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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 11/20/1990 I Ke nt, Washington November 20, 1990 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7: 00 p.m. by Mayor Kelleher. Present: Councilmembers Dowell, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr, White and Woods, City Administrator Chow, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Fire Chief Angelo, Finance Director McCarthy, Parks Director Wilson, Assistant City Administrator Hansen, Personnel Director Olson and City Clerk Jensen. Police Chief Frederiksen was not in attendance. Information Services Director Spang was on vacation. Approximately 80 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC National Bible Week. Mayor Kelleher read a COMMUNICATIONS proclamation declaring the week of November 18 - 25 as the Fiftieth Anniversary of National Bible Week and urging interested citizens to join in its observance by reading the Bible. Recycling Emblem. Mayor Kelleher noted that a contest was held among City employees to design an emblem to be used on all informational material developed by the Solid Waste/Recycling Program. He announced that the winners of the contest are Dan Conroy of the Fire Department and Glen Bearson of Operations, whose designs were merged to produce the emblem unveiled tonight. Conroy and Bearson were each awarded a gift certificate from The Keg Restaurant by Karen Siegel of Public Works Administration. Centennial Birthday Card. Sally Storey, representing the Kent Centennial Committee and Kent "Leo" Midnight Lions, displayed a portion of a Centennial Birthday Card which has been signed by people from all over the world, commemorating Kent's 100th Birthday. She noted that the total card is 10, 353 feet (1.96 miles) in length and will be listed in the Guiness Book of World Records. "Kent - Valley of Opportunity". Mark McKay of the Chamber of Commerce introduced Florence K. Lentz, who has written a book in honor of the Centennial entitled "Kent - Valley of Opportunity" . Ms. Lentz displayed the book and presented a copy to Mayor Kelleher. CONSENT MANN MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through J CALENDAR be approved. Woods seconded and the motion carried. i I November 20, 1990 MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of November 6, 1990. HEALTH AND (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) SANITATION Hawkridge. Acceptance of the bill of sale and warranty agreement submitted by Thomas and Hartrice Drangsholt for continuous operation and maintenance of approximately 755 feet of water main extension; 1,633 feet of sanitary sewer extension; 1,040 feet of street improvements and 1,184 .5 feet of storm sewer improvement constructed in the vicinity of Woodland Way and So. 262nd Street for the Hawkridge Development and release of cash bond after expiration of the one year maintenance period. STREETS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) LID 331 - James Street Improvements. Adoption of Ordinance 2952 confirming the final assessment roll for LID 331, for which a public hearing was concluded on November 6, 1990. TRAFFIC (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D) CONTROL Frager Road Guardrail - Transfer of Funds. As recommended by the Public Works Committee and by IBC, authorization to transfer $35, 000 from the Asphalt Overlay Fund to the Frager Road Guardrail Project. Wickstrom explained that this item has not been discussed by the operations Committee, and that time is of the essence since the bid expires before the next Council meeting. WHITE MOVED that $35,000 be transferred from the Asphalt Overlay Fund to the Frager Road Guardrail Project. Orr seconded and the motion carried. (BIDS - ITEM 5A) Frager Road Guardrail. Bid opening was Nov. 1st with two bids received. The low bid was submitted by Peterson Brothers Inc. in the amount of $68,001.50. Staff recommends that this bid be accepted. WHITE SO MOVED. Woods seconded and the motion carried. SEWERS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Metro Sewer Rate Increase. Adoption of Ordinance 2951 increasing the City sewer rates to incorporate the 1991 Metro Sewer rate increase, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. 2 - November 20, 1990 UTILITIES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) Kensington Avenue Storm Project. Accept as complete the contract with Scoccolo Construction for the Kensington Avenue storm improvement and release of retainage after receipt of the necessary state releases. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) Laser Direct Contract. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a contract renewal with Laser Direct for the service of printing and mailing utility bills, as recommended by the Operations Committee. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) Utility Extension Ordinance. This meeting will consider amending Ordinance 2767 and Ordinance 2696 relating to utility extensions, as recommended by the City Council's Planning Committee. Upon the Mayor's question, Satterstrom stated that this ordinance would put a tighter control on density in unincorporated areas, and that it would require the Planning Department to ascertain whether the development is consistent with Kent's land use planning. White asked whether it is possible for the Council to consider a policy of not extending utilities beyond the city limits, and City Attorney Lubovich agreed to research the question and report back to the Council. Wickstrom pointed out that the city extends only out to approximately 132nd, and that other water and sewer districts serve beyond that area. He noted for Dowell that people who live outside the city boundaries and choose to hook up to the City's system must sign a no protest to annexa- tion agreement. There were no further comments and JOHNSON MOVED to approve the Planning Committee's recommendation to revise Ordinance 2767 and 2696 and to adopt Ordinance 2953 providing for such changes. Houser seconded and the motion carried. SURPLUS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) EQUIPMENT Surplus Equipment. Authorization to declare as surplus, 18 vehicles and offer same for sale at the state auction on December 1, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. HUMAN SERVICES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) CDBG Human Services Funding. Approval of the Planning Committee's recommendation to allocate an additional $3, 145 of public (human) services dollars to the Kent Community Clinic Health Services Project to support their OB/GYN program. - 3 - November 20, 1990 PRELIMINARY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) PLAT Cedar Meadows NO. SU-90-4. Authorization to set December 4, 1990 for a public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation for conditional approval of an application by J&G Industry for a 15 lot single-family residential preliminary subdivision. The property is located on the west side of 116th Avenue S.E. , approximately 100 feet north of S. 229th Street. FINAL PLAT (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Dover Place Final Plat SU-89-2. This meeting will consider the final plat map for Dover Place Final Plat SU-89-2. The property is 7.8 acres in size and is located east of 104th Avenue S.E. and south S.E. 224th. There were no questions or comments and JOHNSON MOVED to approve the Staff's approval for Dover Place Final Plat SU-89-2 with conditions (which was approved January 2, 1990 by the Council) Woods seconded and the motion carried. BUDGET (PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 2A) 1991 Budget - Ordinance. The 1991 Preliminary Budget has been distributed to the Council and has been available to the public since October 16. The first public hearing on the 1991 Budget was held on November 6. Tonight's meeting will be the second public hearing prior to Council adoption scheduled for tonight. The items discussed at the Council Workshop of November 6 are included in the proposed budget ordinance. Finance Director McCarthy noted that the total budget is $64,262,893, which is up over $9,000, 000 from last year, and that it includes $694, 000 in adjustments as discussed at the November 6 work- shop. He noted that the increase of $9, 000, 000 covers contractual and inflationary increases such as labor agreements, insurance, utilities and personnel. He also stated that funding for immunizations for Police and funding the Salmon Enhancement Program for schools are both included in ', the proposed ordinance. McCarthy clarified that purchase of the IOOF building would be a 1990 budget '' adjustment and that it is not in the proposed ordinance for the 1991 budget. McCarthy noted that the proposed ordinance contains a transfer of $300, 000 from the CIP fund reserve to the general fund reserve. He noted that another change in the proposed ordinance is to increase the golf course revenue estimate by $624, 000 to cover budgeted - 4 - i November 20, 1990 BUDGET expenditures including $20, 000 for irrigation under Meeker Street. The Mayor declared the public hearing open. Raul Ramos, 25222 38th Avenue South, spoke against the purchase of the IOOF building, stating that it has historical value and should not be destroyed. Mark McKay, President of the Chamber of Commerce, recommended that the city delay acquisition of the property until the Council has adopted a specific plan for the property, and that purchase funds should be included in the 1991 budget. There were no further comments and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. White seconded and the motion carried. McCarthy reiterated for the Mayor that the 1991 budget does not contain anything on the IOOF hall at this time. WOODS MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance 2950 approving the Mayor's 1991 budget with changes as discussed at the November 6 Council workshop and confirmed at tonight's meeting. White seconded. JOHNSON MOVED to amend the budget by deleting the request to spend an additional $50, 000 from the CIP for the Downtown Mural Program. White seconded. Johnson explained that the budget already contains funds for murals, and that other items have higher priorities. Upon Mann's question, Johnson noted that the higher priority items are listed in the CIP requests, and that his first choice would be to put the money in a reserve fund in the CIP. McCarthy clarified for White that this $50,000 for murals has always been in the CIP fund, and that Johnson is referring to funds previously appropriated. Woods pointed out that the Council has discussed the budget many times and that the Mayor has requested only $98, 000 from this $64,000, 000 budget for items which help fulfill the #2 top priority. She urged the Council to support the Mayor's request. Orr pointed out that there may not be $50, 000 in future budgets for mural projects, and therefore she supports the request. Dowell noted that this is recommended by the Arts Commission and that the Council should support it. The motion to amend the budget to delete the $50, 000 for murals failed, with only Johnson in favor. Woods' motion to adopt Ordinance 2950 approving the Mayor's 1991 budget with the changes as noted carried unanimously. 5 - November 20, 1990 BUDGET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) AMroval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through November 16, 1990 after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting at 2:00 p.m. on November 27, 1990. APPROVAL OF CHECKS ISSUED FOR VOUCHERS: Date Check Numbers Amount 11/2/90-11/14/90 98317-98349 $ 237,063 . 62 11/15/90 98350-98773 $1,834 , 378 .95 $2, 071,442 .57 APPROVAL OF CHECKS ISSUED FOR PAYROLL: Date Check Numbers Amount 11/15/90 143857-144599 $ 845, 572 . 11 FINANCE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) 1991 Property Tax Levy. Finance Director McCarthy noted that figures required to compute the 1991 Property Tax Levy have not yet been provided by the King County Assessor's Office. He also explained that the deadline for submitting the levy to the King County Council has been extended to December 11, 1990. This item will therefore be heard at the Council meeting of December 4. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4F) ADDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DOWELL. Budget Transfer. Dowell noted that the Council has been asked to transfer $2,200 from the unexpended 1990 City of Kent Arts Commission Budget to the Cultural Center Study Fund, as unanimously approved at the October 23 , 1990 Commission meeting. The Cultural Center Study Fund was created to collect public donations solicited by the City of Kent Performing Arts Center Task Force for the purpose of completing a Comprehensive Cultural Plan and Cultural Center Feasibility Study. DOWELL MOVED to approve the transfer. White seconded and the motion carried. PERSONNEL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4E) Department Head Salary Survey. The City retained the Kenny Consulting Group to conduct a department head salary survey. Their findings and final report ' dated October 1990 was submitted to IPC and forwarded to Operations Committee for consideration where it was approved and recommended for adoption. 6 - I November 20, 1990 PERSONNEL Acceptance and implementation of the report will establish new and increased salary ranges (not actual salary levels P for all department he ads at competitive levels according to a market survey. Barney Wilson, Parks Director, showed charts and graphs showing the growth of the Parks and Recreation Department over the years, and objected to the salary ranges recommended by the consultant. The current ranges and those proposed are as follows: ) CURRENT RECOMMENDED Actual 0.825 1.00 1.175 � Benchmark Title Level Minimum Midpoint Maximum Salary Level Minimum Control Point Maximum City Administrator• 1 $4,968 $6,020 $7,072 $5,190 1 $5,462 $6.620 $7,779 ,I City Attorney 2 $3.994 $4,842 $5.689 $5.239 2 $4.430 $5,370 �56,310__ Public Works Dlr 2 $3.994 $4,842 $5.689 $5.681 2 $4.430 $5,370 $6,310 Police Chief 2 $3.994 $4,842 $5,689 $5.342 2 $4,430 $5.370 $6,310 Fire Chief 2 .$3.994 $4,842 $5.689 $5,689 2 $4,430 $5,370 $6,310 Asst City Administra 3 $3,595 $4,357 $5.118 $4,860 2 $4,430 $5,370 $6,310 Parks S Rec.Director 2 $3,994 $4.842 $5,689 $5,188 3\` $4,220 $5,115 $6,010 Finance Director 3 $3,595 $4,357 $5,118 ;5,118 // ;4,220 $5,115 ;6,010 Info Services Dir 3 $3,595 $4,357 $5,118 $5,118 I/4 $3,836 $4.650 $5.464 Planning Director 3 $3,595 $4.357 $5.118 $5,118 } 4 $3,836 $4.650 $5.464 lit Personnel Director 3 $3.595 $4.357 $5,118 $3,918 f!.4 $3,836 $4.650 $.5,464 Wilson stated that his service was long, the department had won awards, and the status of the department should not be changed from a major department to a minor one. He noted further that merit raises for all the other department heads were 4.3% and his was 2%. JOHNSON MOVED that the consultants' findings be accepted with the following modifications: that the City Administrator be at Level I and all the department heads be at Level II, with a minimum of $3836 and a maximum of $6310. White seconded. Personnel Director Olson clarified that Johnson's figures cover the minimum of Level IV through the maximum of Level II. Johnson suggested that the exact amount of department head's salaries should be determined by the Mayor and Administrator. Orr concurred. It was determined that Hansen, Chow and Wilson met with the consultant and the findings are shown on the table shown above. Dowell suggested the order of the levels remain as current, and noted III that the morale of the Parks Department was suffering. White stated that the department heads were neither underpaid nor overpaid and that there must be a limit and it was not the function of the Council to set actual salaries. Dowell suggested -7- I I November 20, 1990 PERSONNEL that the salary levels be left as is. Upon Mann's question, Chow determined that three department heads are currently at the top of their range now and therefore not at normal market level. Bill Doolittle spoke from the audience, noting that Wilson headed an award winning department and his salary should not be downgraded. Houser noted that it is impractical to leave the situation as is. Mann offered a substitute motion: to move the Parks Director and the Finance Director from Level III to Level II and those at Level IV to be changed to Level III. White seconded. Mann clarified that he was referring to the list as recommended by the consultant and his motion would provide for Level IV to be eliminated, and the three Level IV classifica- tions become Level III, making seven at Level II, including Parks and Finance. Johnson noted that department heads could not be replaced at the lower level salary range and Orr suggested that new department heads could be promoted from within. Woods noted that the Council was uncomfortable in setting salaries and agreed with White that Kent's salaries were good. She noted that personnel were efficient and deserving. Johnson noted that in departments where unions exist, department heads are sometimes making less salary than subordinates. The vote was taken on whether to substitute Mann's motion for Johnson's. The motion to substitute carried with Houser, Johnson and Orr voting against it. Mann's motion then passed with Houser, Johnson and Orr voting against it. REPORTS Council President. Woods announced that the Onnual retreat with Lyle Sumek will be held either on January 11 and 12, 1991, or on February 22 and 23, 1991. She asked the Councilmembers to report back as to which date is preferred. Public Works Committee. White announced that at a Public Works Committee meeting recently, a petition was submitted containing 430 names regarding the safety of school children traveling to schools on James Hill. The citizens ask that the Council consider a pedestrian overpass. White stated that staff will look into this and report to Council within 30 days with a number of alternatives to consider. WHITE THEN MOVED that the petition and -8- November 20, 1990 REPORTS two letters be made a part of the record. Woods seconded and the motion carried. Administrative Reports. At the Mayor's request, Assistant City Administrator Hansen noted that the article in the newspaper regarding payment of rent on the Centennial Building was not entirely correct. He noted that rent was paid on the offices while utilities for communications and computers were being installed before the offices were actually occupied. The date for the start of rent payments was determined some 18 months ago by agreement with Sound ventures, as recommended by the City Attorney. EXECUTIVE At 9: 15 p.m. , City Administrator Chow announced that SESSION there would be an executive session of approximately fifteen minutes to discuss litigation matters. ADJOURNMENT The meeting reconvened and adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Marie Je rf, CMC City Clerk -9-