HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 10/03/1977 Kent, Washington
October 3, 1977
Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 8:00 o'clock p.m.
Present: Mayor Hogan, Councilpersons Carey, Johnson, Just, Kitto, Masters,
McCaughan and Storment, City Administrator Street, Planning Director Harris,
Public Works Director Ulett and Finance Director Winkle. City Attorney Mirk was
absent from the meeting. Also present: Planning Commissioner Johnson and URS
representatives Ramsey and Abed. Approximately 40 people were in attendance at
the meeting.
MINUTES
KITTO MOVED to approve the minutes of the Council meeting of September 19, 1977
and the special meeting of September 26, 1977, Just seconded. Motion carried.
HEALTH & SANITATION
Upper Mill Creek Detention Basin. The City Administrator introduced Ordinance
No. 2056 providing for the condemnation and acquisition of certain land in King
County for the purpose of providing for retention and holding ponds as an integral
part of the storm and surface water drainage system of the City of Kent, and pro-
viding for the payment of said land, in connection with the Upper Mill Creek
Dentention Basin. Street noted that a similar ordinance had been passed some
time ago, which provided for payment of the land condemned by the utilization of
Federal Revenue Sharing funds and other City funds. He noted that State law now
refers to the use of "General Funds" for payment for such condemnations and at
the time of the condemnation trial proceedings, the Judge determined that the
previous City of Kent ordinance does not specify usage of the proper funds and
therefore requested that the ordinance be changed. Accordingly, CAREY MOVED for
the adoption of Ordinance No. 2056, Just seconded. Motion carried.
Sewer Service - Cascade Sewer District. A letter has been received from Mr. Roy
Beery who owns property in the vicinity of S.E. 212th Street and 106th Avenue S.E.
outside of Kent but within the Kent sewer franchise area. Mr. Beery has asked
permission to obtain sewer service from Cascade Sewer District which has sewer
lines in the vicinity. In accordance with the recommendation of the Public Works
Committee, JOHNSON MOVED that Lots A, B, and C in the Roy Beery Short Plat at
S.E. 212th Street and 106th S.E. be granted Kent's permission for service from
the Cascade Sewer District, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
STREETS
Railroad Crossing on Smith Street. In response to McCaughan's question, Ulett
noted that there was a possibility that work on the Smith Street crossing would
be held up because of the Christmas traffic. He noted that we still do not have
State approval to close the crossing for the completion of the street project
and at this time it does not appear that work on the street could be started
before the middle of November. Some downtown merchants have opposed such a
plan during the pre-Christmas season. McCaughan noted that t�h ere were no
traffic problems when the stop signs were placed at the crossing and that he
wanted to carefully consider the matter before such a delay was decided upon.
Ulett stated that he would have a report for the Council as soon as approval
was received from the State.
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Burlington-Northern Railroad Co. The City Administrator introduced Ordinance
No. 2054 granting to the Burlington-Northern Railroad Co. the right to construct,
maintain and operate a spur track upon and across 80th Place South and 84th Ave.
So. (East Valley Highway) . JUST MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance No. 2054,
Carey seconded. Motion carried.
West Valley Highway. The City Administrator introduced Ordinance No. 2055,
repealing a portion of Ordinance No. 1491, to remove the existing time restric-
tion for the franchise granted by said Ordinance No. 1491 for the rail crossing
of West Valley Highway. CAREY MOVED that Ordinance No. 2055 be adopted, Just
seconded. Motion carried.
TRAFFIC CONTROL
Lazzarini Complaint. A letter was read from George and Hazel Lazzarini regard-
ing their recent complaints about the driveway situation on their James Street
property and the City's response to the problem. MASTERS MOVED that the letter
be accepted and referred to the Public Works Committee, Just seconded. Mayor
Hogan noted that there were several inaccurate statements in the letter and
Street stated that Mr. Lazzarini had declined an invitation to attend the Council
meeting. Kitto noted that he would vote against referring the matter back to the
Public Works Committee since he felt the matter had been discussed thoroughly
already. Motion failed, with Johnson, Just, Kitto and McCaughan voting against.
MASTERS MOVED to accept the letter for the record, Kitto seconded. Motion carried.
Meeker Street Parking. A letter was read from the Kent Development Association
noting that its Board members had voted to continue for another year's trial
basis the Meeker Street angle parking arrangement. The letter noted that the
angle parking arrangement was paid for 50o by the adjacent property owners and
50% by the City and that the KDA membership would like to see the remaining
landscaped islands installed and maintained by the City. MASTERS MOVED that
the letter be accepted and referred to the Public Works Committee, Storment
seconded. Mayor Hogan noted that she had received some telephone calls in favor
of returning to parallel parking on Meeker Street. Motion carried.
STREETS
Variable Gas Tax. Mayor Hogan noted that Initiative 348, scheduled for the Novem-
ber ballot, would repeal the variable gas tax and that groups were being formed
to oppose the measure. She introduced Resolution No. 831 urging citizens to
vote against Initiative 348 and noted the effect that repeal of the variable
gas tax will have on the street and highway system within the City. In response
to McCaughan's question, she noted that the City Attorney had determined that
passage of a Resolution urging citizens to vote "No" on Initiative 348 was approp-
riate. Street stated that loss of the variable gas tax will have a great effect
on the City's budget for maintenance and operation costs for streets, as well as
the arterial street program. Just concurred. MASTERS MOVED for the adoption of
Resolution No. 831, Just seconded. Motion carried.
WATER
W.D. 111/Kent Joint 124th Ave. S.E. Water Reservoir Project. Bids on the construc-
tion of the 3.5 million gallon water reservoir on 124th Avenue S.E. were opened
on September 30. Two bids were received on Schedule A for construction of the
reservoir as follows:
Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. $537,310.00
Pittsburg-Des Moines Steel Co. 545,955.00
Four bids were received on Schedule B for the fittings for the reservoir as follows:
DiOrio Construction $ 56,400.00
Paul Snyder Construction 74,802.80
Bert Robison Construction 84,059.00
Sheldrup Construction 98,670.00
It was noted that a letter was received today from DiOrio Construction declaring
an error in their bid in Item 10 of Schedule B of the project.
Upon the recommendation of the City Administrator, MASTERS MOVED that the best bid
for Schedule A of Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. be submitted for approval by the Depart-
ment of Social & Health Services and the Directors of Water District No. 111, and
that the bid for Schedule B be held over for two weeks so it can be checked out to
see if there is an error in item 10. Carey seconded. Street noted that the City
could not negotiate with the apparent low bidder and that if there is an error,
the bids will have to be rejected and a recall issued. In response to Just's
question, it was determined that the engineer's estimate was $538,000. Motion
carried. Street noted that a report would be made at the next Council meeting
regarding Schedule B.
Andreola Easement. It was noted that it is necessary for the City to obtain a
water line easement across the Ildo Andreola property near S.E. 244th Street and
100th Avenue S.E. outside of Kent. Mr. Andreola has asked for assurance of future
water availability for the property. The Public Works Committee recommends approval,
subject to the terms and conditions of Resolution 822 for outside water service,
and the payment "in lieu of assessment" amount. KITTO MOVED that the Andreola
property be granted water service after the main is constructed and subject to
the stated provisions, Storment seconded. Motion carried.
Roland Water Service Request. It was noted that Frank Roland owns property at
24850 - 116th Ave. S.E. outside the City limits of Kent and has requested water
service for his property. The Public Works Committee recommends approval subject
to the provisions of Resolution 822 governing outside water service policy of
the City of Kent and the payment of the "in lieu of assessment amount. CAREY
MOVED that the request of Mr. Roland for water service be granted, subject to the
stated provisions, McCaughan seconded. Motion carried.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Safety. A letter was read from John F. Troutman commending the Fire Depart-
ment for its Fire Safety Program. MASTERS MOVED that the letter be accepted and
made a part of the record, Just seconded. Motion carried.
Cascade Testing Laboratory. A letter was read from Walter E. Nolan, Jr. , Labora-
tory Manager, commending the Fire Department Aid Unit and Paramedic personnel
for their assistance in the aid of one of Cascade's employees recently involved
in a train-truck accident in the City of Kent. MASTERS MOVED that the letter be
made a part of the record, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
Russell Road Park. At the September 26, 1977 IAC meeting, the Committee approved
funding in the amount of $375,000 for the Russell Road Park Project. Although
this is a reduction of the City's original application, it will allow for comple-
tion of a much needed and usable facility at Russell Road Park. The funding break-
down is as follows:
L.W.C.F. $312,500
Referendum 28 62,500
King County 100,000
Kent Forward Thrust 55,000
Kent Matching Funds 95,000
TOTAL $625,000
It was noted that a motion to approve the signing of the project agreement will
be on the Council agenda when the agreement is received from IAC.
KENT COMMONS
EDA Grants. Official notification has now been received for an EDA grant in the
amount of $812,000 and an EDA grant in the amount of $1,250,000 for construction
of the Kent Commons. McCAUGHAN MOVED that the EDA grant in the amount of $812,000
be accepted, Just seconded. At Storment's request, the Clerk read his prepared
statement, expressing his views on the Kent Commons project and his objections
to the use of the grant monies for this project instead of for other projects
such as streets, sewers and other improvements in the City. Motion to accept
the grant carried, with Storment and Masters voting nay. JUST MOVED that the
EDA grant in the amount of $1,250,000 be accepted, Johnson seconded. Motion
carried, with Masters and Storment voting nay.
Street noted that upon acceptance of the grants, it is now necessary to complete
negotiations with the architect and a proposal from Bower & Nyberg has been
requested. Street referred specifically to three items:
1) With the addition of Phase 2, it is necessary to change the location of the
parking lot which was designed to serve Phase 1, so that it will serve both
phases of the project. He noted that the west wall of the building will not
be finished and that the amount of asphalt and curbing would be changed
because of the simple redesign of the parking lot by the architect. He
pointed out that this item must be taken care of immediately.
2) It is necessary to continue with the soils investigation for Phase 2 so that
the project can get underway within the 90 day period specified.
3) A Change Order has been submitted by the R.W. Huff Construction Co. , Inc. in
connection with Phase 1 of the project, covering the cost for changing 32
rotary cut red oak doors to plain sawn red oak doors, at an additional cost
of $924. Bower recommends that this be approved.
Regarding the parking lot, it was determined that this was merely a matter of
switching the lot from the west side of the structure to the north side. In re-
sponse to Just's question, Bower stated that he had not estimated the cost of this
item as he was not clear whether this was an item to be covered under Phase I con-
struction costs or as a Phase 2 cost item. He suggested that it might be con-
sidered a Phase 2 cost and would therefore be paid as part of the overall design
cost for Phase 2. He noted that his firm has started to prepare a design con-
tract for Phase 2 but it is not completed. Mayor Hogan opined that since the
parking lot was being moved from one place to another, it would be a cost charged
against Phase 1 of the project. Bower suggested that the work would be done on
an hourly basis but offered no estimate of how long the redesign work would
require. Street asked that a report of the estimated cost be made to the Finance
Committee at their next meeting.
Referring to item 2, the soils investigation matter, Street noted that Paul
Weber, Soils Investigator, who did the work for Phase 1, will do the same work
for Phase 2 with a guaranty that the cost would not exceed $1,500. Upon his
recommendation, JUST MOVED to so authorize Weber, Carey seconded. Motion carried,
with Masters voting nay.
Referring to item 3, the Change Order for the doors, Bower determined for Just
that the specs called for rotary cut doors and he acknowledged that this was
an oversight on the part of the architect, and that he recommended the plain
sawn doors for aesthetic reasons. McCAUGHAN MOVED to approve the requested
Change Order in the amount of $924.00, Johnson seconded. In response to McCaughan' s
question, Street noted that if this Change Order request was granted, it would
mean that a total of $1,864.50 had been spent of the $19,000 Contingency Fund,
or less than 10% with construction approximately 30% complete. Responding to
McCaughan's further question, Bower noted that there would probably be some
small change orders in the future. On a roll call vote, the motion to approve
the Change Order FAILED, with Carey, Just, Storment and Masters voting nay.
Bower noted that he had anticipated that his firm would be authorized to begin
whatever work is required to start Phase 2. Street stated that the Council had
expected Bower to present cost figures. Bower noted that he expected to have
the contract ready for Phase 2 within the next few days. Upon Street's question,
Bower clarified that they could proceed on an hourly basis, which costs would
then be absorbed in the agreed upon contract for Phase 2. It was determined
that hopefully the EDA grants could be combined into one project and Bower noted
that this could make a considerable difference in the architects's fees and
that his firm's proposal could not be made until this had been clarified.
Mayor Hogan noted that she had been attempting to contact Mark Smith in the
EDA office to see if the two grants could be combined into one project. She
suggested that this could be made a workshop item, with a final report to be
made at the next Council meeting. In response to McCaughan's question, Mayor
Hogan noted that the City has an arrangement with the Bank for a letter of
credit for the grant monies. The money is never actually sent to the City,
but when funds are requested the Bank submits its request to EDA to cover those
amounts which the City has expended.
Street noted that Paul Weber would be instructed to begin the work on the soils
investigation for Phase 2 and that Bower would be expected to expedite the re-
design of the parking lot. It was determined that it would be necessary to get
some response from EDA regarding the combining of the two projects, and that if
a combination of the grants was not possible, there would be a difference in
Bower's fee, as this would necessarily entail more work for his firm. It was
also determined for Bower that as soon as his estimate was received on this item
work could begin on the parking area. Mayor Hogan questioned whether Street had
the authority to approve change orders without Council approval and Street noted
that he had not for an item such as this.
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joint Projects. Mayor Hogan noted that word has been received that the Kent
Commons Coordinator requested under Housing & Community Development Joint Projects
funding has been approved as part of the 1978 Block Grant Program in the amount
of $20,000 for 1978 and $20,000 for 1979 and also that $30,220 had been approved
for the Kent Valley Youth Services Counseling Services for one year beginning in
July of 1978. Street clarified that the Kent Valley Youth Services funding
period was from April to April.
BUSINESS LICENSES
Revocation. A public hearing is scheduled for this meeting to consider revocation
of the business license of Home Index. The City Administrator noted that a memo
had been received from Mirk stating that he had received some new information
from the Attorney General's office last Thursday and both he and the attorney
for Home Index request that the hearing be continued to October 17. STORMENT
SO MOVED, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
Peter Mort of Home Seekers asked that the Council give consideration to suggesting
to the State that some regulations be established for the operation of rental
agency businesses. He noted that only Seattle and Pierce County now have such
regulations. He further noted that without specific guidelines it is difficult
to regulate the operation of such businesses. In response to Mayor Hogan's
question, Mort noted that he owned one such business and had seven branch offices.
He noted that his organization is the only one in the State of Washington in favor
of some type of regulation within the industry itself to protect the consumer.
Mayor Hogan suggested that Mr. Mort submit written suggestions so that the matter
could then be discussed at a workshop.
FINAL PLAT
Cambridge East, Division #2. The public hearing on the final plat of Cambridge
East, Division #2, is scheduled for this meeting. Street noted that the Planning
Director and Public Works Director have not signed the plat as yet and upon his
recommendation, CAREY MOVED that the hearing be continued to October 17, 1977,
Kitto seconded. Motion carried.
CLAIMS
Robert Joseph George. A letter was read by the Clerk from Robert Joseph George
explaining the circumstances of Mr. George's alleged claim against the City for
false arrest. The City Attorney has reviewed the claim and the letter, and upon
his recommendation, McCAUGHAN MOVED that the claim of Robert J. George be denied,
Carey seconded. Motion carried.
REZONES
Dean. Street noted that the Planning Department had received a call from a repre-
sentative of the Dean Development Co. noting that they were unable to resolve
their problems regarding financing at this time. Upon Street's suggestion,
JUST MOVED that the hearing be closed and that the Dean rezone be denied without
prejudice, Johnson seconded. Motion carried.
Hurlow. Ordinance No. 2053 rezoning certain property known as the Hurlow Rezone
from "0" (Professional and Office District) to "CC" (Community Commercial) was
introduced by the City Administrator. McCAUGHAN MOVED for the adoption of Ordi-
nance No. 2053, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
ANNEXATIONS
Williamson. The City Administrator introduced Ordinance No. 2051 annexing to
the City of Kent that certain area known as the Williamson Annexation area.
McCAUGHAN MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance No. 2051, Carey seconded. Motion
carried.
Wilson Island. It was noted that the appeal hearing to the Boundary Review Board
on the Wilson Island Annexation has been completed and the committee voted unani-
mously to approve the annexation. Official vote by the entire Boundary Review
Board will occur later this month but it is deemed proper for the Council to con-
clude its hearing on the annexation. Harris pointed out the location of the pro-
posed annexation on the map, which area encompasses approximately 21.8 acres lying
between 36th Avenue S. and 43rd Avenue S. and between S. 242nd Street and S. 238th
Street. It was noted that on August 1, the public hearing was continued to this
meeting. The continued hearing was opened by the Mayor. The Clerk read a letter
dated June 20, 1977 from the Seattle/King County Department of Public Health ad-
dressed to Mrs. Robert J. Hansen, owner of property in the area. The letter ad-
vised Mrs. Hansen that effluent from the sewage disposal system was being dis-
charged on the surface of the ground and that the matter would have to be taken
care of within 30 days. A copy of Mrs. Hansen's response was also read, pointing
out that attempts had been made on her part since 1957 not only to draw attention
to the septic tank drainage problem in her area but to seek a sewer system for
the entire area. Mrs. Hansen noted also in this letter that it was hoped that
the area would be soon annexed to the City and that the needed sewer system
would be forthcoming. STORMENT MOVED to accept the letters, Carey seconded.
Motion carried.
There were no further comments and KITTO MOVED that the hearings be closed,
Carey seconded. Motion carried.
MASTERS MOVED that upon receipt of Boundary Review Board approval, the City
Attorney prepare an ordinance approving the annexation, Carey seconded. Motion
carried.
ANNEXATIONS ZONING
Blecker's Island Annexation. On August 23, 1977, the Planning Commission held a
public hearing on the initial zoning for the Blecker's Island Annexation which
encompasses approximately 8.11 acres lying along 42nd Avenue South and 43rd
Avenue South, southwesterly of the Kent-Des Moines Road. It is the Planning
Commission's recommendation that this area be zoned R1-12, Single Family Resi-
dential, with 12,000 square foot minimum lot size. The first public hearing
by the Council is scheduled for this meeting and was opened by the Mayor.
Planning Director Harris pointed out the location of the annexation on the
map and noted that under the present County zoning the lots are 15,000 minimum
square feet in size. He noted that some of the existing lots were only 9,600
square feet and that those held in common ownership would have to be combined
in groups to attain the 12,000 minimum square foot lot size. He also referred
to the approximate 20% slope on the side of the hill. A.J. Finch addressed the
Council, noting that he represented the Blecker family and also was owner of a
portion of the property under discussion. He noted that his property was pre-
sently zoned for a minimum lot size of 9.600 square feet. Harris noted that
the 12,000 square foot requirement was a reduction from the present County
15,000 square foot requirement and one that the Planning Commission felt justi-
fied. He noted for Mr. Finch that some of the lots would have to be combined.
Mr. Finch pointed out that under the terms of the original plat a restriction
existed that the property cannot be replatted. He also noted that the road
has already been built and blacktopped in April. Harris noted for Mr. Finch
that by being annexed to the City, the property would be zoned under Kent's
Code. Mary Finch noted that she was the daughter of the Bleckers and that the
property in question was not held in common ownership; that she and her husband
owned Lots 1 and 2, that Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6 were owned by her father, Lot 7 was
owned by her brother, and Lots 9 and 10 were owned by Mr. Potts. She opined
that it would be difficult, therefore, to combine lots to make the 12,000
square foot minimum.
Responding to Kitto's question, Harris noted that the reason for zoning the lots
12,000 minimum square foot size was because it was felt that this was a reason-
able compromise from the present zoning of the County of 15,000 square feet. He
opined that the County zoning was based on the slope of the land. Harris noted
that the final zoning of the annexation area would not be completed until the
November 7th hearing and determined for McCaughan that the question of the lot
size and restrictions of the original plat could be clarified by then. Mrs.
Finch noted that Mr. Potts' application for a building permit from the County
for Lot 9 which is 9,600 square feet was approved. Mr. Hofer noted that he
lives in a developed area next to the undeveloped area in question and was of
the opinion that the minimum lot size should stay at 15,000, the present County
designation.
The Clerk read a letter from the State Highway Department noting that the pro-
perty to be annexed and zoned abuts SR 516, a limited access facility, and that
the State Highway Department would therefore not allow any ingress and egress
from the Kent-Des Moines Road (SR 516) . JOHNSON MOVED that the letter be
accepted, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
Masters commented regarding the statement by Mrs. Finch that the County had
granted a building permit to Mr. Potts on his 9,600 square foot lot and upon
Masters' question, Mrs. Finch clarified that this was done about a year ago,
although Mr. Potts has not as yet begun construction. Masters also questioned
access to the area and Harris described the cul de sac. McCaughan questioned
whether the City had any requirements as to minimum lot size on hillside develop-
ments and Harris noted that the only requirement was that the lot would have to
be workable so it would not be necessary to come back to the City for variance
before building. He noted that it was possible to build on a lot with a 20%
slope if the lot was deep enough. Masters questioned whether the soil density
for lots having a 20% slope could support construction with 9,600 square foot
minimum lot size and Harris noted that he was not certain but there was some
problem with soil density further down. He noted that the soil was more stable
further up the hillside.
There were no further comments and JUST MOVED that the hearing be continued to
November 7, 1977, Carey seconded. It was suggested that the questions raised
at this meeting be answered at that time. Motion carried.
Franks Annexation. On July 26, 1977, the Planning Commission held a public hear-
ing on the initial zoning for the Franks Annexation which encompasses 4.84 acres
lying between 94th Avenue S. and 96th Avenue S. , south of S. 241st Street. It
is the recommendation of the Planning Commission that this area be zoned R1-7.2,
Single Family Residential with 7,200 square foot minimum lot size. Planning
Director Harris pointed out the location on the map, noting that the property
lies just south of James Street and west of the East Hill Elementary School.
The first public hearing on the proposed zoning was opened by the Mayor. Helen
Pirkl questioned how many homes could be constructed in the area and Harris noted
that with the zoning recommended it would be possible to construct 5 or 6 homes
per acre, or approximately 25 - 30 homes for the entire development. Claudia
Otey referred to the present half street already existing in the area and ques-
tioned whether this would happen again. Harris noted that the N. 1/2 of S. 241st
has been deeded to the City and that he assumed that the south half would also
be dedicated at the time of development of this area. Mrs. Otey noted that this
was to have been done in the past but that the developer had short platted the
area and that the requirement for completing the street was not part of the pro-
cess of short platting. Street concurred that this was a valid point and suggested
that the matter of completion of the streets in question should be reported to
the Planning Commission.
Harris determined for McCaughan that the zoning to the north was 7,200 square
foot minimum lot size and to the west the property was zoned for duplexes. He
noted that a portion of the area is still within the County, and determined that
the zoning requirement of the County was 9,600 square feet minimum lot size for
property with septic tanks and 7,200 square feet for lots with sewers. Upon
Johnson's question about half streets, Harris determined that the Short Plat
Committee generally attempts to get such rights of way and improvements. Street
10
noted that setbacks had been required when the houses were built to allow for
the completion of the half street and Mrs. Otey concurred. She noted, however,
that ingress and egress to the driveways would be difficult upon the completion
of the existing half street.
There was no correspondence and no further comments and JUST MOVED that the hear-
ing be continued to November 7, 1977, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
Williamson Annexation. The City Administrator introduced Ordinance No. 2052
zoning the Williamson annexation area R1-7.2 (Single Family Residential Zoning
District with 7,200 square foot minimum lot size) . JUST MOVED that Ordinance
No. 2052 be adopted, Storment seconded. Motion carried.
Wilson Island Annexation. The second public hearing on the zoning of the Wilson
Island annexation was, on August 1, continued to this meeting. It was noted
that the first hearing was held on June 20, 1977. The hearing was opened by
Mayor Hogan. Harris noted again the location of the 21.8 acres and pointed out
that the recommendation of the Planning Commission was that the properties
lying north of S. 239th Street (Lots 1 through 7, Suburban View Addition;
Lots 1 through 7, Valley Vista No. 2 Addition; and Tax Lots 111, 114, 116 and
121 of Section 15, Township 22 N. , Range 4 EWM, ) be zoned R1-12, 12,000 square
foot minimum lot size, Single Family Residential; and that the remainder of the
properties be zoned R1-9.6, 9,600 square foot minimum lot size. Harris noted
that a peculiar situation occurs on 41st Avenue S. in that the property owners
have an additional lot in the back, behind their houses. These lots are land-
locked and the only means of development would be by acquiring an easement. He
noted that the front lots in most cases were large lots containing 18,000 -
20,000 square feet and that the rear lots were from 6,400 to 8,000 square feet,
so that if property lines were adjusted by the owners there might be enough
square footage to allow building on the rear lot, with approval of the Board
of Adjustment. Johnson opined that the deeds for the front lots contained a
covenant which prohibited the property owners from subdividing the land. Harris
noted that if the deeds contained such a covenant, it would be a problem which
the landowners would have to resolve and if they were successful, they could
then appeal to the Board of Adjustment for approval to build on the rear lots.
Responding to McCaughan's question, he noted that the tax lots referred to were
part of the annexation area. At McCaughan's request, Harris read a legal opinion
from the City Attorney regarding City of Kent and King County provisions for non-
conforming lots of record. The memo referred to Section 6.10.7 of the Kent City
Code which states in part:
"A single family dwelling and customary accessory buildings may be erected on
any single lot of record at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this
Code, notwithstanding limitations imposed by other provision of the Code."
The memo further stated that the Code goes on to say that such lots must be in
separate ownership and not of continuous frontage with other lots in the same
ownership, and that the Code provided that the Board of Adjustment does have
authority to consider lots that are in common ownership and common frontage and
presumably could authorize erection of single family dwellings in those cir-
cumstances. The opinion went on to say that the basic provisions of the appli-
cable County Code, Section 21.48.240(2) state that the owner of a single sub-
standard lot who does not own adjacent vacant property may erect a single
family residence on such substandard lot provided that use is permitted in the
area. In closing, the memo stated the application of applicable regulations
to the Wilson Island Annexation, as follows:
1) Under King County regulations
If lots 4, 5, 6 and 7 are not vacant, then tax lots 111, 114, 116 and
121 could be built upon. If lots 4, 5, 6 and 7 are vacant, then tax
lots 111, 114, 116 and 121 could not be built upon.
2) Under City regulations
If lots 4/111; 5/114; 6/117 and 7/121 are in common ownership they cannot
be built upon except by Board of Adjustment approval.
If there is not common ownership then lots 111, 114, 116 and 121 could be
built upon without Board of Adjustment approval.
JUST MOVED that the memo be accepted and made a part of the record, McCaughan
seconded. Motion carried.
Tim Smith of 23806 41st Avenue S. noted that he was the owner of one of the
lots in question and asked whether the lot could be built on at the present
time. It was determined that under County rules and regulations it could be
built upon. Harris pointed out that if annexed to the City, the property would
come under the City rules and regulations. Smith questioned whether this would
change the existing deed restriction and it was determined that it would not,
that the covenant ran with the land and the Board of Adjustment could not give
a lot line adjustment unless the owners resolved the deed restriction. Harris
determined for McCaughan that in order to allow construction, lot line adjust-
ments would have to be made to meet the minimum lot size set by the proposed
zoning. He determined for McCaughan further that combining two lots would be
relatively easy for this property to allow construction of two dwellings under
the proposed zoning requirements.
A letter was read from Larry Wilson regarding his property, consisting of Lot
7, Block 1, of Suburban View Addition, containing 20,000 square feet and upon
which his residence is located, and the rear lot, tax lot 121, containing 8,000
square feet. He noted that the rear lots were not part of the Suburban View
Addition and therefore requested that they be zoned 7,200 square feet rather than
12,000 square feet as proposed for the Suburban View lots. He noted also that
when the sewers were put in he would be assessed for two lots and felt that by
allowing 7,200 square foot minimum lot size zoning for tax lot 121, it would
be possible for him to construct an additional dwelling if he so desired.
JOHNSON MOVED to accept the letter, Carey seconded. Motion carried.
Larry Wilson stated that he was told by the City that since his two lots totalled
more than 28,000 square feet, a zoning of 12,000 square feet would give them more
than enough for two building sites, but that the City Attorney has now advised
that this is not true because of the deed restrictions. It was determined for
Johnson that all lots in the Suburban View Addition contained the same deed
restriction. Wilson pointed out that he was not attempting to break the cove-
nant contained in the deed but merely seeking a means to allow the tax lot to
be zoned 7,200 square foot minimum lot sise so that it could be used for a
building site. He noted that he was aware that it was not possible to go below
the 7,200 minimum lot size requirement of the City. Street noted that the one
6,400 square foot lot does not fall within any of the City's zoning categories.
Street noted also that it would be necessary to acquire right of way to the rear
lots and he determined for Johnson that acquisition of an easement for right of
way purposes would not diminish the size of the lot but merely provide access.
Tim Smith indicated that he personally wished the zoning to remain as it now is,
and pointed out that he owned Lot 5, and preferred the 12,000 minimum square
foot lot size and he would not use his back lot. Harris opined that allowing
7,200 square foot lots would be spot zoning because the lots in front would be
zoned 9,600 square feet or 12,000 square feet. Masters stated that it was her
opinion from the correspondence and discussion that had taken place that the
property owners were content with the lots as they now are. She noted that
people in the area who owned two pieces of property were concerned because of
taxes and the possibility of paying two assessments on the sewer line to be
installed and questioned if the Council could give some guaranty to the pro-
perty owners regarding the assessments if there was only one residence. Bert
Hause noted that he owned Lot 6 next to the Wilson property and would like to
build on his back lot since they have been paying taxes on this property for
many years.
Wilson opined that the zoning he was requesting would not hurt anyone since his
property was fairly level and any residences that would be built would not be
visible to those people living below the ridge. He also stated that he was not
asking for any guaranty from the Council that they would not be assessed extra
when the sewers are installed.
Mr. Hofer noted that his lot is 15,000 square feet and that he wished to maintain
this zoning and noted that he was also speaking for two other neighboring property
owners. Hofer referred to a drainage problem caused by springs in the hillside
area, which problem would be compounded if additional homes were built above him.
McCaughan concurred with Masters regarding some guaranty about the sewer assess-
ments for those who owned two lots with only one home. Ulett determined that
the Public Works Department makes an estimate of the probable assessments and the
Council then makes the final determination as to what method will be used.
Masters opined that even if the zoning were to be changed, the Board of Adjustment
could not grant a variance because of the deed restrictions. Just noted that the
situation of smaller lots at the rear of existing residences occurred in other
places in the area and that the same question would arise in future annexations
of Island properties, so that action on this zoning would set a precedent for
the entire area. Kitto agreed with Just and felt that the 7,200 square foot
lot size requested by Wilson would be spot zoning. McCaughan stated that he
felt the Public Works Department should be asked to base the sewer assessment
on a lot basis rather than a square footage basis. Mayor Hogan noted that this
was a matter to be considered at the time the sewer project was discussed. There
were no further comments and JOHNSON MOVED that the hearing be closed, Carey
seconded. Motion carried.
JUST MOVED that the attorney be directed to prepare an ordinance adopting the
zoning as recommended by the Planning Commission, Kitto seconded. Motion
carried.
BUDGET
Anti-Recessional Fiscal Assistance. The City recently received notification that
an additional $76, 358 would, by formula, be distributed to the City of Kent in
1977. In accordance with the 1977 budget policy, it is requested that the addi-
tional revenue be utilized solely for payment of the City's share of the King
County Library Service Contract in 1977 and 1978. This action is consistent
with the utilization of past anti-recessionary revenues. Accordingly, MASTERS
MOVED that the 1977 Library Budget be amended to include the increased revenue
from the Anti-Recessionary Fiscal Assistance Act, which funds are to be expended
solely to pay toward the King County/City of Kent Service Contract for the
Library costs during 1977 and 1978, Carey seconded. In response to Just's ques-
tion, Winkle noted that these funds are a form of revenue sharing monies which
must be utilized for maintenance and operating costs only. He pointed out that
the Library maintenance contract was one which could be identified under this
category and which qualified for this type of funding. He noted that money pre-
viously budgeted for this item from City funds could now be used for other pro-
jects during 1978. Motion carried.
FINANCE
KITTO MOVED that the bills received on or before October 5, 1977, and approved
by the Finance Committee at its meeting to be held at 8:00 a.m. on October 14,
1977 be paid. Carey seconded. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL
Belknap Glass Co. The Clerk read a letter addressed to Mayor Hogan from the
Belknap Glass Co. which will soon be moving to Kent, expressing appreciation
of the City Council's action concerning the growth of industry taking place
in the Kent area.
Mayor Hogan asked the Council to consider, either in open meeting or in execu-
tive session, the contents of a flyer entitled "The Storment Report. " Just
objected to an executive session since the City Attorney was absent. The Mayor
opined that distribution of such a flyer was inappropriate because some of the
information contained therein was inaccurate. Masters called for a point of
order and stated that it was inappropriate to bring this personal issue before
the Council, and that she was unwilling to discuss the matter. The Mayor
relinquished the Chair to Mayor Pro Tem Just and Storment stated that he would
not discuss the matter at an open Council meeting but would discuss it with
Mayor Hogan in her office if she was willing. McCAUGHAN MOVED for adjournment
Just seconded. Motion carried.
FINANCE
Claims approved by the Finance Committee at its meeting of September 30, 1977
are as follows:
Current Expense $ 49,678.70
Parks & Recreation 7,995.42
Library 1,402.86
City Streets 43,852.50
Federal Shared Revenue 17,243.01
Kent Commons Construction 339.75
Smith - Central to 4th 6,000.00
104th Ave. St. Improvement 26,067.38
116th Ave. Trans. Main 2,030.00
Equipment Rental 10,110.14
Housing & Community Devlpmnt 60.00
Arts Commission 125.75
Firemans Relief & Pension 131.53
Leoff Disability 1,461.04
Sewer 5,895.77
Water 29,575.53
Garbage 42,528.57
$244,497.95
Interest Bearing Warrants
104th Ave. Street Improvement
Pacific Paving $ 28,115.15
First American Title Co. 68.36
$ 28,183.51
MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marie Jen en, CMC
City Clerk