HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 12/19/1995 Kent, Washington
December 19, 1995
A special meeting of the Kent City Council (rescheduled after
cancellation of the December 12th meeting) was called to order at
7:00 p.m. by Mayor White. Present: Councilmembers Bennett,
Clark, Houser, Johnson, Mann and Orr, Operations Director/Chief
of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Fire Chief Angelo,
Police Chief Crawford, Planning Director Harris, City Engineer
Gill, Finance Division Director Miller, Parks Director Hodgson,
and Information Services Division Director Spang. Councilmember
Woods was excused from the meeting. Approximately 125 people
were at the meeting.
PUBLIC EmQloyee of the Month. Mayor White announced
COMMUNICATIONS that Rusty Olsen of the Fire Department has been
selected as Employee of the Month for December.
He noted that Olsen has been a firefighter for
almost ten years, and that he exhibits pride and
professionalism in his job every day. He added
that Olsen has developed a pocket resource guide
to help his fellow firefighters complete their
daily routine, both emergency and non-emergency,
more efficiently. Chief Angelo stated that
Mr. Olsen is a very genuine and caring indi-
vidual, and is well respected by his fellow
firefighters.
Pamela Dick Recognition Day. Mayor White read a
proclamation noting that Pamela Dick, a school
bus driver for Gatewood Baptist Church, was
driving a school bus with 20 small children and
two adults aboard on Highway 167 on September 19,
1995, and took evasive action to avoid a large
tractor-trailer truck which veered into her lane,
saving the lives of those in her care. He stated
that many working at the accident scene expressed
admiration and respect for Ms. Dick's clear
thinking, her ability and her dedication in the
avoidance of a more serious accident. The Mayor
proclaimed December 13 , 1995, as Pamela Dick Day
in the City of Kent and urged all citizens to
recognize and acknowledge Pamela Dick for her
heroic actions in avoiding a potential disaster
and saving the lives of her passengers. The pro-
clamation was accepted by Rusty Olsen on behalf
of Ms. Dick. Fire Chief Angelo stated that it is
a miracle that those 20 children were not killed
or injured, and that Ms. Dick' s timing in steer-
ing the bus was due to true concentration and
professionalism. He explained that the axle was
broken and the bus could have tipped over several
times. Angelo then announced that Ms. Dick will
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December 19, 1995
PUBLIC be awarded, for the first time in its history,
COMMUNICATIONS the Civilian Medal of Heroism.
Introduction of Mayor's Appointees. Mayor White
introduced Ellen Gimenez, Greg Worthing, Walter
Hazen, and Carol Vass, his appointees to the Arts
Commission, Morgan Llewellyn, his appointee to
the Economic Development Corporation, and Dr. Mac
Culver, Dee Moschel, Melvin Tate and Mary Lou
Becvar, his appointees to the Human Services
Commission. He also noted the reappointment of
Judy Woods as the Council representative to the
Human Services Commission.
Regional Justice Center Update. Captain Tom
Brown stated that this update covers the sixth
month of construction, and that the County has
accepted the general contractor's final construc-
tion schedule. He added that the project is on
schedule in all areas, and that the structural
steel is almost complete. He announced that
there will be a topping off event for the general
contractors within the next two weeks. Brown
said most of the detention slabs have been poured
and the second level is under way. He noted that
they are working on completion of the detention
cell mock-up and security keying for the
courthouse.
CONSENT BENNETT MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A
CALENDAR through CC be approved, with the exception of
Item 3T which was removed and placed under Other
Business as Item 4I. Houser seconded and the
motion carried.
MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A)
Approval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of
the regular Council meeting of November 21, 1995.
HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3U)
SANITATION Carpinito Business Park. AUTHORIZATION to accept
the Bill of Sale for Carpinito Business Park for
continuous operation and maintenance of 43 feet
of water main, 58 feet of sanitary sewer, 850
feet of street improvement and 582 feet of storm
sewer and release of bonds after expiration date,
as recommended by the Public Works Director. The
project is located at 84th Avenue South and South
222nd Street.
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December 19, 1995
SOLID WASTE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J)
Waste Reduction & Recycling Grant. AUTHORIZATION
for the Mayor to sign the Grant Agreement, staff
to accept the grant, and to establish a budget
for the Compost Bin Distribution Program. The
City has received a grant from the Dept. of
Ecology to provide an alternative for Kent
residents to recycle and reuse compostable yard
debris. This grant is for a Compost Bin
Distribution Program which will help the City
reach its 50% recycling goal by 1995 by diverting
up to 20% of the household waste stream to a
composting program. The total budget for this
project is $41,400 for which the State Grant will
pay 60% of the funds or $24,840. The City will
pay 40% of the total or $16, 560 and will use a
King County Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant
to provide the match.
FLOOD CONTROL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I)
Mill Creek Interlocal Agreement. AUTHORIZATION
for the Mayor to sign the Mill Creek Interlocal
Agreement, as recommended by the Public Works
Committee. This Agreement is a continuation of
studies that the City has been conducting on Mill
Creek in conjunction with the City of Auburn and
King County, to help resolve the flooding pro-
blems south of the Green River. All three
agencies are sharing in the costs and this has
already been budgeted.
SIDEWALKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3V)
108th Avenue Walkwayl274th Street Walkway.
ACCEPT as complete the contract with Tydico, Inc.
for the 108th Avenue Walkway/274th Street Walkway
project and release of retainage after State
releases, as recommended by the Public Works
Director. The original contract was $71, 000, 000.
The final construction cost was $70, 120.46.
PLAT (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D)
Glen Kara Preliminary Plat SU-95-3.
AUTHORIZATION to set January 2, 1996, as the date
for a public meeting to consider the Hearing
Examiner's recommendation of approval with con-
ditions for a preliminary plat application
(SU-95-3) by Lakeridge Development, Inc. The
property is located west of 100th Avenue S. and
north of S. 222nd Street.
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December 19, 1995
REZONE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C)
West Hill Plaza Rezone RZ-95-3. ADOPTION of
Ordinance No. 3267 rezoning approximately 2 .58
acres from Neighborhood Convenience Commercial
(NCC) to Community Commercial pursuant to Kent
City Code Section 15. 09 . 050(C) . This item was
approved at the Council meeting of November 21,
1995.
ANNEXATIONS (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C)
Interlocal Agreement Between Rent and Kina County
for Annexations. The Planning Committee has
recommended approval of an Interlocal Agreement
between Kent and King County for annexations.
The agreement deals with subdivisions, building
permits, home repair, and the State Environmental
Policy Act (SEPA) . Planning Director Harris
explained that most of the agreement comes from
the County and that some modifications were made.
He explained that a response from the County
regarding the modifications has not yet been
received, but that it must move forward. ORR
MOVED to approve the Interlocal Agreement between
Kent and King County for annexations, and author-
ize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Johnson
seconded and the motion carried. ORR MOVED that
a letter from Marvin Eckfeldt on this issue be
made a part of the record. Johnson seconded and
the motion carried.
ZONING (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A)
Stream Buffer Regmirements in Meridian Annexation
Area/Interim Zoning Control._ As recommended by
the Planning Committee, a stream buffer interim
zoning control ordinance is being considered to
preserve the existing stream buffers relating to
major streams in the Meridian annexation area.
The existing Kent zoning code requires a 50-foot
setback from major streams for impervious sur-
faces. Under the County code, the setback for
major streams is a 100-foot buffer, which pro-
hibits uses of any kind except replanting
indigenous Northwest vegetation. The interim
zoning ordinance would preserve the County
development standards within the buffer area of
major streams in the Meridian annexation area for
up to six months.
Assistant City Attorney Brubaker noted that the
County had developed the Soos Creek Basin Plan to
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December 19, 1995
ZONING protect streams, salmon and other habitat. He
noted that the development buffers under the
County's plan differ from those that would be in
effect in the City of Kent through the existing
land use planning. He said the city has been
asked to adopt the same standards now in effect
in the county, and this ordinance establishes
interim zoning controls for a period of up to six
months which would keep the county standards in
place during that time. He explained that during
the six month period staff would review and
analyze different development standards and come
back to Council with a proposal for appropriate
development regulatory setbacks for these
streams.
Mayor White opened the public hearing. There
were no comments from the audience and ORR MOVED
to close the public hearing. Clark seconded and
the motion carried.
ORR MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3259 relating to
stream buffer requirements/interim zoning control
in the Meridian Annexation Area, as recommended
by the Planning Committee. Johnson seconded and
the motion carried.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H)
Single Family Development Standards Zoning Code
Amendment ZCA-95-8. ADOPTION of Ordinance
No. 3268 amending the Zoning Code for the imple-
mentation of the goals and policies of the
adopted Kent Comprehensive Plan. This item was
approved by the City Council on November 21,
1995.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A)
Meridian Annexation Area Comprehensive Plan
Amendments CPA 95-1 and Initial Zoning AZ-95-3.
The City Council has held two public hearings on
the proposed zoning for the Meridian Annexation
area, as required by state law. The first hear-
ing was on October 17, 1995 and the second on
November 21, 1995. On November 21st the Council
closed the public hearing and directed staff to
review public testimony and prepare a recommenda-
tion for changes, if any. Tonight consideration
will be given to adoption of the proposed
Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Initial Zoning
for the area.
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December 19, 1995
ZONING Kevin O'Neill of the Planning Department noted
that staff has considered all public testimony
and has made the recommendation shown in the
December 12th memorandum. He noted that the
memorandum includes a map which shows the shaded
areas which staff is recommending be revised. He
explained that four areas are recommended for
revision: Area A is located to the east of 128th
Avenue and is recommended for RA zoning, Area B
is located to the east of 132nd south of 272nd
and is recommended for R1-7.2 zoning, Area C
extends from 144th to 156th north of 288th and is
recommended for R1-7.2, and Area D is located
east of 156th and is recommended R1-12 .
ORR MOVED to make information received tonight
from Owners of Shorelane Addition and Pink
Thunderbird Mobile Park on the Lewis zoning
request a part of the record. Johnson seconded
and the motion carried. ORR MOVED to adopt
Ordinance No. 3261 for the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment CPA-95-1, as recommended by the
Planning staff and presented to Council tonight.
Johnson seconded and the motion carried. ORR
MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3262 for the initial
zoning for the Meridian Annexation Area AZ-95-3,
as presented by the Planning staff this evening.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B)
Adult Use Zoning ZCA-95-1. The proposed ordi-
nance would amend the zoning setback restrictions
for adult use businesses which eliminates the
1000, setback restriction from legal, non-
conforming residential uses in commercial zones.
The City Attorney distributed a map showing the
siting for adult use facilities. Lubovich noted
that the Court had determined that the City did
not have adequate siting for this type of
facility. He explained that according to the
law, the City cannot prohibit this type of
facilities, although it can regulate where they
are located. He noted that the ordinance re-
quires a 1000' setback from churches, schools,
parks, libraries, residential zones and
residential uses. Lubovich noted that the
Planning Commission and the Planning Committee
have examined many alternatives and propose to
eliminate the zoning setback requirement of 1000'
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December 19, 1995
ZONING from residential uses. He felt the elimination
of the 100' setback would have the least amount
- REFER TO of impact on the citizens and surrounding uses.
CORRECTED
He explained that the amendment to the Zoning
MINUTES OF Code eliminating the residential use setback
would open up 32 sites south of S. 228th across
SR167 up to the north side of the intersection of
S. 212th, and the GWC district along 84th Avenue
South between those two intersections. ORR MOVED
that the map be made a part of the record.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
ORR MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3263 amending
the zoning setback restrictions for adult use
businesses and adopting the findings in that
ordinance. Houser seconded. Orr pointed out
that this is not something that is being encour-
aged in the city, and that this action is being
taken to satisfy a court requirement. She noted
that the size of the area being considered, which
allows 32 sites, is actually 2/100 of 1% of the
total number of sites in the city. She also said
that if no action is taken, adult use businesses
could locate anywhere in the city. Mann strongly
objected to being forced by the courts to change
the present ordinance to accommodate for a
significant number of additional sites. He said
there is no reason to allow for nude dancing
within 1000' of any house. He objected to being
forced to interpret speech as conduct, and said
this is an opportunity for the Council to take a
stand and that he will vote no on any ordinance
that allows for more than seven sites. Upon a
roll call vote, the motion to adopt Ordinance
3263 failed for lack of a majority with Clark,
Houser and Orr in favor and Bennett, Johnson and
Mann opposed.
Orr noted that there is currently a moratorium
which has prevented any of these facilities from
opening in any area except the one the city has
been sued over, and if the court' s demand is not
addressed the entire city will be open for this
type of facility. She said that although she is
not in favor of having them in any location, the
city does not have the funds necessary to
challenge the court. JOHNSON MOVED for recon-
sideration. Orr seconded.
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December 19, 1995
ZONING After researching the issue, the City Attorney
explained that anyone who voted against the
motion would be a prevailing party and could make
a motion for reconsideration. JOHNSON MOVED for
reconsideration. Clark seconded. Clark said
that if this issue is taken through the Court of
Appeals of the Supreme Court, the city will lose.
He noted that this has been shown recently and
there is no reason to believe there will be a
reversal. He added that doing so would cost a
huge amount of money. Houser said she feels she
is being blackmailed into this, but she must vote
for what is best for the citizens. She said that
this ordinance must be passed to protect every-
one. Orr pointed out that no one is happy about
doing this, but the city has been given an
ultimatum. She reiterated that if nothing is
done, the entire city will be open to this type
of business. Upon Johnson's question, Lubovich
explained that eliminating the 1000' setback from
residential uses in commercial zones would open
up 32 sites in the area pointed out earlier. He
added that those sites are not necessarily
vacant.
Mayor White passed the gavel to Councilmember
Johnson and said that while he does not per-
sonally support adult entertainment businesses
and does not want any in Kent, he also is not
willing to sacrifice the amount of money it would
cost to take this issue to court and lose. He
urged the Councilmembers to pass this ordinance.
Mann said he was under the impression there would
be a workshop prior to voting, that there has
been no workshop, and that they are experiencing
problems because of that. Lubovich noted for
Johnson that a good case could be made for 19
sites, and an excellent case for 32 sites. He
explained that this would have the least impact
to achieve a legal, sustainable challenge.
Upon a roll call vote, the motion died for lack
of a majority, with Clark, Houser and Orr in
favor and Bennett, Johnson and Mann opposed.
Later in the meeting Lubovich noted for Johnson
that the adult use moratorium will expire
January 15, 1996, and that it has been extended
twice. Johnson asked that this issue be added to
the agenda for January 2 , 1996. Upon Houser' s
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December 19, 1995
ZONING request, it was agreed that Planning staff will
provide the material presented to the Planning
Committee.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D)
Rosnoski Zoning Code Amendment ZCA-95-9. The
Planning Commission has recommended amendments to
the (GWC) Gateway Commercial Zoning District in
the Kent Zoning Code (ZCA-95-9) which will
broaden the permitted uses in the GWC, adding
certain commercial and small-scale industrial
uses. ORR MOVED to approve the amendments to the
(GWC) Gateway Commercial Zoning District in the
Kent Zoning Code, which will broaden the per-
mitted uses in the GWC, adding certain commercial
and small-scale industrial uses, as recommended
by the Planning Commission, and to direct the
City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4E)
Comp Plan Implementation Zoning Map Amendment
CPZ 95 2, (Phase II Valley Floor/West Hill) . The
Planning Commission has recommended zoning map
changes for seven (7) areas in the Valley Floor
and West Hill, as identified in the staff report.
This action will implement the recently adopted
Kent Comprehensive Plan. ORR MOVED to approve
the recommendation of the Planning Commission on
the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Zoning Map
Amendment CPZ-95-2 (Phase II - Valley Floor/West
Hill) regarding the zoning map changes for seven
(7) areas on West Hill/Valley Floor, as identi-
fied in the staff report, and to direct the City
Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance.
Johnson seconded and the motion carried.
STREET UTILITY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3CC)
Street Utility Repeal and Substitute Utility Tax.
AUTHORIZATION to set January 2, 1996, as the date
for a public hearing on the Street Utility Repeal
and Substitute Utility Tax.
EQUIPMENT (BIDS - ITEM 5A)
RENTAL Two 5 6 Yard Dump Trucks - Ectuipment Rental.
Bid opening for this equipment was held on
November 17 with 4 bids received. The low bid
for this equipment was received by Husky
International in the amount of $52 , 493 . 35, plus
tax, per truck. It is the recommendation of the
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December 19, 1995
EQUIPMENT Public Works Director that Husky International be
RENTAL awarded the low bid of $52,493 . 35 plus tax, per
truck. Due to annexation cash flow, authoriza-
tion is requested to accept delivery of the
second truck from Husky International in the
Spring of 1996, for the bid amount of $52, 493 .35
plus tax. Total equipment cost for this item
is $104,986,70, plus tax. MANN MOVED that the
purchase of two 5-6 yard dump trucks be awarded
to Husky International in the amount of
$52, 493 .35 plus tax, per each truck and delivery
of the second truck be accepted in the Spring of
1996. Houser seconded and the motion carried.
MAINTENANCE (BIDS - ITEM 5B)
Gasoline and Incidental SURRU B. Bids were
recently submitted for City-wide fuel services
for the next three years beginning January 1,
1996. Three vendors bid on the project:
Associated Petroleum Products, Don Small & Sons,
and Delta Western. Based on the types of fuel
and annual volumes used, Don Small & Sons was the
lowest bidder. It is recommended that Don Small
& Sons be awarded the contract. JOHNSON MOVED
that the contract for gasoline and incidental
supplies be awarded to Don Small & Sons in the
amount of $183, 505. 50. Orr seconded and the
motion carried.
SCHOOL IMPACT (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2B)
FEES School Impact Fees. The proposed ordinance
relates to school impact fees, establishes a
framework for the adoption of a school impact fee
program by the City; requires the execution of an
interlocal agreement between the City and any
school district located in the City and requests
to participate in the school impact fee pro-
gram; provides for the adoption of the School
District's Capital Facilities Plan; allows
collection of school impact fees by the City on
new development impacting schools; provides the
formula for fee calculation and a fee schedule;
describes the procedures for credit, appeals, and
refunds; all as authorized by the Growth Manage-
ment Act and Chapter 82 . 02 RCW; amends Title 12
of the Kent City Code by adding a new chapter
12 . 13 and sets an effective date.
10
December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT The City Attorney noted that the ordinance is one
FEES component to the school impact fee program and it
sets up the mechanism for impact fees. The other
components are an interlocal agreement regarding
administration of the school impact fee program,
the District's Capital Facilities Plan which must
be adopted by the City Council and made part of
the City' s Comprehensive Plan, and the impact fee
schedule ordinance. He explained that the ordi-
nance applies to all new residential development
in the city, that the fee is assessed against
each dwelling unit at the time of application,
and that temporary housing units, transitional
housing, certain housing for the elderly, re-
building of destroyed units, condominiums that
are converted from apartments, and developments
where the impacts for schools have already been
mitigated are exempt. He added that the ordi-
nance requires the interlocal agreement, and the
District must annually submit it's Capital
Facilities Plan, it' s enrollment projections,
standards of service, future capacity projec-
tions, and inventory of capacity, and the City
adopts a new fee schedule annually based on that
information. Lubovich noted that the date of
application for a residential development permit
is the date of assessment, although it is col-
lected at the time of issuance. He distributed
copies of minor technical corrections to the
ordinance which eliminate any ambiguity. ORR
MOVED to accept the recommended changes from the
City Attorney and incorporate them in the final
ordinance. Houser seconded and the motion
carried with Bennett opposed.
The Mayor declared the public hearing open. Tom
Brotherton, 26805 148th Avenue SE, said that if
impact fees are taken away, taxes will go up. He
said that the school district is the reason many
people locate in Kent, and that it is fair that
new residents pick up some share of the burden
for maintaining the excellent school system. He
explained that builders do not always pay for
impact fees and that they negotiate a lower land
price when fees are assessed or require the
landowner to pay the fees. He concluded that
even with impact fees, houses in Kent will still
cost less than in other areas. Holly Isaman,
4611 Somerset Court, representing the Federal Way
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December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT School District, thanked the Council for con-
FEES sidering the adoption of a school impact fee
ordinance, noting that it will benefit both the
students and the community. She noted that space
to serve growth must be provided, and that impact
fees are an important contribution. She empha-
sized that impact fees help reduce the tax burden
on existing residents by spreading the load to
new residents. Jody Putman, Business Services
Manager for the Federal Way School District,
stated that the Federal Way Distict has grown
quite a bit and has built five elementary schools
and one junior high. She said that some of the
construction was funded by impact fees, and that
the City of Federal Way recently passed an ordi-
nance for impact fees for schools. She urged the
Council to adopt the proposed ordinance. Miriam
Helgeland, 3930 S. 277th Place, member of the
Forum for Regulatory Balance, said the Forum
believes that development fees make housing less
affordable. She provided copies of an Executive
Summary and a Report from the Forum. She sug-
gested collecting fees as late as possible in the
building process, so as to minimize their effect.
She said if young families have to live far from
employment centers, the longer commute time adds
to freeway crowding and pollution, and they have
no time for their families. She encouraged the
Council to look at the report and call for more
information. Jill Clifford, 26703 148th SE,
voiced concern about growth and taxes, and urged
the Council to pass the impact fee so that
schools can be funded without raising taxes in
the Meridian annexation area. Mary Geisol, 23407
53rd Avenue South, stated that she represents a
new home builder who is offering single-level
homes in a gated community designed to appeal to
the retired or empty-nest buyer. She noted that
the school impact fee will raise the cost of new
construction which will price these buyers out of
the area. She noted that these buyers would be
required to pay for something they don't use, and
urged the Council to consider other more equit-
able solutions. She suggested exceptions for
first time buyers, homes without school age
children, empty-nesters and retired people.
Rochelle Oster, Realtor, read a letter from
Tamara Keiser, who is single and has no children,
and who feels it is unfair for her to share the
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December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT expense. Oster urged the Council to look for
FEES other avenues of revenue. William A. Looney,
4110 S. 262nd Place, stated that the public does
not get to vote on this issue, that it goes on
for years, and that the people who will have to
pay it are not aware of it since they don't live
here yet. He said this is the most regressive
tax of all, since the same fee is paid for any
size house. He added that this fee will make
more tenants. He noted that owners of vacant
lots do not send to children to school and said
this tax will keep people from living in Kent
because they can't afford to. Barbara Poyneer,
18149 147th Avenue SE, Renton, said she has paid
taxes to the school since 1978, and has served on
Kent School District committees. She said that
allegations that the school district supports the
impact fee ordinance because it will cover up
mismanagement, and that the district plans to use
the impact fees in place of selling bonds, are
untrue. She said that school impact fees are
simply a way of assessing a small but significant
part of the cost of growth directly to those who
cause it.
Carol Morford, 11126 SE 256, said she is opposed
to taxing a narrow segment of the population.
She noted that the Council has been in favor of
single-family homes rather than apartments, that
if this ordinance is passed the school district
will get a huge revenue increase, and suggested
having no impact fees on single-family homes and
imposing impact fees on multi-family until $3 . 1
million is raised. Stan Lockett, 24305 140th
Avenue SE, said the cost of the taxes is reduced
by paying it up front rather than over time.
Mike Necrum, 101 loth Avenue, Kirkland, said that
before an impact fee is imposed, homework should
be done. He noted that Kirkland decided not to
impose impact fees. He said the problem is how
funds are being spent in Olympia and that they
are not being adequately redistributed to the
community where growth is causing an impact. He
recommended going to Olympia during this legis-
lative session and demanding that revenues
generated by this community be returned to the
community. Rob Cannon, President of Kent Chamber
of Commerce, recommended that the Council allow
90 days to examine options for funding the school
district' s needs. Gary Young said as a builder,
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December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT he is very concerned about the impact fees. He
FEES said he appreciates the work done by the school
system, but is concerned for home purchasers. He
distributed a letter outlining their concerns and
asked the Council to consider the first time home
buyer, the young people, and the aging home buyer
who would be precluded from the purchase of a
home by the addition of impact fees. He noted
that purchasers without children pay property
taxes and support the school system, but do not
use the school system. He urged the Council to
remember it's responsibility to provide for
affordable housing. He said one and two bedroom
homes should be exempt. He also urged the
Council to require, if adopted, a full annual
review to determine the need, to remove the fees
as early as possible, and to pursue a better,
more equitable solution. Brien Stafford,
Stafford Homes, said the tax is not fair and it
raises the price of new and used houses. He said
he supports schools, but does not think this is a
fair tax and it won't be to the credit of the
City of Kent to put it on new housing. Susan
Follmer, 19629 104th Avenue South, Renton, said
this is a good, fair proposal. She stated that a
$1. 00 mitigation fee collected now will save
$1.80 in the future. She voiced appreciation to
the Council for listening and urged them to sup-
port the mitigation fee.
Jeff Robinson, 22230 118th Avenue SE, said there
has been an assumption that any impact fee
assessed on a new housing unit will be passed on.
He said developers should find ways to operate
more efficiently rather than passing on impact
fees. He urged the Council to work with the
community and school district to keep the school
district a major attractor for new growth, and to
adopt the ordinance. Scott Floyd, 9645 S. 232nd,
said new people are welcome but they must help
the school district, and expressed hope for the
Council' s support. Gwen Escher, Kent School
District, 12033 SE 256, said that Kent's is the
fourth largest school district in the state, and
that their reputation has attracted families for
a long time. She noted that each single family
residence generates an average 0. 843 students and
about $14, 000 in new costs per residence. She
noted that even with state match money, there is
still about $10, 000 to be funded locally, and
14
December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT that a fee of $3, 675 helps but leaves $6,400 to
FEES be financed by taxpayers through bond issues.
She said it is time that new residential develop-
ment shares a more appropriate portion of the
burden. She noted that the City will have the
opportunity to review and act on the District' s
Capital Facilities Plan and fee proposals every
year. Ken Peckham, Schneider Homes, said that
they support schools, but that this is an equity
issue. He noted that new homes represent 11% of
the homes sold in King County, and that ilk is
being asked to bear loot of the impact fee. He
said this is not fair and asked the Council to
pass a moratorium and continue to investigate
this issue. Rob Renner, John L. Scott, said it
is unfair to levy an impact fee on new buyers and
new homes, and not the new buyers of existing
housing. He proposed increasing the excise tax
on all home sales and spreading the cost amongst
all buyers and sellers. He asked the Council to
check with the City of Tacoma on their plan. Bob
Nelson, 24048 156 Avenue SE, urged the Council to
pass the ordinance. He said he supports the
resolution on low income housing, which would
address the problems people have raised. He said
as equity is gained, people are better able to
afford to move up and to absorb the impact fee.
He said the Council should pass this ordinance
and then examine options for other sources of
revenue. Linda Peterson, 14421 SE 183, Renton,
pointed out that new housing produces a need for
children to be educated. She said that currently
when the burden is spread over the existing
homes, everyone pays. She asked the Council to
think about the public good and consider that in
the past when developers have built housing
developments, they have given to the school dis-
trict a place to build a new school. She noted
that that is not happening at this time. Connie
Baesman, 10206 SE 224, asked the Council to pass
the ordinance tonight, noting that it has been
studied for a long time. She noted that growth
has been rapid, and that help is needed by the
school district. John Cochenour, Master Builders
Association, said that schools have always been
society's responsibility and all property owners
have paid for schools. He said it is unfair to
pick out one group and say they should pay a
significantly higher portion than a person who is
buying a resale house and may contribute as many
15
December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT or more children to the district. He said small
FEES builders cannot absorb the $3600 fee, that they
do not make large profits, and that the fees must
be passed on to the home buyer. He said that as
more regulation and costs are added, the ability
to buy a home gets further and further away. He
noted that they have supported the school dis-
trict and have offered suggestions for them to
consider. He asked the Council to protect
housing and schools and said that this proposal
will have a significant burden on citizens.
Grace Yuan, attorney for the Kent School District
and the Federal Way School District, urged the
City to pass the impact fee ordinance. She noted
that the districts recognize that affordable
housing is a concern, and support an exemption.
She noted that an exemption for senior housing is
built into the ordinance, and that they welcome a
thorough annual review of the district' s Capital
Facilities Plan. She asked the Council to look
at the existing tax base in the district and
consider what existing tax payers are paying, and
help reduce the taxes of existing tax payers.
Paul Morford, P. O. Box 6345, Kent 98064, said it
is impossible to sell something for less than it
costs to build. He said that within one year all
existing homes go up $3500, and $2000 for multi-
family. Morford pointed out that Councilmember
Clark is employed by the Kent School District and
should abstain from voting. He urged the Council
to vote for this. Pete Gomes, Windemere Real
Estate, said that the cost per square foot of a
home has gone up, consequently you are buying
less product. Dr. Hager, Kent School District,
said the district wants to cooperate with the
city and the developers. He urged the Council to
pass the ordinance now and said details could
then be worked out.
There were no further comments and HOUSER MOVED
to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and
the motion carried. ORR MOVED to make all
materials received this evening part of the
public record. Houser seconded and the motion
carried.
ORR MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3260 as amended
before the public hearing, adopting the school
impact fees. Johnson seconded.
16
December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT BENNETT OFFERED A SUBSTITUTE MOTION to hold this
FEES matter over for 90 days for consideration.
Johnson seconded for discussion. Bennett noted
that he has heard some creative ideas tonight,
and that one of his sons recently bought a home
in Pierce County because of impact fees in King
County. Houser said that she is happy with the
education her children received in the Federal
Way School District, and that the school impact
fees seem unfair and inequitable. She said there
are probably better ways to do this, but that
this ordinance needs to be passed now. She sug-
gested that it sunset in one year, so that the
Council will be committed to finding new and
better ways. Clark spoke in opposition to
holding the matter over for 90 days, noting that
this was first brought up for discussion six
months ago. He pointed out that there are
normally nine permit applications and that this
month there was an eight-fold increase. Bennett
noted that this issue had not been to the full
Council until the recent workshop. Orr pointed
out that she chaired a committee to address the
impact fees in 1990 and that a written report was
issued in 1991 supporting impact fees. She said
that fees are being collected for roads and
parks, but they are not called impact fees. She
disagreed with Bennett, noting that the issue has
been before the full Council because Council-
members get a copy of committee agendas and
minutes. She added that the Chamber of Commerce
also receives that information. She said now is
the time to adopt the ordinance. Johnson spoke
in opposition to delaying for 90 days, and said
it is time to enact the school impact fee.
Bennett clarified that he made the motion because
of citizens who have spoken to him about this.
The motion to extend for 90 days then failed with
only Bennett in favor.
Clark stated that Federal Way and King County
have impact fees and the Meridian Annexation area
is getting no change in their tax structure. He
said this is not a new tax. He noted that 1000
homes generate 450 students in Federal Way and
over 800 students in Kent. He stated that
without the school impact fees, taxes go up.
JOHNSON MOVED to substitute language under
Section 23 . 13 . 040 authorizing an exemption for
17
December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT low-income housing as a friendly amendment. Orr
FEES agreed. Johnson said it is important to esta-
blish language in the ordinance relating to low-
income housing and urged the Council to support
it. Houser offered a friendly amendment to
sunset this in one year, so that there is a
commitment to revist the issue. Orr agreed to
the amendment as long as at the end of the year
the Council has been unable to come up with new
and better ways of doing this, to consider
reauthorizing the impact fee. Houser agreed to
consider it then and Orr and Johnson accepted the
friendly amendment. Lubovich clarified that the
date would be one year after the effective date
of the ordinance, and noted for Johnson that this
will have to be carefully monitored as to time
frames because of the application dates that are
required. Clark suggested leaving this in effect
and bringing it back later if they chose to re-
consider. Houser did not agree. Lubovich stated
that this ordinance does not adopt any fees, that
fees would be adopted after the Comp Plan is
amended and a fee schedule ordinance is adopted.
Orr suggested sunsetting it one year after
adoption of the first fee, so that there is one
full year to work within the system. Houser and
Johnson agreed. Lubovich and Orr determined that
the date is one year from date of the fee esta-
blishment. JOHNSON MOVED to amend the motion
directing the School District to come back to the
January 16, 1996, Planning Committee meeting with
their proposed fee schedule for consideration,
and for them to bring back a proposal that would
address the school impact fees based on the
number of bedrooms as opposed to the existing
formula in the ordinance. Houser seconded. Orr
agreed to the amendment. She said that not
adopting these fees is an unfavorable impact,
since it adds to the tax burden of residents.
Johnson said some people choose not to own homes,
others do not qualify financially, and that
people must make choices. He said the question
of what constitutes affordable housing remains
unanswered. He said there may be a better
solution than school impact fees, and suggested
that builders and realtors lobby the legislature
to address the issue.
Upon a roll call vote, the motion as amended
carried 5-1 with Bennett opposed.
18
December 19, 1995
SCHOOL IMPACT The City Attorney clarified that a resolution on
FEES low-income housing is not required since it has
been dealt with.
ORR MOVED to approve and authorize the Mayor to
execute the proposed interlocal agreement
relating to school impact fees in substantially
the same form as the proposed agreement. Johnson
seconded and the motion carried with Bennett
opposed.
COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E)
Council Absence. APPROVAL of an excused absence
for Council President Woods from the December 19,
1995, City Council meeting, as she is unable to
attend.
APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3W)
Arts Commission Appointments. CONFIRMATION of
the Mayor's appointments of Ellen Gimenez, Greg
Worthing, Walter Hazen and Carol Vass to serve as
members of the Kent Arts Commission.
Ms. Gimenez is a Kent resident and works for a
local grocery chain. She is experienced in cake
decorating and has won numerous competitions
during the past 10 years. She is looking forward
to working with the Commission. She will replace
Robb Dreblow and her appointment will continue to
10/31/99 .
Mr. Worthing has been involved with the arts com-
munity in Kent since 1977 as an art teacher at
Kent-Meridian High School and manager of the
Performing Arts Center. He was an integral part
of the team that created the very successful
"Underworks" teen tile mural at Earthworks Park
last summer. Mr. Worthing will be a valuable
addition to the Commission. He will replace
Shannon McMurry and his appointment will continue
to 10/31/99.
Mr. Hazen is an artist and gallery owner in Kent.
He has participated in the Downtown Partnership,
the Downtown Planning Board, the Regional Transit
Authority Advisory Board and others. He will
bring his art knowledge and experience to the
Commission. He will replace Grace Hiranaka and
his appointment will continue to 10/31/99.
19
December 19, 1995
APPOINTMENTS Ms. Vass has a degree in art from the University
of Washington and worked for an art consultant
firm for many years. She is a resident of Kent
and has volunteered for numerous City arts pro-
jects. She will replace Jim Teeters and her
appointment will continue to 10/31/99 .
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3X)
Economic Development Corporation Reappointment.
CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's reappointment of
Morgan Llewellyn to continue serving as a member
of the Kent Economic Development Corporation.
Mr. Llewellyn's new term will continue until
12/31/99.
PUBLIC (OTHER BUSINESS - 4H)
DEFENDER Public Defender's Contract. The City seeks pro-
posals for public defense contracts every other
year and enters into a one-year contract with the
successful applicant. The parties subsequently
negotiate a second year extension. Last year the
City sought proposals for public defense services
and awarded the contract to Stewart and Goss.
The contract approved by the City Council allowed
administration to extend the contract for one
additional term under the same terms and condi-
tions. As a result of the annexation and the
increasing caseload at the Kent Municipal Court,
the contract had to be renegotiated. Staff is
asking for authorization for the Mayor to enter
into a new contract for a one-year term in
substantially the same form as the proposed
agreement.
The City Attorney explained that the cost will be
increased from $11, 000 per month to $15, 500 per
month, and that the cost per case is between $88
and $97. BENNETT MOVED to authorize the Mayor to
enter into a contract for public defense services
in substantially the same form as the proposed
agreement. Houser seconded and the motion
carried.
PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3AA)
RECREATION 1996 City Art Plan Budget and Five-Year Plan.
ADOPTION of the 1996 City Art Plan Budget and
1996-2000 Five-Year Art Plan. In compliance with
the general procedures of the City Art Program
(Ordinance No. 2552) , an annual budget for all
City Art Program projects shall be prepared and
20
December 19, 1995
PARKS & updated. Added to the budget is the five-year
RECREATION art plan.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3BB)
Saturday Market Advisory Board. ADOPTION of
Ordinance No. 3272 repealing Chapter 2 .54 of the
Kent City Code entitled "Saturday Market Board. "
The Saturday Market Board has requested that the
Board be abolished and that the vendors be repre-
sented on the Kent Downtown Partnership Board,
which is the organization that works with the
Saturday Market vendors.
(BIDS - ITEM 5C)
Interurban Trail Resurfacing Project. Seven (7)
bids were received on November 28 , 1995, for the
Interurban Trail Resurfacing Project. Western
Asphalt of Maple Valley was the low bidder at
$135,646 (base bid) . The Engineer's estimate was
$194,560. HOUSER MOVED to accept the base bid of
Western Asphalt in the amount of $135, 646, plus
Schedule 4 unit price additions in the amount of
$17,835 (to include Unit Price Items C, D, E, F,
I, J, and K) for a total contract amount of
$153 , 481 for the Interurban Trail Resurfacing
Project. Bennett seconded and the motion
carried.
HEN (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3Q) AUTHORIZATION to
RESOURCES Safety Awards Contract Renewal.
renew the Safety Awards contract, as recommended
by the Operations Committee. Safety Award draw-
ing eligibility is based on attending monthly
meetings and not being involved in an on-the-job
injury for that month. This is simply an aware-
ness claim reduction tool with Monthly Safety
Material Service.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3R)
Workers' Compensation Claims Administration
Contract Renewal. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor
to execute a renewal of the annual Third Party
Claims Handling Contract for all L&I claims,
as approved by the Operations Committee on
November 22 , 1995.
POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K)
DEPARTMENT Duties of Police Chief. ADOPTION of Ordinance
No. 3269 relating to the duties of the Chief of
Police. National accreditation requires that the
21
December 19, 1995
POLICE Police Chief be responsible for the Police
DEPARTMENT Departments budget and this ordinance identi-
fies that responsibility.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L)
Violation of a Protection Order. ADOPTION of
Ordinance No. 3270 amending Sections 9. 02 .302,
9. 02 . 304 and 9. 02. 310 of the Kent City Code to
provide that violations of Protection Orders and
No Contact Orders are to be punished as gross
misdemeanors.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M)
Penalties for Certain Weapons violations.
ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3271 amending Section
9. 02 . 104 of the Kent City Code to provide that
violations of the prohibition against possessing
weapons capable of producing bodily harm are to
be punished as gross misdemeanors.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3N)
Beer Institute Assistance Fund Donation.
ACCEPTANCE of Beer Institute donation; authori-
zation for Mayor to sign related documents;
establishment of a Youth Conference budget; and
authorization to transfer funds remaining from
the 1994/95 Youth Conference for use for the
1995/96 Youth Conference, as recommended by the
Public Safety Committee. This is the fourth year
for the Youth Conference and the City has an
opportunity to obtain funding from the Beer
Institute to assist us in this endeavor.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 30)
Springwood Grant. ACCEPTANCE of the Springwood-
King County Housing Grant and authorization for
the Mayor to sign necessary documents, as recom-
mended by the Public Safety Committee:
1. Contract for Social Services #D17: Acceptance
of $148, 228 reimbursing (monthly) for salary/
benefits of two bike patrol officers assigned
full-time to the Springwood development, as
well as telephone, printing, office equip-
ment, and bicycle maintenance/supply costs.
22
December 19, 1995
POLICE 2 . Lease Agreement: Agreement at no cost, for
DEPARTMENT the Police Department to be provided an
apartment/"storefront" at the Springwood
site. A standard lease agreement involving
termination, damages, right of entry, and
hold harmless clauses must be executed.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3P)
corrections Facility Food Service Agreement/
Request for Extension. Extension of the
Corrections Facility Food Service contract for an
additional year, as allowed in Section 11. 01 of
the agreement and as recommended by the Public
Safety Committee. Financially the City has been
very pleased with the food service provider, as
well as by quality and quantity.
FIRE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F)
DEPARTMENT Purchase of Replacement Defibrillators. AUTHORI-
ZATION for the Mayor to sign a purchase order for
the purchase of replacement defibrillators. The
purchase of defibrillators was authorized in the
1996 Capital Budget. These life savings pieces
of equipment are essential. They are being re-
placed after having outlasted the manufacturers
projected life span by seven years. The
unavailability of replacement parts and service
agreements necessitates the earliest possible
replacement of these machines. Over the last
several months staff has researched the King
County Emergency Medical Division's criteria and
the availability of manual defibrillators. It is
clear that there is only one vendor and one
machine that meets all the required criteria.
Under City policy this qualifies as a sole vendor
purchase. The City's cost is estimated at less
than $51, 000. This is a significant savings over
the budgeted cost if we act in a timely fashion
to order the units. Approval of this consent
item would authorize the Mayor to sign the
purchase order upon delivery and acceptance of
the machines.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G)
Automatic and Mutual Aid Agreements.
AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign current and
future Mutual or Automatic Aid Agreements as
outlined in the Executive Summary, including the
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) agreement, as a
matter of ongoing business; and that the Fire
23
December 19, 1995
FIRE Chief be authorized to sign these agreements to
DEPARTMENT make and sign routine changes to levels and areas
of response in the appendices of the respective
agreements.
In order to provide basic emergency services the
City has historically participated in automatic
and mutual aid agreements within King County.
Periodically these agreements need to be modified
for routine business (e.g. annexations, stations
relocated, etc) . Additionally there is a need to
sign mutual agreements with Pierce, Mason and
Kitsap County fire agencies as a required part of
the State Mobilization Act. There are also
special programs such as membership on the Urban
Search and Rescue Team that requires the signing
of participation agreements.
FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B)
Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the
bills received through November 15 and paid on
November 15, 1995, after auditing by the
Operations Committee on November 22, 1995.
Approval of checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
11/15/95 161706-162181 $1,855, 300.08
Approval of checks issued for payroll for
November 1 through November 15 and paid on
November 20, 1995:
Date Check Numbers Amount
11/20/95 Checks 207446-207771 $ 267, 786.52
Advices 29123-29527 532 , 517 . 59
$ 800, 304. 11
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3S)
1995 Accounts Receivable Write-Off. AUTHORI-
ZATION to write-off $1, 846. 25 in uncollectible
accounts receivable for 1995, as recommended by
the Operations Committee at their November 22
meeting. The write-off amount is primarily
composed of accounts for businesses or indi-
viduals we are unable to locate or that have gone
out of business.
24
December 19, 1995
FINANCE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4I)
(Formerly Consent Calendar Item 3T)
1995 Budget Adjustment ordinance and CDBG Line of
Credit. AUTHORIZATION to approve the budget
adjustment ordinance for 1995 totaling the gross
budget adjustment of $2, 354, 614 and to approve a
line of credit in an amount not to exceed
$250,000 to cover Community Development Block
Grant costs at year-end until they are reimbursed
by King County, as recommended by the Operations
Committee at their November 22nd meeting.
Finance Division Director Miller explained that
this is a housekeeping ordinance which rolls all
previously approved budget amendments into one
ordinance. She noted that this is required by
the State Auditor' s Office and has been recom-
mended by the Operations Committee. Miller also
stated that the Water Revenue Refunding Bond
budget change is included. JOHNSON MOVED to
adopt Ordinance No. 3266 relating to the 1995
Budget Adjustment totalling $2, 079, 660, and to
approve a line of credit on an amount not to
exceed $250, 000 to cover the CDBG costs at year
end until they are reimbursed by King County.
Orr seconded and the motion carried.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4F)
Property Tax Lew Amendment. At the November 7,
1995 Council meeting, property tax levy Ordinance
No. 3245 was adopted based on preliminary amounts
from King County. Since that date, updated
information has been provided from King County
that show the City is eligible to receive an
additional $95, 242 .
Finance Division Director Miller explained that
the amount the city could receive increased from
$110, 000, 000 to $120, 000, 000 due to several
annexations, which resulted in approximately
$39, 000. She also noted that omissions and
refunds amount to $95, 242 , and recommended amend-
ing the levy submitted previously. Miller also
proposed buying a boat for marine patrol at Lake
Meridian for $20, 000 and adding the balance of
$75,242 to the ending fund balance. JOHNSON
MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance No. 3264
amending the General Fund Tax Levy amount to
$11, 618, 041. Houser seconded and the motion
carried.
25
December 19, 1995
FINANCE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4G)
1996 Budget Amendment. On November 7, 1995,
Council adopted Ordinance No. 3244 for the 1996
budget. Since that time, additional information
has been received from King County on property
tax amount which adds $95, 242 in additional
property tax. The proposed budget amendment adds
$95,242 in Property Tax, provides $20, 000 for a
police boat for the Lake Meridian Annexation and
adds the balance of $75, 242 to the General Fund
balance. JOHNSON MOVED to adopt Ordinance
No. 3265 amending the 1996 budget to include the
additional $95,242 from property tax revenue with
$20, 000 of this amount to be used for a police
boat for Lake Meridian with the remainder of
$75, 242 to be added to General Fund balance.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
REPORTS Operations Committee. Johnson noted that the
committee will meet at 9: 30 a.m. next Wednesday.
Planning Committee. Orr noted that the committee
will meet on January 16.
EXECUTIVE At 10:25 p.m. the meeting recessed to an
SESSION Executive Session of approximately 15 minutes.
(Potential
litigation, The meeting reconvened at 10:40 p.m. HOUSER
property MOVED to authorize the purchase of the Leslie
acquisition) Dow property for a purchase price of $582 , 800
including closing costs, appraisal and
miscellaneous expenses, and to authorize any
necessary budget changes and the use of an
interim loan from the Fire Department Equipment
Reserve Fund until July when IAC funding is
received. Orr seconded and the motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Brenda Jaco er, MC
City Clerk
26