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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 10/03/1995 Kent, Washington October 3 , 1995 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Woods. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Clark, Houser, Johnson, Mann, and Orr, Operations Director/Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, Finance Director Miller, and Parks Director Hodgson. Mayor White was not in attendance. Approximately 20 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Rent Arts Commission 20th Anniversary Month. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Pro Tem Woods noted that the Kent Arts Commission was established 20 years ago this month to initiate, sponsor or conduct programs to further public awareness of and interest in the visual and performing arts. She read a proclama- tion declaring October, 1995, as Kent Arts Commission 20th Anniversary Month in the City of Kent and encouraged all citizens to continue to support the Arts Commission. She recognized the members of the Arts Commission and presented the proclamation to Grace Hiranaka. Employee of the Month. Mayor Pro Tem Woods announced that Assistant City Attorney Laurie Evezich has been selected as Employee of the Month for October. She noted that Ms. Evezich was nominated for her outstanding commitment to quality and her tireless work ethic. City Attorney Lubovich stated that Ms. Evezich is organized, dependable, thorough, pleasant and is a team player. Evezich was then presented with the Employee of the Month plaque. Yangzhou Student Exchange Program Report. Mayor Pro Tem Woods introduced Jason Martin and Jennifer Castle, exchange students who visited Kent' s Sister City Yangzhou, China, this summer. Councilmember Clark explained the exchange pro- gram and how the students were selected. He also expressed appreciation to the host families. Ms. Castle thanked the City and the people of Kent for their support, and told of her experi- ences in China. Mr. Martin showed photographs he had taken and explained family life in China. The students then presented Mr. Clark with paper cuttings and the City with a cork carving in a laquerware frame. Woods commended all involved in the exchange, and expressed hope that it will continue. 1 October 3 , 1995 PUBLIC Yangzhou, China Visitor. Mayor Pro Tem Woods COMMUNICATIONS introduced Mr. Chen who is Deputy Manager of the Foreign Affairs Office of Yanghou and is here planning and preparing for other delegates who will be arriving. She added that Mr. Chen was very helpful to her and the Mayor when they were in China. CONSENT JOHNSON MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A CALENDAR through G be approved. Houser seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of September 19 , 1995 with the following corrections: Item 3A - Check numbers 158460-159021 Should read 158304-159021 Item 3B - Check numbers 159022-159851 Should read 159022-159581 HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) SANITATION Turner Condominiums Aka Crestwood Estates. AUTHORIZATION to accept the Bill of Sale for Turner Condominiums for continuous operation and maintenance of 40 linear feet of sanitary sewers, 25 linear feet of street improvements, 80 linear feet of storm sewers and release of bonds after expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The project is located at SE 261st Street and 114th Avenue SE. WATER (BIDS - ITEM 5A) Kent Springs Water Transmission Main Repair (180th Avenue SE to 204th Avenue SE) . Bid opening for this project was held on September 28, 1995 with 13 bids received. The low bid was submitted by Frank Coluccio Construction Company in the amount of $895,871. 10. The Engineer's estimate was $1, 383 , 626.98. The pro- ject consists of installing approximately 8, 000 LF of 24" ductile iron water main pipe and various related appurtenances in accordance with the plans and specifications. MANN MOVED that the Kent Springs Water Transmission Main Repair (180th Avenue SE to 204th Avenue SE) be awarded to Frank Coluccio Construction Company in the amount of $895, 871. 10. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. 2 October 3 , 1995 SIDEWALKS (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) LID 345 S. 218th Street Sidewalks, East Valley Highway to SR 167. This issue was referred to the Public Works Committee at the September 19th Council meeting. As explained in the Public Works Director's memo, the deletion of the southerly sidewalk would not only result in an increase of the property owners' assessments, but would also place the burden of constructing the sidewalk on the fronting property owner os upon re- me, the development of the property. BasedCommittee recommended no change in the design. Public Works Director Wickstrom explained that one issue at the Public Works Committee meeting was showing the property owner what the potential increase in the assessment would be. He noted that the Rust's increase due to sidewalk deletion would be $229 .48 . He explained that the City is contributing to the project for widening the road to full width and adding curb and gutter and pay- ing for the sidewalk. He noted that the City's money would therefore be reduced and it would not affect the assessments other than there would be less City money to lower the assessments, so the assessments would have to go up. He at at the Committee meeting some of the property owners realized that those who fronted on the south side would have to build the sidewalk upon redevelopment of the property, and that the property owners decided no change to the design should be warranted. Upon Orr's question, Wickstrom explained that originally the LID was paying 100$ of the costs and that when the City's contribution was deducted, the assessments were reduced by 14%, but that because less money was taken out because deleting the sidewalks amounted to 1.5%, the assessments would go up 1.5% higher than they would have if all City money were kept in the project. Woods noted that the City had committed funds to help pay for the second side- walk, and that if the second sidewalk is not funded, that money would be withdrawn but the rest of the LID goes on. Wickstrom explained that property owners assessments are going down, but not as much as originally anticipated. Wickstrom clarified for Clark that the figure of $166, 000 was the cost of widening the road, adding curb and gutter and sidewalks, and there was an equivalent amount of drainage work the 3 October 3 , 1995 SIDEWALKS City could participate in. He noted that if the sidewalks are deleted, the City will get the reduction on it' s funds, and that property owners will be faced with building those improvements on a piecemeal approach as they redevelop. Wickstrom noted for Orr that the City's standards call for sidewalks on both sides of streets, and that this is an industrial area and eventually sidewalks will be needed on both sides of the street. Orr voiced concern about raising the costs to property owners. Clark noted that this has been discussed in detail by the committee, and said the Council has approved this improve- ment. He noted that curbs must be put in on both sides, and that a major concern was a loss of parking on the south side. Houser said that the reason for making the change was because the assessments seemed high, and that now this would raise the assessments. Wickstrom responded that the assessments will go down, but not as much as previously expected. He added that because there would be sidewalks on one side but not the other, the assessments would have to be redistributed since one side receives the benefit of sidewalks and will have to pay for it, while the other side will not receive the benefit and will not have to pay for it. Bennett thanked the Councilmembers for sending this back to committee, and said it makes no sense to have two sidewalks on a dead end street which has no pedestrians. Elsie Rust, 8619 S. 218th, asked why the money would be deleted from property owners rather than from the city. Wickstrom stated that he has ex- plained the logic of why the City contributed to the project, and noted that Council can stray from that logic. MANN MOVED that the Public Works Committee's recommendation not to change the design be accepted. Clark seconded. Mann noted for Orr that he believes this is what the property owners want to do, according to staff. Bennett stated that the discussion on this issue has been con- fusing. On a roll call vote, the motion to accept the Public Works Committee' s recommenda- tion not to change the design carried with Clark, Johnson, Mann and Woods in favor and Bennett, Houser and Orr opposed. 4 October 3 , 1995 TRAFFIC (ADDED ITEM) CONTROL Traffic Control. Cliff Norton, 10020 S.E. 246th Place, expressed concern about the traffic pat- tern in his neighborhood. He said it was his understanding that S.E. 244th would not be cusaid through, but it appears to be happening. H he is also concerned about the safety of children in the area of So. 100th Street because although the traffic is not heavy, it is extremely fast. He said it appears that S.E. 100th may also be cut through, and noted that it is near a school. He asked that the City explain their plan for those streets. Woods noted that this issue is scheduled for the Public Works Committee meeting of October 23rd, and said nothing will happen without considering the residents. She added that the meeting will begin at 4: 30 p.m. in City Hall and invited him and other interested citi- zens. Mr. Norton stated that he will notify the homeowners in the area of the meeting. Dennis Ryerson, 10012 S.E. 244th Court, noted that two petitions on this issue had been presented previously, that meetings on this subject were rescheduled several times, and in the meantime the road continued to go through. He expressed frustration and the feeling that this neighbor- hood does not matter. He explained that they had suggested speed bumps or break-away barriers, but have not received a response. Woods stated that Mr. Ryerson's concerns should be mentioned at the meeting on the 23rd, and explained that the meeting was rescheduled once because none of the regular committee members would be in attendance and the City preferred not to have other council- members stand in when this issue was being discussed. She apologized for the inconvenience and said that this Council takes citizens' con- cerns seriously, adding that the Committee will be receptive to their suggestions, as they have been in other areas of the City. Orr stated that it was her understanding that the road was not going through and the issue had been resolved. Wickstrom explained that one of the petitions relates to 100th Avenue from 244th north to Fred Meyer, that that is not being built, and that a developer is building a trail along 100th for school children to use. He explained that 244th Avenue is a condition of the plat and that al- though work has proceeded, the plat has not been finalized. He noted that the Council has full authority to close the road if they so desire. 5 October 3 , 1995 TRAFFIC He also noted that alternatives will be looked at CONTROL during the October 23rd meeting. Norton reiter- ated that at the present time 244th appears to be cut through, and that their concern on 100th is the traffic speed. ANNEXATION (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) ZONING Meridian Annexation Zoning Az-95-3. AUTHORIZA- TION to set October 17, 1995 and November 21, 1995 as public hearing dates to consider the initial zoning for the Meridian Annexation area. ZONE CODE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) AMENDMENTS Accessory Housin Zoning Code Amendment ZCA-95-3. The Planning Commission has recommended that the Council consider a Zoning Code Amendment allowing accessory housing in Kent, as outlined in the draft accessory housing regulations. Betsy Czark of the Planning Department explained that accessory housing is basically mother-in-law apartments, separate independent units, and that the proposed ordinance allows accessory housing in all single family homes as long as one of the units is owner-occupied. Clark noted that Section 8 states that one offstreet parking space per accessory unit is required, and asked about the impact in regard to current zoning and clustering. Czark said she is not aware of the need for a variance, and that the regulations were drafted so that if the parking requirements were changed, the accessory housing ordinance would not have to be revised. Orr noted that she has some concerns which she was unable to discuss with staff before this meeting, and asked that this item go to the Planning Committee meeting on October 17 for resolution of her questions and be brought back to Council on November 7 . There were no objec- tions and it was so ordered. Orr noted that in the meantime, anyone who presently has one of these units can continue as they have been. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) Single Family Development Standards Zoning _ Code Amendment ZCA-95-8. On June 26, 1995, the Planning Commission recommended that Council adopt a Zoning Code Amendment regarding Single Family Residential Development Standards. 6 October 3 , 1995 ZONE CODE Linda Phillips of the Planning Department noted AMENDMENTS that the revisions are proposed to implement the goals and policies of the adopted Kent Comprehen- sive Plan, and that various provisions assist in providing opportunities for affordable housing and flexible site design. She explained that Kent's and other cities Codes were reviewed, a forum was held with residents, a forum was held with development interests, and that after pro- posals were made to the Planning Commission, they held a public hearing. She outlined the proposed densities and dimensions, and noted that the provisions proposed for change are minimum lot width, minimum street setback, maximum height, maximum building coverage, maximum impervious surface, and minimum lot size. She noted that the Planning Commission's recommendation is to draft an ordinance adopting the recommendation. Orr requested that this issue go to the Planning Committee for review and fine-tuning on October 17, and be brought back to Council on November 7 . There were no objections and it was so ordered. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) RECREATION Riverbend Golf Complex Protective Net Project. ACCEPTANCE of Riverbend Golf Course Protective Net Project as complete, and release of retainage to Driving Range Partners, upon receipt of State releases. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through September 15 and paid on September 15, 1995 after auditing by the Operations Committee on September 28 , 1995. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 9/15/95 159582-160045 $3 , 046, 252 . 05 Approval of checks issued for payroll for September 1 through September 15, 1995 and paid on September 20, 1995: Date Check Numbers Amount 9/20/95 Checks 206162-206460 $ 264,463 .45 Advices 27507-27910 529 .718. 06 $ 794, 181.51 7 October 3 , 1995 FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) AUTHORIZATION 1995 Annexation Budget Chance. to approve the 1995 Annexation Budget for the Meridian Annexation, as recommended by the Operations Committee at their September 27th meeting. This change is necessary to provide the initial staff needed for the Meridian Annexation to take effect January 1, and includes to public safety officers and other support staff needed to provide the census and utility billing and human resource hiring of the positions. The funding from Regional Justice Center sales tax and excess 1995 sales tax are primarily the sources used to fund the budget change. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) (ADDED BY CHIEF OF STAFF MCFALL) 1996 Budget Workshop. AUTHORIZATION to set October 17, 1995, at 5: 30 p.m. as the date and time for a Council workshop on the Mayor' s pro- posed budget for 1996. (REPORTS - ITEM 7G) Administrative ReRorts. Finance Division Director Miller explained that due to a change in State law, an update on the budget must be pre- sented to Council in early October. She stated that no tax increases are planned for 1996, and distributed a handout. She outlined the sales tax revenue, noting that it is currently 5% above budget. She reported that overall revenue is approximately $700, 000 over what was budgeted last year and she expects to end the year with $919, 00o going toward the fund balance next year. Miller noted that next year's revenue will come mostly from taxes, and explained that cities receive only 10% of the sales tax money paid into the State and 22% of the property tax. Miller noted that 72% of expenditures is for salaries and benefits, 58% of which is for public safety. She noted that in 1994 , $1, 100, 000 was used to balance the budget, that last year $708, 000 was budgeted, and that this year it is down to $296, 000, and that the fund balance is steadily increasing. She noted that the preliminary bud- get to be presented on October 17th will include the annexation as well as the basic budget for the City. 8 October 3 , 1995 REPORTS Council President. Woods noted that the Suburban Cities Association meeting will be held on October filth in Redmond and that Police Chief Crawford will be the speaker. She encouraged interested Councilmembers to contact Ms. Banister. Planning Committee. Orr noted that the next meeting will be held on October 17 at 4: 00 P.M. She also explained that she inadvertently referred to the Planning Commission in her com- ments at the last Council meeting regarding CDBG funding and that the Human Services Commission should be credited. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8 : 25 p.m. Brenda J obe , CMC City Cl rk 9