HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 01/16/1996 Kent, Washington
January 16, 1996
Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at
7: 00 p.m. by Mayor White. Present: Councilmembers Clark,
Epperly, Houser, Johnson, Orr and Woods, Operations Director/
Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director
Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Fire Chief Angelo,
Police Chief Crawford, Finance Director Miller, Parks Director
Hodgson, and Human Resources Director Viseth. Councilmember
Bennett was excused from the meeting. Approximately 30 people
were in attendance.
PUBLIC State of the City Address. Mayor White delivered
COMMUNICATIONS his State of the City Address, reporting on the
city's accomplishments and challenges. He noted
that the Meridian Annexation increased the
population of the city to nearly 60, 000 and an
area of 26 square miles. He added that zoning
for the Ramstead/East Hill, Jones/Hobbs, Everson
and Beck annexations also took place in 1995. He
stated that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted,
bringing the city into compliance with the Growth
Management Act, and that 2, 288 building permits,
with a total valuation of $217 , 075, 117 were
issued. He said that the city now has the
strongest cash position in it' s history as a
result of the policy of increasing ending fund
balances, and that the city has aggressively
taken advantage of opportunities to refinance
outstanding bond issues to save money. Mayor
White noted that three hundred code enforcement
cases were resolved, and many other unsafe and
unsightly properties have been cleaned up. He
stated that the Parks and Recreation Department
expanded the youth program, and that the city has
acquired several parcels of property for future
park development, as well as funding park master
plan projects for the renewal of several existing
parks. He noted that the Police Department has
attained national accreditation, the city' s use
of the cable tv channel has been expanded, econo-
mic development efforts have been expanded, a
trial shuttle bus system was received enthusias-
tically, a Commute Trip Reduction program was
conducted, permits for the 277th and 196th corri-
dors were obtained, improvements were made to
James Street, and HOV lanes were constructed on
S. 212th.
Mayor White said that delivering services without
diminishing levels of service will be a challenge
in 1996. He outlined upcoming projects, such as
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January 16, 1996
PUBLIC implementing the Comprehensive Plan, continuing
COMMUNICATIONS the shuttle bus system, doing an analysis of
downtown's potential and needs, working with the
Natural Medicine Economic Development Task Force
regarding capitalizing on that industry, con-
structing the lagoon project on the valley floor,
identifying and funding park land acquisition,
and analyzing the staffing and equipment needs of
the Police and Fire Departments. He added that
the east/west corridor projects (277th Street and
196th Street) continue as priorities this year.
The Mayor concluded that the city has the
talent, resources and will to respond to these
challenges.
Daughters of the American Revolution/American
History Month. The Mayor read a proclamation
noting that our ability to respond intelligently
to the issues we face today depends greatly on
our understanding of history, and proclaimed the
month of February 1996 as Daughters of the
American Revolution/American History Month in the
City of Kent and encouraged all citizens to join
him in this observance. The proclamation was
presented to Marcella Burkett, Regent of the
Lakota Chapter. Ms. Burkett explained that the
Lakota Chapter works with schools in Kent, and
that Amy Jensen of Kent Junior High was a winner
in the State American History Contest last year.
Judy Woods Day. Mayor White read a proclamation
noting that Judy Woods has served the citizens of
Kent as a Councilmember since November 1, 1982,
has worked tirelessly to improve the human ser-
vices in Kent, and has been an advocate of
improved transportation as well as parks and
recreation for the benefit of all citizens. He
noted that she was elected by her peers to serve
as Council President in 1990 and has served three
consecutive two-year terms, and exemplified a
leader as she worked with her fellow Council-
members on many issues facing Kent. He thanked
Councilmember Woods for her service as Council
President, and said he considers her one of the
best people he has ever had the privilege of
working with. He then proclaimed January 17 ,
1996 as Judy Woods Day in the City of Kent, and
urged all citizens of Kent to join him in thank-
ing her for her dedicated service to the citizens
of Kent.
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January 16, 1996
PUBLIC Fire Chief Norm Angelo 25th Anniversary Day. The
COMMUNICATIONS Mayor noted that Fire Chief Norm Angelo started
his career in January 1971 in the Hayward
California Fire Department, and that he put to-
gether a bond levy for the construction of three
new city fire stations, a training center and the
remodel of an existing station in Kent. He stated
that Chief Angelo is widely recognized and
respected for his work in the field, and pro-
claimed January 19, 1996 as Fire Chief Norm
Angelo 25th Anniversary Day in the City of Kent
and encouraged all citizens to join him in
expressing appreciation for Chief Angelo's many
years of dedicated service to the well being and
safety of Kent's citizens. Chief Angelo thanked
his family for their support, as well as the
Council, staff and people of Kent. He said there
is no better profession than being a firefighter,
and expressed his thanks.
Jingle Bus Report. Dick Gillisse explained that
the Jingle Bus operated between November 24 and
December 31, 1995, and that $23,769 was spent on
the project. He said primarily the senior citi-
zen housing areas, large multifamily complexes
and major retail areas in the valley and on East
Hill were served. He noted that there were
nearly 4800 riders during the five week period,
or an average of 133 people a day. He pointed
out that there were no accidents or injuries.
Gillisse noted that 80% of the riders were senior
citizens, who were very appreciative of the
service. He recommended continuation of the
service, even if on a part-time schedule.
Introduction of Mayor's Appointees. The Mayor
introduced to Council his appointees as follows:
Drinking Driver Task Force - Jim Sawyers and
Georgine Isenberg
Bicycle Advisory Board - Donna Gregory, Steve
Nuss, Gerald Schmidt and Scott Manthey
Kent Library Board - Mickie Foster
Legislative Update. Arthur Martin, Governmental
Affairs Director, stated that during the first
week of the Legislative session, over 340 bills
were introduced, half of which would have an
impact on cities. He added that there are 138
hearings this week in the House and 126 hearings
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January 16, 1996
PUBLIC in the Senate. He explained that he meets each
COMMUNICATIONS week with AWC members from large cities to share
information, since no one can attend all of the
hearings and that they are currently analyzing
the bills and will determine priorities. He said
he will keep the Council informed of when hear-
ings will be held.
Equipment Rental Analysis. Public Works Opera-
tions Manager Eddy Chu distributed copies of the
Equipment Rental Policy and Procedures Manual,
and noted that their mission is to provide a
city-wide vehicle and equipment management pro-
gram, to provide quality customer service to all
city employees, to provide safe and well main-
tained vehicles and equipment, and to provide
equitable and accountable financial service. He
noted that the fleet includes 137 vehicles, 97
pieces of department-assigned special equipment,
26 motor pool vehicles and pieces of equipment,
and 30 pieces of motor pool construction
equipment. He showed income of $1,869,849,
expenditures of $1,791, 119, and a reserve fund of
$2,344, 157. He noted that a rate structure has
been developed with rates according to the class
of vehicle. He also said they are planning to
extend the garage hours to provide a more respon-
sive and effective service. He then outlined the
ten recommendations which are contained in the
Manual. Upon Orr's question, Chu explained that
averaging the rates would not create a hardship
for any departments because the budget already
reflects the rate structure which was proposed.
Regional Justice Center Update. Capt. Tom Brown
stated that the project is moving along quickly
and that the structural steel for the courts
building is visible now. He said the structural
steel topping off ceremony was held the day after
Christmas. He noted that the steel rings on the
rotunda should be finished this month, the
concrete slabs for the parking structure and
detention slabs are completed, the pavement and
curbing for the road on-site is complete, and
the masonry work for the cells and walls in the
detention area is in place. He added that the
drainage system is working well. He explained
that there may be a delay in the schedule of
approximately four days due to weather con-
ditions. He said that security hardware and
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January 16, 1996
PUBLIC non-security commercial keying for the project is
COMMUNICATIONS being done now.
CONSENT HOUSER MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A
CALENDAR through H be approved, including a correction to
the minutes of December 19, 1995. Woods seconded
and the motion carried.
MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A)
ADDroyal of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of
the Special Council meeting of December 19, 1995,
with a correction to line 2 , page 7, changing the
100' figure to 1000' .
PUBLIC WORKS (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D)
Green River Natural Resources Enhancement Area
Project. The proposed resolution confirms the
City's commitment to the construction of the
Green River Natural Resources Enhancement Area
Project, acknowledges both the size and com-
plexity of the project, authorizes a two-step bid
and award process that will affirm staff's
ability to prequalify bidders, and directs that
the contract be awarded to the lowest, and the
most responsive, bidder.
Assistant City Attorney Brubaker noted that this
is an extremely large project, and is projected
to cost in excess of $9, 000, 000 in construction.
He explained that the project poses some unique
and significant construction problems, and it
takes a uniquely qualified contractor to move
this volume of soil in the Green River Valley.
He explained that the resolution affirms the
City's commitment to the project, acknowledges
the unique challenges posed by the project,
directs staff to scrutinize the contractors
selected for the project, ratifies a two-step
selection process which will allow staff to first
prequalify contractors to be sure they are able
to do this type of work and then allows those
prequalified contractors to bid, and it directs
the staff to recommend approval of the contract
to the lowest responsible bidder and sets para-
meters for making that decision based on good
sound business judgement. This will result in
the best contractor for the job.
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January 16, 1996
PUBLIC WORKS CLARK MOVED that Resolution No. 1452 pertaining
to the contract bid and award process for the
Green River Natural Resources Enhancement Area
Project be approved. Woods seconded and the
motion carried.
BUS SERVICE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C)
Shuttle Bus Service. The Kent Transit Advisory
Board has recommended the adoption of a resolu-
tion to support the continuation of the Kent
Transit Shuttle Program, formerly known as the
Jingle Bus. This service was very popular with
downtown and East Hill residents during a five-
week period in November and December. Houser
noted that Councilmember Bennett, who is not in
attendance, has worked on this and is in favor of
the resolution. She pointed out that this has
not gone through a committee. There were no
objections from Council to proceeding with this
item, and CLARK MOVED to adopt Resolution No.
1451 directing staff to continue working the
Metro staff to develop options for continuing the
shuttle bus program. Woods seconded. Clark said
this is a beginning step on an east/west transit
system. Orr said a transit system has been
desired for some time, and is now a necessity.
The motion then carried.
COMP PLAN (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C)
Comp Plan Implementation Amendment CPZ-95-2
(Phase II - Valley Floor/West Hill) . ADOPTION of
Ordinance No. 3276 amending the official zoning
map of the City of Kent to implement the Land Use
Plan Map of the City of Kent's Comprehensive
Plan. This was discussed at the Council meeting
of December 19, 1995.
ZONING CODE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D)
AMENDMENT Kosnoski Zoning Code Amendment ZCA-95-9.
ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3277 amending Chapter
15. 04. 195A of the Kent City Code by expanding the
types of principally permitted uses in the
Gateway Commercial (GWC) Zone. This was dis-
cussed at the Council meeting of December 19,
1995.
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January 16, 1996
COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H)
(ADDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUSER)
Council Absence. APPROVAL of an excused absence
from tonight's meeting for Councilmember Bennett
who is unable to attend.
APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E)
Reappointment to Drinking Driver Task Force.
CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's reappointment of Jim
Sawyers and Georgine Isenberg to continue serving
as members of the Drinking Driver Task Force.
Their new appointments will continue to 1/1/99.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F)
Reappointment to Bicycle Advisory Board.
CONFIRMATION of the Mayor' s reappointment of
Donna Gregory, Steve Nuss, Gerald Schmidt and
Scott Manthey to continue serving as members of
the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board. Their terms
will continue to 12/31/97.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G)
Reappointment to Rent Library Board.
CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's reappointment of
Mickie Foster to continue serving as a member of
the Kent Library Board. Her new appointment will
continue until 1/1/2001.
PARKS & (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A)
RECREATION Supplemental Agreement to Existing Lease with
Union Pacific Railroad for Skateboard Park.
Staff requests that the Mayor be authorized to
sign the proposed supplemental agreement to
existing lease with the Union Pacific Railroad
Company to include the construction and main-
tenance of a skateboard park on the railroad
property located between Smith and James, north
of Uplands Park. WOODS MOVED that the Mayor be
authorized to sign the supplemental agreement to
existing lease with the Union Pacific Railroad
Company to include the construction and main-
tenance of a skateboard park on the railroad
property located between Smith and James, north
of Uplands Park. Houser seconded and the motion
carried.
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January 16, 1996
PARKS & (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B)
RECREATION King County Cultural Resources Grant for
Earthworks Parks. Staff requests acceptance of
the King County Cultural Resources Grant in the
amount of $15,000 for the purchase of bollards at
Earthworks Park. WOODS MOVED to accept the King
County Cultural Resources Grant in the amount
of $15, 000 for the purchase of bollards at
Earthworks Park. Orr seconded and the motion
carried.
FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B)
Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the
bills received through December 29 and paid on
December 29, 1995. Operations Committee can-
celled and Council authorized by signing check
summary.
Approval of checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
12/29/95 163227-163871 $1,747, 544. 65
_Approval of checks issued for payroll for
December 16 through December 31, 1995 and paid
on January 5, 1996:
Date Check Numbers Amount
1/5/96 Advice 30426-30865 $ 516, 461.46
1/5/96 Checks 208456-208768 245,068. 89
$ 761,530.35
REPORTS Council President. Houser noted that the Council
Retreat will be held at the East Hill Fire
Station at 4: 00 p.m. on Friday, January 19 and
at 8: 00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20.
Planning Committee. Orr announced that the Plan-
ning Committee, acting as the Land Use Planning
Board, will hold a public hearing January 30,
1996, at 7 : 00 p.m. to discuss the adoption of the
Kent and Federal Way School Districts Compre-
hensive Plans and incorporating them into the
City's Comprehensive Plan. She announced that
the Land Use Planning Board will also hold a
meeting on February 6, 1996, at 4 : 00 p.m. to dis-
cuss various issues. She noted that the Planning
Committee meeting will be held on February 20 at
4: 00 p.m.
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January 16, 1996
REPORTS Parks Committee. Woods announced that the first
meeting of the new Parks Committee will most
likely be held on Tuesday, February 6th at
5: 00 p.m. and the public will be notified of the
time.
Administrative Reports. Mayor White noted that
he has prepared a draft regarding the Land Use
Planning Board for Council to go over before
their retreat and said he will work with them on
getting this group involved in the process.
EXECUTIVE At 8: 15 p.m. , McFall announced an executive
SESSION session of approximately 20 minutes to discuss
pending litigation and labor negotiations.
The meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
JOHNSON MOVED to authorize the Mayor to enter
into a three-year labor agreement with the
(Labor Firefighters Union Local 1747 effective
Agreement) January 1, 1996, and to authorize the appro-
priate budget change from the fund balance to
cover the cost of the labor contract. Woods
seconded and the motion carried.
ADJOURNED The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Brenda Jac e , CMC
City Cle
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