HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 01/07/1974Kent, Washington
January 7, 1974
Regular meeting,of the Kent City Council was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Hog�Ln,.Councilpersons: Baff aro, Elliott, Johnson, Just,
Kitto, Martell and Masters, City Administrator Street, City Attorney Mirk,
Public Works Director Ulett, Planning Director Harris. Also present: City
Treasurer Drotz, Planning Commission member Long. Finance Director Winkle
was absent.
ELLIOTT MOVED to approve the minutes of the meeting of December 17, 1973 as
printed, Kitto seconded, motion carried.t
HEALTH & 100th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Interceptor. A public hearing
SANITATION has been -scheduled for this meeting on the Environmental
Impact Assessment of the 100th Sanitary Sewer Interceptor.
The Mayor declared the public'hearing open. Ulett stated
that the project is located on 100th Avenue S.E. between
S.E. 224th and S.E. 237th and noted that financing is to
be 75% from Federal funding, 15% from State funding, and
10% is to be paid by the City sewer funds.
Upon Jerry DeRouse's questions, Ulett stated that the line
would be located near the center of 100th Avenue S.E. on
the paved part of the street, and pointed out that it was
to be expected that there would be some short curtailment
of use of driveways during the construction period. Ulett
determined for DeRouse and Walt Wade that there would be
no assessments to these residents who live outside the City
and they further questioned as to how much they would be
charged for this line if they were annexed to the City.
Ulett pointed out that since City funds would be involved
in only 10% of the total cost, property owners would only
be charged their share of the City's cost. He noted fur-
ther that dollar amounts have not as yet been determined,
as the total cost of the proposed project has not been
determined. Ulett clarified that the proposed project
is not a Local Improvement District, that the purpose of
the project is not to serve property owners on 100th Avenue
S.E. but is to relieve an overloaded City pump station and
to allow further development in areas where sewers should
be developed. He pointed out that sefvice on 100th Avenue
S.E. is incidental, and service will be provided only if a
property owner wantsit and asks for such service.
Upon Jim Monroe's question Ulett noted that the City could
not compel County residents to connect to the sewer. DeRouse
opined that once the sewer was installed that the King
County Health Department could inform the residents that
their septic tanks were no longer adequate and thus force
them to connect to the line. Upon Monroe's question, Ulett
noted that the.Environmental Impact Assessment was complete
insofar as the purposes of the City of Kent were concerned.
Street explained that the Boundary Review Board has made
it very clear that cities may no longer serve areas outside
the.city limits with utilities. He pointed out that this
hearing is to determine the impact of the project on the
environment, which was deemed to be slight because the
area will not be materially upset. Mr. Hart stated that
their primary concern was that they would be required to
connect to the line if annexed and that the cost would be
confiscatory. Street pointed out that the City had no
plans to annex the area, that such a proposal would have
to come from the residents. He further advised that
sometimes it is necessary for lines to be extended through
unincorporated areas to reach incorporated areas.
Ulett advised Mr. Lowry that this proposed line would
serve the area from 104th S.E. to 112th S.E. from S.E.
240th to S.E. 224th and included the Park Orchard area which
is served by the City although it is outside the City limits.
`` 524
a
HEALTH & DeRouse inquired as to how King County viewed the project.
SANITATION Ulett informed him that this matter has been submitted to
the Department of Health and to the King County Department
of Planning. He noted that the King County Department of
Public Works had issued a permit for the project. Ulett
clarified for DeRouse that if the area were to be considered
for annexation, a computation of the cost to the property
owners would be made. DeRouse suggested that Kent's share
of the cost would be $24,000 and Ulett noted that it could
be higher or lower, pointing out further that not all of
the cost is eligible for EPA grants. He pointed out that
side sewer connections would be installed on 100th Avenue
S,:E. because it is known that sometime in the future they
will be used, and when connection is made reimbursement
would be made to the City.because the side sewer connections
were not included in the grants. DeRouse asked, that if
annexed, would his cost be on a percent or on a footage
basis. Street agreed with Ulett that at the present time
we do not know what the cost of the project will be, and
pointed out that charges would be based on the cost at the
time of construction. He further stated that the Council
would decide on the type of assessment and what each prop-
ortionate share would be should the area be annexed to the
City, but that such assessments were usually computed on a
front foot basis. DeRouse asked if hook-up to the sewer
would be mandatory if the area were annexed to the City.
Street pointed out that if the Health Department determined
that the septic tanks were inadequate, connection to the sewer
would be necessary. He pointed out that both State and
Federal government agencies are interested in replacing
septic tanks with sewer lines because of the danger of
pollution of ground water from septic tanks. A gentleman
from the audience stated that he recognized that this
project would give residents an opportunity to connect
to a sewer but noted that the sewer might not be deep
enough for some to connect. Ulett pointed out that the
average depth was 12 ft. Richard Larson stated that the
sewer lines would be an additional tax burden to the property
owners and they would not be able to pay it. In answer
to DeRouse's question, Ulett noted that the Department
of Health had found that septic tanks failures were.found
to be 50%. De Rouse opined that they would be as high as
68% in this area after the sewer line was installed. It
was determined that the Department of Health had the authority
to require connections to a sewer if available when a septic
system was found to be faulty. Martell explained that his
experience with the Health Department showed that they were
very reluctant to condemn a house and they will try to do
everything possible to keep the house from being vacated.
DeRouse inquired as to the obligation of the City to property
owners in case of annexation. Street informed him that
the City must answer to the King County Health Department
and if septic tanks in an area have failed, then the City
must tell the property owner to connect to the sewer.
Lawrence McFarland inquired as to whether or not a property
owner could be charged for sewer service if he was unable,
because of inadequate depth, to connect to the line. Street
pointed out that if the property'is not being served by
the sewer line that the property owner cannot be charged
for that service.
Street again stated that the entire hearing is concerned
only with whether or not the City would be destroying the
environment by installing the sewer line. He noted that
the impact assessment had been sent to various State & -
Federal agencies including the Department of Ecology and
the Puget Sound Governmental Conference, and none had had
any adverse comments. Monroe noted that although notice
of this hearing was published in the Kent News Journal,
many who did not subscribe to the paper had been unaware
of the hearing. Monroe further inquired as to what the
next step would be after the Council approves this impact
assessment action. Ulett stated that under the Environmental
HEALTH & Protection Act, three possible conclusions can be made:
SANITATION
1) that the project is a major action with significant
effects to the environment, which would require a com-
plete draft impact statement, with a review period;
2) that this is a major action with insignificant
effect; or
3) that this is a minor action with insignificant
effect.
He pointed out that a copy of the Council's finding is
sent to the Department of Ecology. Monroe queried as to
whether the Department of Ecology or ;King County approved
or disapproved the project and was informed by Ulett that
since 15% of the money is coming through the Department
of Ecology they have to review the Council's action. DeRouse
inquired as to whether it would make any difference if the
people wrote to the Department of Ecology and was informed
by Mirk that it would probably not make any difference since
the Department of Ecology's only concern is on the environ-
mental effect of the project.
Upon'a question from the audience, the City Attorney pointed
out that all contractors are required to have performance
bonds to cover any damages which may occur.
There were no further comments, and no correspondence on
the matter. JUST MOVED to close the hearing, Elliott
seconded, motion carried. KITTO MOVED that the effect
of this project on the environment is insignificant and
no further statement be made, Just seconded, motion
carried, with Martell voting nay.
HEALTH & Kent -Des Moines Sanitary Sewer Interceptor. The Mayor
SANITATION opened the public hearing on the Environmental Impact
Assessment of the Kent -Des Moines Sanitary Sewer Interceptor.
A letter was read from the Washington Department of Fisheries
noting that they do not anticipate any significant impact
upon the State's fisheries resources and commending the
City for initiating the project. MASTERS MOVED to make
the letter a part of the record, Elliott seconded, motion
carried. There were no comments from the audience and
JUST MOVED to close the hearing, Elliott seconded, motion
carried. MASTERS MOVED that the effect of this project
on the environment is insignificant and no further statement
was necessary, Elliott seconded, motion carried.
Linda Heights Pump Station Improvements. The Mayor opened
the public hearing on the Environmental Impact Assessment
of the Linda Heights Pump Station Improvements. There
were no comments from the audience and no correspondence
regarding the improvements. ELLIOTT MOVED to close the
hearing, Kitto seconded, motion carried. MARTELL MOVED
that the effect of the Linda Heights Pump Station Improvements
project on the environment is insignificant and that no
further statement need be made, Kitto seconded, motion
carried.
Des Moines Sewer District. Upon the recommendation of the
Department of Public Works, MARTELL MOVED to approve Des
Moines Sewer District Resolution #1973-53, Masters seconded.
Street explained that this improvement covered property
West of I-5. Motion carried.
Safety Awards. A letter was read from Pacific Northwest
Pollution Control Agency, congratulating the Kent Sewer
Department, for no lost time due to accidents in 1972.
MASTERS MOVED to accept the letter, Just seconded, motion
carried. Mayor Hogan presented the Zero Lost Time
Accident Honor Award to Bob Kristofferson, Superintendent
of the Sewer Department.
FINANCE ELLIOTT MOVED to pay bills received on or before January
5, 19:74 after approval by the Finance Committee at its
FINANCE meeting to be held Friday, January 11, 1974 at 8:00 a.m.
It was noted that in accordance with State law, a second
payment must be made after January 20, 1974 for all bills
submitted by that date and chargeable to the 1:973 budget.
Martell seconded, motion carried.
POLICE & Aid Unit. A letter was read from Robert S. Johnson re -
FIRE questing Council consideration and support for the Aid
Units of the Fire Department. Enclosed also was a copy
of Mr. Johnson's letter to the Kent News Journal in support
of continuing the Aid Unit program. MASTERS MOVED to
accept the letter and that it be referred to the Finance
Committee, Elliott seconded, motion carried.
A letter was read from Mr. and Mrs. August Tonelli
expressing their appreciation to the men of the Aid Unit
of the Kent Fire Department for their recent assistance
during an emergency. MASTERS MOVED to accept the letter
and that it be made a part of the record, Just seconded,
motion carried.
STREETS LID 274. MARTELL MOVED to approve Change Order #3 to
City Transfer for furnishing and installing in place
approximately.38 2" galvanized pipe mail box posts at
a cost of $456.00. Upon Kitto's question, Martell explained
that this item had been unforeseen. Street stated that
they had anticipated'putting the mail boxes together
but were unable to do so. Just seconded, motion carried.
East Gowe - Titus Landscaping. KITTO MOVED to approve
a contract for landscape design with SE&A in the amount
of $2,000, Just seconded. Ulett explained that the King
County Forward Thrust Design Commission had approved the
landscaping of a large traffic island at E. Gowe and
Titus Street at the Meridian Terrace Senior Citizen
housing complex. The Commission had recommended the
firm of SE&A, Inc. from the three landscape architects
which the City had proposed. It was determined that
SE&A, Inc. had been instructed by the Engineering Depart-
ment to proceed with the landscape design in the amount
of $2,000 without realizing that Council approval was
necessary even though Forward Thrust funds were involved.
Kitto withdrew his motion and Just concurred. JUST MOVED
for the matter to be referred to the January 11 Finance
Committee meeting, Elliott seconded, motion carried,
with Baff aro voting nay.
Christmas Tree Pick Up. It was noted that in years past
a Street Department truck has picked'up Christmas trees
and the matter has been brought to the Council's attention
at this time with the information that the service would
use approximately 80 gallons of gasoline and the Street
Department's allotment for the whole month is 990 gallons.
It was further determined that there would be sufficient
gasoline for this project, if it does not become necessary
to plow snow. JUST MOVED to direct the Administrator to
have the Street Department pick up Christmas trees, Masters
seconded. On a roll call vote, Johnson, Elliott, Baffaro
and Kitto voted nay, Masters, Just and Martell voted aye.
Motion failed.
WATER Washington Futures Bond Money - Planning Loan. It was
noted that the City has applied to the State for possible
financing of five (5) water projects, as follows:
1) Chlorination facilities at Kent Springs
2) One million gallon standpipe on West Hill
3) West Hill pump station modification
4) Dual purpose East Hill pump station
5) 12-inch transmission main on 116th Avenue SE
'It was also noted that the Department of Social and Health
Services has made the suggestion that the City make formal
application for a $38,500 pre -construction engineering
loan. The loan is without interest but must be paid back
WATER in five years or when construction is started. Since the
loan involves five projects, it is requested that permis-
sion be granted to pay back the loans on the following
schedule.
lst
year
$5,000
2nd
year
$7,000
3rd
year
$9,000
4th
year
$9,000
5th
year
$8,500
or sooner, if construction occurs.
BAFFARO MOVED that the Mayor be authorized to sign the
loan application, Kitto seconded. Upon Kitto's query,
Street explained that the Washington Futures Bond issue
covers water systems within the City or State, and that
the Bond issue was financed by the general funds of the
State. The reason for obtaining the pre -construction
engineering loan is to enable the City to have the plans
ready so that if Federal funds become available the City
would qualify. Street explained each project briefly
and advised that the projects were listed in the order
of their priority and that they are all projects which
will have to be done in the future. He further pointed
out that these projects are listed in the Comprehensive
Water Report. Martell commented that the matter should
have gone to the Utilities Committee and Street explained
that the approval had to be filed by January 15, 1974 and
had just been received. Upon Just's query as to where
the money might be available from to repay this pre -con-
struction engineering loan, Street stated that it would
be from the Water Fund. Street pointed out that there
is no assurance of -Federal funding on any of the projects
but that the Federal government will not consider funding
the projects until the pre -construction engineering work
is done. Ulett clarified that Washington Futures grants
were for construction only and the City would have to
arrange to repay the pre -construction engineering loan.
Motion carried.
KENTWOOD
A letter was read from Stuart D. Wattles of the Stuart
INDUSTRIAL
Land Company appealing the decision of December 18, 1973
PARK
short plat committee meeting in regard to the property
known as the Kentwood Industrial Park. Street suggested
that'the letter be accepted and that the matter should
be brought to the next workshop on Monday, January 14,
and for a public hearing to be set for January 21.
MASTERS SO MOVED, Just seconded, motion carried.
STREET
Supplements to TOPICS Agreements. It was noted that the
LIGHTING
State Highway Department has proposed Supplements to
TOPICS agreements TG99 and TG100 for the financing of
signal lights at the intersection of Meeker and West
Valley and at 104th SE and SE 256th. Although the
anticipated cost has risen, the City's share is less
under the new formula proposed. MASTERS MOVED for the
Mayor.to be authorized to sign the contracts with the
State Highway Department for the two projects, Baffaro
seconded. Kitto suggested that the agreements be reviewed
by the City Attorney before they are signed. Masters
and'Baffaro agreed to make this a part of the motion,•
motion carried.
ADDITIONS
Fire Station #1 and City Warehouse. MARTELL MOVED
TO CITY
to accept the proposals of Bogard & Hewitt for architectural
BUILDINGS
services for Fire Station #1 and the City Shop building.
Masters seconded. It was explained that the fee for the
services for Fire Station #1 would be a lump sum of $1600
and would include three offices, a conference room, a
work room and new entrance to the fire station. Services
for the warehouse would cover the construction of an
insulated and heating building approximately 30 by 36-
feet to house trucks and approximately 50 stalls along
the south property line of the City Shops facility.
ADDITIONS
Charges for this project would be 6�. of the contract amount,
TO CITY
with work done by the City to be excluded from the fee.
BUILDINGS
Motion carried. Upon Elliott's question, Street noted that
completion of the third and fourth floors of the City Hall
is scheduled for next year.
PARKS
Property Donation. The Park Board has requested acceptance
of the proposed donation of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Anderson of
a tract of land adjacent to Russell Road near the Green
River, which has been appraised at $3,000. ELLIOTT SO MOVED,
Masters seconded, motion carried.
PLANNING
A letter was read from, Lou Koszarek announcing his resigna-
COMMISSION
tion as a Planning Commission member. ELLIOTT MOVED to
accept the letter of resignation with regret, and for a
certificate of acknowledgment to be prepared, Masters
seconded, motion carried.
Street noted that the Mayor has not received any suggestions
for a replacement for John MacGregor for the Civil Service
Commission and suggested that appointment of a woman to
either of these Commissions would be appropriate.
BOARD OF
A.letter was read from Hal Cline noting that his 4-year
ADJUSTMENT
term as a member of the Board of Adjustment had expired
as of December 31,.1973, and requesting that he not be
reappointed. MASTERS'MOVED to accept the letter, Just
seconded, motion carried. The Mayor. noted suggestions
for a replacement for Mr. Cline would be welcome.
FIRE CODE
The City Attorney introduced Ordinance No. 1856, adopting
the 1973-74 National Fire Code, Volumes l through 10,
replacing the 1971-72 issue. ELLIOTT MOVED for the adoption
of Ord. 1856; .Jus't seconded, motion carried.
BIDS
Street Sweeping. Street Sweeping bids were received
on January 4, 1974, as follows:
Nate Pennachi - $6,84.45, incl. tax
total mon4ly cost, and
$18.95 per. hour for extra sweeping,
incl. tax.
Street noted,that Pennachi's bid was only slightly higher
than his last year's bid and.recommended that it be accepted.
JUST.MOVED to.accgpt Nate Pennachi's bid, Martell seconded,
motion carried.
UNIFORM
The City Attorney introduced Ordinance No. 1855,, repealing
BUILDING
Ord. 1854, and adopting the 1973 Edition of the Uniform
CODE
Building Code.with certain additions and deletions.
MARTELL MOVED to adopt Ord. 1855, Elliott seconded,
motion carried.
GASOLINE
It was noted that King County has entered into a contract
with Standard Oil to furnish„regular gas at 30G per gallon
and 34c,' per gallon for premium. This is adjustable with
the change in tank wagon price throughout the.year. It
was noted by Street that the computation of gasoline used
was based on 1973 figures, and that the City asked that
1972 figures be used because'of the reduction in gasoline
consumption in 19.73.. The County has used the 197E figures
because of the change in suppliers. He noted that it is
expected that the City will receive the necessary gas for
emergency vehicles but that we will probably have to cut
other uses by 10%. Upon Just's question, Street stated
that the price of gasoline had been 23� per gallon a year
ago.
BUDGET
The Finance Committee has recommended the following
changes in salary classification and/or job classifica-
tion:
:BUDGET;
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief 39E to 42E
Police Captain 34E to 37E
Police Lieutenant 33E to 3$E.
Police Clerk to Admin. Secretary 11D/E to 12D/E
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief 39E to 42E
Deputy Chief 36E to 37E
Assistant Chiefs (two) 34E to 35E
PARKS DEPARTMENT
Parks & Recreation Supervisor 40E to 42E
Parks Foreman to Superintendent 26E to 32E
Parks Clerk to Secretary/
Receptionist 3B/C to 7B/C
PUBLIC WORKS
Civil Engineer I to
Prop Mgmt Spec 28,E to 31E
Bookkeeper I to Bookkeeper II 10E _to 12E
Engineering Aid II to III 20E to 22E
Civil Eng II to Lisc. Surveyor 32E to 33E
Main. Man II to Traffic
Control Tech 20E to 22E
Secretary to Admin. Secretary 1OC/D to 12C/D
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Accountant I to Accounting Spec. 11D/E to 15D/f;
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Planning Director 40E to-42E
Assistant Planner to Assoc.
Planner 30D/E to 34D/E
ELLIOTT MOVED that the above changes be made effective
January 1, 1974, Just seconded, motion carried.
PERSONNEL
A letter was read from James T. Hughes, Regional Director,
U.S. Department of Labor, expressing appreciation to the
City for their help and cooperation in Labor Department
programs during the year 1973. MASTERS MOVED to accept
the letter and for it to be made a part of the record,
Just seconded, motion carried.
NOISE
It was noted that a letter had been received from the
CONTROL
Institute of Governmental Research pointing out that
the Seattle City Council Public Hearing on Noise Con-
trol would be carried on KCTS, Channel 9, Television
on Monday, January 7, 1974, beginning at 8 p.m.
FINANCE
Bonds - LID 262 and LID 274. It was noted that letters
of certification of the amounts of the unpaid assessments
on LID 262 and LID 274 from the City Treasurer had been
received. ELLIOTT MOVED to accept and record the letters,
Kitto seconded, motion carried.
The Clerk opened proposals for the combined LID 262/274
bond issue in the amount of $139,675.63, as follows:
Wm. P. Harper & Son & Company - 6.60% interest rate
Foster & Marshall, Inc. - 6.20% interest rate
Upon the recommendation of Street, JUST MOVED that the
best bid of Foster & Marshall, Inc. be accepted, Elliott
seconded, motion carried.
COUNCIL It was noted that this is the last official meeting
for Councilmen Elliott and Martell and that Council-
men.Thornton had completed his term on December 3,
1973. Street introduced Resolutions of Commendation
No. 754, No.. 755, and No. 756, honoring retiring
Councilmen Elliott, Thornton and Martell,respectively.
BAFFARO MOVED to approve the Resolutions and for them
to be signed by each Councilmen and Councilmen -Elect,
Just seconded, motion carried.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Marie Jensen
Mayor Hogan City Clerk