Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 07/02/1991 I i i Kent, Washington July 2 , 1991 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor Kelleher. Present: Councilmembers Dowell, Houser, Mann, Johnson, Orr, Woods and White, City Administrator Chow, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Manager Satterstrom, Pub- lic Works Director Wickstrom, Police Captain Jim Miller, Fire Chief Angelo, Information Services Director Spang, Personnel Director Olson, Finance Director McCarthy and Assistant City Administrator Hansen. Police Chief Crawford, Planning Director Harris and Parks Director Wilson were not in attendance. Approx- imately 25 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC In response to a question from the audience, COMMUNICATION Planning Manager Satterstrom said that the jresolution presented to the Council at the June 18 meeting regarding the Soos Creek Plan has gone to the Council Planning Committee and will be brought back to Council on July 16 . He noted that the Planning Committee has recommended adoption of the resolution. Employee of the Month. Mayor Kelleher announced that John Hillman of the Finance Department has been selected as Employee of the Month for July. Hillman is the Reporting Financial Supervisor in the Accounting Division, and is known for his positive attitude and hard work. Finance Director McCarthy pointed out that Hillman participated in the Municipal Games sponsored by the City' s Well- ness Committee, and earned first place in the Finance Department. He commended Hillman on his attitude and abilities. South King Council of Human Services Awards. Rev. Mary Eckfeldt presented the Human Services Award to Council President Judy Woods in appreciation for pioneering the Cold Weather Emergency Shelter. He noted that in the first quarter over 200 home- less individuals were housed on evenings when the temperature went below 35 degrees. He commended the Council on their leadership. i Rev. Eckfeldt then presented Lin Ball, Senior Planner, with the South King Council of Human Services Award For Involvement in South King County Social and Health Services By A Government Organization. He noted that Ms. Ball has been involved with the Human Services Commission since 1986 when the Council appointed a committee to 1 i i July 2 , 1991 PUBLIC look at the role of human services in the City of COMMUNICATION Kent and develop policies. He noted that she has also worked with the Human Services Roundtable and commended her for her many hours of work. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of June 18 , 1991. CONSENT JOHNSON MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A CALENDAR through J be approved, including the revision on the 277th Water Main agreement, Item 3G. Woods seconded and the motion carried. WATER (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) 277th Water Main Agreement with Auburn. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an agreement with Auburn to improve the rebuild of the 277th water main in the road improvement project and for Kent to reimburse Auburn for costs inherent to the water main portion, as recommended by the Public Works Committee and IBC. City Attorney Lubovich noted a minor revision to Section 6 on Page 2 of the contract. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Termination of Easement-SR 515 in the vicinity of S.E. 228th Street. AUTHORIZATION for staff to release the easement for a well site on SR 515 in the vicinity of S .E. 228th Street, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. STREETS (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) LID 336. The hearing on the final assessment roll for LID 336 was closed at the Council meeting of June 18 , 1991. Adoption of the ordinance confirm- ing the roll was delayed in order for staff to address the concern of a property owner. Staff recommends that the ordinance confirming the final assessment roll be adopted. WHITE MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance 2986 confirming the final assessment roll for LID 336. Woods seconded and the motion carried. 2 July 2 , 1991 TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) CONTROL Kent/Des Moines Park and Ride Lot. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the TIB Agreement for $1, 020, 000 for the design and expansion of the Kent/Des Moines Park and Ride lot and establish- ment of a budget for said funding and future TIB funding for this project, as recommended to the Public Works Committee. SOLID (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) WASTE Coordinated Prevention Grant. AUTHORIZATION to apply for grant funding from the Department of Ecology to support the solid waste recycling coordinated position and to provide the necessary matching funds in 1992 budget, as recommended by the Public Works Committee and IBC. POLICE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) Remodel of the Library for Police Headquarters. On June 6, 1991 the Public Safety Committee recommended adding $600, 000 to the existing Police Headquarters Remodel budget to be used in remodel- ing the existing library for police headquarters. Assistant City Administrator Hansen noted that this project has been reviewed by the Architect, the Police Department, the Finance Department, and Administration, as well as by the Operations and Public Safety Committees . He noted that if approved at this time, completion would be antici- pated in the fall of 1992 , at which time the space in City Hall could be used for expansion or possibly a municipal court. He noted for White that the contingency fund had been raised from 5% to 10% . MANN MOVED to add $600, 000 to the exist- ing Police Headquarters Remodel project and to remodel the existing library for the police head- quarters. Houser seconded. Upon White ' s question, Hansen clarified that $400, 000 would come from the Capital Improvement Fund and $200, 000 from the Criminal Justice Fund. The motion then carried. MUNICIPAL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) COURT Establishment of a Municipal Court. On June 6, 1991 the Public Safety Committee reviewed the proposal to establish a municipal court and recommended that the matter be delayed for approximately one year for further study. The CORRECTED - REFER TO 3 MINUTES OF -1b- __ July 2 , 1991 MUNICIPAL Operations Committee reviewed the proposal on June COURT 25, 1991, supported the proposal and recommended that the notice to Aukeen District Court required by 7/15/91 be considered at tonight ' s meeting. The Mayor pointed out that this item comes to the Council with conflicting recommendations from the committees. City Attorney Lubovich noted that this has been discussed at two workshops, as well as by the Operations and Public Safety Committees and the Internal Budget Committee. He noted that he has determined that it is much more feasible to operate a court system in City Hall . He explained that money would be saved on rent, utilities, equipment and furnishings. He noted that one of the clerk positions is already being utilized in the Finance Department. He said that the total reduced operating budget would be $243 , 400 rather than $381, 000 as previously listed. He added that he had raised some of the fees and salaries. Lubovich noted that he has contacted the County Administrators Office who acknowledged that if the City notifies them that they are going to withdraw from system and later decides they cannot be out by December 31, it is possible to go back into the system. He stated that these items can be negoti- ated with the county. Lubovich noted that the correct figure for Aukeen Court filing fees is $310, 000. He recommended that the Council author- ize the City Attorney to give notice to withdraw from the Aukeen Court system, to negotiate a ter- mination date with the County, and to locate the facility in City Hall when space is available. He added that implementation issues would be brought back to the Council for consideration. Lubovich clarified for the Mayor that with the present remodeling in the Police Department and Library, it would be difficult to accommodate a court system before the end of 1991. Lubovich noted for Dowell that having a municipal court would not only save money, but would allow for more control over such things as scheduling, including the possibility of holding night court. He indicated that the City received $487 , 000 last year in fees. Lubovich explained for White that the Council has the option of determining whether to elect or appoint judges. Lubovich proposed preparing a complete package for the Council for review before 4 a i July 2 , 1991 i I MUNICIPAL implementation. In response to White' s question COURT regarding start-up costs, Assistant City Adminis- trator Hansen noted that modifications would have to be made to City Hall for use as a court, and that another concern is space for the court admin- istrator, clerks and judges. He estimated the cost to be between $50, 000 and $100, 000 . White expressed concern about withdrawing from the Aukeen system with so many unknowns. Hansen noted that the Library will not be available for use by the Police Department for fourteen months. He in- dicated that Aukeen Court is flexible as to when the court is physically moved into City Hall. Orr voiced concern regarding parking, traffic, space, and the income and costs generated by the use of a collection agency to collect fees. Lubovich noted that it is possible to give notice to start on 1/1/93 , but that that is not his rec- ommendation. He noted also it would be difficult to put a court system in place in a six-month period and that a year would be a better time frame. Mann noted that after voting at the Public Safety Committee meeting, he heard comments from the Police Chief and other Police officers, and has reversed his position. HE THEN MOVED to give notice to Aukeen District Court to withdraw from the court system and establish a municipal court and to authorize the City Attorney to initiate negotiations with the County regarding an effec- tive date for such termination. Houser seconded. Dowell noted that at the Public Safety meeting, the decision was to delay the start up of this municipal court for at least a year. He noted that the present system is working and that cost should not be the determining factor in this issue. Houser noted that the Police Department is currently putting in a lot of overtime and that a municipal system could be very organized and effi- cient. Johnson pointed out that the Council would simply be authorizing the City Attorney to negoti- ate a termination date with the County and that during the negotiation process Kent may decide to remain in the Aukeen System. Dowell opined that the decision could be postponed for a year. Johnson stated that starting the process now would 5 I July 2 , 1991 MUNICIPAL allow time to fairly evaluate whether or not to COURT withdraw. Bill Doolittle, 412 N. Washington, spoke in oppo- sition to forming a municipal court. He noted that Auburn intends to withdraw and suggested studying them for a year. WHITE MOVED to amend the motion to authorize the City Attorney to withdraw January 1, 1993 , to allow time to study the issue. Dowell seconded. Johnson spoke against the amendment, noting that by setting a specific date, negotiation power is taken away. He noted that the Attorney should negotiate a termination date, which could even be after January, 1993 . Orr stated that it is not in the City' s best interest to set a specific date for withdrawal. Lubovich clarified for her that until the remodeling process is under way, it is impossible to determine a date for withdrawal from the Aukeen system. He added that King County would prefer a definite date, which could be nego- tiated. He noted that issues regarding the set up of a municipal court would not have to come back to Council unless there is a problem with negotia- tion. White voiced concern over the appointment of judges. Lubovich suggested that the motion in- clude a 1993 start-up date or sooner if it can be negotiated, which would allow flexibility. He clarified for the Mayor that issues such as whether judges would be elected or appointed would come back to the Council , and that he would prepare an implementation package. Woods voiced concern about the time line. Hansen suggested that Administration prepare for Council a process outlining the steps that are to be taken, the timing, and the approximate cost. White noted that with so many unknowns he cannot support this and therefore WITHDREW HIS MOTION. Dowell reminded the Council that there is a fiscal constraint, and that the present court system is working, and urged the Councilmembers to vote against the motion. WOODS MOVED to amend the motion to give notice to withdraw from the court system as of January 1, 1993 or earlier if successful negotiations with the County can be concluded. Johnson seconded. Mann and Houser 6 July 2 , 1991 i MUNICIPAL accepted the amendment as friendly. Mayor COURT Kelleher clarified for Dowell that notice will go to the County informing them that Kent intends to withdraw from the system and that the implementa- tion date would be January 1, 1993 or earlier. Houser pointed out that the motion would allow time to study the issues and that this does not mean that Kent must withdraw at all. Johnson stated that the decision as to whether or not to withdraw could be made after the issues have been studied and come back to Council. Orr pointed out that the main motion authorizes set up of a municipal court. The Mayor said that his inter- pretation is that the court cannot be implemented without the issue coming back to Council . He ex- plained that Woods offered an amendment, Johnson tried to second, but that before either was accepted, he asked Mann and Houser if they accepted the amendment as friendly, which they did. He said that therefore the original motion no longer exists and Woods ' substitute motion is on the floor. WOODS changed her motion to add that the Council make the final decision on authorizing a municipal court. Mann stated that the Council should form a municipal court. Dowell reiterated that the county system works, and reminded the Council- members of the projected $4 , 000, 000 budget deficit. He encouraged the Council to vote against the motion. Judge Darrell Phillipson noted that the court has been understaffed and underfunded for quite some time, but that the County recently hired eight new clerks. He added that the County is waiting to find out whether or not Kent will remain in the system before they add another judge. He said that if Kent sets a termi- nation date, the judge will probably go to another city, and if the City decides to stay in the district court system, they will not have the additional judge. He added that the City would also not be favorably looked upon as a site for the Law, Safety and Justice Center. He suggested the City not proceed until facts and figures are available. The Mayor clarified that the motion is to give notice before the July 15th deadline that it is 7 July 2 , 1991 MUNICIPAL Kent' s intention to withdraw from the court COURT system, to set a target date of January 1, 1993 for implementation with the provision that it can be sooner if successful terms can be negotiated with the County, and that no implementation will occur unless it comes back before the City Council for final approval. The motion carried with Houser, Johnson, Mann and Woods in favor, and Dowell, Orr and White opposed. MANAGEMENT (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D) STUDY City Management Study Committee Recommendations. The recommendations from the Management Study Committee have been finalized and reviewed by the Operations Committee who recommend acceptance, with the implementation schedule to be determined. Assistant City Administrator Hansen noted that if adopted, Administration would review each proposal with the appropriate Council committee and bring them back to Council for final approval. He added that because of budget impacts, some of the recom- mendations may be postponed. HOUSER MOVED to accept the Management Study Committee recommendations with implementation to be phased in as funding becomes available. Mann seconded. WHITE MOVED that the Management Study from the Warner Group be made a part of the record. Houser seconded and the motion carried. Houser noted for White that many hours were spent studying this issue, and that the 3 1/2 page docu- ment before the Council is a list of the basic recommendations. The Mayor noted that some of the issues were changed in response to concerns raised by City departments. Hansen noted for Dowell that although $100, 000 was appropriated for the study, the goal was to not exceed $50, 000. He explained that $52 , 722 has been spent to date, with one out- standing bill . He also noted that filling the recommended positions would cost approximately $205, 000. White questioned why the proposal prepared by the Warner Group was not brought to the Council in a public meeting. Hansen explained that the Mayor had appointed a Management Study Committee which consisted of three Councilmembers, the Operations Committee, three members of the Chamber of 8 July 2 , 1991 MANAGEMENT Commerce, Finance Director McCarthy, Planning STUDY Director Harris and himself. He explained that their purpose was to condense the results and make a recommendation to the Council. White voiced disapproval of the process used, saying that a public presentation by the consultant should have been made. Houser pointed out that many meetings were held on this issue, and that anyone who was interested could attend. The motion to accept the Management Study Commit- tee recommendations then carried with White opposing. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) RECREATION Companion Artwork for Council Chambers. APPROVAL to commission artist Dana Boussard to create a companion artwork for "Spirit Song" , the fibre artwork in the Chambers East. The new artwork would be about the same dimensions and of similar color scheme and subject matter as "Spirit Song" . It would be placed on the walls in back of the Council dais. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) Riverwalk Park. ADOPTION of Resolution 1287 authorizing application to Aquatic Lands Enhance- ment Account, a division of Department of Natural Resources, for a $75 , 000 grant to be matched by $25, 000 Open Space Bond Issue funds, as recom- mended by the IBC. (BIDS - ITEM 5A) Interurban Trail - Green River Bridge. Bid opening was held on June 18 , 1991, with eleven bids received. The low bid was submitted by Caicos Corporation of Bainbridge Island in the amount of $333 , 333 . 00. DOWELL MOVED that the contract be awarded to Caicos Corporation for the Interurban Trail - Green River Bridge project. White seconded. Upon Orr' s question, Patrice Thorell of the Parks Department explained that there are contingency funds available for unanti- cipated or changed conditions during construction and other costs. The motion then carried. 9 i July 2 , 1991 BUDGET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) 1992 Budget Priorities. AUTHORIZATION to set July 16, 1991, as the date for a public hearing to receive input prior to developing the 1992 Budget. CAPITAL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) IMPROVEMENT 1992-1997 Capital Improvement Program. PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION to set July 16, 1991, as the date for a public hearing to receive comments on a balanced 1992-1997 Capital Improvement Program. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through July 1, 1991 after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting at 4 : 45 p.m. on July 9 , 1991. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 6/17-6/28/91 106470-107029 $1, 278 , 005. 65 Approval of checks issued for payroll: Date Check Numbers Amount 7/5/91 01157078-01157861 $ 614, 939.91 REPORTS Council President. Woods noted that the next meeting of the Suburban Cities will be July 10 in Bellevue, and that the meeting in August will be held in Federal Way. She also noted receipt of an invitation from the King County Library System to an event in Des Moines on July 17 . Public Works Committee. White asked that Council- members planning to attend the National League of Cities Congress of Cities and Exposition in December make their reservations by mid-July. Parks Committee. Dowell noted that because of the absence of two members, the committee did not discuss the golf course audit at their last meeting. 10 July 2 , 1991 EXECUTIVE At 9 : 05 p.m. , City Attorney Lubovich announced an SESSION executive session of approximately five minutes to discuss a personnel and litigation matter. ADJOURNMENT The meeting reconvened and adjourned at 9 : 15 p.m. Brenda Jacober,CMC Deputy City Clerk 11 i