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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 10/20/1992 Kent, Washington October 20, 1992 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor Kelleher. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr and Woods, Acting Chief Administrative Officer/Finance Director McCarthy, City Attorney Lubovich, Plan- ning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Fire Chief Angelo, Police Chief Crawford, Human Resources Director Olson and Parks Director Wilson. Information Services Director Spang was on vacation and Councilmember White was excused from the meeting. Approximately 80 people were in attendance at the meeting. PUBLIC Retirement of Detective John Fletcher. COMMUNICATION Mayor Kelleher introduced Detective John Fletcher of the Kent Police Department and added that the present Councilmembers have not served a day without him on the force. Chief Crawford noted that Detective Fletcher has worked for the City of Kent for 22 years and has helped solve difficult crimes such as arson cases. He also said that it will be a great loss to the City as Fletcher goes on into the future. Detective Fletcher stated that Kent has been a great City to work for and thanked the City for the years. Mayor Kelleher then presented the Chief Service Award to Detective Fletcher. Reader Roundup Months. Mayor Kelleher read a proclamation declaring October & November, 1992 as Reader Roundup Months. He invited all citizens to observe it by encouraging readers of all ages to apply for their own King County Library System cards. Miriam Driss of the Kent/King County Library System was present to accept the proclama- tion. CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR S be approved, excluding Item N which was deleted by the City Attorney and sent to the Public Works Committee. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. Approval of the regular Council meeting of October 6, 1992 , and approval of the addition of the following figures regarding CDBG Program Funding to the minutes of September 15, 1992 (the figures were inadvertently omitted) : 1 October 20, 1992 MINUTES PROPOSED CITY OF KENT 1993 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CBDG) PROGRAM REVISED SEPTEMBER 15, 1992 Total Estimated Capital Funds: $221, 803 Total Estimated Planning & Admin. Funds: 15, 793 Total Public (Human) Services Funds: 41, 913 Total• $279 , 509 CAPITAL/PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION Capital Recommended Applications Amount Funding Received Requested Level Archdiocesan Housing Authority: Housing For Homeless Men - Relocation $ 25, 000 $ 25, 000 City of Kent Housing Repair Services Program $161, 824 $161, 824 City of Kent Planning & Administration $ 15, 793 $ 15,793 Easter Seal Society of Washington: Access Modification Rehabil- itation** $ 30, 208 $ 21, 149 Pregnancy Aid Shelter Program: Shelter Rehabilitation $ 20, 000 -0- South King Co. Multi- Service Center: Play- ground for Homeless Children $ 9, 350 -0- Vision Special Needs Housing: Acquisition Houses 4 & 5*** $ 20 , 000 $ 13 , 830 Total $282 , 175 $237 , 596 * Human Services Staff recommendation 2 October 20, 1992 MINUTES *If the City receives an increased entitlement the Easter Seals project shall be increased accordingly. This funding shall be allocated as one-time only funding. ***If the City receives a decreased entitlement the Vision Special Need Housing shall be decreased accordingly. Public (Human Service) Amount Recommended Applications Received Requested Funding Level Community Health Centers of King County Kent Clinic $17 , 400 $16, 300 Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle- King County $ 4, 665 $ 4 , 665 YWCA of Seattle - King County, Domestic Violence Housing** $23 , 942 $20, 948 Total $46, 007 $41, 913 *Human Services Commission recommendation **If the City receives an increased or decreased entitlement, the YWCA project shall be increased or decreased accordingly. STREETS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L) 196th Street Corridor - Bridge Design Consultant Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign a consultant agreement with Alpha Engineers for bridge design for the 196th Street corridor. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M) 196th Street Corridor - Geotechnical Consultant Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign a consultant agreement with Converse Consultants Inc. for geotechnical work on the 196th Street Corridor. 3 October 20, 1992 STREET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) VACATIONS Street Vacation - Pioneer & Kennebeck (STV-92-3) . This public hearing will consider an application by Dana B. Mower of Barghausen Engineering Com- pany, who is acting for the Kent School District, to vacate a portion of Pioneer and Kennebeck Streets. The Planning Department recommends that the request be denied as applied for, and that approval be granted for the vacation of just Pioneer Street from the easterly right-of-way line of State Avenue to the westerly right-of-way line of Kennebeck Avenue, including the inadvertently left out strip of Pioneer Street and the condi- tions mentioned in the staff report by the Public Works Department. Planning Director Harris showed the location on the map and explained that staff recommends Kennebeck not be vacated because it is used by the City for the maintenance of the Mill Creek, and since this is in an area where Mill Creek fre- quently floods, Kennebeck Avenue right-of-way could play a role in the solution of the flooding problem. He noted that a strip of Pioneer Street right-of-way was inadvertently left out of the legal description. He explained that the staff recommendation is to approve the vacation of just Pioneer Street, to amend the legal description to include the strip of Pioneer Street which was left out, that the City be compensated for the vacated areas at one-half the full appraised value, that the City either retain or require the petitioner to grant an easement over, under and upon said vacated right-of-way for utility purposes, that the City require the petitioner to determine what private utility companies may have facilities within said right-of-way and grant them an ease- ment for same and provide a letter of concurrence from the affected utilities denoting compliance with same, and that compliance with the above conditions be complete in order for the vacation to become effective. The Mayor declared the public hearing open. Pete Curran, 555 West Smith, representing the Kent School District, noted that the district has adjusted the storm retention pond and that the conditions are acceptable to them. There were no 4 October 20, 1992 STREET further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED VACATIONS to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. ORR THEN MOVED to approve the Planning Department' s recommendation for denial (STV-92-3) , that the Public Works Department' s street vacation request of just Pioneer Street with conditions be approved, and that the City Attorney be directed to prepare the necessary ordinance upon receipt of compensation. Woods seconded and the motion carried. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) Street Vacation - 104th at South 252nd. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1331 setting November 17 as the date for a public hearing on a street vacation petition of property located at 104th Avenue S.E. at S. 252nd block. TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) CODE Model Traffic Code Ordinance Amendment. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3073 which amends Section 9. 36. 010 of the Kent City Code regarding the Model Traffic Ordinance. The proposed amendment clari- fies the wording of the statute and properly adopts by reference the appropriate Revised Code of Washington (RCW) chapter that contains the Washington Model Traffic Code. ANNEXATION (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) West Hill Island Annexation. The City has received a valid and sufficient referendum peti- tion regarding the City's annexation of the West Hill Island. The proposed resolution would serve as an official request to the King County Records and Elections Division to place the question of annexation on the ballot for all voters residing within the West Hill Island annexation area. The referendum election would then take place on the next available election date. Assistant City Attorney Brubaker pointed out that Council recently passed an ordinance to annex this area, and noted that the next available election date would be February 2 , 1993 . ORR MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 1333 , which establishes an election date for the referendum election on the West Hill Island Annexation. Johnson seconded and the motion carried. 5 October 20, 1992 ANNEXATION Dave Tervo, a resident of the affected area, described the history of the attempted annexation, noting that in 1976 the boundaries were redrawn to accommodate residents who wanted to be annexed into the City. He said that at that time the City promised not to annex the current island without a petition that originated from within. He pointed out that the remaining island consists of less than 100 acres which means it is vulnerable to annexation by City ordinance, which was not revealed to the island residents at the time. Tervo explained that in July, 1991, two meetings were held by the Planning Department to discuss their plans to annex the island. He noted that most residents said they were not notified of that meeting, and that at that meeting the City tried to convince the residents that they could offer improved Police service over King County. He stated that many people spoke against annexation for the following reasons: they did not want more taxes, they did not want an LID for sewers, they did not want to be governed by people who cannot balance a budget without incorporating economic benefit from objectionable items like Western Processing, Midway Landfill, Kent Highlands Land- fill, and Nike Manor, and the fact that annexation appears to be irreversible. Tervo stated that on July 17, 1992 , a year after the Planning Depart- ment had received their input on the matter, Plan- ning Director Harris presented to Council a recom- mendation for annexation, omitting his knowledge of the residents ' strong desire not to be annexed. He said they voiced their objections again, but the Council passed an annexation ordinance. He noted that Ordinance No. 3049 was repealed because a SEPA review was not prepared, and a new Ordinance No. 3064 was passed on August 18, 1992 . He noted that the City' s budget problem seems to be a function of bad management similar to the annexation situation. He said the City cannot solve the consequences of bad management with annexations. Tervo distributed copies of their petition and MANN MOVED to make the petition part of the record. Woods seconded and the motion car- ried. Tervo noted that there are 128 voters in the area and 122 of them signed the petition. He opined that spending $1, 000-2 , 000 is pointless and assured the Council that it will be defeated. He 6 October 20, 1992 ANNEXATION said the City is defeating the spirit of democracy by loading the City with undesired money- generating annexations and the jail to solve bud- get problems caused by incompetency. Upon Bennett' s question, Fire Chief Angelo said they are obligated to respond to emergency calls even though the area is served by Fire District 39, since they have a mutual aid pact, and that they would most likely be the first to arrive. Police Chief Crawford noted that if the call goes to Valley Com, they would respond to any emergency if they were in the area and could get there first. He explained that there is a car in that zone at all times. Brubaker clarified for Bennett that the $2, 000 figure for the cost of the election is an estimate of the maximum cost. He also pointed out that the petition calls for a referendum election and does not state that the signers are against the annexation. The motion to adopt Resolution No. 1333 then carried with Bennett opposed. FIRE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) DEPARTMENT Transmitter Space - Cambridge Radio Site. APPROVAL of the leasing of transmitter space at the Cambridge site and AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the contract. At the March 3 , 1992 City Council meeting, the Fire Department was given the authority to nego- tiate and manage agreements for the leasing of radio equipment space at the Cambridge site. Subsequently, an agreement has been reached with the Port of Seattle to lease them space for the installation of radio system equipment. The terms of the lease were discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on October 5, 1992 . This lease agreement has been reviewed and approved by our City Attorney' s Office. The Public Safety Com- mittee recommends approval to authorize the Mayor's signature of the contract. 7 October 20, 1992 FIRE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) DEPARTMENT Interlocal Agreement with King County. AUTHORIZA- TION for the Mayor to sign a revision to the interlocal agreement with King County regarding Fire Code Inspections. Earlier this year the City and King County entered into an interlocal agreement to perform Fire Code Inspections within Fire District 37. Since that date, the County has revised two sections of the agreement, Section 4 and 9. Section 4 - NONDISCRIMINATION, was reworded to reflect the requirements of the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990 in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 . Section 9 - PAYMENT, the payment schedule has been changed to reflect that the County will pay 50 percent of the permit fees collected within Fire District 37 . This is a change from the previous wording where the County was to pay 50 percent of 75 percent of the fees collected. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) Joint Proiect Management Agreement with Kink County and Valley Communications Center. AUTHORIZATION to negotiate a contract for Assistant Chief Kearns ' services for joint project management with Valley Com and King County. After three years of background research and con- ceptual system design work, King County voters recently approved a $57 million three-year levy to implement the regionally integrated 800 MHz trunked radio system for all public safety agen- cies in the County. Kent and Valley Com personnel have been closely involved in this planning pro- cess and have demonstrated a keen grasp of issues that are crutial to the success of a project of this nature. It has become clear that there is a great deal of commonality in the system implementation needs of Valley Com in King County. King County has approached Kent and Valley Com to consider a joint project management and implementation arrangement, with the assignment of Assistant Chief Kevin 8 October 20, 1992 FIRE Kearns as the joint project manager. The City of DEPARTMENT Kent would be fully reimbursed for all costs asso- ciated with Chief Kearns' reassignment. The Public Safety Committee recommends that the Fire Department be authorized to negotiate a con- tract for Assistant Chief Kearns' services for joint project management with Valley Com and King County. POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) DEPARTMENT Assault Ordinance. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3071 which amends Section 9 . 02 . 28 of the Kent City Code regarding the elements of the crime assault. The City has been unable to successfully prosecute offenders who have assaulted police officers, but in a manner not serious enough to warrant felony prosecution under current King County filing guidelines. This ordinance deletes all reference to various degrees of assault and incorporates the common law elements of assault. This ordinance should allow successful prosecution in District Court of offenders who have assaulted officers. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) Alcohol Test Refusal Ordinance. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3072 relating to the admissibility of alcohol test refusal evidence in subsequent criminal trials. The current Model Traffic Code does not contain a specific provision that authorizes admissibility of refusal evidence. The proposed ordinance authorizes the admissibility of suspect' s refusal to take a blood or breath alco- hol test into evidence in a subsequent DWI prose- cution. PLANNING (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) DEPARTMENT Lot Line Adjustment No. LL-92-12. APPROVAL of Lot Line Adjustment (LL-92-12) with four conditions, as recommended by the Planning Committee. METRO (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) Metro Merger. APPROVAL of Resolution No. 1332 in support of the consolidation of Metro with King County, as recommended by the Planning Committee. 9 October 20, 1992 LIBRARY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3P) Annexation to the Library District. AUTHORIZATION to set a Council Workshop for November 3 at 6: 00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers to discuss annexation to the King County Library District. GOLF (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) COURSE Golf Advisory Board Recommendations. The Parks Committee met on October 13 and October 20, 1992 , to discuss the Golf Advisory Board' s recommenda- tions. Parks Director Wilson stated that the proposal which was distributed by Doug Schwab of the Golf Advisory Board at the Parks Committee meeting on October 13 contained numbers that were incorrect, which he pointed out at the time. He noted that if the recommendations made by the Advisory Board are wrong they can disband, but the staff cannot do that and must carry thru their recommendations. He guaranteed that the staff can carry his propos- al through. Wilson proposed that the Parks Department operate and maintain the entire golf complex, including merchandise. He went on to list the advantages such as satisfying the covenant with Bond owners, that the City would receive the total profit, the City would have control over all physical proper- ties, type of service, prices, products sold, and personnel, that ultimate responsibility would be easily identifiable, and others. He reminded the Council that two years ago Johnson had recommended that the Parks Department operate the golf course to prove themselves. He said there will always be a group claiming they can do it for less money and make more money. Wilson proposed hiring a P.G.A. Pro on City staff which would reduce the rate of turnover, noting that the Pro would be interested in the success of the complex. He noted that income for 1992 is estimated to be $2 , 800, 000, and expenses at $1, 950, 000 for a net profit of $800, 000. He added that with full City operation, the City will realize a net profit of $1, 000, 000 per year by the mid-901s. He noted that Seattle uses a management or professional services con- tract for their director of golf or golf profes- sional, and loses $225, 000 a year. 10 October 20, 1992 GOLF Wilson noted that the cost per hole to operate COURSE Riverbend is $72 , 407 . He compared Kent' s net revenue to other cities, noting that Kent makes $29, 630 per hole which is twice as much as some of the contracted courses. Wilson listed problems as follows: City Administration is expecting too much (financially) too soon, the City is attempting to pay for construction cost overrun from operating revenues, the City is charging costs and debt service to the complex that were not anticipated in the financial forecast of Arthur Andersen, the complex is attempting to operate without proper needed equipment and improvements, the negative publicity is affecting play at the course, the uncertainty of who will operate and manage the complex is hurting the morale of the employees, and the morale of the employees affects the total operation and revenue. Wilson referred to a letter from Ronald Maus of Arthur Andersen & Company dated 2/26/87 which stated that all general and administrative ser- vices received from the City will be obtained free of charge or obligation, and that all operations will be paid for by the golf course, and no com- pensated operator or concessionaire will be used. He said that the Council had agreed to buy the 9- hole and the driving range as open space and they paid for the 1981 bond issue even though they were not obligated to. He added that the bond money was used to help balance the general budget. He said that unanticipated charges to the golf complex total $1, 641, 000 which is $700, 000 for 1981 debt service, $400, 000 for administrative services, $500, 000 for construction cost overrun for the clubhouse, $25, 000 for the entry sign and $16, 000 for the golf operational audit. Wilson noted that the City of Renton purchased Maplewood and that the general fund is paying 68%, the golf course 15%, and the water fund 16%. He said the golf course should not take the blame for the finances of the City, and that some major financial demands have been overcome by himself and his staff. He said the staff is experienced and dedicated and can manage and operate Riverbend in the best interest of the City. He said he needs authority from the City Council and 11 October 20, 1992 GOLF Administration to do some fine tuning such as COURSE equipment and staff adjustments. He noted that the staff has proven themselves and asked the Council to consider his proposal to operate Riverbend. Doug Schwab noted that the Golf Advisory Board was formed by the City Council in May, 1992 and members were appointed by the Mayor. He said that the Board has met seven times since July, and emphasized that the Board is aware that the prob- lems at Riverbend are not staff or personnel- related, adding that they hold the current em- ployees in the highest regard. He said the system is inefficient and expensive to operate. He noted that the Board's recommendations on financial reporting, short term capital expenditures, mer- chandise sales, and a Director of Golf have been presented to the Parks Committee. He said they recommend that the City restructure its involve- ment in its current unprofitable merchandise sales business, and that the City hire a Director of Golf through the use of a management contract. He said these changes would save the City between $250, 000-300, 000 and increase revenues by $100, 000. Schwab said Council was never sure what the figures given represented, and pointed out that Kent has an operating budget of $1, 955, 000. He said that many problems were due to inadequate funding or inefficient operations, which included too many part-time employees, not enough full-time help, lack of proper maintenance equipment, no centralized maintenance facility, and not enough money for buying merchandise inventory, storing hazardous material safely, putting an irrigation system in for the Par 3 course, improving the driving range, improving the greens and cutting down trees, upgrading the snack bar. He said the Board agreed that these concerns are legitimate. Schwab noted that in order to understand the rele- vance of net profit, one must understand the philosophy under which each of the golf courses in the comparison operates. He noted that the golf course in Spokane shows a very small net profit but that the reason is because they want to oper- ate revenue-neutral and allow users to pay the 12 October 20, 1992 GOLF lowest cost possible. Schwab said the Board asked COURSE Mr. Crisp, manager of the JC Penny store in Kent, to look into the merchandising issue. Mr. Crisp reported that the gross profit for 1991 was $5,414, expenses were $136, 000, and that for January through June of 1992 profits were $9, 949, expenses were $68 , 000, for a total two year loss of $225, 975 on merchandise sales. Schwab said that in order to break even in the merchandise sales portion, the City would need to have gross sales of $600, 000 which is double what it currently is. He said the majority of the Board feels merchandise should be sold at Riverbend, but not by the City. Gary Johnson noted that the goal of the financial performance report was simply to produce financial information that was reflective of the true per- formance of the golf course. He noted that Kent taxpayers have subsidized the golf course by $855, 000 from 1989-91. He noted that during this period, the net profit was $1, 781, 000 excluding depreciation expense on fixed assets, interest expense on approximately $11, 000, 000 worth of bond indebtedness and the debt service to repay the principle portion of the $11, 000, 000. Johnson said that the Advisory Board believes that it should be the obligation of the Riverbend Golf Course operation to pay its cost of development and to reduce or eliminate the subsidy that the golf course presently gets from the taxpayers. He said that selling the golf course was an option but that no one would pay $11, 000, 000 to earn $550, 000. He noted that in 20 years the City will have a debt-free golf course which can be operated in a highly profitable fashion. He clarified for a man in the audience that the $1, 000, 000 net income figure is before depreciation and that bond holders must be repaid. Mr. Schwab said that when all debts have been paid, the price to play golf should go down, and the golf complex should not be required to subsidize other things that are going on in the City. Schwab noted that as they were looking for a way to integrate a Director of Golf into the organization, they found that increasing the golf budget was impossible, and the complex 13 October 20, 1992 GOLF already had an operating budget that was signifi- COURSE cantly larger than any in the area. He added that the complex was operating a money-losing merchan- dise business, had a debt obligation that it could not meet, and had a long list of items it was trying to get funded. He said it was clear to the Board that if the complex was going to do any of the things that it wants to do, it would have to control costs and increase revenues. He said the Board looked at a variety of plans that integrated a Golf Director into the organization, and the final plan was approved. Schwab noted that although the Parks Director did not attend any Board meetings he did provide a letter outlining his plan. He said that Wilson' s plan would cost the City an additional $100, 000 and would make no apparent impact on revenues. He explained that the Board has recommended that the City use a con- tract to hire a Director of Golf who would be responsible for staffing and supervising all con- tract activities of the complex, and added that the City would control all revenues, set all rates and fees, and establish all policies for the oper- ation and use of the facility. He noted that the Board submitted two organizational charts to the Parks Committee and the Committee accepted Chart A-1. He explained that under Chart A-1, the Director of Golf would be responsible for the starters, lesson program, range, mini-putt, mer- chandise, carts, tournaments, and marshalls; the City would have responsibility for contract over- sight, auditing and accounting, planning, secur- ity, janitorial, the snack bar and maintenance. Schwab pointed out that members of the Board have met with Bond Counsel, the City Attorney, the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Finance to be sure the recommendation is in com- pliance with all covenants, regulations and policies. He said this plan will bring account- ability, incentive, and sound business practices into the organization, and will allow the City to improve the facility by freeing up capital for the improvements and allowing the City to begin to pay back the taxpayers and to ultimately lower rates to users. 14 October 20, 1992 GOLF Robyn Bartelt asked that a workshop be held to COURSE review the figures, and expressed concern about improper comparisons. She questioned figures related to the cost of selling merchandise at the driving range, and the Director of Golf Management contract. She also expressed concern about the serious morale problem at the complex, noting that although City employees may be retained, they may be paid $5. 00 an hour and receive no benefits. She added that there are 15 full-time employees and 34 part-time employees, and that these are dedicated employees who should be treated fairly. Jimmy Cordova stated that he is concerned about vandalism, fires and other catastrophies which may affect the golf course. Norm Reger, a nine-year golf course employee, asked about Mr. Bennett's credentials and experience in the golf business, noting that it is not his intent to demean or attack anyone. He noted that he had asked ques- tions at the Board meetings but that he did not get answers from Schwab or Bennett. He clarified for the Council that his questions are 1) what does the Committee/Council think that an outside agency can do for the City that the current PGA staff and City staff couldn't do if the City Finance Department would untie their hands and let them run it as an enterprise fund as it was intended, and 2) why does the Committee/Council need to spend money and time to search nationally for a golf director when there is one already in house (Tim Bond) . Reger noted that he, Bond, and the PGA staff have over 70 years of golf course management experience. Carrie Wiggins, lead cashier at Riverbend, said her family was part- owner and operators of Maplewood Golf Course until it was sold to the City of Renton. She said she has many years experience in the business and feels that they have not had the opportunity to manage Riverbend. She agreed with Reger that the majority of members of the Board are not qualified to make such decisions, and suggested letting the current staff operate the complex for a year. She also expressed concern about her job and predicted a large turnover if a director is brought in. 15 October 20, 1992 GOLF Bill Doolittle noted that one week ago at the COURSE Parks Committee Mr. Schwab distributed and dis- cussed a packet of information and the Parks Committee at that time said they would delay making a decision as to whether or not to accept those recommendations. He pointed out that the packet which the Councilmembers received is not what was presented at that Parks Committee meeting. He said no comments from the public were accepted at the Parks Committee meeting of this date, and pointed out that although Schwab has said all Advisory Board meetings were open to the public, he has seen only 2 or 3 notifications in the newspaper. He noted that it was mentioned that the Board has met seven times since June and that he was able to attend one of them. He read from a newspaper article quoting Mr. Schwab as follows: "The Golf Advisory Board meetings are open to the public, however, to get something accomplished members generally agreed that verbal public input won't be allowed or will be limited. " Doolittle disagreed with a statement in the report recommending a Director of Golf which said that under the Parks Director' s management of the Riverbend complex, there has never been an experienced, knowledgeable or qualified individual in a position of responsibility to oversee all of the golf related activities. He commented that tonight' s presentation has helped clarify the situation, but that the figures do not match the ones in the Golf Advisory Board report. Doolittle noted that on May 5, 1992 , a motion was passed creating the position of Golf Director. He said he does not believe that contracting out fees will benefit the City, and added that although the report states that operating costs will be reduced by $250, 000 and revenues increased by $100, 000, he does not see anything indicating how that would be accomplished. Ted Laudenback said that the Golf Advisory Board cannot guarantee that they will put $5, 000, 000 into the City treasury in five years. He noted that the Parks Department has shown tonight that they are constantly increasing revenues, and sug- gested waiting a year. A retired man from the audience asked why a separate group was created and urged the Council to leave operation of the 16 October 20, 1992 GOLF complex to the Parks Director. Wayne McDonald, a COURSE teaching pro at Riverbend and citizen of Kent, said the employees are proud of the golf course and are upset at how things have been going. He said their efforts are being wasted and asked that the restraints be removed. He said he is willing to give up part of his commissions for a piece of up-to-date equipment worth $5, 000, and that they are not being listened to. Tom Nugent said that at the first Board meeting the supervisor listed all the problems, and that the intent of the Board was to help solve the problems. He pointed out that the Board is trying to save money so that equipment can be purchased and problems solved. Al Swenson said it sounds like the Council and Board want to get all their money back right away, which can't be done. He said the City could operate the complex and make as much money as anyone else. Steve Dowell said the Council must decide on one set of numbers, and that they have an obligation to the bond holders. He recommended holding a workshop to get clarification on the figures, consider the input received tonight and make a decision. Mike Gagley said something is amiss and the citizens of Kent deserve to have the Council figure it out. Wilson clarified that his proposal to make the golf pro a City employee would not cost an addi- tional $100, 000 . He reiterated that when com- paring golf courses, the full cost of the course is not always seen. He said that the reason equipment cannot be purchased is because the City is trying to pay off the golf course too quickly, and that there were unanticipated payments. He said this could be solved by refinancing, being given more time, or taking away the 1981 debt. He asked for the authority to do what the Board is proposing the Golf Director do. A young man who is employed at Riverbend said that employees have had no say in the recommendations and agreed that a Director would pay lower wages which would affect the quality of employees and longevity. Schwab pointed out that the Board wrestled with the concerns mentioned tonight and has empathy for the employees, but that the City has no additional money to put into the complex so other things must be considered. 17 October 20, 1992 GOLF Tim Bond, Interim Acting Head Professional at COURSE Riverbend, said both factions are very concerned about the future of the facility. He said he is confused about the figures and felt more defini- tion should be given at a workshop. Upon Bond' s question, McCarthy explained that the intent is that the golf course be operated as an enterprise fund, but that they have not been able to pay all of the debt service. He added that because the Capital Improvement Program contributed $506, 000 this year, the City was unable to do other capital improvements. He explained that there is a finance charge of $50, 000, and a $10-15, 000 charge for human resources and law, and noted that all enterprise funds have these charges. Bond said that the golf course has to be improved, but that it cannot be improved without the proper equipment and golf-oriented people to staff the complex. Councilmember Johnson explained that at the Parks Committee meeting this date, it was recommended that the report of the Golf Advisory Board be accepted and the capital expenditures recommended by the Golf Advisory Board be adopted, and that staff be directed to prepare an RFP to look at the recommendation that was offered by the Golf Advi- sory Board in hiring a Golf Director under Plan A- 1. He noted that the Parks Director presented an alternative plan for consideration, and the Com- mittee recommended that another meeting be held to look at both plans and make a recommendation at a later date. Regarding comments that employees are concerned about their jobs, Johnson noted that there is no guarantee that anyone in this or any other organi- zation will always have a job. He also stated that every department in the City has legitimate ideas regarding how money should be spent, and that priorities must be taken into consideration. Woods noted that many volunteer hours have been put into the preparation of reports, and that acceptance of the reports in no way implies approval or disapproval. SHE MOVED to accept the report of the Golf Advisory Board. Orr seconded and the motion carried. SHE LATER MOVED to make Mr. Wilson' s report a part of the record. Houser seconded and the motion carried. Woods then asked 18 October 20, 1992 GOLF that McCarthy and other staff members bring to COURSE Council a financial analysis so that they could meet again in the reasonably near future to delib- erate on it. McCarthy noted that the information can be compiled and asked Mr. Wilson and Mr. Schwab to work with him. He recommended returning to the Parks Committee within a month with a new set of figures for the month of September and working to come up with a compromise. Doolittle noted that the Parks Department today recommended spending $100, 000 from the CIP next year, and said he would not want to see that slip through the cracks while a compromise is being worked out. Schwab asked that a timeline be set and the Mayor suggested working that out with con- cerned individuals after the meeting. APPOINTMENT (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3Q) _Appointment to Kent Bicycle Advisory Board. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor' s appointment of Monte Smithson to serve as a member of the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board. Mr. Smithson' s term will begin immediately and continue through 12/31/92 . This appointment will provide the eleventh committee member as provided in Resolution 1298 which created the committee. BUDGET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 30) 1993 Preliminary Budget. AUTHORIZATION to set November 3 , 1993 , as the date for a public hearing on the 1993 preliminary budget, which includes the 1993 component of the City' s Capital Improvement Program. (REPORTS - ITEM 7G) 1993 Preliminary Budget. As Finance Director McCarthy distributed the 1993 Preliminary Budget, Mayor Kelleher suggested that since the last scheduled public hearing on this item falls on election day, that another hearing be scheduled in order to receive the maximum amount of input into the process. McCarthy noted that the document contains four components: balancing the operating budget, reestablishing the capital improvement fund, enhancing the contingency fund, and planning for the future. He noted that the proposal to 19 October 20, 1992 BUDGET balance the operating budget is the same as proposed in former City Administrator Chow's memo of July 20, 1992, which includes non-personnel cost reductions, permanent revenue enhancements, revising salary and benefit increase from 3 . 6% to 1. 8%, and the layoff of 11 full-time employees. He noted that the proposal includes funding a num- ber of projects in 1993 through the Capital Improvement Fund, and using some one-time only funds to reestablish the Contingency Fund. He explained that the Council would like an increase of 1% and the proposal in the budget is to increase it 3 . 5%. McCarthy noted that planning for the future includes involving staff to come up with ideas, maintaining the hiring freeze for non- critical positions, and authorizing hiring of critical positions. McCarthy explained that the Budget Committee usually meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, but could meet every Monday until the budget is adopted. He said a workshop for Council could be held on November 10 and the budget be adopted on November 17 or December 1. He noted that a public hearing is scheduled for November 3rd and another could be held on November 17 . He explained that if there is a meeting on the 10th, it would be to hear the report of the Budget Com- mittee. The Mayor assured Councilmembers they will have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Transitional Housing Mayor Kelleher invited the Councilmembers to a groundbreaking ceremony at 10: 00 on Friday, October 23 , for a new transi- tional housing project for victims of domestic violence. He noted that the City of Kent has contributed Block Grant money to the project. Chamber of Commerce Meeting Orr announced that she will be unable to attend the meeting scheduled for October 21 with the Chamber of Commerce. She pointed out that department heads and staff are trying to meet the Council ' s target issues and changes in midstream impact what they do. She commended the three department heads who have worked together on the permit process. 20 October 20, 1992 COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3R) ADDED ITEM City Council Excused Absence. APPROVAL of a request from Councilmember White for an excused absence from the October 20, 1992 Council meeting due to illness. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3S) ADDED ITEM City Council Excused Absence. APPROVAL of a request from Councilmember Woods for an excused absence from the November 3 , 1992 Council meeting since she will be out of town. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) ADDED ITEM City Representation. Johnson distributed copies of a proposed resolution regarding City represen- tation before boards, commissions, or agencies outside the City of Kent and MOVED that it be referred to the Operations Committee for consid- eration. Woods seconded. The motion carried. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through October 15, 1992 after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting at 3 : 00 p.m. on October 20, 1992 . Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 10/1-10/15/92 123191-123831 $2 , 579, 100. 39 Approval of checks issued for payroll: Date Check Numbers Amount 10/20/92 01177619-01178074 $ 684 , 856. 79 REPORTS Public Safety Committee. Mann distributed copies of a proposed resolution in regard to establishing a task force to investigate the feasibility of creating a Kent Youth Center. He asked that it be submitted to the Operations Committee for study and encouraged them to determine the mix and 21 October 20, 1992 REPORTS number of committee members on the task force. He added that he hopes this would be a place where youth could get help finding their own business or career, and that Chamber of Commerce members would take an active role in introducing teens to their various businesses. Glen Hancock, former owner of the Kent Recreation Center, said he has been working for the past 3 1/Z years to provide a place to get kids off the streets. He noted that youth over 16 can go to dance halls, but that there is no place for kids under 16. He said this results in that age group hanging out on the streets breaking windows, breaking into shops, and stealing. He noted that he has a tentative lease for the thrift store on 4th and Meeker to be used as a community center. He said that the community center would not use tax payers money, that 30 jobs would be created, that it would save $384 , 000 in day care fees, and would put nearly $1, 000, 000 into the economy. He added that he would like to set up a teen employ- ment agency, and a day care for children 2 1/2-5 years old for low-income people. He noted that Police Chief Crawford is on the Board of Directors of Community Recreation Centers, Inc. , and is familiar with this project. Mayor Kelleher asked that this issue be discussed by the Operations Committee and that Mr. Hancock and Councilmember Mann be notified of the date it will be on the agenda. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10: 30 p.m. Brenda Jacob r, CMC City Clerk- 22