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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 05/07/1996 Kent, Washington May 7, 1996 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Clark, Epperly, Orr and Woods, Operations Director/Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, Parks Director Hodgson, and Finance Director Miller. Council President Houser was excused from the meeting. Approximately 40 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Employee of the Month. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson COMMUNICATIONS announced that Frank Olson, Supervisor of the Operations Division warehouse, has been selected as Employee of the Month for May. He noted that Mr. Olson has been an employee since January, 1979, and that he began his career with the City as a Maintenance Worker I but has, through hard work and vast knowledge, worked his way up to supervisor. He noted that Mr. Olson is very competent, performs his job in a professional manner, is efficient in locating parts, tools, vehicles and equipment, and has great interaction with others. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson congratulated Frank for being selected as Employee of the Month. Letter Carriers' Food Drive Day. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson read a proclamation noting that the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will sponsor a nationwide food drive on Saturday, May 11, 1996, and that the Kent Branch 2038 Letter Carriers are joining this food drive by collecting food for the Kent and Springwood food banks. He noted that the City of Kent is proud to recognize the NALC' s Branch 2038 contributions to the community, and he urged all citizens to join the NALC Branch 2038 in working to aid those in need in our community by participating in the annual food drive. Mary Behrendsen, Letter Carrier and Treasurer of the local chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers, accepted the proclamation and expressed appreciation to the City of Kent for becoming a part of the food drive. Catholic Community Services Week. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson read a proclamation declaring the week of May 5-11, 1996, as Catholic Community Services Week. He noted that the Catholic Community Services established a permanent physical presence in Kent 10 years ago to better pro- vide human services to the residents of South 1 May 7, 1996 PUBLIC King County, and that it is the largest private COMMUNICATIONS non-profit human service provider in the State of Washington. He also noted that Catholic Community Services of South King County, in partnership with its many volunteers, committed staff, governmental agencies and other community organizations, has contributed greatly to ad- dressing the needs of people and improving the quality of life in our community. He encouraged all citizens to continue to support the mission of Catholic Community Services and recognize the efforts this agency makes to the Kent community. Cathy Peters and Tony Mladineo accepted the pro- clamation, and Ms. Peters thanked the citizens, the City of Kent, and the Council for being such strong supporters of the services they provide. Good Sam Club. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson read a pro- clamation declaring the week of May 12-18, 1996, as South King County Good Sams Week in the City of Kent. He noted that the South King County Chapter of the Good Samaritan Club made a cash donation, in the Spring of 1995, to the City of Kent for the Adopt-A-Park Program to provide seedlings, nurtured by the City nursery crew, and that the club members then planted and have maintained flower beds at the Naden Avenue Rest Stop, Russell Road Park, Kent Memorial Park, Gowe Street Mini-Park, 4th and Willis Kent Entrance and the Resource Center. He also noted that the Good Sam Club hosted the South King County Round- up held at the Russell Road Park which resulted in a $1, 000 contribution to the City of Kent to enhance its park system. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson further noted that the Good Sam Club was instru- mental in getting a dump station installed at the Naden Street RV Rest Stop, and that the club also donated $100 and completed the task of planting hundreds of bulbs as part of the City' s "National Make A Difference Day" . Johnson noted that the South King County Chapter of the Good Samaritan Club was awarded the State Chapter of the Year Award for 1994-1995, and honored with second place in the United States. He encouraged all citizens to acknowledge and appreciate the con- tributions that these generous citizens have made to the community. Alex Jones, President of the Local Good Sam Club, accepted the proclamation and thanked the City Council, the Mayor, and the Parks Department for their recognition. 2 May 7, 1996 PUBLIC Introduction of Mayor's Appointee. Mayor Pro Tem COMMUNICATIONS Johnson introduced Tony Springman as the Mayor's appointee to the City Transit Advisory Board. Ring County Bond Issue Uydate. John Hodgson, Parks Director, explained that in March he and a consultant with the Bond Issue Committee had made a presentation to the Council giving an update on what was happening with the Bond Issue Projects. He noted that the projects went before the King County Council for review about a week ago and that in July the King County Council will vote on whether or not to put this issue on the September, 1996 ballot for approval as a $215, 000, 000 bond issue. He noted that 70% of the bond issue is dedicated to youth, youth activities, youth facilities, and neighborhood parks, with the remaining 30% dedicated to critical habitats and restoration. He explained that within the 70% money available, each com- munity will get a percentage based on population and assessed valuation. Hodgson distributed to the Council a list of the projects that were submitted by the Kent Parks Department, and he explained that the projects were determined by looking at the Comp Plan as it related to the theme of the bond issue and then to develop the projects from it. He noted that the City of Kent has an outstanding Parks system, but that it is also an aging one and it' s time to remodel some of the parks. He noted that the list contains a series of new athletic facili- ties, restoration of current athletic facilities, some new neighborhood parks, and the restoration of some neighborhood parks. Hodgson explained that over the last 18 months Federal and State monies have been spent to renovate the 4 neighborhood Tot Lots that the Kiwanis built for the City over 30 years ago which will be completed by the end of August. He noted that a tremendous amount of needs can be addressed through this bond issue which are seen in the Capital Facilities Plan. He noted that the Public Works Department has been working on the critical habitat areas, have presented four projects through a competitive process, and that the $5, 000, 000 available to the City of Kent is for use at the City's discretion. He noted that the Parks Committee has determined these as their 3 May 7, 1996 PUBLIC priorities and that the critical habitat part of COMMUNICATIONS the bond issue has been presented to the Public Works Committee and will be coming to the Council in the near future. CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR M be approved. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) _Approval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of April 16, 1996. HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L) SANITATION Rachael Place and Rachael Place II. AUTHORIZATION to accept the bill of sale for Rachael Place & Rachael Place II submitted by Douglas and Teresa Hutchens, for continuous operation and maintenance of 438 feet of water- line, 505 feet of sanitary sewer line, 664 feet of street improvements and 800 feet of storm sewers and, release of bonds after expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. This project is located west of 5th Avenue and south of Crow Street. STREET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) VACATIONS Street Vacation STV-96-3 - A Portion of Russell Road Lying South of S. 228th Street. This date has been set to consider an application to vacate a portion of Russell Road lying south of S. 228th Street, as referenced in Resolution 1466, and shown on the accompanying map and discussed in the staff report. The Planning Director pointed out the location of the street vacation, and noted that it is the last northern portion of Russell Road. He ex- plained that there have been other street vacations on Russell Road, and that The Lakes project is committed to building the road system. He further explained that staff has recommended four conditions, as outlined in his memorandum dated May 7, 1996. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson declared the public hearing open. There were no comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. 4 May 7 , 1996 STREET ORR MOVED to approve the Planning Department' s VACATIONS recommendation of approval with conditions of an application to vacate a portion of Russell Road lying south of S. 228th Street, as referenced in Resolution 1466, and to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance upon receipt of compensation and retainment of the utility easement. Woods seconded and the motion carried. (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2B) Street Vacation STV 96-2 - S.E. 266th Street and 128th Avenue S.E. This date has been set to consider an application to vacate a portion of S. E. 266th Street, as referenced in Resolution 1463 and as shown on the accompanying map and discussed in the staff report. Planning Director Harris displayed maps of the area and noted that staff is not recommending approval of this vacation. He explained that the applicant, George B. Webb, Jr. , 26524 128th Avenue S.E. , Kent, has stated the following reasons for vacating the street: "This vacation is desired so that the 30 feet of right-of-way adjacent to the Webb' s property may be returned to the Webb's to provide a buffer area between the Webb house and the south property line that can be used for gardening and other uses. This will move the property line 30 feet south to the approximate location of an existing fence. Another benefit of this vacation is that the future S.E. 266th Street would no longer have to cross the Meridian Meadows Wetlands and Storm- water Storage Pond. Further, the traffic volume in the Meridian Meadows subdivision area (127th Avenue S.E.--128th Avenue S.E. ) does not support the need for a future road connection between S.E. 128th Avenue S.E. and 132nd Avenue S.E. Access to properties north of the wetlands and S.E. 266th Street is from 128th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 265th Street. If required to provide access to undeveloped property east of the wetland and stream, S.E. 265th Street could still be extended west from 132nd Avenue S. E. The vacation is for the road right-of-way, however, the City of Kent will maintain an easement through the above vacated property for any future utility access such as sewer, water, natural gas, or underground electricity, telephone or cable. " 5 May 7, 1996 STREET Harris then stated that staff does not feel this VACATIONS is an appropriate street vacation for the following reasons: The Public Works Department states that: "The proposed street vacation lies within the recent Meridian Annexation area. No road improvements exist within said right-of-way. A significant portion of the right-of-way is wetland and a branch of Soosette Creek crosses it. The right- of-way has the potential of providing a linkage between 124th Avenue S.E. and 132nd Avenue S.E. in an area where none exists for a mile stretch (S.E. 256th Street to S.E. 272nd Street) . While it is unlikely that a roadway would ever be built, it is too premature to negate such an option. More importantly, however, is the fact that a County regional detention pond exists to the south of said right-of-way and a City park (future) lies to the northwest corner thereof making the right-of-way a nice tie between two potentially compatible uses. While it is recog- nized that to actually create such a tie, the property lying southerly of the right-of-way would need to be acquired. Said property is presently used in conjunction with the County's detention system and in fact the County has constructed improvements thereon including fencing off the wetland. As such, the ownership of the property needs to be resolved. Because of the above factors, the Public Works Department recommends against vacating said street right-of- way. " The Parks Department states that: "The Parks Department is opposed to the proposed street vacation because it will block off access to our new park property from the residents living on 128th Avenue S.E. and further west. If the vacation is to be approved, Kent needs to main- tain a recreation easement through the vacated property for a pedestrian trail. " Mayor Pro Tem Johnson declared the public hearing open. Garry Stewart, 26620 127th Avenue S.E. , stated that he and his neighbors would like to have recreational access to the new park on 132nd Avenue S.E. without going onto Kent-Kangley. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. ORR MOVED to 6 May 7, 1996 STREET deny Application No. STV-96-2 to vacate a portion VACATIONS of S.E. 266th Street, as recommended by the Planning Department. Woods seconded and the motion carried. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) S. 218th Street Vacation STV-96-1. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3293 vacating a portion of S. 218th St. lying west of the East Valley Highway, sub- ject to a City utility easement, and excepting the easterly eight feet. STREET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2D) IMPROVEMENTS LID 345 - S. 218th Street Improvements (East Valley Highway to SR 167. At the last Council meeting this date was set for a new public hearing on confirmation of the Final Assessment Roll for LID 345. The new date was set due to changes in the assessment amount associated with the discovery of a calculation error. The Public Works Director pointed out the project boundaries and explained what the project con- sists of. He noted that originally the project was to be financed 100% by LID, but that the City later agreed to participate in the project by contributing $167 , 377 . 13 . He added that the final assessment is 2-1/2% lower in terms of the original cost, but that it is 16% less when the City' s funds are added in, for a total cost of $979,525. 81. He explained that wetland mitiga- tion adds $28, 597.25 and that one property's right-of-way credit in the amount of $5,932 . 00 brings the total roll to $1, 002 , 191. 07. He ex- plained the method of assessment and payment of assessments. Wickstrom noted that the new calculation resulted in one property assessment going up by $21, 000 and all the others going down in relation to that. He pointed out that there were two pro- tests at the last hearing, and explained that proof must be presented that the value of the property is not benefitted by at least the amount of the assessment. He noted that this informa- tion must be in the form of a before-and-after appraisal and that none of the protests received provided that information. He therefore recom- mended that no adjustments be made to their assessments. 7 May 7 , 1996 STREET The Mayor Pro Tem opened the public hearing. IMPROVEMENTS Upon a question from Mrs. Elsie Rust, 8619 S. 218th Street, Wickstrom explained that notifica- tion of the need for an appraisal is given at the informal public meetings and in a formal notice at the time of confirmation of the final roll, and that the property owner can do the appraisal any time after the LID is formed. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. CLARK MOVED to incorporate the materials con- tained in the Council packet on this LID as part of the official record. Orr seconded and the motion carried. CLARK MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3292 esta- blishing the Final Assessment Roll for LID 345, S. 218th St. Street Improvements. Woods seconded and the motion carried with Bennett opposed. (BIDS - ITEM 5A) LID 345 - S. 218th Street Improvements (East Valley Highway to SR 167) . Bid opening was held on March 26th with 8 bids received. The low bid was submitted by Robison Construction in the amount of $582 , 438. 38 . The Engineer' s estimate was $715, 180. 50. The project consists of widening S. 218th Street from East Valley Highway east to the creek (approximately 600 feet east of the curves) and includes curbs, gutters, and sidewalks as well as additional street lighting. An existing reverse curve will be improved significantly in order to permit trucks to pass simultaneously thus allow- ing development of property lying easterly of the reverse curves to continue. It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that this contract be awarded to Robison Construction for the bid amount of $582 , 348 . 38 . CLARK MOVED that the LID 345 - S. 218th Street Improvement contract be awarded to Robison Construction for the bid amount of $582 ,438 . 38 . Woods seconded and the motion carried with Bennett opposed. 8 May 7, 1996 TRAFFIC (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2C) CONTROL LID 347 - West Meeker Street and Russell Road Traffic Signal. This date has been set for the public hearing on the formation of LID 347, Meeker Street and Russell Road Traffic Signal. The Public Works Director pointed out the loca- tion on a map and explained that the purpose of this hearing is to determine whether or not to proceed with the project. He noted that a meet- ing with the property owners was held in March, 1996, with two people in attendance. Wickstrom explained that the project includes installation of a signal and a southbound right turn lane on Russell Road. He indicated the total project cost to be $238, 000, of which $100, 000 will be assessed to the properties within the LID boundary. He explained that City properties are included, and the assessments amount to approximately $32 , 000. He explained the method of assessment, and that there are previous agreements for commitments to this project representing 93 .77 percent. He outlined the method for payment of the assessments, and noted that one letter was received from a property owner representing the commercial properties adjacent to the golf course. He explained that the letter is not a protest, since it is questioning the assessment, and said that would be addressed later in the process. Upon Clark's questions, Wickstrom noted that this is the primary access road from Russell Road onto Meeker and is near parks and recreational areas, which is why the city is paying additional costs as well as it's own assessments. He agreed that more traffic is anticipated upon completion of the lagoon project. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing. Michael Watson, Manager of the Red Carpet Apartments at 24440 Russell Road, representing owners Glen and Blanche Player, said the com- munity would benefit from the stop light at Meeker and Russell Road. He noted that numerous apartments and condominiums, private dwellings and retail stores have been constructed in the area in the last 3-5 years, which has placed a tremendous strain on existing traffic patterns. He said the assessments were distributed with little regard for the existing properties, and requested that the billing plan be restructured to include the many properties which will benefit 9 May 7, 1996 TRAFFIC from the project. Ron Knight, 1530 Davis Avenue CONTROL South, Renton, owner of Washington State Properties and property manager for Plaza by the Green, spoke in support of the traffic light and said they will benefit from it. He agreed that the assessments should be distributed over a larger area and asked the Council to consider that. He noted that he has information and previous correspondence from the City on Plaza by the Green's original assessment and revised assessment which is a great deal more than originally proposed. Knight agreed to provide this information to the Public Works Director. WOODS MOVED to make the letter from Washington State Properties part of the record. Orr seconded and the motion carried. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. CLARK MOVED to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance for the formation of LID 347, Meeker Street and Russell Road Traffic Signal. Epperly seconded and the motion carried. SIDEWALKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) LID 346 - S. 212th Street Sidewalks & Street Lighting. ACCEPT as complete the contract with Signal Electric for the LID 346 - S. 212th Sidewalks/Street Lighting project and release of retainage after State releases, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The original contract amount was $160, 858 . 50. The final construction cost was $168, 288 . 50, the overage being due to additional asphalt being required. Adequate funds exist in the project funds to cover the added expense. PUBLIC WORKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) Ditch Cleaning North Side of S. 212th Street. ACCEPT as complete the contract with Tydico, Inc. for the Ditch Cleaning - N. Side of S. 212th Street project and release of retainage after State releases, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. The original contract amount was $40, 034 . 00. The final construction cost was $56, 268 .73 , the overage being due to an excessive amount of excavation and extra hauling of the material to an off-site location. Adequate funds exist within the project fund to cover the added expenses. 10 May 7, 1996 COMPREHENSIVE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) PLAN Comprehensive Plan Amendment. APPROVAL of Resolution No. 1470 declaring an emergency to make an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The City Council Planning Committee has recommended that a resolution be brought to the full Council to declare an emergency to make an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to include a policy statement which was inadvertently left out of the original ordinance when the City adopted the Comprehensive Plan. PLATS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) Fox Ridge Final Plat FSU-96-8. AUTHORIZATION to set May 21, 1996, as the date for a public meet- ing to consider a final plat application made by Lakeridge Development, Inc. The preliminary sub- division was approved by the King County Council and upon the Meridian Annexation, the final plat came under Kent's jurisdiction. This plat con- tains 7 . 14 acres, 31 lots, and is located generally between S.E. 266th Street and S.E. 269th Street (if both roads were extended) and generally between 118th Avenue S.E. and 117th Ave. S.E. (if both roads were extended) . (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Stonegate Knolls Preliminary Plat SU-96-18. The Stonegate Knolls Preliminary Plat Report and Recommendation is being sent to the City Council by the King County Hearing Examiner. The Council is asked to accept the report and recommendation, send the Stonegate Knolls Preliminary Plat to the Planning Department for review, and set May 21, 1996, as the date for a public meeting to consider the King County Hearing Examiner's recommendation. ORR MOVED to receive the Stonegate Knolls Preliminary Plat Report and Recommendation which was sent to the Kent City Council by the King County Hearing Examiner, to send it to the Planning Department for review, and since learning today that King County has failed to send the file as of this date, to set June 4 , 1996, as the date for a public meeting to consider the King County Hearing Examiner's recommendation. Woods seconded and the motion carried. 11 May 7, 1996 ANNEXATION (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M) Meridian Valley Country Club Annexation AN-96-1. AUTHORIZATION to set June 4, 1996, as the date to meet with initiators of the 10 percent petition for the proposed Meridian Valley Country Club Annexation. The area is located on the eastern edge of the City, east of 132nd Avenue S.E. to 148th Avenue S.E. and between S.E. 235th and S.E. 256th, and is approximately 520 acres in size. COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) Excused Absence for Council President. AUTHORIZATION for an excused absence from the May 7, 1996, Council meeting for Council President Houser, as she will be out of town and unable to attend. CABLE TV (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) Programming of Channel 28. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1471, relating to the program- ming of Channel 28, the city' s government cablecast channel. NATURAL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) MEDICINE Contract for Wellness Services. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an agreement with Merrily Manthey to provide professional services in responding to the King County RFP for a Natural Medicine Clinic, and changing the budget by allocating $20, 000 for professional services and $10, 000 to hold a natural medicine conference in the fall of 1996. APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Transit Advisory Board. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointment of Tony Springman to serve as a member of the City Transit Advisory Board. Mr. Springman is a Kent resident and is employed as a driver for RPS, a national trucking company with offices located in Kent. Because of his employment, he is very familiar with traffic and transportation in Kent and has indicated an interest in sharing his knowledge and experience as a member of the City Transit Advisory Board. Mr. Springman will replace Russ Stringham, who resigned, and his appointment will continue to 4/30/98. 12 May 7, 1996 FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) ADDroval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through April 15 and paid on April 15, 1996, after auditing by the Operations Committee on April 17, 1996 and signing for approval in the Finance Department. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 4/15/96 167365-168056 $1, 791, 116. 38 Next cycle to report is 4/19/96. REPORTS Public Works Committee. Clark noted that the Committee will meet at 4 : 00 tomorrow. Planning Committee. Orr announced that the next Committee meeting will be held at 4: 00 p.m. on May 21. EXECUTIVE At 8: 00 p.m. , McFall announced an executive SESSION session of approximately thirty minutes, with Potential action expected when the meeting resumes. Litigation The meeting reconvened at 8 : 40 p.m. Sale of Sale of Property. BENNETT MOVED to authorize the Property Mayor to enter into a purchase and sale agree- ment to sell to Community Health Centers of King County lots 20, 21, and 22 of Block 13, Washington Central Improvement Company's First Addition to Kent, and the contract rights con- tained in a certain Contract to Convey dated 10/6/94 and recorded under Auditor's No. 9410130252 for the amount of $150, 000 all cash at closing. Woods seconded and the motion carried. Sale of Property - Green River Natural Resource Enhancement Area Project. CLARK MOVED to approve the sale of approximately 60 acres of surplus property owned by the City of Kent to Benaroya Capital L.L.C. This property described as Parcels No. 9 and 10 of Union Pacific Development Company and lying north of 228th, east of Russell Road and south of the power lines, is sold in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement. Terms of the sale are all cash at closing based upon $2 . 25 per square foot of net usable land. The property is estimated to have 1, 524 , 600 net usable square feet for a total 13 May 7, 1996 EXECUTIVE purchase price of $3 , 430, 350. In the event the SESSION actual net usable square footage of the property is more or less than the 1,524, 600 square feet, the purchase price shall be adjusted as appro- priate to an amount equal to $2 . 25 per square foot multiplied by the actual square footage of the property. Woods seconded and the motion carried. Property Property Acquisition. WOODS MOVED to authorize Acquisition proceeding with Councilmanic Bonds in the amount of $3 , 785, 000 plus bond issuance cost to purchase parks land and facilities, with repayment to be budgeted from the Capital Improvement Fund over a 20-year period. Epperly seconded and the motion carried. Property Acquisition. WOODS MOVED to authorize purchase of the properties owned by Forner, Armstrong and Kirby for park purposes, with the funding coming from Councilmanic Bonds sale, and satisfactory completion of the contingencies set forth in the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8 : 45 p.m. Brenda Jaco r, CMC City Clerk 14