HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 05/05/1992 Kent, Washington
May 5, 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, White and Woods, City Administrator
Chow, City Attorney Lubovich, Public Works Director Wickstrom,
Planning Director Harris, Fire Chief Angelo, Parks Director
Wilson, Police Chief Crawford, Assistant City Administrator
Hansen, Human Resources Director Olson, Information Services
Director Spang, and Finance Director McCarthy. Approximately
50 people were at the meeting.
PUBLIC Employee of the Month. Mayor Kelleher announced
COMMUNICATIONS that Brenda Jacober has been selected as the
Employee of the Month for May. He noted that
Brenda began working for the City of Kent as a
part-time clerical worker in March, 1975 and then
in December, 1991, was appointed City Clerk. He
stated that Brenda performs her job functions with
a positive attitude and treats everyone with
respect and professionalism. Mayor Kelleher also
noted that Brenda is a valuable asset to the City
and presented her with the Employee of the Month
plaque.
Police Officer Memorial Day. Mayor Kelleher read
a proclamation declaring May 15, 1992 as Police
Officer Memorial Day in the City of Kent. He
noted that Law Enforcement Officers are often
called to put their lives into dangerous
situations, and that over 376 police officers have
been killed in the line of duty in our country
since 1986. He urged all citizens of Kent to take
interest and reflect on the sacrifice made by
those officers, and the families ' of those offi-
cers, who have died in the line of duty. Mayor
Kelleher noted that the City Historian, Rae
Reitan, has informed him that a City Marshall was
killed in the line of duty in 1908 .
Chamber of Commerce Presentation. Chris King,
President of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed
appreciation to Jim Hansen, Assistant City Admin-
istrator, who has helped keep the lines of commun-
ication open between the City and the Chamber.
She presented him with a plaque for his exemplary
service to the City of Kent and the business com-
munity. Mayor Kelleher added that Hansen has been
an extremely helpful and productive member of the
management team and that he will be missed.
1
May 5 , 1992
CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through
CALENDAR I be approved. Orr seconded and the motion car-
ried.
MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A)
Approval of Minutes. Approval of the minutes of
the regular Council meeting of April 21, 1992 .
HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G)
SANITATION Echo Glen Heights. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale
and warranty agreement submitted by Mainstream De-
velopment Joint Venture for continuous operation
and maintenance of approximately 2 , 242 feet of
water main extension and 1, 779 feet of sanitary
sewer extension constructed in the vicinity of
S.E. 271st and 108th Avenue S.E. for the Echo Glen
Heights development and release of cash bond after
expiration of the one-year maintenance period, as
recommended by the Public Works Committee.
SPECIAL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C)
ASSESSMENT Sole Source Special Assessment System. AUTHORIZA-
SYSTEM TION to sole source the Special Assessment System
to Idaho Computer Systems for approximately
$22 , 000. A City Selection Committee has reviewed
many options for this specialized system and rec-
ommends the selection without a competitive bid
process. The vendor is the City' s current utility
billing system provider. The City Attorney' s
Office agrees with this action. As additional
reason to move ahead, the existing Special Assess-
ment System will be the last remaining system run-
ning on the old Sperry Computer with the implemen-
tation of the Equipment Rental System for which
the bid was awarded last month. Cost of the
system is covered in the automation budget and its
implementation will allow the City to surplus the
Sperry equipment and save $26, 000 per year in
annual maintenance costs.
PUBLIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F)
WORKS Green River Levee Improvements. ACCEPT as com-
plete the contract with J. L.R. , Inc. for the Green
River Levee Improvements and release of retainage
after receipt of releases from the State, as rec-
ommended by the Public Works Committee.
2
May 5, 1992
PUBLIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H)
WORKS Electric Lightwave Franchise Ordinance. ACCEP-
TANCE of Electric Lightwave Franchise Ordinance
No. 3040 for its first reading before Council, as
recommended by the Public Works Committee pursuant
to RCW 35A. 47 . 040. The franchise grants Electric
Lightwave the right for 10 years to construct,
maintain and operate their telecommunications
system and City right-of-way.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I)
Highline Water District Franchise Ordinance.
ACCEPTANCE of Highline Water District Franchise
Ordinance No. 3041 for its first reading before
Council, as recommended by the Public Works Com-
mittee pursuant to RCW 35A. 47 . 040. The franchise
grants Highline Water District the right for 25
years to construct, maintain and operate their
water pipes and City right-of-way in order to
operate a domestic water supply system for
customers within the City.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B)
Drainage Utility. The Public Works Committee has
reviewed the proposal for the drainage utility
rate modifications and has recommended that the
actions recommended by the Public Works Director
in his memorandum of March 12 in order to imple-
ment the drainage utility rate modifications and
capital improvement program be approved.
WHITE MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 1313 adopting
a five-year CIP for the drainage utility, authori-
zing and approving the implementation, financing
and establishment of budgets for the first year' s
program, authorization to proceed with the sale of
storm drainage revenue bonds and absorption of the
1992 Metro sewer rate increase. Johnson seconded
and the motion carried.
WHITE MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3042 adopting a
new drainage basin map and changing the rate
charged by the City for its storm and surface
water utility. Houser seconded and the motion
carried.
3
May 5, 1992
PUBLIC WHITE MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3043 changing
WORKS the rate charged by the City Water Utility for
customers both within and without the City limits.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
(BIDS - ITEM 5A)
West Hill Storm Drainage Improvements. Bid
opening was held April 17 with six bids received.
A low bid was submitted by R.L. Alia Company in
the amount of $278 , 591. Staff recommends that the
bid be accepted. WHITE SO MOVED. Woods seconded
and the motion carried.
REGIONAL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D)
JUSTICE ADDED ITEM
CENTER Regional Justice Center. Linda Martinez of the
Planning Commission commented on a memo from the
Planning Commission regarding the King County Re-
gional Justice Center. She noted that the Plan-
ning Commission recommends that any action, plan-
ning or hearing on land use for the justice center
be referred to them. WOODS MOVED to make the memo
a part of the record. Orr seconded and the motion
carried.
FIRE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D)
DEPARTMENT 1992 Inspection Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the
Mayor to sign interlocal agreement between King
County and the City of Kent for 1992 . Each year
we sign an agreement with King County and the
Commissioners of King County Fire District No. 37
which allows us to perform business inspections in
the Fire District. The advantage to us is that we
are able to better evaluate and mitigate hazards
through field inspections.
From a financial standpoint, the County will send
money to cover the cost of insurance premiums as
would be calculated if we did not have self-
insurance. Also, the City will receive a percent-
age of the hazardous materials/public assembly in-
spection permit fees. The contract remains
unchanged from previous years. It is recommended
that the Mayor be authorized to sign the inter-
local agreement between King County and the City
of Kent.
4
May 5, 1992
FIRE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E)
DEPARTMENT 1992 Basic Life Support Service Contract.
AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the Basic Life
Support Service contract between City of Kent and
King County Emergency Medical Services, subject to
the City Attorney' s modifications. Every six
years the public votes on a County-wide emergency
medical services levy. Concurrently, we are asked
to sign an updated contract. Throughout the term
of the contract we are given updates on the amount
of funds we are eligible for. The Mayor' s signa-
ture is required to execute the contract and to
apply for funds. The allocation to the City of
Kent is based on funds due the City of Kent and
King County Fire District No. 37 . The amount
estimated for 1992 is $543 , 501.
Staff recommends that the Mayor be authorized to
sign the basic life support service contract
between the City of Kent and King County Emergency
Medical Services.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C)
Emergency Management Operations Plan. The
Emergency Management Operations Plan contains the
action plan detailing the City' s appropriation,
response and recovery efforts as they relate to a
major incident. These incidents are identified as
either natural or manmade. The plan also explains
the integration of the City' s efforts with those
of other levels of government.
For this plan to become a legal document, it must
be signed by the Mayor and submitted to the
Washington State Office of Emergency Management
for their review and approval .
Fire Chief Angelo noted that this issue appears
under Other Business because only two committee
members were present at the Public Safety Commit-
tee meeting when it was discussed. He noted that
after this has been submitted to the State,
expansion of the plan will continue. MANN MOVED
that the Mayor be authorized to sign the City of
Kent' s Emergency Management Operations Plan. Orr
seconded.
5
May 5, 1992
FIRE White pointed out that successors to the Mayor
DEPARTMENT have been designed as the President of the City
Council and the President of the City Council Pro-
Tem. Angelo explained that in the absence of the
Mayor, the Council President would take over that
position, and that if both the Mayor and the Coun-
cil President were absent, it is assumed that the
Council would determine who would take the lead on
a temporary basis. White commented that normally
when the Council President is unavailable, the
senior-most Council member takes over and MOVED
that the third successor in the event of an emer-
gency be the senior-most Council member present.
Woods seconded and the motion carried. Mann' s
motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the docu-
ment then also carried.
PARKS & (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A)
RECREATION Golf Advisory Committee Recommendations. As
recommended by the Parks Committee at their April
27th meeting, approval of the Golf Advisory Com-
mittee recommendations for Riverbend Golf Complex
is requested.
Doug Schwab of the Mens Club noted that the golf
course is nearly a $3 , 000, 000 business which needs
attention to make sure the financial investment
made by the City is being protected and that staff
has the support and guidance necessary to do the
job. He noted that the Golf Advisory Committee
was formed by the Mayor to review the results of
an operational and financial audit authorized by
Council and to make recommendations regarding the
complex to the Parks Committee. Schwab noted that
the Golf Advisory Committee meetings were con-
ducted in public, although that was not required
since the task was specifically to review the
report and make recommendations. He explained
that interviews and discussions were held with
dozens of individuals. He noted that the commit-
tee met 3 times and agreed on 12 recommendations,
and that the recommendations were presented to the
Parks Committee on April 27 . He explained that
the recommendations address issues of management
and administration, policies and practices, main-
tenance, planning and financial accountability,
and that only one requires the direct expenditure
6
May 5, 1992
PARKS & of funds and that one is only for $700 to be paid
RECREATION out of golf complex budget.
Schwab went over each of the following 12 recom-
mendations:
1. Continue to operate the Golf Complex under City
management, however, establish a Golf Advisory
Committee with representatives from user
groups, the community at large, the Complex,
the Administration, and the City Council to
provide input regarding issues related to the
operation of the Golf Complex. The Committee
should report to the City Council Parks Com-
mittee.
2 . Establish the position of Golf Director to
oversee all golf related activities. Then con-
sult with the PGA Community Relations Office to
review employment contract options for a Golf
Director and finally hire an experienced indi-
vidual through an open interview process, with
recommendations from the Golf Advisory Commit-
tee.
3 . Review the advantages/disadvantages of having
the Golf Complex report directly to Administra-
tion.
4 . Look for ways to increase cash flow such as in-
creasing cart utilization and having peak and
off-peak pricing policies.
5. Review cash handling procedures on a regular
basis.
6. Evaluate automating the purchase of driving
range balls.
7 . Evaluate the snack bar operation to find ways
to increase its revenues and the services that
it provides.
8 . Bring in the USGA Greens Section advisory staff
for regular consultations and based upon their
recommendations and those of the Superinten-
dent, purchase the necessary equipment to
7
May 5, 1992
PARKS & maintain and improve the condition of the Golf
RECREATION Complex.
9 . Prepare a plan to improve the driving range
facility. The plan should address expanding
the hitting areas and establishing facilities
for conducting quality golf instruction.
10. Develop financial statements that show the
profit/loss for each of the Complex' s revenue
sources and review the appropriateness of cur-
rent administrative charges being made against
the Golf Complex budget.
11. Audit the Pro Shop (merchandise sales) opera-
tion to determine if at the current inventory
levels, its financial viability is worth the
risk the City has undertaken. This audit
should be completed by October 1, 1992 .
12 . Prepare a five year operating plan which will
contain long and short range goals, revenue and
expense projections, and a future needs analy-
sis.
He said that flaws in the organizational structure
were identified which created an absence of man-
agement continuity, resulting in problems with
planning, implementation and execution, and that
the first three recommendations address this and
offer solutions. Schwab noted that Parks Director
Wilson suggested recommending that a permanent
advisory committee be formed which would help the
City address the many and varied issues that
relate to the golf complex, because under the cur-
rent system, golf complex issues have to come to
the Parks Committee which meets monthly and is
responsible for all Parks issues. For this reason
golf complex issues do not always get a thorough
hearing and sometimes take several months to be
resolved by Parks and be sent on to Council.
Schwab noted that the golf complex itself has
formed an advisory committee to advise it, and
noted that recommendation #1 refers to an advisory
committee to advise the City through the Parks
Committee. He noted that there is some concern
that the golf clubs would end up running the golf
complex.
8
May 5, 1992
PARKS & Regarding recommendation #2 , Schwab noted that the
RECREATION City lacks an individual with golf management
skills in a permanent position of authority. He
added that a position of golf professional exists
but is currently unfilled, and is structured so
that it lacks the necessary authority and respon-
sibility. He said a redefinition of the responsi-
bilities would strengthen the City' s management of
the complex. He noted that the committee is aware
that if any costs were attributable to filling
this position, it would only be done when the cur-
rent hiring freeze is lifted.
Schwab said the committee felt that having the
golf complex report to Administration is not an
issue it is prepared to make a decision on. He
noted that the complex contains ten separate
businesses with the potential for more, and that
the decision should be left to the Council.
Schwab noted that recommendations #4 , 5, 6, and 7
are all actions that the committee and the consul-
tant felt should be taken by the golf complex man-
agement staff in order to more efficiently and
profitably run the golf complex.
Regarding recommendation #8, Schwab noted that
next to debt service the cost of maintenance is
the largest item in the golf complex budget. He
said that the committee and consultant identified
problems in this area resulting from the fractured
management structure within Parks Administration,
the lack of proper equipment, negligent mainte-
nance practices, and poor planning and implementa-
tion of maintenance practices. He noted that the
USGA is scheduled to be at the golf complex on May
13 , and that this is the item which will cost
$700.
Schwab stated that in regard to recommendation #9,
the driving range will require the most attention
to realize its potential , because of its age and
design. He stated that with changes, $500, 000 or
more could be realized annually.
9
May 5, 1992
PARKS & In regard to recommendation #10, Schwab noted that
RECREATION current financial reports have not been structured
in such a way that the kinds of analyses that need
to be made to the expense side of the budget as
they relate to gross revenues can be done very
easily. He added that questions have arisen
regarding the appropriateness and the amount of
charges for city services being assessed against
the golf complex budget.
Regarding recommendation #11, Schwab noted that an
audit of the pro shop is a requirement of the con-
tract awarded to the Parks Department in May of
1990. He said that many questions exist about
inventory levels, quality of service, cost of
goods sold, profitability, and shrinkage, and said
that a contract for a director of golf might be
funded in part by merchandise sales. He added
that this audit should determine if the revenues
and costs are consistent with the projections made
at the time the RFP was awarded to Parks.
Schwab stated that recommendation #12 stands for
itself.
Schwab clarified for the Mayor and White that it
is their intent that the committee would be formed
by Administration, and that the golf management
staff would run the golf course. Upon White' s
question, Chow stated that the consultant's report
is available to Council. Schwab explained that
the financial reports would be developed by
Finance Director McCarthy and his staff, and White
commented that those could be done with or without
an advisory committee. Schwab noted for White
that Council should decide who would do the audit
of the pro shop, and that golf course management
staff would review the cash handling procedure.
White questioned why these things are not being
done now by the State Auditor and Finance Depart-
ment. Upon Mann' s question, Schwab said that this
could be called a commission or a board, rather
than a committee.
10
May 5, 1992
PARKS & Ted Laudenback stated that there is the danger
RECREATION that these clubs and golf associations can take
over management of the complex. He said that most
of the recommendations are management responsibil-
ities, and that he has found that most all of
these items have been addressed to management in
some form. He said Schwab and his associates
would like to direct the golf complex. He said
that an advisory committee should go to the Golf
Director and not to the next level, and that the
lines of authority have been usurped. He ques-
tioned whether Parks Director Wilson has not
already asked for these things and been turned
down because funds were not available.
Parks Director Wilson stated that the staff at
Riverbend is doing a good job and there is no
better municipal golf course in the Northwest. He
noted that the golf course is new, will be under
construction for three more years, and that they
have a good maintenance crew, good management, and
a good golf pro. He pointed out that two years
ago Doug Schwab was in favor of contracting out
the merchandise and lessons. Wilson stated that
the difference between the projected income and
the projected expense will be about $1, 000, 000 and
that the bonded indebtedness is $560, 000. He fur-
ther noted that Auburn' s golf course makes approx-
imately $30, 000, Renton about $50, 000 and Bellevue
$316, 000. He added that Riverbend is a perfectly
located golf course. He noted that the only thing
which is not up in percentage of income is the
driving range, which is being returfed. He said
merchandise was up 42% over the first four months
of this year.
Wilson pointed out that most of the advisory com-
mittee' s recommendations are being taken care of,
and that since Council and Administration sets
priorities and policies, they should not be on the
advisory board. He said an advisory board would
be an exaggeration of what already exists at the
golf course. White asked whether funds were
authorized for irrigation of the Par 3 and Wilson
explained that when the 18-hole was in develop-
ment, they planned to put a line underneath Meeker
Street to get enough pressure to handle the Par 3
11
May 5, 1992
PARKS & and the driving range. He said $20, 000 was bud-
RECREATION geted to put the pipe in, but there are no funds
to put in the sprinkling system. He added that
they are trying to spend the $20, 000 on some
needed equipment.
Schwab clarified that his questions regarding the
RFP were not about whether the City should run the
merchandise operation, but about the validity of
the process under which the RFP was being awarded.
He stated that there is no effort on behalf of the
Mens or Womens Clubs to take over management of
the golf complex. Bennett stated that the Classic
is a far superior golf course to Riverbend at this
stage in its development, and that Classic wishes
to provide a quality golf experience and therefore
their rates are higher, and there are fewer tee
times. He noted that other municipal golf courses
have more tee times in order to collect more
revenue and in the process they harm the golf
course. He clarified for the Mayor that the
Classic is a private golf course open to the
public. Schwab distributed a summary of the
responses from the survey of the Men' s Club and
WOODS MOVED to make it a part of the record. Orr
seconded and the motion carried.
Mr. Laudenback reiterated that an advisory commit-
tee normally answers to a Director of Operations,
who consequently handles their concerns. Schwab
explained that the Advisory Committee is an advo-
cate for the golf complex, and that staff at the
complex are aware of that. Parks Director Wilson
asked that a decision be made at this time as to
whether the golf complex should report to Adminis-
tration. He also asked that, since they have a
golf pro on contract at this time, the Council
allow them to put the golf pro on the payroll on
an interim basis. He explained that after the
USGA person is here, it could be determined when
to advertise that position. He noted that the
Classic Golf Course was held at bay for nearly a
year after it was developed, and that by opening
Riverbend early it got heavy use but brought in
about $700, 000 to help pay for some of the cost
overruns. He added that the golf course is not
operating in the red, but that they should have
12
May 5, 1992
PARKS & borrowed more money and paid it off in a greater
RECREATION length of time.
Bennett asked if it is not a fact that the pro was
offered a contract a year ago saying that if he
took charge of disposing of the excess merchan-
dise, he would be put on full time, knowing at
that time that there was a hiring freeze. Wilson
responded that the hiring freeze happened right at
that time and he was not able to put him on as a
pro.
Bill Doolittle noted that he had attended a Park
Advisory Committee meeting which was open to the
public, but that no public testimony was taken.
He said that the golf course is projected to take
in $3 , 084 , 000 this year and its estimated expenses
are $2 , 100, 000, indicating that the golf course is
making a lot of money. He disagreed with Schwab
that the condition of the golf course is due to
the fractured Parks administration and negligent
maintenance practices . He pointed out that this
advisory committee has made not 12 but 13 recom-
mendations, the 13th being action taken at the
last Council meeting. The Mayor pointed out that
it is not fair to saddle the committee with
whether or not the golf course is making money,
and that one of their recommendations is to review
financial policies. Schwab noted that in 1991 the
golf complex generated $2 , 900, 000 in gross reve-
nues and had expenses of approximately $1, 900, 000.
He noted that the City of Spokane operates four
golf complexes for $1, 800, 000. He added that the
golf complex is saddled with a debt service of
$750, 000 plus $200, 000 in other charges being made
against it. He stated that the positive budget
balance for 1991 was $26, 464 . He suggested
looking at ways in which the complex can continue
to operate without having to charge the citizens
of this community out of the general fund to pay
off expenses. Schwab stated that the action taken
by Council regarding the Vertidrain equipment was
not a recommendation of the Golf Advisory Commit-
tee, although it was discussed as a separate
issue, and was then recommended by the Parks Com-
mittee.
13
May 5, 1992
PARKS & Parks Director Wilson stated that the bonded
RECREATION indebtedness of the golf course is $560, 000 a year
rather than $750, 000 as stated by Schwab. He said
that Schwab is including payments for the 9-hole
golf course and the driving range. Wilson stated
that the Council bought the golf course to avoid
apartments being built there, and at that time he
convinced them that they need to take the driving
range also, which they did. He said that since
Riverbend is doing well, the Finance Department
has seen fit to take the bill for the old golf
course and add it to the Riverbend bonded indebt-
edness, making it $560, 000 plus $140, 000. He said
they are charged $80, 000 for administrative costs,
which was never discussed when doing the financial
study for the golf course. He reiterated that the
golf course is doing well. He pointed out that
the Green River Trail goes through the golf course
and that more people use the trail than the golf
course, and added that they appreciate the oppor-
tunity to combine park and golf maintenance.
Carl Hart noted that he has been a golfer for 45
years and that he has played the Classic twice
recently, as well as others, and that Riverbend is
in the best condition of any publicly owned golf
course. He added that it is not the same type of
course as the Classic. He said he believes that
the Parks Department should continue to operate
the course and that there should be an advisory
board to give advise to the Parks Committee on how
to operate the golf course because golfers have
ideas that perhaps staff does not have.
Finance Director McCarthy noted that they have
been doing financial statements since the golf
course has been in business, although they have
not been shared with the Parks Committee. He said
he plans to attend a Parks Committee meeting soon
and show them a complete set of financial state-
ments including long range plans for the acquisi-
tion of equipment. He said that the golf course
has asked for equipment in the past but that there
has never been a way to fund the equipment. He
explained the debt service, noting that the total
is approximately $1, 000, 000 . He added that they
have not been charging the golf complex that
14
May 5, 1992
PARKS & entire amount. He said the Council can determine
RECREATION who should pay these debt services. Mann com-
mented that the citizens own the golf course and
all other City property and that it is important
to have citizen involvement. He endorsed having
citizen involvement on an advisory board level and
disagreed with having the Council on the advisory
board and recommended excluding them.
JOHNSON MOVED to approve the Golf Advisory Commit-
tee recommendations for Riverbend Golf complex.
Bennett seconded. Johnson recommended amending
his motion as follows: 1) to eliminate council-
members as voting members of the committee except
to establish one councilmember as an ex-officio
non-voting member of the committee; 2) to revise
recommendation #3 so that the golf course
continues to be managed by the Parks Department;
and 3) to revise recommendation #2 to read that
the position of Golf Director be established and
the City Attorney be directed to prepare the ordi-
nance creating that position in the budget.
Bennett accepted only the first amendment and it
was incorporated into the motion as a friendly
amendment.
JOHNSON THEN MOVED to amend his motion to continue
to have the golf course managed by the Parks
Department. White seconded. Johnson clarified
for Orr that there would be no further review of
the advantages and disadvantages of having the
golf complex report to Administration and that it
should be administered by the Parks Department.
Bennett said that review of the advantages and
disadvantages is a valid request. Johnson said he
would agree to reviewing it periodically and
reporting back to the Parks Committee but White
did not agree. Johnson did not chose to revise
his motion, and the motion to amend the main
motion to change recommendation #3 to read that
the City Council endorses the continued operation
of the golf course by the Parks Department was de-
feated upon a roll call vote, with Johnson, Mann
and White in favor, Woods abstaining, and Bennett,
Houser, Orr and Mayor Kelleher opposed. Upon
White' s question, the Mayor asked that the City
Attorney consult the rules regarding abstaining
from voting.
15
May 5, 1992
PARKS & JOHNSON MOVED to amend his motion so that recom-
RECREATION mendation #3 reads that management of the golf
course be continued as part of the Parks Depart-
ment, with annual review by the Parks Committee.
The motion died for lack of a second. Schwab said
that this is not an issue that the advisory board
would want to take up.
JOHNSON MOVED to amend the motion by revising
recommendation #2 to state that the position of
golf director be established, recognizing that
Administration will decide whether to fund the
position, and directing the City Attorney to pre-
pare the required ordinance. White seconded.
Houser noted that that had been done and the money
has not been available to hire a golf director.
Schwab clarified for the Mayor that there is a
position of golf professional at the golf complex
which is an unfilled position and explained that
the recommendation was to redefine the responsi-
bilities of that position. He suggested changing
the wording of recommendation #2 to say "define"
the position of golf professional . Schwab also
stated that many golf directors are paid solely
from commissions or incentives. Johnson and White
both agreed to use the word "define" .
Wilson noted that they are currently paying a con-
tract and that it would not be a great expense to
transfer it over. He noted that the pro would be
hired as a city employee to manage parts of the
golf course. He said if the golf course stays in
the Parks Department they would like to have the
authority to write the job description for the pro
which would best serve Riverbend. He added that
complete charge of the golf course by the pro
would not work.
The Mayor clarified that the motion before the
Council is to amend the main motion to establish
the position of golf director as outlined in
recommendation #2 and to add language stating that
the scope of work for that position will be
reviewed and potentially redefined. The motion to
amend carried.
16
May 5, 1992
PARKS & MANN MOVED to amend the main motion to change the
RECREATION word "committee" to "board" . Johnson seconded.
The motion carried.
The Mayor explained for White that any City board
or commission can determine how often they will
meet and whether City staff will be involved. He
added that typically the City would provide staff
to attend the meetings.
Upon a roll call vote, the motion to approve the
Golf Advisory Committee recommendations, to
eliminate Councilmembers as voting members except
one as an ex-officio non-voting member, to provide
that the scope of work for the golf director be
reviewed and potentially redefined, and changing
the name from Committee to Board, then carried
with only White opposed.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4E)
ADDED ITEM BY BILL DOOLITTLE
Vertidrain Equipment. Bill Doolittle noted that
at the Council meeting of April 21st, Councilmem-
ber Bennett moved to rent Vertidrain equipment
from the Classic Golf Course for $200 a day, as
directed by the Golf Advisory Committee on a 5-0
vote, and that the motion was seconded and passed
by Council. He pointed out that in the following
discussion it was noted that an alternative source
would also rent the equipment for $200 a day and
would absorb all repair costs and rebate 75% of
the rental fee if the City chose to purchase the
equipment. He added that based upon Bennett ' s
motion and the vote of the Council, a contract was
executed with Classic. Doolittle noted that the
equipment has arrived at Riverbend, but has been
inoperable for at least five days. He noted that
the alternate source provided his equipment so
that work on the golf course could continue. He
suggested that Council give direction to the golf
course as to whether they can get out of the con-
tract and whether they can make decisions on their
own regarding this issue without coming back to
Council. Bennett defended his position on this
issue and noted that the superintendent chose to
pick up the equipment himself and take a rush
course on operation of the equipment, even though
part of the agreement was that Classic would
17
May 5, 1992
PARKS & provide someone at Riverbend to demonstrate use of
RECREATION the equipment. Keith Sandon, Director of Golf at
Classic Country Club, stated that they had agreed
to loan out their machine, that a price was agreed
upon and a contract was signed. He said that the
equipment had less that 50 hours use when it left
their property and that although they experienced
some problems, they had operated it for approxi-
mately 42 hours without problems. He opined that
the City is experiencing problems because it has
not been run correctly.
Mayor Kelleher stated that he would not allow any
more comments on this item unless there is a
motion from the Council . No Councilmember chose
to make a motion of any kind regarding the Verti-
drain.
FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B)
Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the
bills received through April 30, 1992 after
auditing by the Operations Committee at its
meeting at 5: 30 p.m. on May 4 , 1992 .
Approval of checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
4/16-4/30/92 0117517-0118043 $1, 393 , 331. 88
Approval of checks issued for payroll :
Date Check Numbers Amount
5/5/92 01171763-01172380 $ 534 , 766 . 48
REPORTS Council President. Woods noted that Suburban
Cities will meet on May 13th in Issaquah and asked
Councilmembers to make arrangements through
Christi Ryan.
Public Works Committee. White noted that the
Public Works Committee now meets on the 1st and
3rd Wednesday of each month at 5 : 30 p.m. He added
that at the next meeting they will discuss the
public transit area and the circulator transit
system for the City of Kent.
18
May 5, 1992
REPORTS Public Safety Committee. Mann announced that the
Public Safety Committee meetings have been changed
to 5: 30 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each
month.
EXECUTIVE At 9 : 05 p.m. City Attorney Lubovich announced an
SESSION executive session of approximately 15 minutes to
discuss labor negotiations and potential litiga-
tion regarding a City-owned facility.
ADJOURNIMENT At 9 : 30 p.m. the meeting reconvened and adjourned.
Brenda ac ber, CMC
City C er
19