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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 11/05/1991Kent, Washington November 5, 1991 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, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, Assistant City Administrator Hansen, Personnel Director Olson, Information Services Director Spang, and Finance Director McCarthy. Parks Director Wilson was not in attendance. Approx- imately 85 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Employee of the Month. Mayor Kelleher announced COMMUNICATION that Glenn Bearson of the Operations Division of Public Works has been named as Employee of the Month for November. He noted that Glenn works as a Water Treatment Supervisor, and is responsible for the City water treatment laboratory. His supervisor, Tim Heydon, noted that with water and storm water systems getting more complex, highly skilled people are needed, and that Bearson has attended community college to expand his knowledge in this field. He added that Bearson is a very conscientious and considerate person and he is proud to have him in the Public Works Department. The Mayor presented Bearson with the Employee of the Month plaque. Human Services Month. Mayor Kelleher noted that the Human Services Commission held a reception before tonight's meeting, and thanked those who attended. He read a proclamation declaring November as Human Services Month in the City of Kent, and encouraged all citizens to recognize and support its observance. The proclamation was pre- sented to Mary Eckfeldt, Chairman of the Human Services Commission. Kent -Meridian Football Appreciation Week. The Mayor read a proclamation noting that the Kent - Meridian Royals are the city champions for 1991, and that on Thursday the Royals host traditional rival Auburn with the victor claiming not only the Taylor Trophy but also the championship of the South Puget Sound League's Northern Division and an automatic berth in the playoffs for the State Triple A Championship. He proclaimed the week of November 4 - 10 as Kent -Meridian Football Appre- ciation Week in the City of Kent and urged all citizens to recognize the achievements of this 1 November 5, 1991 PUBLIC team and support them in their continuing efforts COMMUNICATION to excel and to honor the colors of royal blue and white and cheer the Royals on at French Field on Thursday evening and in the playoffs to follow. Head Coach Bruce Rick thanked the Mayor and Coun- cil for this recognition and honor. He added that the players on this team always found their way through adversity, and have seen their dream come true this year. He introduced players Bob Holmes and Chris Schlecht, who presented Mayor Kelleher with a hat and a jacket on behalf of the football team. CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR E be approved. White seconded and the motion car- ried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of October 15, 1991, and the Special Council meeting of October 29, 1991. BUSINESS (ADDED ITEM) LICENSE U.S. Engines. Thomas Cinko, Vice -President of U.S. Engines, Inc. asked for an opportunity to speak to the Council; there were no objections. Cinko apologized on behalf of himself, Michael Crossan, and U.S. Engines, for damages caused to the City of Kent by U.S. Engines and for not correcting early violations promptly. He explained that this was due to operating capital and lack of additional manpower. He noted that the City's concerns were addressed, and that on October 29, 1991, their only violation was oper- ating without a valid business license. He noted that on that date, Superior Court issued a tempo- rary restraining order effective at 5:00 p.m. on October 31, 1991, which forced closure of U.S. Engines for a minimum of 15 days. Cinko noted that the estimated cost of the shutdown and startup after 15 days will be in excess of $35,000. Cinko noted that it has never been their intent to defeat the City in a battle, and expressed concern 2 November 5, 1991 BUSINESS for the future relationship between the City and LICENSE U.S. Engines. Cinko explained that recent violations have been promptly addressed and that an application for a business license was submitted October 2. He noted that Building and Fire Department inspectors then revealed new violations and denied the appli- cation on October 18. He said that another busi- ness license application was submitted on October 23, that the facility was inspected and found to be in compliance, but on October 28 the Building Inspector returned to convey concerns regarding temporary exit signs. He noted that the signs were permanently placed on October 29. Cinko expressed concern for the employees of U.S. Engines, and apologized to them, noting that they are not the cause, but the victims. He stated that since inspections have been completed and U.S. Engines is in compliance, he hopes for renewal of the business license. He thanked the City for their patience and cooperation. SEWERS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) LID 338 Westview Terrace. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3009 authorizing condemnation proceedings to acquire a sanitary sewer easement, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. FINAL PLAT (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Winterbrook II Final Plat No. SU-89-6. This meeting will consider an application for the Winterbrook II Final Plat No. SU-89-6. The prop- erty is approximately 3.15 acres in size and is located on the north side of South 272nd Street, 500 feet east of 41st Place South and directly south of Cardiff Street. There were no questions or comments and JOHNSON MOVED to approve the staff's recommended approval for Winterbrook II SU-89-6 Final Plat. White sec- onded and the motion carried. 3 November 5, 1991 GROWTH (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) MANAGEMENT Community Participation Program. This meeting will consider Resolution No. 1297 to expand com- munity participation and input on important growth management issues enacted by the Washington State Growth Management Act of 1990. Planning Director Harris noted that the figures and the resolution were reviewed by the Planning Committee today. Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager, thanked the Council for conducting a special meeting last week on this matter, and noted that the purpose of part of that meeting was to highlight which issues would be the focus of the growth management video. He noted that four issues emerged, and that these issues closely aligned with the Council's priorities. He listed the issues which received the most responses as follows: 1. How can Kent ensure public facilities and ser- vices are adequate to service existing and future development? 2. How should Kent change its land use plan and map to more effectively manage growth? 3. How can Kent best meet the transportation needs of its citizens? 4. How should Kent encourage economic develop- ment? He explained that it is their intent to highlight all four of these issues in the growth management video. JOHNSON MOVED to approve Resolution No. 1297 in support of a Community Participation Program, as recommended by the Planning Committee. Houser seconded and the motion carried. PARKS & (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) RECREATION Amendment to Conservation Futures Interlocal Agreement. King County has approved the appropri- ation of an additional $100,000 in Conservation Futures funds to be added to the $850,000 Lake Fenwick Trail Open Space Bond project. Prior to any distribution of funds, all cities must sign an amendment with King County. 4 November 5, 1991 PARKS & DOWELL MOVED that the Mayor be authorized to sign RECREATION an amendment to the January 29, 1991 Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between King County and the City of Kent and to accept the $100,000 additional allocation from King County for the Lake Fenwick Trail project. White seconded and the motion car- ried. APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Planning Commission. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointments as follows: Reappointment of Christopher Grant to the Kent Planning Commission. Mr. Grant's current appoint- ment expires 12/31/91. His new term will begin 1/1/92 and continue through 12/31/94. Reappointment of Linda Martinez to the Kent Plan- ning Commission. Ms. Martinez' current appoint- ment expires 12/31/91. Her new term will begin 1/1/92 and continue through 12/31/94. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) Arts Commission. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointments as follows: Reappointment of Grace Hiranaka to Kent Arts Com- mission. Ms. Hiranaka's current appointment expires 10/31/91. Her new term will begin immedi- ately and continue through 10/31/95. Reappointment of Keiko Cullen to Kent Arts Commis- sion. Ms. Cullen's current appointment expires 10/31/91. Her new term will begin immediately and continue through 10/31/95. BUDGET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) 1992 Budget. Tonight's meeting has been set to take public input on the 1992 Budget. The Mayor's 1992 Budget proposal was presented to the Council and the public at the October 15 Council meeting and was explained in more detail at the Council Budget Work Session on October 22. Public input will be taken tonight with the Council scheduled for a second Budget Work Session on November 12. The Budget is scheduled to be adopted on November 19, but that date could be deferred until December 3. 5 November 5, 1991 BUDGET Finance Director McCarthy pointed out that this is the third public hearing this year on the budget, and that tonight's is the first to receive input on a budget document. He gave a brief overview of the budget situation and noted that the Council asked that the budget be balanced without layoffs and without any new taxes. He listed the balanc- ing proposal as follows: Reduces the general fund contingency to $500,000 after adding approximately $800,000 for utility tax accrual $2,300,000 Uses one time only transfers from the unemployment and capital improvement funds $1,075,851 Increases departmental revenue, pri- marily by providing for double bunking at the Correction Facility $ 511,869 Makes citywide cuts for: expenditures below trend; 30% of professional de- velopment; and equipment rental charges due to extending vehicle lives and es- tablishing rental pools for vehicles, reducing the number of city vehicles $ 324,594 Makes cuts in departmental budgets as proposed by departments except for po- sitions $ 548,089 Establishes a salary credit allocated to departmental budgets with depart- ments absorbing by maintaining vacant positions $1,137,872 $5,898,275 McCarthy noted that sales tax revenues are up 3/10 of 1% ($50,000) over earlier projections. He noted for Dowell that the total revenue forecast is approximately $30,700,000 for 1992 and that it was $30,800,000 for 1991. He added that general fund revenue for 1991 was $28,800,000. Dowell noted that there will be an increase of approximately $2,000,000 and asked whether the majority of it L November 5, 1991 BUDGET will be used for salary increases. McCarthy said it would be used for salaries, health insurance, liability insurance, and some contractual agree- ments. He noted for White that the increased de- partmental revenue would be in the Police, Parks and Public Works Departments. He also noted for White that $20,000 is factored in for additional food, etc. at the Corrections Facility, and that he is not aware of any contractual union agree- ments which indicate that if population of the correctional facility is increased, staff would have to be increased also. Upon Mann's question, Personnel Director Olson explained that an RFP for insurance brokers to study the City's program was recently put out. White noted that the balancing scenario includes eliminating appropriation for tools and small capital items, which would save nearly $100,000. McCarthy explained that that account could include both new and replacement tools, and could include anything from fire hose to computers. White stated that with no way of accounting for items under $1000, it would be difficult to determine whether equipment is broken or lost or simply dis- appears. McCarthy noted that when the budget is being put together it is difficult to determine what equipment will need to be replaced in the following year, and added that what is in the bud- get is the lowest possible estimate of what might be needed. Upon the Mayor's question, McCarthy agreed to work with any Councilmember through the Operations Committee on concerns regarding the past and present procedures used for inventory. The Mayor declared the public hearing open. Pat Curran, Chair of the Performing Arts Center Task Force, noted that two years ago a feasibility study was conducted which indicated support for a cultural center. She asked that the Council commit $50,000 in 1992 CIP funds for architectural pre -planning, noting that this would enable them to qualify for matching funds from the King County Hotel/Motel Tax for which they have already applied. Grace Hiranaka of the Kent Arts Commission noted that the need has been shown for such a facility and urged the Council to consider the $50,000 request. 7 November 5, 1991 BUDGET Greg Murray of the Imperials Music and Youth Or- ganization also spoke in favor of funding for the performing arts center, noting there is a need to provide youth activities in Kent. Claudia Appell of the Kent School District urged the Council to support this issue and noted that the facility could be used to provide activities for youth and cultural opportunities for all citizens. Sherry Orada, Advisor to the Task Force, said the facil- ity would nurture cultural growth in the commun- ity, and that it would bring in a good return on the investment. Pat Curran stated that the center would provide a focal point for City center revi- talization, increase patronage to Kent businesses, and enhance the City's image. Mary Gretz introduced representatives of the thirteen agencies who will receive $311,497, the 1% of this year's budget, for seventeen human ser- vices programs. The agencies are Catholic Commun- ity Services, Child and Family Resource and Refer- ral Center, Children's Home Society, Children's Therapy Center, Community Health Centers of King County, Domestic Abuse Women's Network, Kent Com- munity Service Center, Kent Youth and Family Ser- vices, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Pregnancy Aid, South King County Multiservice Center, Washington Women's Employment and Educa- tion, and Valley Cities Mental Health Center. Grace Hiranaka noted that the Kent Arts Commission had suggested a cut in their budget of approxi- mately $11,000. She said that Administration not only suggested a cut of $19,555, but also sug- gested increasing revenue. She pointed out that their program is not a revenue -producing program. She said the $19,000 cut cannot be handled and asked that the cut be limited to $11,000. Tim Gates, Government studied the following: 1. The City Chair of the Chamber of Commerce City Committee, stated that they have 1992 proposed budget and recommend the should carry revenue into the 1992 into the contingency $2.8 million level is Ell forward any excess budget and place it back fund until the previous regained. November 5, 1991 BUDGET 2. Eliminate positions represented by the employ- ment freeze. 3. Eliminate at least 30 additional City staff positions (1.3 million dollars in labor costs) by the end of the first quarter of 1992. 4. Work with the Kent Chamber of Commerce to press on with the City management study's recommenda- tions to create more efficiencies in City government. Bill Doolittle, 412 N. Washington, noted that Renton and Tukwila expect to get through 1992 without using reserve funds or raising taxes, but expect there may be a problem in 1993 and 1994. He opined that using the contingency fund and the utility tax accrual to balance 1992 should be a last ditch effort. He said he would not like to see any Parks programs cut. He noted that the CIP fund for 1992 was increased by $50,000 for the cultural arts center. He pointed out that the proposed financing for the center is through a $20,000,000 bond issue and that out of 200 people in favor of the bond issue who were interviewed during the feasibility study, fewer than 15 lived in the 98031 and 98032 zip code areas. He ques- tioned the $450,000 for remodeling the south wing of City Hall, a transfer of $500,000 to the gener- al fund from CIP, and $450,000 which goes back into the CIP to reestablish a contingency fund. He stated that after seeing the projects for 1993, 1994 and 1995, there must be some cuts made and agreed that tools should be accounted for. He noted that the Arts Commission spent $3,700 on paintings this year and there is no accounting for them. He suggested that the Arts Commission could raise money by publishing a brochure showing all the paintings, statues, and murals in Kent. He reiterated that the City needs to dig deeper and cut the fat out of the budget. Police Chief Crawford noted that the Police and Fire represent approximately 60% of the budget, and their services need to be considered. He noted that there were 3,000 more Police calls this year than last and if the number of employees to respond to those calls is not increased, safety pel November 5, 1991 BUDGET and welfare will be impacted. Crawford clarified that the Police Department wants to be part of the City-wide effort and should also be required to take cuts. He noted that City employees are dedi- cated and trying to give the best service. He asked the Council to remember the added services when considering eliminating positions. Fire Chief Angelo noted that they did not fill some po- sitions last year, and that the number of calls for service has increased 99%. He explained that the Fire Department will always give their best, but that the best will be less than it was in the past. He noted for White that the average response time is approximately five minutes. He also noted that the Master Plan identified a four minute response time as achieveable, and explain- ed that at four minutes a cardiac patient has a 50% chance of survival if someone intervenes, and at five minutes they have a 25% chance. He also noted for White that 60% of their calls are emer- gency medical services. Angelo noted for White that a ladder truck with a cracked frame was due for replacement 4-5 years ago. He also assured the Council that their personnel are held account- able for tools, but with more calls received, more equipment is used. He also noted for White that there is paid staff at all fire stations. Paul Seeley of the Boeing Company, Chair of the Chamber Task Force, noted that the City has a good system which indicated early on that there would be budget challenges ahead. He said the Mayor and staff did the right thing by acting promptly. He said he feels revenues will not necessarily improve and the only thing to do is look at cuts. He voiced concern that the City hasn't looked at what will happen in ensuing years. He noted that Boeing has sent out warning notices to 700 employees and more jobs may be lost, the bulk of which will be in Tukwila and Kent and will occur in 1992 and 1993. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. White seconded and the motion carried. The Mayor noted that a workshop on the budget is scheduled for November 12 and asked McCarthy to discuss not only the issues pertaining to this year's budget, 10 November 5, 1991 BUDGET but some of the underlying assumptions he has used to come to the conclusion that the budget can be balanced next year and the year after that. Dowell noted that the City is planning to spend $29,000,000 in 1991, and $31,000,000 in 1992, which is an increase of $2,000,000. He said if $1,500,000 of that $2,000,000 is spent on wage increases, 400 employees would be getting $5,000 increases. He opined that wage increases are the major problem and suggested that the City be care- ful on wage increase promises and contracts in the future. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through October 31, 1991 after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting at 5:15 p.m. on November 12, 1991. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date 10/16-10/31/91 Check Numbers 110912-111462 Amount $1,173,493.36 Approval of checks issued for payroll: Date Check Numbers Amount 11/5/91 01163149-01163881 $ 630,569.27 REPORTS Public Works Committee. White noted receipt of a letter from Connie Epperly regarding her concerns about the City's inventory system. He asked that the Operations Committee look into this matter and make a report to the Council. Administrative Reports. Assistant City Adminis- trator Hansen noted that per Council direction, a public auction of surplus library furniture was conducted on October 26. He noted that ads were (Library run, a professional auctioneer was retained, and Auction) staff put forth extraordinary effort in preparing for and conducting the auction. He noted that attendance was good and all the furniture was sold. He explained that the net profit from the auction was $5,331.89, but that with the original bid of $9,083.00 the net profit would have been 11 November 5, 1991 REPORTS $7,575.73, resulting in a loss of $2,243.84. The Mayor pointed out that Mr. Lindsey's choice of using the bid process would have been more profit- able. White noted that the City furnished the personnel (Library for the auction, did all the advertising, and paid an auctioneer 20%, and that normally an auctioneer Auction brings their own personnel and charges 15%. He stated that he had attended the auction and that his figures regarding total sales differ from the City's by $2,000, and asked for a further break- down of the figures. Hansen noted for White that sales to City departments totalled $713.04 which was the price established originally. Customer Services Manager Lindsey explained that the other auctioneers contacted needed three to four weeks lead time, and they would charge 30%, which is why they chose to use an auctioneer who they work with regularly who charged only 20%. Bill Doolittle stated that $3,840.28 was spent for City staff, $693.00 of it getting ready for the auction. He noted that the tags had been changed before the auction and that the merchandise was not the same for the auction as for the bid. He stated that the difference between the net profit of the bid and of the auction was $5,000, split 50/50 with the County, so it cost the City $2,500. He ques- tioned the advertising, and noted that he had called Peggy Ziebarth of the Valley Daily News who wrote an article on the auction free of charge. Upon Dowell's question, Lindsey noted that because of the time frame, letters were not sent to schools or libraries who may have been interested in this furniture. Dowell questioned the $3,000 spent to prepare for the auction. Lindsey explained that because of the time frame and the good bid submitted by Mr. Charles, he had allowed Charles to rearrange the furniture and tag it prior to the Council meeting of October 15, and that afterwards the furniture had to be rearranged and retagged for the auction, which took almost a week. He also noted for Dowell that although the auctioneer was present for four hours, staff spent seven hours at the auction at time -and -a -half. Lindsey clarified that the price for items pur- chased by City departments was based on the price 12 November 5, 1991 REPORTS bid by Mr. Charles, that the $9,083.00 bid did not include those items, and that all other items for the auction were the same as for the bid. Lindsey noted for White that the staff time for the auc- tion is being credited to the departments. White reiterated that he is not satisfied with the (Library income shown on the breakdown, noting that it does Auction) not match his figures, and asked for a further breakdown. He also expressed hope that in the future a different auctioneer is used. The Mayor congratulated Mr. Lindsey for his excellent advise to the Council two weeks ago and his excellent administration of the auction. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. j Brenda Jacob , CMC Deputy City Clerk 13