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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 11/03/1995 Kent, Washington October 17, 1995 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor White. Present: Councilmembers Clark, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr and Woods, Operations Director/Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Fire Chief Angelo, Parks Director Hodgson, Finance Director Miller, and Human Resources Director Viseth. Councilmember Bennett was not in attendance. Approximately 40 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Trade Exchange Update. Barbara Ivanov, Executive COMMUNICATIONS Director of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, noted that the International Trade Exchange is scheduled for November 1 and 2 . She outlined the educa- tional opportunities and noted that there are 45 confirmed exhibitors. She further noted that there are over 160 confirmed International participants with the largest group coming from mainland China, and also that Indonesia will have a delegation of 30. Scott Jackson from Tradec provided the Council with a formal letter of invitation and a detailed itinerary. He noted that there are two specific time frames in which Council participation would be greatly appreciated, which are the opening ceremonies on Wednesday morning, November 1, and the community celebration with the ribbon cutting for the first foreign trade zone location in the Kent Valley and the establishment of the Kent Trade and Transportation Corridor. Jackson explained that the overriding objective of this project is to make sure that the Trade Exchange directly affects Kent and Kent' s objec- tives to be a premier destination for two way trade in the Puget Sound area and the State of Washington. He noted that there are a record number of Kent companies participating and that by working with the Mayor and Council, the Chamber of Commerce has been able to make sure that the Sister City Relationships, including Yangzhou, have been adequately covered and that Yangzhou will be participating as an International exhibi- tor as well as a buying delegation for this show. He noted that there will be a foreign trade zone designation at Alexander Trading, which is the first general designation being developed between the Port of Seattle and the Kent community with Alexander Trading serving as the first operator. He added that this will give definition to the Trade and Transportation Corridor. He said that 1 October 17, 1995 PUBLIC the City' s support is very much appreciated and COMMUNICATIONS that the active participation of the Mayor and Council is very much needed for these two days. He also noted that any one in the community is welcome to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and are asked to call the Chamber of Commerce, if interested. Natural Medicine Economic Development Task Force Report. Mayor White explained that about a year ago he had gotten involved in natural medicine, and that in recognizing the impact of natural medicine and those involved in this type of medicine, he had asked Merrily Manthey to put together a task force to take a look at some of the implications it might have on the community. Ms. Manthey introduced members of the task force, and explained that the task force has been looking at the trend which has been underway this last year particularly in King County as well as throughout the nation. She noted that Dr. David Eisenberg, a Harvard professor of medicine, did a study which showed that more than one-third of all Americans use some form of alternative complemen- tary natural medicine, and that he defined it as the type of health care that is not ordinarily available in medical schools or U. S. hospitals. Manthey also noted that Dr. Eisenberg's survey discovered that citizens using alternative care were spending 13 billion dollars out-of-pocket, not reimbursable, to get this type of care. She also noted that the study found that citizens were requesting it to be a part of their insurance pro- grams. Manthey noted that the King County Council had unanimously passed a motion on February 27 endorsing the establishment of a natural medicine clinic in King County and requesting the County Executive to include funding for the clinic in the 1996 Executive Proposed Budget. She explained that this motion then led to the County Executive forming a special group to put together a plan which was presented to the County Council in August and noted that the plan describes how the County will be the first governing body to dedi- cate public funds to bring natural medicine to the public who are not able to receive it through any other means. Ms. Manthey stated that the task force has been developing an action plan for the City. 2 October 17, 1995 PUBLIC Dr. Maurice Werness, a Family Practitioner/ COMMUNICATIONS Naturopathic in Seattle, noted that 80% of what is seen in hospitals today are chronic, degenerative illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. He stated that conventional medicine has had little to offer these clients other than either surgery or lifetime pharmaceuticals. He explained that natural medicine offers the oppor- tunity and possibility for these individuals to learn how to heal the illnesses and then prevent them later in life. He noted that the only alter- native to the crisis in medicine and illness in our country is a way of practicing medicine that teaches prevention. He explained that Kent has the opportunity to do this by creating a natural medicine wing in the hospital that will draw people to come in where they learn a healthy lifestyle and heal themselves. He offered his support in what the City is trying to do and encouraged them to make some profound changes in the way medicine is practiced in this country. Manthey noted that Valley Medical Center has been working with the task force, even though they may or may not be involved in having a natural medi- cine wing at this stage. Pam Snider, Chair of the Naturopathic Medicine Dept. of Bastyr University, expressed her enthusi- asm and support on behalf of Bastyr University for this project. She noted that wellness and health- care are important issues to the American public today and that in the State of Washington there is considerable groundbreaking activity going on in combining natural medicine with conventional medi- cine. She noted that the public demand is growing rapidly and that Bastyr University would like to be of any service to the City that they can be. Mayor White explained that he has asked the task force to continue looking at this project and to come back to the Council with some recommendations as to how the City might be involved in natural medicine. Regional Justice Center Uedate. Wendy Keller, Project Manager, informed the Council that a copy of the executive summary is available, and that the project is on time, even ahead of schedule with different parts and pieces, and is still 3 October 17, 1995 PUBLIC within budget. She noted that the project con- COMMUNICATIONS tinues to earn interest because not as much cash flow has been spent as predicted and that the scope of the project has not been altered. Keller explained that 80% of the slabs and everything that could have been damaged by the winter rains is now in the ground. She noted that the paving for the temporary roads and side road are done and that the summary allows everyone to know where all the pieces of the project are from the inside. She stated that a construction schedule was ac- cepted which took the project through the end of September. She noted that a joint planning effort has been going on between the City, the County and the District Court in regard to the justice center and uses or needs for courts from now until when the Regional Justice Center opens, from when it opens to the year 2001, and from beyond. She explained that they have also been looking at juvenile detention needs and the City of Kent's future detention needs, so that more courthouses and jails are not sited unless needed. She noted that the Council would probably be looking at some recommendations immediately after the Regional Justice Center opens up and for the short term. CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR F be approved. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) _Aooroval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of October 3, 1995. STREETS (BIDS - ITEM 5A) LID 346 - S. 212th Sidewalks and Street LiahtinQ, Russell Road to West Valley Highway. The bid opening for this project was held on October 10 with 5 bids received. The low bid was submitted by Signal Electric, Inc. , Kent, Washington, in the amount of $160,858.50. The Engineer's esti- mate was $181, 678 . 00. The project consists of installing cement concrete sidewalks, lighting standards and luminaries, conduit and other related appurtenances. MANN MOVED that the LID 346 - S. 212th Sidewalks and Street Lighting contract be awarded to Signal Electric Inc. for the bid amount of $160,858. 50. Woods seconded and the motion carried. 4 October 17, 1995 ANNEXATION (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) Meridian Annexation Aerial Mapping Contract. The Public Works Committee has recommended that upon the City Attorney's concurrence with the contract documents, the Mayor be authorized to sign the Meridian Annexation Area Aerial Mapping Contract with Nies Mapping Group, Inc. , Bellevue, Washington. MANN MOVED that the Meridian Annexa- tion Area Aerial Mapping Contract be awarded to Nies Mapping Group, Inc. for the contract amount of $36,715.00, subject to the City Attorney's concurrence with the language. Woods seconded and the motion carried. ANNEXATION (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2B) ZONING Meridian Annexation Comprehensive Plan Amendments CPA-95-1 and Initial Zoning AZ-95-3. On September 25 and 26, 1995, the Planning Commission held public hearings on both the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments for the Meridian Annexation area. Following their deliberations on October 2, 1995, the Commission voted to forward their recommendation to the City Council. Tonight's hearing is the first of two public hearings to be held by the City Council pursuant to State law; the second hearing is scheduled for November 21, 1995. Kevin O'Neill of the Planning Department ex- plained that after the Boundary Review Board and the City Council made the final decision on this annexation, the Planning Department prepared alternatives for public review on zoning and planning in the area. He noted that an open house was held on August 24 which was very well attended, and that different alternatives were reviewed and based on that, alternatives were pre- pared for the Planning Commission and the public's recommendation. He noted that the Planning Commission looked at three alternatives for both the Comp Plan and zoning, and their recommendation most closely follows the third alternative. He explained that the plan shows the majority of the area being designated single family at varying densities, the most common being SF6, with some lower densities. He added that there are two commercial nodes at 132nd and Kent-Kangley and at 152nd and Kent-Kangley where there is existing commercial development. He said the recommended 5 October 17, 1995 ANNEXATION zoning follows the Comprehensive Plan recommenda- ZONING tion, and the zoning and Comp Plan are basically compatible with the existing land use pattern there now. He said the only major change is in areas at 132nd and 152nd where multi-family zoning exists but has not been developed with multi- family, and the designation has been changed to either commercial or higher density single family. He commended the Planning Commission on their efforts. O'Neill noted that eight letters were received between the time the Planning Commission closed their hearing and when they undertook their deliberations, and that the Commission asked that the letters be submitted to the City Council for the public record. WOODS MOVED to make these letters, and letters received tonight from David McGrew and Marie Lewis, a part of the record. Orr seconded and the motion carried. Mayor White declared the public hearing open. Edward Pawlowski, 27727 106th S.E. , said that his area did not ask to be annexed to Kent, and did not get to vote on it. He asked not to be annexed. Marie Lewis, 25840 135th Lane S.E. , read a letter regarding her property and suggesting a change in zoning enabling the building of afford- able housing on the lake. Paul Morford, P.O. Box 6345, Kent, read a letter he had written to the Mayor on January 18, 1995, regarding the annexa- tion of property on the corner of 120th Avenue S.E. and S. E. 240th. In the letter Morford stated that the property is currently zoned single family 7200, and asked whether he would have rea- sonable assurance that it would be zoned single family 5000, as that would be the most compatible to King County zoning. He noted that he had received a favorable response to the letter, and that he has had discussions with the Planning Department about this. He said he believes the recommendation for the property on 116th is for commercial, and asked that the zoning on his property be kept as close to King County's as it was, which would be 5000. He added that 7200 would be a loss in their zoning. George Webb, 26524 128th Avenue S.E. , voiced concern about the Meridian Meadows Wetlands and Stormwater Storage Pond. He said many people are 6 October 17 , 1995 ANNEXATION concerned about the zoning, and that they feel it ZONING should be designated open space on the Compre- hensive Plan. He felt that R1.5.0 should be decreased to RA, one unit per acre. He asked the Council to take this into consideration, and noted that it has been done in other areas of the annexation. David Spencer, 27848 152nd Avenue S.E. , owner of Shady Park Grocery and the auto repair shop next door, said the Neighborhood Commercial zoning for his area does not allow for the auto repair shop to be rebuilt if it should burn. He noted that the property has been com- mercial since 1920, and asked the Council to consider General Commercial zoning which allow him to replace or improve the building. Dean Conti, 21121 S.E. 206th, Renton, pointed out his property on the map, and noted that it is proposed for commercial zoning. He explained that the Planning Commission adopted his proposal over the staff's and noted that his property has significant wet- lands which should be protected. He proposed office commercial zoning and noted that it has good access off Kent-Kangley and that a good buffer already exists. He said that if his pro- perty is zoned as he proposes, he would be willing to sell part of the property at a reasonable price or deed it to the city for use as a park, noting that the city would then have permanent control over the wetlands. Herb Noii, owner of a com- mercial greenhouse at 12525 S.E. 248th, said the County zoning was SR9.6 and that the area could support a higher density of 7.2 . He noted that there is a great deal of public land along 248th, and that in order to expand Clark Lake Park in the future, the density should be higher than 9. 6. Gary Widener, 27220 154th Avenue S.E. , said he has requested Community Commercial zoning to be squared off in his neighborhood. He explained that the properties bordering 152nd are Community Commercial, and provided a diagram illustrating how an enterprise would fit in. He said this would be a good asset for Kent and would provide revenue. Brenda Houston, 22901 114th Way S.E. , noted that her grandmother, Frances Houston, lives at 15304 S.E. 273rd, and does not want to leave the area. She distributed copies of a map and letters and noted that it is a safe neighborhood, and said that the wishes of the residents of the neighborhood should be considered, since it will change their lives. Frances Houston said she is 7 October 17, 1995 ANNEXATION very happy where she is. ORR MOVED that Houston's ZONING letter be added to the record. Woods seconded and the motion carried. Daniel Walton, 27223 154 Avenue S.E. , stated that their family has had no choice and asked the Council not to deny them their individual choices. Tom Sharp, 11126 S.E. 256th, noted that he owns property at 120th and 240th, and asked for parity with the County zoning. He noted that the County and the City calculate public access roads differently, and that his property may be down-zoned. He said most residents of the annexation area were assured they would not be down-zoned, but that his would be. He requested parity and asked why his property is to be down-zoned. Jack Evans, 13710 S.E. 259th, spoke in support of Community Commercial zoning at 152nd and Kent-Kangley. He noted that Mrs. Houston would not have to move, and said that a larger commercial area is needed at that location. He asked that zoning at 272nd and 152nd be squared off so that a substantial project can be located there in the future, rather than small piecemeal development. Brenda Houston noted that there is commercial zoning in Covington, only a half-mile away and that more commercial zoning is not needed. Gary Widener stated that the revenue generated by businesses in Covington would not go to Kent, and said commercial zoning would be advantageous for the city. Dean Conti submitted a diagram and WOODS MOVED that it, as well as the documents from Widener and the letter from Morford, be made a part of the public record. Orr seconded and the motion carried. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Houser seconded. Mayor White noted that a second public hearing will be held at a later date. The motion then carried. PLATS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Top of the Hill Final Plat FSU-94-2. AUTHORIZA- TION to set November 7, 1995, as the date for a public meeting to consider a final plat appli- cation made by Baima & Holmberg, Inc. The City Council approved a recommendation from the Hearing Examiner for the Preliminary Plat on September 6, 1994. The plat contains 8.74 acres, consists of 42 single-family residential lots, and is located 8 October 17, 1995 PLATS on the north side of the SE 244th Street, approxi- mately 600 feet west of 104th Avenue SE. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) Kingstone Final Plat FSU-94-11. AUTHORIZATION to set November 7, 1995, as the date for a public meeting to consider a final plat application made by T.C.A. The preliminary subdivision was ap- proved in King County and upon the East Hill/ Ramstead Annexation, the final plat fell under Kent's jurisdiction. This plat contains 21.34 acres, has 69 lots, and is located between SE 271st and SE 268th and between 114th Avenue SE and 117th Avenue SE. PUBLIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) SAFETY Harassment Crimes. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3243 which brings the City's criminal code into con- formity with state law by adding a new section to the code which makes harassing and stalking an individual a crime. FRANCHISE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Heath Tecna Franchise Agreement. Heath Tecna Aerospace Corporation is selling its Kent facili- ties and asks that the Council give its consent to Heath's assignment of its interest in an existing street use franchise with the City of Kent. By its terms, the franchise does not allow assignment without Council's prior approval. Heath asks Council to authorize the Mayor to sign a Consent Agreement together with a second agreement that verifies that the franchise is still in effect and that no franchise terms have been violated to date. MANN MOVED that the Mayor be authorized to sign the Heath Tecna franchise assignment agree- ments. Woods seconded and the motion carried. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) RECREATION Kiwanis Tot Lot No. 2 Project. ACCEPTANCE of Kiwanis Tot Lot #2 Project as complete, and release of retainage to Parkwood Services, upon receipt of state releases. FINANCE (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) 1996-2001 Capital Facilities Plan. This public hearing was continued from August 1, 1995, to this date. As required by the Growth Management Act, the City must adopt a Six-year Capital Facilities Plan. This proposed plan designates certain 9 October 17, 1995 FINANCE capital facilities for implementation in 1996-2001 in order to meet state GMA concurrency require- ments within established and projected budgets. May Miller, Finance Division Director, noted that many plans already exist in the City such as the water plan, the sewer plan, transportation, parks, automation and a fire equipment replacement plan and that this one document pulls all of them together in one place. She explained that in the future when a new development is planned, every- thing will be done at the same time so that when it is finished there will be new roads, water, sewer, and a park. She noted that the City of Kent has gone beyond the required transportation, water, sewer and drainage and has added parks, cultural arts, and the recreation fields. Miller explained that some criteria had to be used for balancing since there were more requests than revenue. She noted that the debt service was funded for all of the existing capital projects, then the fund balance was increased so that there would be a reserve balance for all of the unex- pected projects which may come up. She noted that consideration was then given to the building, ground and safety projects in maintaining the facilities already in existence, and finally setting aside some money for land for future parks and facilities. Miller noted that the project totals $171, 555, 000 over six years which is just the plan and not the budget. She noted that only the 1996 portion of the plan will be put into the operating budget and that the plan provides over $100, 000 for trans- portation corridors, sidewalks, asphalt overlays, water & sewer drainage, and golf projects which are funded with revenue bonds, LID' s, grants, and some of their own revenue from water, sewer, drainage and utilities. She noted that the Parks Plan includes some improvements to the aging parks system, and that there is also a plan for a voted bond issue in the future for a possible performing arts center, community youth center, or cultural center and athletic complex. She explained that these are just planned out for the future but that significant work would have to be done before they would become a reality. She noted that Councilmanic bonds are also scheduled for 1997-98 10 October 17, 1995 FINANCE for some of the other automation, telephone needs for the City to keep it efficient, and for some needed shop space. She stated that the burn props which have been requested for the last seven years will be included in the funding for this year and that funds are also included for maintenance and repair of all of our existing buildings to extend their maximum life. She also noted that one addi- tional capital facility position will be funded from the sales tax revenue which will do cash flow planning, closing the projects in a timely manner, and keeping the level of service current as is required by Growth Management. She explained that Growth Management has added responsibility to the cities because in the past they could just do plans which didn't have to be concurrent all at one time and didn't have to be budgeted, but the new requirement says they have to be concurrent and have to be balanced within revenue. She noted that a public hearing was held on August 1, a workshop was held on October 3 , the Operations Committee had this before them on October 11 and recommended approval, and tonight is the final public hearing. Ms. Miller recommended that Council adopt the 1996-2001 plan and the resolu- tion, and add the 1996 portion to the preliminary budget. Mayor White opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. JOHNSON MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 1446, which establishes the City's 1996-2001 Capital Facili- ties Plan and combines the 1996 element into the preliminary budget. Orr seconded and the motion carried. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through September 29 and paid on September 29, 1995, after auditing by the Operations Committee on October 11, 1995. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 9/29/95 160046-160656 $1, 103, 316. 29 11 October 17, 1995 FINANCE Approval of checks issued for payroll for September 16 through September 30, 1995, and paid on October 5, 1995: Date Check Numbers Amount 10/5/95 Checks 206461-206784 $ 253,581.56 Advices 27911-28311 499 , 384 . 32 $ 752 ,965.88 REPORTS Council President. Woods noted that she had attended the Festival of the Rivers and presented Mayor White with a Stewardship Award in recogni- tion of outstanding stewardship and educational endeavors in the Green-Duwamish Watershed. Mayor White congratulated all involved. Planning Committee. Orr announced that the next meeting will be held at 4 : 00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7 . EXECUTIVE At 8:25 p.m. , the meeting was recessed to an SESSION executive session of approximately 20 minutes. (Litigation and Labor Negotiations) ADJOURNMENT The meeting reconvened and adjourned at 8: 55 p.m. Brenda Jacober, CMC City Clerk 12