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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 06/16/1992 Kent, Washington June 16, 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, Planning Director Harris, City Engineer Gill, Fire Chief Angelo, Police Chief Crawford, Finance Director McCarthy, Human Resources Director Olson, and Informa- tion Services Director Spang. Public Works Director Wickstrom and Parks Director Wilson were not in attendance. Approximately 150 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Kent Community Forum Recognition. Mayor Kelleher COMMUNICATIONS noted that last February forums on growth manage- ment were held with citizens to obtain their views on how the City should handle future growth and meet the requirements of the State Growth Manage- ment Act. He noted that forty-five people volun- teered their time to be trained as facilitators for small group meetings held in their homes, workplaces, or municipal buildings. He explained that the conveners showed a video tape on growth issues in the City, initiated a discussion and had each participant fill out an opinionaire. He then presented each of the conveners a Certificate of Appreciation for their involvement and facilita- tion of the Growth Management Community Participa- tion Program. Orr also thanked all who partici- pated and stated that this project was very well received and produced excellent results. Regional Justice Center. A man from the audience asked why the Regional Justice Center was not in- cluded in the Growth Management Community Partici- pation Program survey. Planning Manager Satterstrom said that he would not recommend that type of survey for such a facility, and noted that there are other ways in which citizens can be involved in the design of a public facility. White stated that he has asked for a copy of the Envi- ronmental Impact Statement on the Regional Justice Center and Satterstrom agreed to provide him with one. The Mayor pointed out that if a permit application were received by the City of Kent, environmental information would be required, but that no permit application has been received. 1 June 16, 1992 i CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR O be approved, with the exception of Item D which was removed by Councilmember White, and incorpor- ating the City Attorney' s amendment into Item E. White seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) j Approval of Minutes Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of June 2 , 1992 . STREETS (BIDS - ITEM 5A) 1992 Asphalt Overlay. Bid opening was May 20 and three bids were received. The project includes overlay of several streets within the City with the scope of work broken down into seven different schedules. The low bidder for all seven schedules was Lakeside Industries; however, project funds are only sufficient to complete the first four schedules. The low bidder for those four sched- ules is M.A. Segale. Staff therefore recommends, and the Public Works Committee has concurred with, awarding Schedules 1-4 of the 1992 Asphalt Overlay Program to M.A. Segale for the bid amount of $142 , 536 . 20. WHITE SO MOVED. Johnson seconded and the motion carried. STREET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) CLOSURES Street Closure - Balloon Classic. ADOPTION of j Ordinance No. 3046 authorizing closure of certain public streets, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) j Street Closure - Canterbury Faire ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3047 authorizing closure of certain i public streets, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. i (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Street Closure - Cornucopia Days ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3048 granting a street use permit to Kent Lion's Club for the Cornucopia Days festival, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. 2 i I June 16, 1992 TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) CONTROL 196th/20Oth Corridor. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an interagency agreement with King County naming Kent as lead agency for design of west leg of 196th/200th Street Corridor, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L) Commute Trip Reduction Interlocal Agreement. .AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign interlocal agreement with King County for the purpose of carrying out certain provisions of the Commute Trip Reduction Act of 1991, subject to approval of final form by the City Attorney, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M) Central Avenue Improvement (Gowe to Titus) TIB Grant. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign agree- ment with WSDOT for a TIB Construction Grant in the amount of $437 , 520 for the Central Avenue Im- provement project and establishment of the budget for same, as recommended by the Public Works Com- mittee. SEWERS (BIDS - ITEM 5B) North Park Sanitary Sewer Rebuild. Bid opening was June 2 with eight bids received. The low bidder was Robison Construction in the amount of $192 , 796. 98 . Staff recommends that the low bid be accepted and the contract awarded to Robison Con- struction. WHITE SO MOVED. Woods seconded and the motion carried. SHORT (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) PLAT Dead Tree Short Plat/Family Homes Short Plat #1. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale and warranty agree- ment submitted by MDI/Profit Sharing Plan (Paul Morford) for continuous operation and maintenance of approximately 340 feet of water main extension and 315 feet of street improvements constructed in the vicinity of 113th Avenue S.E. north of S .E. 256th for the Dead Tree Short Plat and Family Homes Short Plat #1 and release of the cash bond after expiration of the one-year maintenance period, as recommended by the Public Works Commit- tee. 3 June 16, 1992 ANNEXATIONS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) West Hill Island Annexation - Resolution. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1316 setting July 7 , 1992 as the date for a public hearing for the West Hill Island Annexation. The City Council Planning Committee passed a motion on June 2 , 1992 to place this item on tonight' s consent calendar so the appropriate resolution can be prepared announcing the City' s intent to annex the West Hill Island. In general, this area is bounded on the West by Military Road, on the north by SR 516, on the east by SR 516, and on the south by approximately S. 240th and S. 244th extended. City Attorney Lubovich announced that a new resolution has been prepared to replace the resolution in the agenda packet. He explained that the new resolution amends Section 1 by allowing for a street boundary and a map to be attached as an exhibit, noting that this would take the place of a legal description. There were no objections to the amendment from the Council, and the amendment was incorporated. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) Chestnut Ridge Annexation. ACCEPTANCE of 10 percent notice of intent for annexation of approx- imately 190 acres north of South 208th Street between 92nd Avenue South and 100th Avenue S.E. and authorization to set July 7 as date to meet with the initiators, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. HAZARDOUS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3N) WASTE Used Motor Oil Collection Events. AUTHORIZATION for staff to accept the grant from the Local Grants Program of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program for Seattle/King County and to proceed with the used motor oil collection events, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. MUSEUM (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) White River Historical Society Museum Services Agreement for 1992. APPROVAL of the White River Historical Society Services Agreement for 1992 with a level of funding of $2 , 500 as recommended by the Planning Committee. The amount of $2 , 500 was set aside in the 1992 budget. 4 June 16, 1992 CITY (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) POLICY Budget Issues. Finance Director McCarthy noted (Budget that sales tax and building permit revenues slowed Issues) down in 1991, that the City instituted a hiring slowdown and freeze, and that 1991 ended with ex- penditures greater than revenues by $1. 1 million. He projected that expenditures will exceed reve- nues this year by $2 . 2 million and that if no action is taken, expenditures will exceed revenues in 1993 by $2 . 9 million. He explained that sales tax is showing no growth, that utility taxes are not what they projected, that building permit activity is below what was budgeted, and that the City is losing money on interest income. He noted that in December 1991 there was a reserve fund balance of $2 , 000, 000 but it was exceeded by $1, 400, 000, and that the budgeted fund balance for the end of 1992 is $500, 000. He said that the City is expending more than it is taking in and something needs to be done. He listed the cuts which have already been made and the savings, and explained that departments were asked to propose additional cuts which totaled 23 . 5 positions. He stated that the goal is to have all departments share evenly and that departments who have already lost a number of people would not have to make additional cuts. He listed required vacancies as follows: Planning - 1, Police - 8 , Fire - 9, Public Works - 1, and Parks - 5 . He added that adjustments could be made in Equipment Rental, in the CIP funding, or by raising taxes, but that there would still have to be some additional vacancies. He noted that looking at vacancies now instead of next year would protect the City' s financial position by laying off as few people as possible. Upon Woods' question, he noted that 8 or 9 positions have been vacated by attrition this year, with 9 or 10 more expected by the end of the year. He confirmed for her that the budget for 1992 is okay, but that difficult decisions must be made regarding the budget for 1993 . Chow noted that if expenditures continue at the present rate and no one resigns, the City will be in dire shape by the first of the year. Upon Woods ' question, McCarthy explained that since the new furlough and layoff policy came out, department heads were asked how they could cut their budgets by 5%, and that they listed layoffs and other miscellaneous 5 CORRECTED - REFER TO June 16, 1992 MINUTES OF 7-7-U CITY ways. Woods stated that she has asked several POLICY times for creative suggestions to address the (Budget budget concerns and that she was shocked and Issues) dismayed to receive a confidential memo at 5: 00 p.m. on Thursday regarding layoffs. She said she is not pleased with this proposal and wants something else tried. White stated that although he spoke with Mr. Chow on Thursday, nothing was said to him about the proposed layoffs, and that he does not appreciate that. He asked when the last Executive Committee was held and whether those meetings are open to Councilmembers. Chow responded that the last meeting was held on Wednesday and that Administration can choose whether to invite Councilmembers. White noted that there has been discussion in the past about the accuracy of financial projections and suggested that McCarthy is projecting too high. He noted that figures are inaccurate and that although he has asked previously, he has never received an answer to how many people have been hired since the selective hiring process was begun. McCarthy responded that the people hired early in 1991 had been recruited for previously and that Police and Fire hired some of their officers early in 1991 and the other positions were frozen. He added that two Corrections posi- tions were filled because of double bunking and some in the Transportation Engineering area were filled because of the street utility. White told Chow that he sees the layoffs as a way to get at the Parks Department and asked if Parks has ever been allowed to consider raising fees or proposing a different fee schedule for participants who live outside the City. Chow explained that each de- partment is authorized to offer proposals to Administration. Tony noted that Parks had proposed increasing fees, thereby lowering their number of layoffs. White pointed out that lay- offs or not hiring anyone should have been con- sidered during the budget process. He noted that Chow is paid over $100, 000 a year with benefits, and McCarthy over $80, 000, to keep the City on course, and that he is sadly disappointed. Chow pointed out that we are in a recession, thanked White for his comments and said they would try to improve. 6 June 16, 1992 CITY Johnson noted that in a memo sent to Council- POLICY members on 11/18/91, the Mayor said that he would (Budget like to unfreeze some Police and Fire positions Issues) and that filling additional Public Safety posi- tions would be a top priority in the coming year. Johnson also said that a memo to Councilmembers dated 12/1/91 states that Administration would consult with the Council prior to implementation of any measures. He said that the memo delivered last Thursday implementing a layoff program and asking for 24 additional positions to be laid off by 7/1/92 was directed to department heads, not Councilmembers. He voiced concern that Adminis- tration has not kept the Council informed of the financial situation and therefore the Council has not been able to take a position as to the best course of action for the City. He added that de- partment heads and other city employees have always been willing to provide the information he has requested. He noted that as part of the budget process he had suggested eliminating positions in Administration, eliminating Cityline, eliminating merit pay for department heads and City Administrator, freezing all non-union step increases, and reducing cost of living adjust- ments. He said that public safety employees should be the last to be cut, and that the City should determine what it' s priorities are. He said that he no longer has confidence in City Administration to provide him with necessary information on any matter, noting that the memo regarding layoffs was directed to department heads rather than the Council , although the Council is ultimately in charge of the City. He said he would like to see the Mayor and City Administrator meet with employees of the City and department heads to work out a plan to get the City out of this financial situation. Orr said that she was very disturbed about the way she received this information, and that the pro- posal goes against everything the Council had said for many months. She noted that her memo was marked confidential, that she received it Thursday night, and she was therefore surprised to see the headlines in Friday' s paper. She voiced concern about the impact to employees of reading this in the paper and said that the Council and department 7 June 16, 1992 CITY heads should have been told first, and allowed POLICY time to warn people who may be laid off before it (Budget appeared in the paper. She agreed that not every Issues) effort has been made to work with employees to come up with a proposal for voluntary time off or with a different compromise, and that to propose layoffs first is not the best approach. Houser concurred with the idea of meeting with employees, noting that all must work together. She asked for more suggestions from employees. Bennett concurred and emphasized that the City is in serious financial trouble. White said the City needs good accurate information and good strong management. Woods pointed out that the Council has no staff of their own and are totally dependent upon city staff to make their jobs possible and to give citizens good quality service. She said it is inappropriate that employees have been told not to communicate with Councilmembers. Mann explained that his reference to considering selling the golf course came out of deep frustra- tion. He noted that every position in this organ- ization is important, but that if Administration is determined to make layoffs, that the layoff policy exclude Police and Fire personnel for the following reasons: 1. Officers are screened and selected after going through a very vigorous process including a written test, agility test, oral exam, physical fitness, psychological testing, lie detector tests and graduation from the Academy before they are hired full time. 2 . Departments are presently stretched to the limit, and more support people are needed. 3 . Elected officials are commissioned to provide the safest environment possible to citizens. HE MOVED that City Administration amend its layoff policy to exclude Police and Fire personnel. Houser seconded and the motion carried. 8 June 16, 1992 CITY White said he hopes that Administration would POLICY present a revised proposal at next Council meeting (Budget and that departments be allowed to look at adjust- Issues) ing their rates. He noted that layoffs are inevitable but that the City should also look at increased fees. Woods said that one of the greatest concerns about the proposal Council received was the reality of pitting department against department. She asked the management of Public Safety to work as hard as possible to come up with other means of saving money, and noted that it will be difficult to spread 25 positions over the remaining depart- ments. She stated that there is a lot of good will in City Hall and that people are willing to make a sacrifice. She said this situation can be handled by collaboration, teamwork, and building trust from the bottom up, and that Council is sending policy makers a message that that is the way they want it done. She said everybody should be involved in the process, and that everyone has integrity and worth in the system, that all employees are important to the Council and to the citizens of Kent, and that their ideas have value. She challenged Administration to ensure that all work together to address this problem. Bill Doolittle, 412 N. Washington, said it is very reassuring to citizens to hear the Council speak up as they have tonight. He noted that the Finance Director is called on for answers to many issues and there may be some savings there. He said he agrees with White regarding the Parks Department and noted that Parks had proposed a reduction of . 5 personnel as well as cutting other expenses, but that Administration had turned the personnel cut into 5. He said that Parks is stretched as much as any other department and that Kent is known for its parks. He pointed out that the newspaper had reported that there was no representative from Administration at the Public Safety Committee meeting when layoffs were discussed, and voiced surprise at that, since there is usually at least one representative in attendance. He stated that at a workshop earlier this year there was consensus among the Council to eliminate the frozen positions. He thanked Woods 9 i June 16, 1992 CITY for her comments tonight and agreed that the Coun- POLICY cil has not gotten good information. He suggested (Budget determining where too much money is being spent Issues) and pointed out that there is not much left in the contingency fund. He said that a reduction in the utility tax is shown, but not the collection of the new $1. 90 tax. He noted that a decrease in interest income is shown, although the City just refinanced $10 million in long term debt. He said the Council should get some accurate information and make decisions and set policy, which is what they are charged with doing, and that if they continue to function as they have tonight, they are on the right track. John Willetts, President of the Firefighters Union, commended the Council for their comments tonight and stated that the number of calls they receive increases by 10% each year and that 35% of the calls come in simultaneously. He said they would not want to lose nine more positions in addition to the nine unfilled positions. He said they were told the preparation of 5% cuts was an exercise. He noted that he is the president of the largest union in the City, and has not been approached about what his membership is willing to do to help, and that they are willing to help. There were no further comments on this issue. POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 30) 1992 Jail Health Services Contract. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign 1992 Jail Health Services Contract with Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. This contract provides for nursing staff for the inmates. FIRE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Vetoed Fireworks Ordinance. The current drought conditions in the Pacific Northwest have created the probability for a serious fire threat this summer. As a consequence, during the June 2 , 1992 Council meeting, an emergency ordinance limiting discharge of fireworks to July 4th was considered and passed. Following its passage, the ordinance was vetoed by the Mayor. 10 i June 16, 1992 FIRE Mayor Kelleher noted that the vetoed ordinance is being submitted for the record and consideration by Council. MANN MOVED to enter vetoed Ordinance No. 3045 into the record and to override the Mayor' s veto of Ordinance No. 3045. Orr seconded. White pointed out that he had initially voted against this ordinance but that after doing addi- tional research, he will support the override of the veto. Houser stated that the Council has re- ceived a letter from Mr. and Mrs. J. Kay Miller in support of banning fireworks, and MOVED that it and all other letters received on this matter be made a part of the record. White seconded and the motion carried. Johnson spoke in support of the override and asked that the Public Safety Commit- tee consider a permanent restriction of the use of fireworks to the 4th of July in ample time to have public hearings on whether or not to do so. City Attorney Lubovich clarified that this ordinance only restricts the discharge of fireworks to July 4th, and that it has no effect on the sale or own- ership of fireworks. John Stone, 431 E. Meeker, pointed out that millions of dollars are spent on fireworks in the United States which could be spent on programs for the homeless and others who need help. He noted that fireworks are dangerous explosives and people are injured each year. He also said that the ordinance means nothing if it is not enforced. Stone noted that although fireworks are a tradi- tion, there are many more people in America today, and that traditions change. Leo Arthur stated that he had operated two fireworks stands in the City for 3 years. He pointed out that State law covers a period of one week, and that this ordi- nance would cut their business by six days since no one will buy fireworks if they cannot shoot them off. He added that fireworks stand operators ordered their fireworks a year ago and the stands and people are ready to go. He said it is wrong to pass an ordinance at the last minute, and this should be considered for a year from now. 11 June 16, 1992 FIRE A woman from the audience read a letter from the Burien Eagles Junior Drill Team requesting that the proposed ban on the sale of fireworks within the City of Kent not be passed. The letter stated that injuries would increase due to the non- availability of "safe" fireworks, that fire inci- dents will increase, that it is nearly impossible to enforce such a ban, and that the ban would greatly affect their fund-raising capability. WOODS MOVED that the letter be made a part of the record. White seconded and the motion carried. Mann' s motion to override the Mayor' s veto of Ordinance No. 3045 then carried unanimously. COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) REMOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WHITE Excused Absence from City Council Meeting. Approval of a request from Councilmember Jim White for an excused absence from the June 16, 1992 City Council meeting since he will be attending the AWC Convention. This item was removed from the agenda at the request of Councilmember White. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through June 15, after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting at 2 : 00 p.m. on June 16, 1992 . Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 6/1-6/15/92 119069-119580 $2 , 845, 642 .28 Approval of checks issued for payroll : Date Check Numbers Amount 6/19/92 01173572-01174125 $ 452 , 649 . 38 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 50 p.m. Brenda Jacober MC City Clerk 12