad enough.
Street pointed out that it should read: "Ordinance
007 and any portion of ordinances in conflict Herewith
are hereby repealed". Upon Master's question, Street
determined that metes and bounds descriptions were
still necessary for surveys for plats. Elliott asked
if Ulett's recommendations for changes would be in-
corporated in the final code. Harris stated that this
would be satisfactory. Elliott referred to Page 19
regarding the Trails Plan, and suggested that "pro-
visions shall be made" be changed to "may by made".
Harris stated that the Planning Commission debated
this, and had used shall because if a development
has trails, the City would want to negotiate. Street
stated that vri.thin the next four months, the Council
will be considering a Comprehensive Trails Plan and that
the City intended to either purchase trails property
or accept it as a donation. Elliott pointed out that
in Section 25, Exceptions, there was no mention of
a Planning Unit Development type development and thought
that this section should indicate that this type of
development would be considered. Iiarris explained that
a PUD is completely different from a subdivision, and
any reference to a PUD should be in the preamble o-f-
the code and not in the Exceptions portion.
Martell commented that the code would require that
every subdivision have the same standards for roads
instead of being based on the amount of traffic in
the particular area. Ile pointed out that the extension
of James Street to the Russell Road was a gravel
road, put in by the City. Street explained that this
was a temporary road, for which the City had exchanged
gravel and grading for the people contributing the
right-of-way. The road has not been accepted and when
it is improved, the property owners will have to ,gay
for asphalting.
KITTO MOVED to close the hearing, Elliott seconded,
motion carried. KITTO MOVED that the City ,,lttorney
be directed to prepare the proper ordinance to adopt
the code; Elliott seconded and stated that he would
life to review the proposed changes before the ordin-
ance is drafted. Harris stated that he would prepare
the proposed changes to present to the Council work-
shop next Monday. Street noted that the ordinance
could be prepared after the workshop. Motion failed.
PIASTERS MOVED for the matter of changes to be clarified
at the next workshop, Just seconded, motion carried.
GAMBLING It was pointed out that the Attorney General has given
an opinion that the state law on gambling has taken
away the Optional Municipal Code provisions for code
cities to have all of the rights of first class cities.
The Administrator has recommended (1) for the City
Attorney to be instructed to prepare a tax law in
accordance with Ding County to be ready for passage
when the State Gambling Commission has established the
guidelines and; (2) that I:ent, in conjunction with
other Code cities, challenge the Attorney General's
opinion in court on this matter. ELLIOTT MOVED for
the City Attorney to prepare a gambling tax ordinance
for submission to the Council after the State guide-
lines have been established, Masters seconded. MARTELL
MOVED to amend the motion to provide for more input
from the Council at.the next workshop meeting. :street
explained that the city will have no input, that the
county will set the rate. Martell withdrew his motion
to amend. Motion carried. Mayor Hogan noted that -
she had attended a meeting in Seattle at which the
question of the proposed 10% tag: rate was discussed
and noted that many thought that 10% was too high.
She pointed out that the State Gambling Commission
had not as yet been appointed, although the law
was scheduled to become effective July 16.
MARTELL MOVED for the City Administrator to contact -
other code cities to determine if they wished to also
challenge the attorney General's opinion, Just seconded.
Elliott asked if the intent to challenge would be on
the grounds that we want the right to make the decision
to disallow pull tabs and punch boards or because we
want to disallow them completely. Street stated that
it would be to the advantage of the Optional Municipal
Code cities to challenge the Attorney General's opinion.
ELLIOTT MOVED to clarify the motion by amending it to
include that the City go on record as in favor of pull
tabs and punch boards within the guidelines, and -then.
withdrew the proposes; amendment. Martell's motion
carried unanimously. ELLIOTT then moved for the
Council to go on record as supporting pull tabs and
punch boards. Masters seconded. Kitto opined that
the motion was premature and stated he was not ready
to support such a motion. JUST MOVED to TABLE the
motion, Kitto seconded. Just's motion carried, over
Elliott's nay.
STREETS Underground Wiring - South Central. Upon the re-
commendation of the Engineering Department, 2=ZkRTELL
MOVED to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign
the proposed contract from Puget Power for underground
wiring, in conjunction with the South Central paving
project, in the amount of $27,000, Masters seconded,
motion carried.
South Central Paving. It was noted that it is the
recommendation of both the Director of Public Works and
the Administrator that Hill, Ingman and Chase complete
the South Central project, but that the Public Works
Department review with the Council, the City's cap-
abilities to do the engineering on other projects,
including the South Central pumping, and the Reith
Road -Military Road intersection. MARTELL MOVED to
have Bill, Ingman and Chase complete the South Central
project, Elliott seconded, motion carried.
S. 180th. Masters noted that Renton was interested
in improvements to S. 180th, especially if I:ent was
willing to contribute financial aid. Renton has listed
S. 180th on their street plan. Joe Street stated that
he and Bob Kristofferson had attended a meeting with
Renton on June 2G about sewer and water service along
this street and will be in contact with the Fenton
engineer.
Traffic Control. A letter was read from Kent merchants,
requesting consideration of a study for an electric'stoi)
and go control signal at the corner of Second and Meeker,
and pointed out a recent multiple car accident at
this intersection. M.a�STERS MOVED to accept the letter
and to refer the matter to the Traffic Engineer, Just
seconded, motion carried.
WATER
Lake Fenwick Watershed. 1), letter was read from Ralph
Soil and dater Conservation
Backstrom of the King County
in the joint
District, noting that the Doard concurs
City of lent and King County for technical
request of the
assistance in developing a soil and water conservation
plan for the Lake Fenwick watershed and will provide
assistance and available manpower. MASTERS MOVED to
accept the letter and for it to be made a matter of
record, Elliott seconded. In answer to Plaster's q" estion,
Street pointed out that this study gill not cost ar:.y-
thing to the City, but Will require some time from
our engineering department. Motion carries;.
FINANCE
LID Segregations. MARTELL MOVED for the City Treasurer
and City Engineer to process the LID segregation re-
qy ests for Leonard Lillegard for LID 265 and for the
Denaroya. Company for ULID rill, LID 26, and LID 261, in
Elliott seconded,
accordance with s procedures, procedures
motion carried.
HEALTH &
Cedar River Flood Control. 1. brochure from the :;rmy
River flood
SANITATION
Corp of Engineers relative to the Cedar
distributed to the Council
Drainage Reduction has been
for their information and comments.
POLICE
Court. MARTELL MOVED that the firm of Schneider,
Smyth, Salley and Van Siclen be appointed special
counsel for the City of Kent for Aukeen Court on
17 23, Elliott seconded, motion carried.
July 16, and
It was explained that the City Attorney would be in
Superior Court on these days.
CENTRAL
Masters spoke regarding the CBD Circulation Plan, and
BUSINESS
noted that there was some comment by the committee
direction by the City government.
DISTRICT
CIRCULATION
that they are lacking
She pointed out that the traffic improvement plan
PLAN
for downtown Kent was approved by the City in December,
1969 and was revised in September 1971, with a second
meeting in December 1972. She suggested that the
this
Council reaffirm the City's intention to support
plan, which included one-way streets, inasmuch as it
She that
was properly endorsed by the Council. noted
the construction
decisions are necessary because of
in Kent, and pointed out that.one-
presently going on
streets require mazy decisions regarding railroad
way
crossings, signals, etc. Kitto stated that the Chamber
committee has asked the Traffic Engineer to review
the plan which was adopted by the Council, and also
the plan proposed by the CBD Committee, and felt that
before supporting the CBD Circulation Plan it would
be wise to wait for the Traffic Engineer's recommendation.
IIe noted that the Traffic Engineer is concerned With
moving the traffic through the city, and the CBD
Committee is interested in making it convenient for
people to stop to shop. Street noted that merchants
were generally against one-way street plans.
Mayor Kogan stated that the CBD will be bringing their
recommendations to the Planning Commission before it
comes to the Council and that the public hearing is
scheduled before the Planning Commission on July 17.
Martell noted that the City has a Six Year Street Plan
which should not be changed. Elliott stated that the
turnover of Meeker Street and Gowe Street to the City
from the State had delayed the Meeker-Gowe-4th Ave.
cuplet which was designed for one-way. 'Street noted
that the Traffic Engineer will review consideration of
It
one-way streets as compared to two-way streets. IIe
noted that when Gowe Street and Smith Street were
both one-way, it e7asn't very successful. Just asked
if one-way streets were considered, would the CBD
have considerable reservations. Kitto stated that it
would be important. Elliott ashecl if consideration was
beinc,, given to changing GOWe Street to a two-way
street. Street stated that Gowe was being considered
for one-way to 4th .'avenue and maybe two-way east of
4th Avenue.
CENTRAL It was noted that at last work session, the CBD
BUSINESS Committee presented a report on progress to date.
DISTRICT A representative of the Boeing Company presented a
proposal to be considered as project manager. The
committee also requested that at least two other_
organizations be contacted on the project management
proposal. Mayor Hogan rioted that a presentation will
be made oil July loth at 7:30 a.m, at the Golden Steer
from a representative of DP1JM.
FINANCE
Audit. Street noted that he, the City Attorney and
Finance Director had met with Don Foss of the Attorney
General's office concerning the 1971 Auditors report,
and that the City had satisfactorily answered the questioned
items. The City Attorney will submit a letter to the
Attorney General's office.
BIDS
Fire Department_. Upon the recommendation of the Fire
Chief, the award of bids for fire hose will be held
over} to July l6th.
FIRE
District 37. Street pointed out that at_the !august
DEPARTMENT
13th workshop session, Ueneral discussion would be had
with Fire District 437 relative to consideration of
contracting for fire service to the district.
PRELIMINARY
Kentwood Industrial Park. It was rioted that the Planning
PLAT
Commission has held a public hearing on the Kentwood In-
dustrial Part; Preliminary Plat. ELLIOTT 11OVED that a
public meeting be held on the Kentwood Industrial Par] -,-
Plat on July 16th, Martell seconded, motion carried.
UPLANDS
Street introduced Ordinance 1834,accepting and approving
PLAT
the Uplands Plat. M%RTELL MOVED for passage of the
ordinance, Elliott seconded, motion carried.
1974
Puget Sound Governmental Conference. A letter was
BUDGET
read from the PSGC noting that -the PSGC charges to the
City of Kent for 1974 will be ;"1,356. MASTERS MOVED
to accept the letter and for it to be made a matter
of record, Just seconded, motion carried.
PLANNING It was noted that the Mayor has received notification
COMMISSION from Noel Bicknell that he does not desire to be re-
appointed to the Planning Commission. This information,
together with a verbal communication from Richard
Land, will probably create two vacancies on the Plannine-
Commission. The Council was urged to suggest potential
members.
KENT-AUBURN
It was noted that a list of the members of the ICent-
YOUTH
Auburn Youth Resources Bureau has been distributes, to
RESOURCES
the Council. The matter will be discussed at the July
BUREAU
9 workshop meeting.
ANERICAN
It was requested that the Memo from the Mayor con -
REVOLUTION
cerninca the i,merican Revolution Bicentennial Committee
BICENTENNIAL
be considered at the July 9th work session.
CO1.21LITTEE
FINANCE
Elliott moved to approve the bills received on or
before July 5 after auditing by the Finance Committee.
The Committee will meet at 8:00 a.m., Ju''y 17th.
Masters seconds, motion carried.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pdari , s _n
Citv Cleo?. .