HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 09/01/1992 Kent, Washington
September 1, 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 Attorney
Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director
Wickstrom, Fire Chief Angelo, Police Chief Crawford, Human
Resources Director Olson, Parks Director Wilson, Finance Director
McCarthy and Information Services Director Spang. City Adminis-
trator Chow was not in attendance at the meeting. Approximately
125 people were at the meeting.
PUBLIC Employee of the Month. Mayor Kelleher announced
COMMUNICATION that Glen Hatfield has been selected as the
Employee of the Month for September. He noted
that Glen works in the Finance Department as a
water meter reader, and that he is known for his
generosity and positive attitude. Finance Direc-
tor McCarthy noted that Glen is the person the
whole department calls on when they need extra
help, and that Glen has been recognized in the
past by citizens for helping them find leaks in
their property. He commended him for all of his
hard work. The Mayor then presented Hatfield with
the Employee of the Month plaque.
Geneva Obenchain Day. Mayor Kelleher read a
proclamation declaring September 1, 1992 as Geneva
Obenchain Day in the City of Kent and urged
citizens to join in congratulating her for 30
years of service. Finance Director McCarthy
stated that Geneva has done a super job i'h a lot
of different areas and strives to make sure
customers get the best service possible. McCarthy
informed the Council that Geneva is the City' s
first 30-year employee and congratulated her for
these accomplishments.
CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through
CALENDAR G 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 August 18 , 1992 .
1
September 1, 1992
HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G)
SANITATION East Hill Shopping Center. ACCEPTANCE of the Bill
of Sale for continuous maintenance and operation
of approximately 388 feet of water main improve-
ments constructed for the East Hill Shopping
Center and waiver of the one year maintenance
period and the immediate release of cash and per-
formance bonds, as recommended by the Public Works
Committee.
WATER (BIDS - ITEM 5B)
Horseshoe Acres Pump Station. Bid opening was
August 13th with two bids received. The low bid
was submitted by Omega Contractors for the bid
amount of $50, 840. 00. The Public Works Committee
has recommended acceptance of the bid.
WHITE MOVED that the bid submitted by Omega Con-
tractors in the amount of $50, 840 . 00 for the
Horseshoe Acres Pump Station be accepted and the
contract awarded. Woods seconded and the motion
carried.
(BIDS - ITEM 5C)
Del Webb Pump Station. Bid opening was August
18th with six bids received. The low bid was sub-
mitted by R.W. Scott Construction in the amount of
$60, 732 . 12 . The Public Works Committee has recom-
mended acceptance of the bid.
WHITE MOVED that the bid submitted by R.W. Scott
Construction in the amount of $60, 732 . 12 for the
Del Webb Pump Station be accepted and the contract
awarded. Bennett seconded and the motion carried.
SEWERS (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4E)
Sewer Extension Moratorium Resolution Amendment.
This resolution alters the City ' s existing mora-
torium on the extension of water and/or sewer ser-
vice by creating an exemption for governmental
agencies, schools and non-profit organizations ;
otherwise, it reaffirms the moratorium as origi-
nally imposed by Council .
2
September 1, 1992
SEWERS Wickstrom noted that a church has requested this
action at the Public Works Committee meeting and
they also received a request from a new school for
the extension of water and sewer. He stated that
the Public Works Committee supported both recom-
mendations.
WHITE MOVED that the Council adopt Resolution No.
1322 , which exempts government agencies, schools
and non-profit organizations from the City' s mora-
torium on extensions of water and sewer service.
Woods seconded.
Houser requested a definition of governmental
agencies and White stated that it refers to
schools. Tom Brubaker, Assistant City Attorney,
explained that governmental agencies would include
municipalities, Counties, Metro, Water Districts
and any branch of government recognized under
State statute. White clarified for Houser that
the Public Works Committee didn 't have anything
specific in mind when governmental agencies was
included in the resolution and that that phrase
could be removed. Houser then requested that the
term "governmental agencies" be excluded from the
resolution and it was agreed upon by the Council .
Charlie Kiefer expressed concern about where the
extension of the sewer lines would run for the new
school . Wickstrom noted that the school has
requested this extension for a new site on 106th,
south of 274th and that it will be their responsi-
bility to determine how the water will get to the
site, but that it will follow the Comprehensive
Water and Sewer Plan. Upon Kiefer' s inquiry as to
whether there would be an alternative to sewer
connections, Wickstrom noted that the Pine Tree
Elementary School was on a septic system and
wanted to expand and the County required them to
be connected to a sewer system.
Ed Pawlowski stated that the City should be a
little more definitive, since this project will
cost money and is not wanted in this area. White
reiterated that he will continue to support the
extension of sewers for schools and non-profit
3
September 1, 1992
SEWERS organizations and noted that Councilmembers do not
have the right to block a new school that is badly
needed. Johnson pointed out that the school is
just like a developer and that they will have to
turn in a plan as to where the line will be
placed.
John Kiefer noted that he is not against the
school and understands White' s position, but is
concerned as to how this project will be paid for
and who will be paying for it. Wickstrom clari-
fied that the school district would have to extend
the sewers at their own cost. He noted that there
will not be an LID charge but the school district
could come back asking for a late comers charge
for any property owner who fronts the sewer and
wants to be connected at a later date. Wickstrom
explained for Kiefer that the school district
would be required to do an environmental impact
statement and will have to go through the SEPA
process just like developers. White reassured
Kiefer that all the City is trying to do is allow
the school to connect to water and sewer; it is
not trying to impose something on the property
owners that they do not want.
The motion, as amended, then carried unanimously.
(BIDS - ITEM 5A)
LID 339 - Hilltop Sanitary Sewers. Bid opening
was held August 3rd with four bids received. The
low bid was submitted by King Construction in the
amount of $73 , 991. 00. The Public Works Committee
has recommended that this bid be accepted. WHITE
MOVED that the bid submitted by King Construction
in the amount of $73 , 991. 00 for LID 339 be
accepted and the contract awarded. Bennett
seconded.
A man from the audience presented a letter signed
by eleven residents of the area which outlined the
history of attempts to solve drainage and sewage
difficulties over the past 23 months. He noted
that residents contend that rainwater runoff has
caused irreparable damage, and that corrective
matters have been forgotten. He requested that
the trunk line be installed by 11/30/92 and asked
for a 15-year lien. WOODS MOVED that the letter
4
September 1, 1992
SEWERS be made a part of the record. White seconded and
the motion carried. The motion to accept the bid
submitted by King Contruction then carried.
TRAFFIC (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4G)
CONTROL 272nd/277th Corridor. This project was referred
at the August 4th Council meeting to the Public
Works Committee for a recommendation. During the
interim, a workshop was held on August 17th to
answer Council questions on this subject. The
matter was then discussed at the Public Works
Committee meeting on August 26th. After discus-
sion, the Public Works Committee voted 2-1 to
adopt the Public Works recommendation to proceed
with the project and to pursue the establishment
and preferred alignment as reflected in the FEIS
with the County.
WHITE MOVED to proceed with the 272nd/277th Corri-
dor Project and pursue the establishment of the
preferred alignment with the County. Johnson
seconded.
Ron Rule, 10624 SE 287th, said he feels that the
road is not going where it is needed and will not
meet the transportation needs. He noted that the
west terminus is not where it should be, and he
hopes that the plan takes into account what the
County is doing. He expressed appreciation that
Benson and Kent-Kangley are being improved, but
reiterated that this roadway is heading in the
wrong direction. Jan Romero of the Covington area
also expressed concern that this road will not
relieve enough traffic. She referred to the Final
Environmental Impact Statement which states that
in the year 2010, the level of service through the
intersections will be the same as taking no
action. She said that this is not a good way to
invest $30, 000, 000. She noted that using that
roadway would not be efficient for her, and would
increase her car expenses and time commuting. She
urged the Council to consider the comments made by
citizens because they have worked hard on this and
are trying to help make the best decision. She
suggested looking for more creative solutions, and
voiced concern about the slope of Alternative A
which is 11%, as opposed to 8 - 9% for Alternative
C. She noted that she has spoken with a trucking
5
September 1, 1992
TRAFFIC company who did not feel an 11% grade would be
CONTROL safe in the winter. John Kiefer distributed to
Councilmembers a document asking what the project
will cost, and noting that the City estimates the
cost to be $16-30 million and the County estimates
$38-71 million. He pointed out that the City has
a revenue shortfall and asked why the citizens of
unincorporated King County should also be driven
to near bankruptcy. He said he estimates the cost
at $71 million with the County going over both
railroad tracks to West Hill. He said the LID
cost of $9 million is more likely $27 million, and
that the City funding would be $37 million rather
than $14 million. He said the LID cost could be
$750 per capita. Kiefer noted that the City has
received a TIB grant for predesign proposal in the
amount of $225, 000 but that the Board has over-
obligated funds to projects which may affect the
timing for when sufficient funds will be available
for construction phase approval . He also noted
that in a memo to the Mayor and Council, Public
Works Director Wickstrom pointed out that the TIB
is not interested in any significant grant
increase on the 272nd/277th corridor. Kiefer said
that the citizens inside and outside of Kent have
concerns and have tried to present them in a
professional manner. Ed Pawlowski agreed that the
cost to citizens could be as high as $1000 each
for a project that is not in the City. He noted
that he has studied the EIS and has suggested a
Crow Road bypass to help with traffic, as well as
building an overpass across Benson at 208th to
132nd. He said the EIS is poorly written, that
this project is not a good solution, and that a
north/south road is needed. Ron Allen said the
public has spoken on this road and thanked the
Council for the opportunity to do so. He
questioned the legality of the City of Kent to
build and condemn property located outside the
City's boundaries. He said if a vote is taken
tonight in favor of building the road, there is no
choice but to file litigation to decide if Kent
truly has this right. He said attorney' s fees
would add to the City' s budget problem, and urged
the Council to consider whether they need another
large expenditure, and whether the road will solve
traffic concerns or add more traffic to an already
congested highway system in the valley,
6
September 1, 1992
TRAFFIC financially depriving downtown businesses when
CONTROL people bypass the area. Bill Carleton, 10201 SE
270th Place, spoke in opposition to the 11% grade.
He read a letter from a neighbor, Bob Whelan,
opposing the project and suggesting the money be
spent on a good community bus service which could
absorb much congestion on East Hill and in down-
town Kent. Robert Dunakev, 27315 - 114th Avenue
SE, said there are a thousand or more residents on
East Hill who are in favor of the road. He
explained that as an employee of the Kent Fire De-
partment for 17 years, he responded in all types
of vehicles of different weights and in all road
conditions up and down the hill. He suggested
making this a toll road and said people will pay
to travel down a 5-lane roadway and get off of the
Smith Street and James Street hills. He noted
that people in support of this project are afraid
to come forward or feel it won't help, and urged
the Council to vote yes on this issue tonight.
Charlie Kiefer pointed out that all documents such
as impact statements must be sent to the Depart-
ment of Ecology to be registered, and that the
register is available free by mail each week. He
pointed out that for the week ending 6/26/92 ,
which was the date the EIS for this road was
issued, it does not show the impact statement. He
said he called the Department of Ecology and found
that it was sent to the wrong place, and ques-
tioned what else about this road can be believed.
He noted that permits must still be applied for
and opined that the impact statement would cause
delays in the permit process, and recommended
polishing it up before submitting it. Craig Brown
voiced concern about the Council making a decision
to proceed based on an Environmental Impact State-
ment that has contradictions and is not a complete
study. He noted that it does not identify real
and long term solutions, encourages single occu-
pancy vehicles, and contains contradictions in the
traffic flow levels. He urged the Council to re-
quest a complete study of the impacts and long
term solutions as required by SEPA. Gloria
Johnson, 27450 Green River Road, noted that she
has been unable to sell her property because the
proposed alternative goes through it. She stated
that she is not opposed to the project, but would
7
September 1, 1992
TRAFFIC like the Council to make a decision. Steve
CONTROL Burpee, representing the business community, said
the Chamber has studied transportation problems
for many years and supports the need for east/west
corridors. He added that this project is only a
portion of the solution, but that it is needed.
Bob Nelson of the Covington area agreed that the
road goes the wrong direction, and that it should
go to the northwest. He stated that he had heard
that the financing had to be in place and the road
built before the public became aware of mass
transit options, and asked the Council to consider
the motivation for the project. He added that
there will soon be the biggest change in transpor-
tation planning the Puget Sound has ever seen, and
it would be a tragedy for Kent to be stuck with a
road that doesn't meet the needs of the regional
transportation plan. He suggested using the money
in different ways and noted that people will vote
for mass transit. Bill Joy, 28183 - 109th Avenue
SE, distributed copies of page 70 of the EIS and
noted that in the year 2000 there will be 24
intersections at Level E & F with the No-Build and
26 under Alternative A. He added that in 2010
there will be 28 in the No-Build and 29 under
Alternative A, noting that traffic conditions will
be aggravated with the Build alternative. He
pointed out that the text states that in the case
of the three Build alternatives, the number of
intersections at a low LOS is approximately equal
to the number under the No-Build, although the
chart states otherwise. He noted that the text
also states that the EIS is not responsible for
analyzing impacts of land development resulting
from the new road, and future development would
not only occur along the road, but in areas off
the alignment. He then distributed copies of page
9 of the King County Public Works Technical Memo-
randum No. 14 and 15 Alignment Development, and
noted that Alignment A does not meet King County
design standards, horizontal or vertical. He
pointed out that if the City built the road, the
County would accept the 40 mph design speed, the
800 ' horizontal radius and the 11% grade, but that
if the County built the road, the design speed
would be 60 mph, the horizontal radius would be
between 2000-50001 , the grade would be a maximum
8
September 1, 1992
TRAFFIC of 9% and it would include an overpass over the
CONTROL railroad tracks. He suggested allowing the County
to build the road, if it is really needed, and
noted that whatever the cost, the dollars will
come from the taxpayers and will not be available
for other projects.
Martin Durkan, Jr. , 22401 Sweeney Road, Maple
Valley, noted that approximately 100, 000 people
are expected to move into the East Hill/Covington
area whether the road is built or not. He noted
that the Soos Creek Plan called for the building
of the 277th corridor and for the County to con-
tinue the corridor all the way to Covington. He
said it is a part of the solution to traffic con-
gestion in the area. He pointed out that the
citizens of the County will have an opportunity to
vote on a north/south rapid transit rail system
next year, but that people who use the north/south
route still need to get to the valley floor, which
this corridor would do. He noted that there has
been no testimony tonight from Kent residents and
noted that Romero, Rule and Kiefer, who are
opposed to the project, are all part of the East
Hill Environmental Council who doesn't want any
growth on the hill. He said development will
occur nevertheless and an alternative means for
getting off the hill must be provided. Council-
member Mann disagreed with Durkan's comment con-
cerning Kent residents testifying, noting that
there had been comments from Kent residents. Jude
Restis, 12025 SE 284th, reminded the Council that
they are elected to represent the citizens of
Kent, and that this road lies outside the City.
He also noted that the County has a similar, if
not better, proposal and requested that they vote
against this proposal, and let all residents of
King County pay for the road. Dave Heutchy, 10925
SE 287th Street, noted that he had been surprised
to see that traffic moved relatively easily up
Canyon Drive at 5: 15 p.m. Friday night and that he
had a maximum wait of two minutes at the light at
104th. He pointed to 320th in Federal Way as an
example of congestion. He said he is not sure an
arterial heading south is what is needed, and that
funneling traffic from 256th is causing part of
the problems. He suggested eliminating the 256th
traffic entering at that point and move it back to
9
September 1, 1992
TRAFFIC 108th or 116th, eliminating the second light at
CONTROL the intersection. He also asked the Council to
consider continuing the present business bypass
and making it, as well as Kent-Kangley, one-way.
Heutchy opined that people will use the new
arterial to head south on SR 167 to the proposed
Auburn Mall at SR 167 and Highway 18. He noted
that the Chamber endorses this project, but that
if it goes through, Kent merchants will rue the
day they supported it. He urged the Council to
think twice before approving a large capital
expenditure on a road that will likely siphon off
revenue to Kent merchants and reduce tax revenue
to the City. Rhonda Taylor, 12418 SE 273rd Place,
said that at the last Council meeting it was
stated that Hebert Research had found that 82% of
people polled felt that this project should pro-
ceed. She stated that a phone survey was done a
year ago by Hebert Research of 400 residents who
live south of SE 208th, west of 196th, north of S.
212th and east of SR 167, and that it included
only people who made at least three round trips a
week on Kent-Kangley, SE 256th and James. She
said the survey found that half of these people
did not know about this project, and explained
that the question referred to corridors, not just
272/277. She pointed out that half of the respon-
dents feel the time they spend commuting is
reasonable and rated the proposed corridor as only
somewhat effective. She added that nearly 1/3
indicated they did not know of any benefits of the
corridor. She reiterated that most residents of
Kent were not polled and that over 1/3 of the pro-
posed beneficiaries do not intend to use the road.
Bob Keever of Auburn noted that Councilmembers
rely heavily on staff briefings, but that some-
times the briefings do not give a true picture.
He noted that he has read all 570 pages of the EIS
and feels the roadway is not the cure some people
believe it to be. He cited Canyon Drive as an
example, noting that in the year 2000, traffic
volumes will be only 15-20% less than the no-
action alternative. He also cited examples from
the Green River Valley Transportation Action Plan.
He noted that this was addressed recently in a
community forum on growth management and
visioning, which pointed out the need to balance
10
September 1, 1992
TRAFFIC growth management with transportation. Keever
CONTROL asked the Council to look into this issue and not
just rely on staff briefings. WHITE MOVED the
previous question. The Mayor explained that that
ends debate. Bennett seconded. The motion to end
debate carried 5-1 with Mann opposed. (Council-
member Houser was out of the room. ) Upon a roll
call vote, the motion to proceed with the project
and pursue the establishment of the preferred
alignment with the County then carried 5-1 with
only Mann opposed. Houser stated later in the
meeting that since she was out of the room when
the vote was taken, she would like to go on record
as being in favor of the road.
COUNTY-WIDE (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A)
PLANNING County-Wide Planning Policies. The proposed
POLICIES County-wide Planning Policies, when ratified
through an interlocal agreement, will serve as the
framework within which cities in King County will
develop their comprehensive plans, pursuant to the
Growth Management Act. The policies require rati-
fication by 30 percent of the jurisdictions in the
County, representing 70 percent of the population,
in order to become effective. This public hearing
has been scheduled to give the public an opportun-
ity to give input on the proposed policies prior
to ratification.
Fred Satterstrom of the Planning Department
explained that the Growth Management Act requires
that the comprehensive plans of cities and
counties be consistent, and that this is an
attempt to implement that goal. He noted that the
King County Growth Management Planning Council de-
veloped county-wide planning policies which were
adopted by the County Council on 7/6/92 , and
pointed out that these policies may not reflect
exactly how Kent would like to view all of the
policy directions. He said that if Council has
concerns on these policies, there is a process
wherein the City can influence the amendment of
that policy. He noted that within the County-wide
Planning Policies there are policies dealing with
urban growth areas and planning goals, both of
which are separate items on tonight' s agenda.
11
September 1, 1992
COUNTY-WIDE Satterstrom clarified for White that the first
PLANNING step in the process is to ratify the policies, and
POLICIES that concerns can be expressed when forwarding the
resolution to the County.
The Mayor opened the public hearing. Floyd Bacon,
24311 - 35th Avenue South, said he does not see
much difference between the City's and the
County's plans. He asked whether there is a green
belt area and where it is, where building of
houses would stop and what type of housing would
be built, whether the Council received a petition
signed by residents of West Hill in reference to
the area adjacent to the National Guard Armory,
whether housing be low-cost housing, affordable
housing, or apartments, and what will happen to
West Hill if the plan goes through. Satterstrom
explained that affordable housing is a part of the
plan and that all jurisdictions would be required
to share the responsibility of achieving a ration-
al and equitable distribution of affordable
housing to meet the needs of low and moderate
income residents in King County, and that the City
would be required to do an inventory of housing
and to determine how much of it is low and moder-
ate income housing and compare that with other
jurisdictions to be sure Kent has its fair share.
He noted that the Growth Management Planning Coun-
cil has drawn a proposed urban growth area bound-
ary, and that it is approximately at the City' s
proposed annexation area. He noted that Covington
is designated as part of the urban growth area,
but that most of the area east of the Big Soos
Creek valley is designated greenbelt.
Charlie Kiefer stated that he is in support of
using the 1989 Federal manual for delineation of
wetlands and critical areas policies. He noted
that the County hopes all jurisdictions will use
the same manual, and asked which manual Kent
intends to use. Satterstrom agreed that most
jurisdictions who have a sensitive areas ordinance
do use the 1989 manual, but that there are some
who use the 1987 manual. He explained that the
Planning Commission has recently finished deliber-
ations on the wetlands ordinance which recommends
using the 1987 Federal manual. He pointed out
that if the Council is concerned about that, they
12
September 1, 1992
COUNTY-WIDE can forward their concern to the GMPC, but that
PLANNING the main objective of the County is that all jur-
POLICIES isdictions work towards some kind of wetlands pro-
tection. He clarified that this is a separate
issue from the policies before the Council now.
John Kiefer said it is his belief that the Soos
Creek Plan contains a policy which states that the
hillside from the City limits of Kent to Auburn
Golf Course will all be urban separator, or green-
belt. Floyd Bacon urged that more study be done
and that the public be made aware of exactly what
the King County plan is. He said that if the plan
must be ratified tonight, he would be against it.
Helen Nylon, Hedges and Roth Engineers, 14450 NE
29th Place, Bellevue, noted that many individuals,
neighborhoods, community groups, businesses and
associations have expressed grave concern for the
process under which these policies were developed.
She added that two appeals had been filed as a
result of an inadequate SEPA process. She urged
the Council to ratify these policies contingent
upon the pending results of the supplemental EIS
which was called for under King County Council ' s
adoption of the policies. Paul Seeley of the
Boeing Company, 7735 East Marginal Way, Seattle,
also encouraged the Council to ratify the policies
with concerns and questions. He pointed out that
the process was never intended to take away what
cities want for themselves, but to try to find
common ground and to set perameters. He added
that the funds will most likely come from
businesses and citizens, and people need to be
aware of what is in the plan and what the conse-
quences are. There were no further comments and
WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Johnson
seconded and the motion carried. ORR MOVED to
ratify the policies with suggestions for amend-
ments or changes to the policies, that those
amendments or changes be submitted to the Planning
Committee for review and a recommendation which
will be brought to full Council on September 15th,
and to direct the City Attorney to prepare the
requisite resolution for the September 15th
Council meeting. Johnson seconded. Orr noted
that if a decision is not made by October 2nd, the
County will have assumed that the City has rati-
fied the policies without change. She noted that
13
September 1, 1992
COUNTY-WIDE the comments heard tonight and the letters
PLANNING received will be reviewed by the Planning Commit-
POLICIES tee on September 15th and a recommendation will be
made, and that the item must be brought back to
Council the same night for further direction. She
noted that the suggestions will be contained in
the agenda packet so that the Council can review
them. She asked that Councilmembers who have con-
cerns or recommendations provide them to the Plan-
ning Department this week.
White expressed concern that a 30% plurality rati-
fies something, and that by not acting to approve,
the County assumes approval.
Orr's motion then carried.
GROWTH (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B)
MANAGEMENT Growth Management Planning Goals. This is the
recommendation of the Planning Commission to adopt
Kent' s proposed Growth Management Planning Goals,
which are based on the planning goals contained in
the Growth Management Act and the Countywide Plan-
ning Policies. Kevin O'Neill of the Planning
Department noted that the Growth Management Act
outlines 13 planning goals which include urban
growth, transportation, housing, and critical
areas. He explained that the goals have been
reviewed by City departments, the Human Services
Commission, and the Planning Commission, and that
the results of the Community forum were taken into
account. He explained that jurisdictions propose
themselves to be an urban center or a
manufacturing/industrial center, and once that has
been decided, it is reviewed by the GMPC who
determines whether or not the region feels the
local jurisdiction meets the criteria. He noted
that the criteria for urban centers is to have
15, 000 jobs and a residential density of
approximately 15 units per acre within a 1 1/2
square mile area, and that the manufacturing/
industrial criteria is 10, 000 jobs and for land
uses to be principally manufacturing and
industrial. He noted that local jurisdictions
must make a decision by October 1 as to whether or
not they wish to propose themselves as either an
urban center or a manufacturing/industrial center,
14
September 1, 1992
GROWTH and added that the Planning Commission determined
MANAGEMENT that the City should propose both designations.
ORR MOVED to approve the Planning Commissions rec-
ommendation to adopt the Growth Management Plan-
ning Goals and to direct the Attorney' s Office to
prepare the necessary resolution to be brought
back to the full Council on September 15, 1992 .
Johnson seconded and the motion carried.
URBAN (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C)
GROWTH Urban Growth Areas. This is a recommendation of
AREAS the Planning Committee to adopt Alternative 3 for
boundaries of the Urban Growth Area. There are
four alternatives, and the Planning Commission
recommended Alternative 4 , which would extend the
Urban Growth Area to include the Covington area.
Kevin O'Neill of the Planning Department explained
that the Growth Management Act requires each
county to designate an urban growth area within
which urban development will occur over the next
20 years. He noted that the Planning Commission
recommendation differs from that of the Planning
Committee and staff in that the Planning Commis-
sion recommended extending the planning area out
to include the Covington area. He explained for
White that the intent of the Growth Management Act
is that urban areas in the County would either
ultimately be annexed to a city or incorporate.
He added that this alternative is the most consis-
tent with the Soos Creek Plan and with the City' s
annexation area policy.
ORR MOVED to approve the Planning Committee' s rec-
ommendation to adopt Alternative 3 for boundaries
of the urban growth area and to direct the City
Attorney to prepare the necessary resolution and
bring it back to the full Council on September 15,
1992 . Johnson seconded.
White asked Orr whether this is based on the
annexation policies, and Orr said that although
that had something to do with it, they had looked
at the cost of providing services and it did not
seem practical.
Charlie Kiefer commented that the Planning Depart-
ment mailed him a copy of the goals. He asked to
be notified of when the scoping meeting will be
15
September 1, 1992
URBAN held for the EIS so that he could comment at the
GROWTH appropriate time. He also suggested that thought
AREAS should be given to where sixty acres can be found
for mitigation for the destruction of the Lower
Green River Wetland No. 24 , which is where the
impoundment reservoir is proposed to be built.
Orr' s motion then carried.
COMMUNITY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C)
DEVELOPMENT 1993 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
BLOCK GRANT Program. AUTHORIZATION to set September 15, 1992
as the date for a public hearing to consider the
1993 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Pro-
gram.
RECYCLING (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E)
Procurement Ordinance. ADOPTION of Ordinance No.
3066 establishing procedures and programs to
encourage and increase the procurement of recycled
and recyclable products by the City of Kent
Departments and contractors, as recommended by the
Public Works Committee.
SURPLUS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F)
EQUIPMENT Surplus Equipment. AUTHORIZATION to declare
surplus a 1965 Crown Pumper and to call for bids
in order to dispose of set apparatus to the
highest bidder. Apparatus 708, a 27 year old
Crown pumper is no longer utilized in the Kent
Fire Department as a reserve fire engine. The
apparatus is surplus to the Kent Fire Department
and staff recommends that it be sold to the high-
est bidder, with a minimum bid beginning at
$25 , 000 by advertising a call for bids.
BUDGET (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4F) f
City Administrator Ordinance. During the August
18, 1992 Council meeting, the City Council passed
Ordinance No. 3065 deleting the position of City
Administrator from the General Fund. If vetoed,
this ordinance will be submitted for the record
and consideration by Council.
The Mayor clarified that this ordinance was vetoed
on Friday, August 28th, and that it is on the
agenda tonight for a possible veto override.
16
September 11 1992
BUDGET JOHNSON MOVED to override the Mayor's veto of
Ordinance No. 3065 . White seconded and the motion
carried, with Mann and Houser opposed.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ADDED ITEM 4F-1)
ADDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT
Chief Administrative Officer Position. BENNETT
MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance No. 3067
creating a new position entitled "Chief Adminis-
trative Officer", and amending Budget Ordinance
No. 3011, removing the position of Assistant City
Administrator, and transferring funds for said
position. Johnson seconded and the motion car-
ried.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ADDED ITEM 4F-3)
ADDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WHITE
Contingency Fund. WHITE MOVED for the adoption of
Resolution No. 1323 relating to the City' s Contin-
gency Fund. Johnson seconded.
White read the resolution and noted that this is
being offered to give the City some direction
toward reestablishing the contingency fund.
The motion then carried.
MAYOR (OTHER BUSINESS - ADDED ITEM 4F-2)
ADDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WHITE
Full-Time Mayor Position. WHITE MOVED for the
adoption of Ordinance No. 3068 relating to the
Mayor's salary and changing the position from
part-time to full-time. Woods seconded. White
explained that this ordinance will spell out the
existing duties of the Mayor and his pay
structure; and, it will make the Mayor' s position
a full-time position effective January 1, 1994 .
He noted that the base salary of the position was
left blank for Council debate. Woods inquired as
to whether the salary amount should be sent to the
Operations Committee. City Attorney Lubovich
noted that the salary has to be established by
ordinance and recommended that it be included in
the ordinance tonight. He noted that the salary
can be adjusted at a later date.
17
September 1, 1992
MAYOR White stated that the City's salary structure is
very high in comparison to other cities the size
noted that man
•f Kent. He n y government salaries
have gotten out of line and at some point a line
must be drawn showing that the City cannot go any
further. ' He also noted that he has been a candi-
date for Mayor since long before salaries were
discussed and that he will continue to be a candi-
date no matter whether the position is full-time
or part-time or whether the salary is set at $1. 00
a year. He stated that he doesn't feel comfort-
able with the salary being any more than $50, 000,
and added that figure to his motion. Woods said
that she is also concerned about the salaries in
the City, but that $50 , 000 seems minimal.
However, she accepted the figure for the sake of
discussion. Lubovich pointed out that the salary
can always be increased later but that it cannot
be decreased. Houser suggested salary suggestions
be considered at a later time. White noted that
the figure can be changed at any time, and that
this would simply be a base salary. Orr suggested
that this issue be sent to the new Budget Commit-
tee for discussion concerning the amount and come
back to the Council at a later date.
Mann noted that several months ago when this issue
was discussed, concern was expressed from the
Legal Department that the possibility of a move of
this nature may not be legal because of a contract
the voters had when they voted for a Mayor who is
part-time. Lubovich clarified that this ordinance
establishes the position as full-time effective
beginning the next term on January 1, 1994 and his
concern was changing the position in the middle of
a term.
White stated that this ordinance is in partnership
with the ordinance offered by Bennett. He said
there has been enough controversy and disagree-
ments and direction is needed as to where the City
of Kent is going. He added that the City needs to
address the budget crisis and other City business,
and this is not meant to generate additional con-
troversy.
Houser said that she has seen the need for a full-
time Mayor for quite a while but objected
18
September 1, 1992
MAYOR receiving ordinances just prior to voting on them.
There was no further discussion and the motion
then carried.
FIRE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A)
DEPARTMENT 800 MHz Radio System. A contract was signed with
Motorola Communications and Electronics, Inc. on
December 15 , 1989 for a 800 MHz radio system. The
Kent Fire and Police Departments ' recommend the
project be accepted based upon the completion of
the outstanding items and the letter of agreement
to resolve any remaining audio quality problems.
Fire Chief Angelo gave a brief summary of this
project noting that this was one of the key issues
of the bond issue. He noted that Kent Police
officers and Firefighters could not communicate
and that a proposal was brought to the Council
which included the radio system to improve the
rate of communication between the Police and Fire
departments during emergencies, and which could be
expanded to cooperate with the region in case of a
disaster. Angelo noted that the letter of agree-
ment refers to the fact that the system is not
finished, but through Assistant Chief Kearns '
efforts, Motorola has offered to handle a particu-
lar problem at Valley Com regarding audio quality,
even though they were not required to do this and
the City was not charged for it. He stated that
the Police and Fire Departments are doing follow-
up training now that the system has been fine-
tuned to the point where they can translate the
information that is needed for them to get their
highest functionality. Angelo noted, however,
that in order for both departments to operate, the
old system is still currently tied to the new sys-
tem but that consideration is being given to
selling the system to the valley Cam agencies who
would share in the cost of operation and mainte-
nance. He noted that the City of Kent has one of
the best public safety systems in the Northwest,
and mentioned that on September 15th there will be
an issue on the ballot referring to Public Safety
and 800 trunking radio system as a regional wide
system. He stated that it is much bigger and
19
September 1, 1992
FIRE different than the system the City has but that
DEPARTMENT the bond issue contemplates integrating that
system with the one the City has in place, making
it possible to communicate County-wide. He also
noted that it is through the efforts of the Valley
Com Director, Assistant Chief Kearns and both
departments that this system will be developed and
have a deep, meaningful impact on regionalization
of Public Safety communications.
MANN MOVED that the Public Safety 800 MHz radio
system be accepted and final payment be processed
in accordance with the letter of agreement.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D)
East Hill Headquarters Fire Station/Training
Center. A contract for construction of the East
Hill Headquarters Fire Station/Training Center was
signed with MarJon Contractors, Inc. on June 14,
1989. After a period of time to correct punchlist
items, the Fire Department has accepted the
project as 100 percent complete. The Fire Depart-
ment recommends that the project be accepted and _
retainage be released subject to written notice of
release by lien holders and other state agencies.
Also, with the settlement of the last warranty
item on the mutually agreed upon list, staff
recommends that the one-year initial warranty
period be satisfied. This does not, however,
negate the multi-year manufacturer' s warranty.
Fire Chief Angelo gave a brief summary of this
project and thanked John Kist, brother of the
Regional Corporation owner, who has worked with
the City of Kent since last June to make things
happen. He also thanked the Council and staff for
their support. Angelo noted that work will con-
tinue because of imperfections in these buildings.
He noted that the contractor worked very hard to
correct the items on the warranty list, and they
have reached a mutual agreement. He also noted
that the City has corrected some items themselves.
He urged the Council to accept the project and the
one-year warranty and to authorize the Fire
Department to proceed with the paperwork to make
sure that all liens are cleared and then release
the retainage.
20
September 1, 1992
FIRE MANN MOVED to accept the East Hill Headquarters
DEPARTMENT Fire Station/Training Center as complete, author-
ize staff to proceed with the process to release
retainage and to accept the first-year warranty
period as satisfied. White seconded and the
motion carried.
PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D)
RECREATION Kent Memorial Field #1. AUTHORIZATION to accept
resources and funding totaling $5, 000 from the new
Kent American Legion Baseball Association to fur-
ther develop and improve the Kent Memorial Field
#1 for 1) hardball dedication, and 2) establishing
park to a level which will support sponsorship of
advanced playoffs on the high school and American
Legion Regional and State Tournament levels.
FINANCE Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the
bills received through August 31, 1992 after
auditing by the Operations Committee at its
meeting at 3 : 00 p.m. on September 1, 1992 .
Approval of checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
8/15-8/31/92 121722-122215 $1, 167 ,904.22
Approval of checks issued for payroll:
Date Check Numbers Amount
9/4/92 01176300-01176743 $ 652 ,880. 12
REPORTS Upon a question from Aggie Mauritsen regarding the
Saturday Market, the Mayor noted that it was not
on the agenda for this meeting, but that someone
will meet with her after the meeting and explain
when it may come up.
Public Safety Committee. Mann announced that the
Public Safety Committee will meet on Monday,
September 21, at 5 : 30 p.m. at the new Police Sta-
tion. Police Chief Crawford noted that the newly
remodeled station will be dedicated on September
18 at Noon, and everyone is invited. He added
that there will be an open house from 12 : 00 to
4 :00 on Saturday, September 19.
21
September 1, 1992
REPORTS Administrative Reports. Mayor Kelleher commended
the Council for developing an alternate adminis-
trative arrangement which he feels is workable.
He announced that he is appointing Tony McCarthy
as Interim Acting Chief Administrative Officer, as
well as Chairman of the Executive Committee. He
noted that McCarthy will also continue as Finance
Director. He directed Human Resources Director
Olson to immediately prepare a job description for
the newly created position of Chief Administrative
Officer and to advertise the position both inside
and outside the City.
EXECUTIVE At 10: 15 p.m. City Attorney Lubovich requested an
SESSION executive session of approximately 10 minutes to
discuss potential litigation with respect to the
City Administrator. The Mayor noted that he would
not be participating in this matter.
The meeting reconvened at 10:20 and HOUSER MOVED
for the payment of $55, 000 cash to Ed Chow, which
would include all entitlements under his current
contract, any and all accrued vacation rights, and
all accrued benefits that he would be entitled to
under his contract, in exchange for a complete
release from any and all claims, subject to the
city's and Mr. Chow' s attorneys drafting of
settlement documents for the same. Orr seconded.
The motion carried on a roll call vote, with
Bennett and White opposed.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting then adjourned.
i
Brenda Jacober, CMC
City Clerk
22