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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 04/21/1992 Kent, Washington April 21, 1992 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor Kelleher. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr and White, City Administrator Chow, City Attorney Lubovich, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Plan- ning Director Harris, Fire Chief Angelo, Parks Director Wilson, Police Chief Crawford, Assistant City Administrator Hansen, Human Resources Director Olson and Finance Director McCarthy. Council- member Woods was not in attendance and Information Services Director Spang was excused from the meeting. Approximately 50 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Drinking Driver Task Force Poster Design Awards. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Kelleher noted that the Kent Drinking Driver Task Force sponsored a "Keep A Friend Alive" poster design contest to raise student awareness of safe driving and saying "no" to drugs. Lynda Anderson, Coordinator of the Task Force, and Councilmember Houser then presented certificates to the design contest winners. Anderson thanked the Task Force staff, the City staff, the City Council, Kent School District and citizens for all their support. She stated that this program is a great success because of the cooperation they have received from the different groups. Drug Free Washington Week. Mayor Kelleher read a proclamation declaring April 20-25, 1992 as Drug Free Washington Week in the City of Kent and urged all citizens to join in the efforts that are organized throughout the State to combat alcohol and other drug uses. He noted that the youth make a positive difference in our community when given the opportunity to take a stand on this serious issue. Volunteer Week. Mayor Kelleher read a proclama- tion declaring the week of April 26-May 2 , 1992 as Volunteer Week in the City of Kent and urged all citizens to acknowledge the contributions of our valued volunteers. He noted that volunteer involvement in City programs produces enriched and more effective services and an informed citizenry. The proclamation was presented to Volunteer Coor- dinator Brenda Jacober. 1 April 21, 1992 PUBLIC Earthquake Awareness Week. Mayor Kelleher read a COMMUNICATIONS proclamation declaring the week of April 27-May 1, 1992 as Earthquake Awareness Week in the City of Kent. He noted that earthquakes are among the most devastating of natural disasters and that losses can be greatly reduced if people prepare for earthquakes and take protective measures during and immediately following an earthquake. He urged all citizens to learn more about how to prepare for this destructive hazard. CONSENT WHITE MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR O, with the exception of Item K which was removed by Orr, be approved. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of April 7 , 1992 . HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) SANITATION Hemlock Acres No. 19. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale and warranty agreement submitted by Sunset Properties Enterprises, Inc. for continuous oper- ation and maintenance of approximately 518 feet of water main extension, 520 feet of sanitary sewer extension, 534 feet of street improvements and 450 feet of storm sewer improvements constructed in the vicinity of 114th Place S.E. and S.E. 240th and release of the cash bond after expiration of the one-year maintenance period, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) Burger King. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale and warranty agreement submitted by Mike and Patsy Carpinito for continuous operation and mainte- nance of approximately 383 feet of water main extension, 342 feet of sanitary sewer extension, 582 feet of street improvements and 118 feet of storm sewer improvements constructed in the vicinity of So. 224th Street and 84th Avenue So. and release of the cash bond after expiration of the maintenance period, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. 2 April 21, 1992 HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) SANITATION McDowell Northwest Storage Yard. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale and warranty agreement submitted by McDowell Northwest for continuous operation and maintenance of approximately 460 feet of water main extension constructed in the vicinity of 80th Place South and South 188th Street and release of the cash bond after expiration of the maintenance period, as recommended by the Public Works Commit- tee. PUBLIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) WORKS 1992 South County Asphalt Overlay Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an agreement with King County to include portions of City-owned streets in the 1992 Asphalt Overlay Program with the City reimbursing the County the cost of same and transferring $15, 000 to the Street Maintenance Fund from the Unencumbered Water Fund to pay for the costs of that portion of the overlay work lying within the Clark Springs Water Shed, as rec- ommended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) Kent Springs Transmission Main. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3038 authorizing staff to proceed with condemnation procedures for acquisition of right-of-way should negotiations fail, as recom- mended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M) Parks and Public Facilities. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1312 . The City Council by Resolu- tion No. 1049 adopted a policy and procedure for the naming of City parks and public facilities. This resolution provides for the naming of facil- ities for individuals who have contributed land or money or were otherwise instrumental in the acqui- sition of park or public facility property. Pur- suant to the resolution, all matters relating to the naming of public facilities were referred to the Parks Committee. The proposed resolution amends Resolution No. 1049 to also allow parks and facilities to be named for individuals who have provided substantial public service to the citi- zens of Kent and allows for assignment of the com- mittee most appropriately related to the type of facility being named to consider the matter. 3 April 21, 1992 PUBLIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3N) WORKS Green River Basin Program Interlocal Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign agreements with King County and other valley cities for over- all management of the Green River and flood con- trol planning in the Mullen Slough, Auburn Mill Creek Basin, as recommended by the Public Works Committee, subject to concurrence by the City Attorney' s office. FLEET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) MANAGEMENT Fleet Management System. APPROVAL for the Mayor SYSTEM to execute an agreement with Multiforce Corpora- tion for an automated Fleet Management System not to exceed $62 , 500, as recommended by the Opera- tions Committee. This system will track vehicle and equipment inventory, maintenance, rental rates, fuel use, mileage, repair order tracking and facilities management. The recommended vendor was unanimously selected by a committee represent- ing six departments. Project funds are available for this system. SURPLUS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) VEHICLES & Surplus Vehicles and Equipment. AUTHORIZATION to EQUIPMENT surplus vehicles and equipment as delineated in the listing made a part of this record and to offer same for sale, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) DEPARTMENT Transfer of Funds - Police Remodel. APPROVAL to allocate Public Safety Bond Issue interest income of $175, 000 for furniture for the Police Remodel. Administration has been approached by the Police Department in an effort to obtain a funding source for the police remodel furniture. When the remodel budget was finalized last fall, $126, 000 in furniture had to be cut from the budget in order to come within available funds. Current estimates are that $187 , 000 is needed to provide the appropriate furniture. Administration is pro- posing an allocation of Public Safety Bond Issue interest income of $175, 000 above the interest 4 April 21, 1992 POLICE income budget of $2 . 2 million. The remaining DEPARTMENT allocation will come from other police remodel budget underruns. This allocation will require that the other public safety bond issue projects come within budget. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Police Headquarters (Remodel) Dedication. In accord with Council Resolution #1049, the Police Department seeks Council approval in dedicating the new police building (remodel) to the memory of Robert E. Lee. Mr. Lee was Police Chief from 1948 to 1966, former City Council member, Rotary award recipient, founder of Kent Juvenile Court Commit- tee, Kent School District Hearing Officer, Chamber of Commerce member (an annual award from the Chamber is named in his honor) , and member of St. James Episcopal Church. Mr. Lee's name is still widely known and highly regarded in this community for both civic and law enforcement leadership roles. A theme of the new Police building' s inside dis- plays and "motif" is recognition of history for the Kent Police organization. This dedication compliments that effort. Captain Sweeney noted that after the research he has done on Chief Lee, he is very proud to be in- volved in making this happen. He noted that this matter received unanimous support from the Parks Committee and the Public Safety Committee. MANN MOVED that the Council dedicate the new Police Headquarters (Remodel) to the memory of Robert E. Lee. White seconded and the motion carried. Mayor Kelleher asked that the family of Chief Lee be notified of this action. REGIONAL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4H) JUSTICE ADDED ITEM CENTER Regional Justice Center. Paul Hammerschmidt, 814 - 5th Avenue South, expressed concern about the City' s support of the King County Regional Justice Center. He said he is not in favor of moving Kent Commons from its present site to another site. He also said that the justice 5 April 21, 1992 REGIONAL center will negatively impact the City by the loss JUSTICE of revenues in the tax base because property CENTER values will go down. Hammerschmidt asked the Mayor and Council to do more to make the residents of the area feel more comfortable. Cheryl Noble, 316 W. Cloudy Street, stated that the councilmembers are not represent- ing the people of Kent on this issue. She said that she heard the idea of moving Kent Commons is to provide for the safety of the children who use it, and that they should also think of the children who live in the valley, especially the children in North Park. She added that if Kent Commons is moved, the children who live in North Park should also be relocated. She said property values will go down, and that the residents of this neighborhood feel they are being driven out. Another lady from the neighborhood asked whether the Borden Playfield and the Kent Commons Play- field may become parking for the regional justice center. Mayor Kelleher pointed out that no proposal to do any of these things has been made. The lady went on to express concern about the cost of tearing down the manufacturing plant as opposed to choosing another site. She noted that the citizens of this area are traditionally low-income and that over one-fourth of them are senior citi- zens, and that this is not an appropriate area for the regional justice center. She said that if it is built the residents should have the option of being bought out by the County. She asked that the City Council take this proposal to the County. She added that she would lose $30, 000 in equity if the facility goes in. White suggested that as part of the mitigation for the regional justice center, the City consider selling the Kent Commons and building a new and larger facility. He noted that the County may want to use that facility as part of the regional justice center facility. He noted that Borden Playfield is not owned by the City, and that Borden Chemical has refused to sell it to the City. He said if the City can produce additional acres of playfields in the valley and if the 6 April 21, 1992 REGIONAL County would do this as part of mitigation for the JUSTICE regional justice center, it should be looked into. CENTER He pointed out that the City did not select the regional justice center site, that the sites were offered by private enterprise to the County. He said the City supported the concept in light of revitalizing downtown and he feels property values will go up. He also said he feels the City should set up a process whereby they can hear from citi- zens and address their concerns. He said that if the regional justice center is built in Kent, the City owes it to the citizens to mitigate that as much as possible and get as much as possible for them. He added that traffic is a big p art of the mitigation and asked that staff keep the Council informed as to the progress. Cheryl Noble said that she is not necessarily against a jail being in Kent, but does not like the location. She said moving Kent Commons would not be cost effective, and that the present loca- tion is a good one. White agreed. Hammerschmidt said they appreciate the concern for the children using Kent Commons, but that there is also a responsibility to look out for the welfare and safety of the people of North Park. Johnson said that the facility will not impact the safety of children using the playfields and Kent Commons, and will in fact help them. He noted that crimin- als will not be sentenced if there is no place to house them, and pointed out that mentally ill people, criminals, child molesters and so forth are already in this community. He said he is opposed to moving Kent Commons and that if the justice center is built, it would provide addi- tional parking for users of the playfields. He said that property values near the Monroe Reform- atory and the penitentiary in Walla Walla have gone up. Hammerschmidt voiced concern that the City of Kent will have no control over what goes on in the regional justice facility. Johnson noted that the facility will be more than a jail, that other services will be available there. Hammerschmidt agreed that there should be a facility in South King County but not at this location. White noted that hundreds of people have supported the idea of bringing the regional justice center to Kent and he is glad to hear 7 April 21, 1992 REGIONAL another opinion and that these are legitimate con- JUSTICE cerns. CENTER Mayor Kelleher suggested that in the future people who have concerns such as this put their concerns into a form that the Council can vote yes or no on. A lady from the North Park neighborhood asked that the City notify the residents of meetings on this issue and said that she would provide a list of names. She also noted that meetings held in the afternoon are not convenient for them. She said that she does not feel the City Council has given much importance to North Park, and that if the regional justice center goes in near Kent Commons the North Park residents should be allowed to relocate. Cindy Helene of West Hill said she is also opposed to the site. She noted that she took part in the forum for the Planning Commis- sion, which she was well informed on, but that she was not well informed about the regional justice center. She suggested adding on to Kent Commons at the present site. There were no further comments on this issue. The Mayor noted that no specific proposal was brought forward and thanked the citizens for attending. HUMAN (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) RESOURCES Proposal on Eliminating Frozen Positions. The Mayor noted that staff is available tonight to present the proposal for eliminating frozen posi- tions as requested by the Council at their recent retreat. Houser noted that the Operations Commit- tee has not made a decision on this matter. White asked that this item be removed from tonight's agenda and be referred back to the Operations Com- mittee. There was no objection and it was so ordered. COMMUNITY (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4E) DEVELOPMENT 1993 Local Community Development Block Grant BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) Program. This meeting will consider the adoption of the 1993 CDBG Program as recommended by the Planning Committee on 4/7/92 . The four items that need the City Council ' s approval are as follows: (1) Accept 1993 CDBG Pass-Through Funds, (2) Allocate $35, 743 to Public (Human) Services, (3) Allocate seven (7) percent ($15, 793) of 1993 8 April 21, 1992 COMMUNITY Pass-Through Funds to Planning and Administration, DEVELOPMENT and (4) Allocate $6 , 788 of CDIL program income to BLOCK GRANT the Consortium-wide Emergency Shelter System. ORR SO MOVED. Johnson seconded and the motion carried. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) RECREATION REMOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORR Demolition of Kent Memorial Park House and Garage. AUTHORIZATION to transfer the $6, 833 balance in Kherson Park account to Parks Maintenance budget to be used to demolish the Kent Memorial house and garage. Demolition will allow the site to be cleaned up and held for future park expansion. Councilmember Orr noted that at the Planning Committee this date it was brought to their atten- tion that the City is looking for housing for a program for homeless people and asked whether it might be worthwhile to investigate using this house rather than demolishing it, since the cost to renovate it would be $7 , 000-8, 000 . She asked that the Planning Department staff be allowed to look at the house and report back to the Council. She also noted that the funds for this demolition were to come from leftover Kherson Park funds, and said it was her understanding that all such funds were to be recaptured. She questioned why the funds are still available, and said she would like the matter looked into before any action is taken. She MOVED that the Council delay action on this item. Johnson seconded. Houser pointed out that the $7 , 000-8 , 000 figure is to demolish the building, and that renovating it would cost much more. The Mayor stated that the Parks Committee will take up this issue. Bennett noted that Connie Epperly had asked him whether the house could be used as a community service center. Orr' s motion then carried. 9 April 21, 1992 PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L) RECREATION Scenic Hill Park - IAC Grant Contract. AUTHORIZA- TION for the Mayor to execute a contract with the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation to receive a $225, 746 grant for Scenic Hill Park development. The local matching share provided by the Kent School District and the City CIP are already budgeted. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D) Youth at Risk Coordinator Position. The Mayor noted that staff is available to answer questions about this issue. He noted that in last year's budget, many positions were frozen and that the target in order to meet the goal is to keep an average of 28 . 5 positions vacated throughout the year. He noted that there are 10. 5 positions new in the 1991 budget and currently vacant, and 15 positions vacated in 1991, for a savings of $1, 138, 178. He added that the budgeted vacancy savings is $1, 122 , 562 , showing that the City is ahead of projections. He noted that 4 . 25 posi- tions have been vacated in 1992 , for a total of 29 .75 positions. He noted that the Youth-At-Risk position is one of these positions that has not been filled because of the hiring freeze and that the Council is concerned about all of the posi- tions. He stressed that no particular program is being singled out. Finance Director McCarthy confirmed for White that several more positions will soon be vacant, total- ling 35. 75 positions. He stated that he will have a better idea of the City' s financial situation at the workshop on May 5. He said that even though the City is ahead at the present time, because of uncertainities such as utilities taxes, the hiring freeze should be maintained. He explained for White that the figure of $602 , 274 for excess vacancy savings is what the savings would be if the positions were vacant for the entire year, and that actual savings would be less since some of the positions are still filled. He added that this assumes that all positions will not be filled, but that that decision has not been made yet. He explained that the figure for current positions vacated in 1992 is also based on them being vacant the full year. White noted that 10 April 21, 1992 PARKS & these annualized figures do not provide enough RECREATION information for Council to make a decision today. WHITE MOVED to table this matter until accurate financial projections are available. Johnson seconded. The motion failed with only White and Johnson in favor. HOUSER MOVED that the Youth-at-Risk Coordinator Position be left at 3/4 time and that the remain- ing 1/4 be frozen. Bennett seconded. Johnson pointed out that the Council does not know what the budget figures will be and that one of the main issues over the Youth-at-Risk position is whether or not there are funds to cover it. He said it appears that there are funds available in the budget, and noted that fees have been increased to help offset the costs and that funds are available from other vacated positions. The Mayor noted that if it is determined at the May 5th workshop that there are extra revenues and no gloomy projections, then the Council will be asked what their highest priorities are for refilling some of the positions. Houser stated that when funds are available, top priorities for filling positions can be determined. Mann noted that it is a question of principal rather than funds. He pointed out that 15 police and fire positions have been frozen and said that if the Council voted to- night to fund the 1/4 position he would move to fill 3 police and 3 fire positions even though that is contrary to policy. The Mayor clarified that the motion on the floor is to fund the Youth-at-Risk Coordinator position at full time, but to keep 1/4 of it frozen. Upon Bennett's question, Human Resources Director Olson outlined the history of the position and clarified that on or about June 7 , 1991, the employee read and signed a memo acknowledging acceptance to a part-time position for the year 1991, which had been approved at a 75% level . He noted that he had informed Parks Director Wilson and Finance Director McCarthy on 1/13/92 that the Youth-at- Risk Coordinator position was 3/4 time rather than full time, and that on 1/31/92 he received a memo from the incumbent employee regarding working more than 3/4 time, at which time he authorized payment 11 April 21, 1992 PARKS & for the extra hours. Upon White's question re- RECREATION garding whether fees have been raised to be used for this position, it was explained that those fees are for the summer camp and registrations are being taken now. McCarthy clarified that the Youth-at-Risk Coordinator is in charge of the summer day camp. Wilson noted for Orr that approximately 185 people participate in the camp and that it lasts eight weeks. McCarthy noted that the summer camp program generated $6, 300 in 1989 and $15, 992 in 1990. White pointed out that the increase in fees would compensate for a full- time coordinator. McCarthy said the program would not cover its costs if the coordinator was full- time. White pointed out that the coordinator position covers more than summer day camp and that half of the $20, 000 profit could be used to fund the position. He added that if problems with youth can be addressed early, police may not have to intervene. Mayor Kelleher noted that depart- ment heads have been directed to generate revenue and cut costs and it should be done without spend- ing more, so that the total budget will go up. He said the Council and Administration could then fund whatever positions they feel are necessary. He added that based on current projections, the City could be between $150, 000 and $600, 000 ahead unless negative numbers are revealed at the May 5th workshop based upon actual revenue received. He said that to focus on the revenue that is pro- duced from one program misses the point. McCarthy said that just because a fee goes up in a particu- lar area does not automatically mean that those funds are allocated to that particular program. White noted that as part of the budget process Council authorized the funding of this position at full time, based upon the ability of the program to increase revenues. He said it is bad faith not to act on this, since it has been shown that the revenues are there. He said that this issue has become a power struggle between Administration and the Parks Department and the losers are the youth at risk. Bennett said he is an avid supporter of youth in the community, but that the City should be doing more with less. White noted that the majority of the Council voted to extend this pro- gram to full time based upon the fact that 12 April 21, 1992 PARKS & additional revenues were generated and some coun- RECREATION cilmembers are now going back on it. The Mayor disagreed, saying that several councilmembers said they recognize that this position, although funded at full time, is subject to being frozen. He listed several other programs which have been frozen and said it is wrong to suggest that any one is being singled out, noting that all depart- ments have been hit hard. Orr stated that when voting on the budget, it was her understanding at the time that it would be frozen, but that voting in support of it would send a message to Adminis- tration that it is high priority. Johnson pointed out that the motion was to fund this at a full time level. Orr responded that the budget which was voted on contained frozen positions. Johnson said the Council sets priorities and noted that he offered an alternative to the Mayor' s budget with different priorities. Houser noted that a letter dated 6/6/91 stated that the City of Kent extended the position to full time status on a temporary basis for the budget year 1991 ending on December 31, 1991, and that the letter states that if employment continues beyond January 1, 1992 the temporary regular full-time position will convert to a regular part-time position. She said this was signed by the employee who worked and was compensated for two extra weeks at full time. She said that if there is money, this will be one of the first things funded, but that it should first be determined whether funds are available. She added that other positions need to be evaluated also. She also said that Council should not have to deal with individual positions, that they should set policy and direct what they want. Bennett stated that perhaps the Council was not aware of the agreement, and that he can't believe that the agreement wasn't changed regardless of the vote. Johnson explained that Council was aware of the agreement, but they changed that by voting 5-2 in the budget process to make the position full time, not a 3/4 position as called for in the contract. He agreed that the financial picture will become more clear on May 5th, which is why he voted to table. Mann said he does not agree that the Council voted with the idea that each department could fund its own needs and that if that were true he would propose using the 13 April 21, 1992 PARKS & $300, 000 generated by double bunking to fund RECREATION police and fire positions. White said it was never his intent that each department create funds to fund itself. He said that acting pay is being paid to others who are filling frozen positions, so there are no savings. He asked that when a vote is taken, it be a roll call vote so it is known who is in support and who is in opposition. Dave Street, Director of Federal Way Boys and Girls Clubs, noted that the new numbers show that $23 , 000 has been absorbed for just this position, and that the Parks Committee and parents agreed that fees be raised $10 to specifically pay for the position. He spoke in opposition to waiting until May 5th to take action, and said that if the Council does not vote on this tonight they should refund the money to the parents who paid for it. Houser asked whether the Parks Committee told people rates could be raised to pay for the pro- gram, and Johnson explained that the vote was 3-0 to authorize the increase in funds with the under- standing that the position could be funded full time in 1992 . Mann stated that the Parks Commit- tee should have made this clear to the Council at the onset of this discussion. Johnson explained that since Council President Woods held this matter off the Council agenda, he incorporated it as part of the budget process because by waiting until the next Council meeting, it would not be included in the 1992 budget. Mann said if we take this principle of the committees making administrative decisions to the public, then each committee would have the power to do the same. Mayor Kelleher clarified that committees do not have that freedom. Orr said that one of the things she asked two weeks ago was whether fees would be overcollected and what would happen to them. She asked that a plan to refund the money be put in motion if they were collecting more than it was costing. Gay Grieves, Principal of Sunnycrest Elementary, noted that Sunnycrest had the advantage of both the summer day camp and the before-and-after school day care program, and spoke of the positive impact of those programs. Bill Doolittle, 412 N. 14 April 21, 1992 PARKS & Washington, noted for Mann that he had explained RECREATION at the last Council meeting that when an item passes committee unanimously, it goes on the consent calendar and is passed, and that since it was a routine item, Parks should not be criticized for raising the fees. He noted that at the Operations Committee meeting of April 20th he found that three of the vacancies in the Police Department exist only because the officers are now financed from a different fund. He said he had attended a golf meeting, regarding a $16, 000 budget to review what is wrong with the golf course, and he feels that the results of that audit were swept under the board and the committee did what they wanted to do, one of which was to authorize $9 , 200 to have a committee come in for one day and study the conditions of the grass. Doolittle noted that the City' s annual gross budget is $78,735, 413 and they have spent months debating the merits of this position, and that no one can say it is not justified. He said this is a political struggle. He said that of the eight elected officials in this City, seven advise and one administers, and that when one person can totally slough off a stated desire of the majority of the other seven, something is wrong. He said people went along with the increased fees in order to keep this position full time because they know the program is worthwhile, therefore, the City should do it. The Mayor explained that it is true that individuals move from positions which are funded in the general fund into positions which are funded in other enterprise funds with money available. He added that this creates a vacancy in the general fund which brings the City closer to the goal of having a certain number of positions vacant. He added that this does not change the fact that there are positions which are funded and approved by the Council, but which there is not enough money to pay for. Bennett noted that in regard to the comment about $16, 000 for a golf consultant, he felt there was enough talent in Kent to do that, but it was decided by a committee to hire a consultant. He said that every section was analyzed page by page and they did what was best for the citizens of Kent. He said that the cost for someone to review 15 April 21, 1992 PARKS & the golf course maintenance procedures was $1200 RECREATION not $9200, and that that was done because the golfing community and the public sector have ques- tions about the maintenance of the golf course. Catherine Nelson, Director of Health and Student Services, Kent School District, said that the suc- cess of the programs is directly coordinated with the Youth-at-Risk Coordinator. She endorsed the position as a high priority, having seen what it can do for children. HOUSER offered an amendment to her original motion, making this position the first thing to be unfrozen when the funds are available. Bennett agreed to the amendment. McCarthy suggested that other parks department staff could be used to fill the 1/4 position until a budgetary solution is made. Upon Johnson's question, Mayor Kelleher said that although he wants to work with Council to implement their priorities, he still has to reserve the right to make an assessment of the financial situation of the City before filling positions. He noted further for Johnson that there appears to be an excellent chance to fill this position. Mann said that Administration should be applauded because of the fact that there have been no layoffs. White asked for a figure at which the Mayor would fund this position, and the Mayor responded that if the figures given on May 5th show excess funds in the range of $100, 000, Administration will ask the Council which posi- tions they would like to have funded, and that if this is the one, it would be funded immediately. White asked that more accurate figures be provided in the future so that decisions can be made based upon actual figures. Mayor Kelleher explained that in this case quarterly figures are just now being collected and that if the numbers are bad, the goal for saving may have to be changed. Dave Street stated that this position has nothing to do with taxes or the projection on May 5th, because the people agreed to raise funds to cover the position. He stated that the program has not suf- fered because the incumbent has worked the extra hours anyway. 16 April 21, 1992 PARKS & Houser' s motion that the Youth-at-Risk Coordinator RECREATION position be left at 3/4 time with the remaining 1/4 frozen and that this position be the first to be unfrozen when funds are available then carried with only White opposed. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4G) ADDED ITEM BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT Vertidrain Equipment. Councilmember Bennett noted that it was brought to his attention that the fairways at the golf course need to be aerated, and that golf course staff had asked him to help in the purchase of the necessary equipment. He explained that he asked for five options, includ- ing to rent, lease/purchase, purchase outright, buy, or get a special services contract. He noted that on the deadline staff had come up with only one option, which was the lease/purchase option which was the most expensive of the five options. He said that subsequently the Golf Advisory Board and golf course staff decided to rent the equip- ment from the Classic Golf Course in Spanaway. HE THEN MOVED to rent the Vertidrain equipment from the Classic Golf Course for $200 a day as directed by the Golf Advisory Committee on a 5-0 vote. He noted that a rental agreement has been drawn up by the legal staff. Johnson seconded for discussion. Parks Director Wilson said that the Golf Advisory Committee made the decision to lease so that the issue would not have to go to Council. He said that Classic' s Vertidrain is not a new piece of equipment, and that Superior Equipment of Auburn offered to lease the City the same piece of equip- ment for $200 a day. He said that Superior' s equipment is new and is covered under warranty. He added that Superior will apply 75% of the rental fee toward purchase. He pointed out that the City will use approximately $5000 worth in the spring and in the fall , and said he feels the City should rent the equipment from Superior Equipment. Bennett responded that the warranty is not an issue, since there are conditions in the rental contract which would apply. He noted that Classic' s equipment is not used, that it was recently purchased and has only been used on their golf course. Robyn Bartelt, Superintendent of Riverbend Golf Course, noted that Superior 17 April 21, 1992 PARKS & Equipment could provide the equipment immediately RECREATION and that the City would be responsible for all repairs on the equipment from Classic Golf Course. She said that since the City will spend $10, 000 a year renting this equipment, it would be in their best interest to be able to apply 75% of that $10, 000 toward purchase, which is what Superior has offered. Bennett replied that there are other options which could be used the second time each year. He noted that Superior Equipment had an opportunity originally to supply the equipment. Houser pointed out that Classic offered to train employees on the use of the equipment, and Bartelt noted that Superior Equipment would also do so. Wilson stated that since this item is a budgeted item coming out of the Parks Department or Golf Course budget, it should not have to come to Coun- cil. He opined that Bennett has gone beyond the role of a councilmember. He said that the golf course should not be operated by committee, that the golf course should have the authority to make decisions and take action. Houser pointed out that the golf course had the option to make such a deal, but after several months of waiting, Bennett took action because of his concern for the golf course. Wilson noted that this piece of equipment was in the budget for 1991. When asked by the Mayor why the information requested by the commit- tee was not produced, Wilson said that his staff was asked and he does not feel they should respond to a private councilperson. Bennett explained that staff had asked him for support in acquiring this piece of equipment as a member of the Parks Committee and the Golf Advisory Committee. He pointed out that the Parks Committee meeting scheduled for this date had been cancelled at Wilson' s request; Wilson reiterated that it is not necessary for this item to come to Council since it will come out of the maintenance budget of the golf course. Bill Doolittle noted that a presentation on this issue had been made at a Parks Committee meeting a month ago, and that no funds were available. He noted that Bennett found an alternative to purchasing the equipment, but that a better alternative has now come up. He said the bottom line is getting the best result for the City for the least expense, and said the 18 April 21, 1992 PARKS & City should do what is right. Bennett responded RECREATION that the City is doing other business with Superior Equipment and that although the City may not pay for the warranty in the $200 a day rental fee, they will pay for it in other ways. White voiced concern as to whether this issue should come before Council, noting that it is under the $15, 000 limit, and that it should probably be handled administratively. There were no further comments and Bennett's motion carried. Mayor Kelleher noted that Council holds himself and the City Administrator accountable for getting the response they need from staff. He said that Council may choose whether or not to involve it- self in a matter such as this. He also stated that he expects requests for alternatives from a councilmember to be honored, and that staff work within reason to attempt to provide adequate al- ternatives for the Council to consider. BOARD OF (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 30) ADJUSTMENT Board of Adjustment Reappointment. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor' s reappointment of Berne Biteman to continue as a member of the Kent Board of Adjust- ment. His term will begin immediately and con- tinue through 2/28/97 . FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills_. Approval of payment of the bills received through April 15, 1992 after audit- ing by the Operations Committee at its meeting at 5: 30 p.m. on April 20, 1992 . Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 4/1-4/15/92 0117017-0117516 $2 , 688 , 129. 12 Approval of checks issued for payroll: Date Check Numbers Amount 4/20/92 01171066-01171762 $ 662 , 125. 47 19 April 21, 1992 FINANCE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) Councilmanic Debt Refinancing. The Council is being requested to adopt a bond ordinance and give authorization to the Mayor to sign a purchase con- tract with Lehman Brothers for approximately $10. 5 million for refinancing the callable portion ($9 . 555 million) of the 1985, 1986 and 1987 Coun- cilmanic Bonds. The issuance rate will be approx- imately 6. 1 percent and will save the City approx- imately $397 , 000 in present value debt service savings. The major portion of the debt service savings will be used to retire the Lake Fenwick Woods contract of $225, 000 at 9 . 0 percent with the remainder allowing for the early payment of the City' s share of LID' s outstanding at 7 . 45 percent. Finance Director McCarthy noted that interest rates have fallen over the last year and the City feels now is a good time to refinance some of their debt. He noted that the bonds were marketed yesterday and the final numbers are as distributed tonight rather than the figures in the packet. He noted that the final amount of the bonds is $10, 575, 000 which would retire the $9 , 555, 000 men- tioned earlier. He added that the cost of issuance is $47 , 595, and the cost per $1000 bond is $9 . 85, as opposed to $14 . 05 for the previous bonds in 1990. McCarthy noted that the rating agencies confirmed the City' s rating at A+ and A-1. He explained that Standard & Poor's put a watch on the finances because revenue growth has slowed while expenditures have increased, but that they noted positive things such as the hiring freeze, the conservative budgeting philosophy, modest plans for debt, the street utility and the fact that the City has dedicated revenue in the CIP fund to retire debt. He asked the Council to authorize the Mayor to sign the purchase contract with Lehman Brothers. HOUSER MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance No. 3039 and authorization for the Mayor to sign the purchase contract with Lehman Brothers. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. 20 April 21, 1992 KOREAN WAR (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4F) MEMORIAL ADDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MANN Korean Veterans Memorial. Jean Belcher of TRADEC, Inc. , noted that they represent the Washington State Korean Veterans Memorial Committee in their fundraising efforts. She introduced Al Rasmussen of the Chosen Few, who is a Korean War veteran from Washington State. Mr. Rasmussen, Past Presi- dent of the Northwest Chapter of the Chosen Few, explained that the Korean War Veterans Memorial was initiated in 1989 with $25, 000 in seed funding from the Washington State Legislature to be used for design, construction and location of the memorial. He displayed a model of the memorial, noting that it was designed by Deborah Copenhaven. He noted that they would like to have the memorial built by July, 1993 and dedicated on July 23 , 1993 , which is the 40th anniversary of the end of the formal hostilities in Korea. He noted that all funds raised go directly to the memorial , and that Paul Barden raised $20, 000 from the King County Council. He pointed out that a memorial for Vietnam Veterans has been built and that Vietnam veterans have been helpful with the Korean Veterans Memorial . He noted that the City of Kent donated to the Vietnam Memorial and asked for a similar contribution to this memorial . Ms. Belcher requested 1 1/20 of the total funding need, which is $1250. She noted that the veterans have raised $160, 000 to date and that they have just received a $50, 000 match appropriation from the State once $200, 000 has been reached. She invited the Councilmembers to a reception on April 30 at the Executive Mansion in Olympia, and noted that that would be a good opportunity to announce the City' s contribution publicly. City Adminis- trator Chow stated that the Vietnam Veterans of America, Washington State, are in support of the Korean War Veterans and their memorial. MANN MOVED that the City grant $1500 toward the estab- lishment of the Washington State Korean War Veterans Memorial , to be given after it has been ascertained that the funds are available. Johnson seconded. Upon White' s question, the Mayor deter- mined that the funding would be based upon the General Fund revenue projections to be presented 21 April 21, 1992 KOREAN WAR at the May 5th meeting. Mann stated that if MEMORIAL necessary, funds from the Council budget should be made available. The motion then carried. Mayhave Kelleher stated that the City will try to someone in attendance at the reception on April 30th. Belcher thanked the Council on behalf of all of the veterans of Washington State. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10: 30 P.M- Brenda JaOobe CMC City C1erXc 22