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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 05/11/1996 Kent, Washington May 21, 1996 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor White. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Clark, Epperly, Houser, Johnson, Orr and Woods, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, and Parks Director Hodgson. Approximately 55 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Berne Biteman Remembrance. Mayor White announced COMMUNICATIONS that former Councilmember Berne Biteman passed away last week. He noted that Mr. Biteman served on the City Council from 1982-1989, came to the City with an extensive background in education, and had served in the Military. The Mayor noted that Berne had served on all Council committees but is best remembered for his work on the Solid Waste Task Force. Mayor White also noted that he was a driving force in the closure of the Midway and Highland Landfills as well as instrumental in developing and launching the City' s recycling program. The Mayor explained that Berne was vitally interested and supportive of public safety, being a staunch supporter of the Fire Master Plan, and was actively involved with the Public Safety Bond Issue which has left a legacy of meaningful Police and Fire services. Mayor White noted that Berne could be a hard taskmaster and those around had to earn his respect but once respect was earned, he was very caring and supportive. He further noted that if Berne believed in someone' s cause he was not afraid to stand with them and support them all the way. Mayor White expressed that Berne deeply cared for this community and its citizens, and that his contributions as a Councilmember and as a volunteer on other boards and commissions will live on as all citizens benefit from his efforts. Ed Nelson, 3525 Canterbury Lane, Kent, noted that Berne Biteman sat on the Council with dignity, occasional humor, and was a man of convictions and direction. He noted that Berne fought a good fight, and then he bid God' s speed to Berne's family and all the people who knew him. Mayor White thanked Mr. Nelson for his comments. Introduction of Mayor's Appointee. Mayor White introduced Callius Zaratkiewicz as his appointee to the Civil Service Commission. May 21, 1996 PUBLIC Introduction of City Historian and Alternate. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor White announced that Walter Flue has recently been appointed by him to serve as the official City Historian for Kent. He noted that Mr. Flue is a lifelong resident of Kent who has been an active volunteer in the community, and that he was recommended by the Greater Kent Historical Society due to his great knowledge and interest in Kent. Mayor White noted that Jack Becvar, President of the Greater Kent Historical Society, has agreed to serve as an alternate to assist as needed. The Mayor added that Mr. Becvar also has an expansive knowledge of Kent's history. Mayor White expressed that the City of Kent is fortunate to have citizens willing to share their knowledge of the past with the citizenry, and he asked the audience to join him in welcoming Walter Flue and Jack Becvar. Catholic Community Services Award. Mayor White asked Lin Houston, Human Services Manager, to come forward and to accept an award that was presented to him at a banquet recently. He noted that the real recipient should be the Human Services Department so he asked her to receive it on behalf of the City and her department. Yangzhou Pavilion Award Recognition. Mayor White noted that on May 10th the Kent Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Awards of Excellence to businesses and organizations for their contributions to the community. He announced that the City of Kent received the best landscape design and beautification award for the Yangzhou Park Friendship Pavilion. He explained that it was an international effort with five Chinese technicians from Yangzhou putting the pavilion together, and the City of Kent Parks Maintenance crew doing the landscaping. Mayor White thanked Jim Dorrough, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, and the crew for making this project happen. He then presented the plaque to Jim Dorrough. The Mayor 2 May 21, 1996 PUBLIC noted that the friendship pavilion is featured on COMMUNICATIONS the historic blankets which the Kent Historical Society has put together, and that the City is working to put together a park on a small island in China as a gift to Yangzhou. He explained that the money for this project will be raised privately and that no government funds will be used. Continuing the Year of the Veteran. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring 1996 as "Continuing the Year of the Veteran. " He noted that 111995 The Year of the Veteran" celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 40th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, the 20th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam Era, and the 5th anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf. He noted that these anniversaries are a reminder of the tireless efforts and sacrifices the military endured to make this country a better place to live, and that U. S. troops continue to serve in other peace- keeping missions like Somalia, Haiti and Bosnia. Mayor White noted that the military continues to downsize its forces with the number of unemployed veterans increasing, and he urged all employers, service providers and other citizens to join in observing this event of honor for service men and women, recognizing that when we help a veteran secure employment, we help the family, communities and ourselves. Mayor White presented the proclamation to Mr. Gene Wiley, Veterans Representative, from the Washington State Employment Security Office in Auburn. Regional Justice Center Update. Captain Tom Brown distributed to the Council the April Executive Summary Monthly Report on the King County Regional Justice Center Project. He explained that the project is in the 11th month of construction with the roofing completed in the detention area and just about all of the courts building roofing closed in. He explained that the non-compensatory days have been increased again by six more days because of the weather and that the date for completion of this project has been moved to March 12 , 1997 . 3 May 21, 1996 PUBLIC Youth/Teen Programming Update. Dee Carter, COMMUNICATIONS Neighborhood Youth Recreation Leader, explained that the Teen Video Project is just one of many programs offered by the Youth/Teen Program. He then introduced the video production crew who were present in the Council Chambers. He noted that the Lighthouse mural hanging in front of the Council Chambers is also a teen project which was completed with the help of the Kent Arts Commission, and he thanked the Arts Commission for their assistance. Mr. Carter then presented to the Council a participant' s perspective of the programs. The Hot Steppers marched into the Council Chambers and gave a performance for the Council to demonstrate their particular program offered through the Youth/Teen Program. Richard Grimes thanked the Council for an opportunity to share the teen programs with them. He explained that Kevin Sprotbery from the City' s Graphics Department will teach the youth video technology so they can learn how to video tape, edit and produce their own shows for public access TV. He then presented to the Council a short example of a video produced by the video production crew and Kevin. Thometta Cozard shared the Employment Program with the Council noting that she has had an opportunity to work in the Pea Patch program. She explained that through this program she's learned the responsibility of coming to work on time, being prepared, and the importance of doing a job right. She also noted that she' s acquired work skills for the future, how to use tools, how to garden, fill out time sheets, and how to do presentations. She expressed that the greatest thing she' s learned is understanding diversity and through it has gained many friends from different backgrounds. She thanked the Council for the opportunities and for caring because now she has gained more confidence and feels better prepared for the future. Kristin Dearborn stressed the importance of having a safe place, off the streets, for youth to meet, share, and socialize in a healthy environment such as Lighthouse. She noted that, through Lighthouse, she has learned new skills, met new people, and realized a greater sense of self-esteem. She explained that 4 May 21, 1996 PUBLIC Lighthouse has become a very valuable part of her COMMUNICATIONS life and that other activities are scheduled around it. She noted that it is a place where teens can go to have fun and not get into trouble. She mentioned that field trips, sports, games and activities are planned by the Teen Advisory Council, of which she is a member, and she thanked the City Council for all the support they have given to teen programs that make a difference. She then introduced the wonderful staff members from Lighthouse and thanked them for the great work. Tamara Seviany, Neighborhood Recreation Dare for Kent Parks and Recreation, noted that the handout distributed to the Council gives an overview of all the teen and youth programs that are in operation. She explained that the staff is currently wearing No Violence tee shirts designed with logo to spread a positive message throughout all of the teen and youth programs. She noted that the program wants teens to realize that there is a choice between peace and violence, and that it is their choice to make. Lori Hogan, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, thanked the Council for letting them come to present this program. She noted that the staff and teens worked extremely hard together and that she is proud of what was presented tonight with the work they do every day. Ms. Hogan noted that an incredible investment has been made by the City for youth and teens in the community, and that the programs presented tonight are just an overview of the whole program. She mentioned that possibly in late summer or early fall, the Parks Department will come back with more updates, budget information, statistics, and then begin to work on continued funding for this program. Mayor White expressed that this program has met and exceeded any of his expectations. He thanked the Council for their support, the staff for the endless hours they have put in, and the young people who are doing a great job. CONSENT HOUSER MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR P be approved. Woods seconded and the motion carried. 5 May 21, 1996 MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) ADDroyal of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of May 7, 1996. STREET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) VACATIONS S. 224th and East Valley Highway Street Vacation_ STV-96-4. This date has been set for a public hearing to consider an application to vacate a portion of South 224th Street, as referenced in Resolution 1469. Planning Director Harris gave a brief overview of the location of this street vacation. He noted that the staff' s recommendation is approval with three conditions as follows: 1) retaining utility easements; 2) being compensated based on the current fair market value of the vacated property, and; 3) the applicant waivering abutter' s access rights to and from South 224th Street. Mayor White opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience and BENNETT MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. ORR MOVED to approve the Planning Department's recommendation of approval with conditions of an application to vacate a portion of South 224th Street (STV-96-4) , as referenced in Resolution 1469, and to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance upon receipt of compensation and retainment of the utility easement. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) Street Vacation STV-96-5 - J.H. Patton Road aka Portion of Abandoned Military Road. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1473 to set the hearing date for July 2nd for the J.H. Patton Road (aka) Military Road Street Vacation, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. The Public Works Department received a request for the street vacation from Clark McGowan of Puyallup. 6 May 21, 1996 TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) CONTROL LID 347 - West Meeker Street and Russell Road Traffic Signal. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3294 establishing the formation of LID 347 W. Meeker Street and Russell Road Traffic Signal, as directed by Council. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) Speed Limit Amendment. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1472 relating to vehicular speed limits on certain designated streets. Since the recent Meridian Annexation and Ramstead Annexation, there are now several streets in the City that need to be addressed regarding speed limits. The Public Works Committee has recommended that the City Attorney be directed to amend Resolution 1406 for same. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) No Parking Zone - Lake Meridian. The excessive amount of parking with boat trailers at Lake Meridian has become a dangerous situation for pedestrian traffic. The Public Works Committee has recommended adoption of an emergency ordinance establishing a No Parking Zone at Lake Meridian, effective immediately. CLARK MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3295 establishing a No Parking Zone at Lake Meridian, effective immediately. Councilmember Clark explained that the Police Chief provided information relating to back ups CORRECTED • REFER TO primarily around the Lake Meridian boat ramp area, and that the purpose of this ordinance is to MINUTES OF secure one side of the street to make it safe for people to get their boats in and out. Mayor White added that the ordinance addresses the concerns of neighbors and those using the streets around this area. 7 May 21, 1996 PUBLIC (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) SAFETY Public Fireworks Display. The Kent City Code Chapter relating to fireworks does not specifically provide for the issuance of permits for a public display of fireworks. This Ordinance would amend the fireworks code to authorize the City Fire Marshal to issue permits for a public display of fireworks for Fourth of July and high school homecoming game ceremonies. Due to the need to expedite action on this matter, this Ordinance was considered by the Public Safety Committee at its meeting earlier today. Chief Angelo explained that every year Lake Meridian has operated a public fireworks display conducted by professionals but, with the annexation of the Lake Meridian area, it no longer falls under the control of the King County Fire Marshal leaving only State law to apply. He further explained that State law wording has quite a process to it and, in many cases, would be a good way to approach requests. He noted that the Fire Department would set up a system by which other departments would be contacted to make sure that there were no contradictions or improper actions in their areas of operation thereby allowing the City to expedite these public fireworks display requests. He also noted that anyone else requesting a fireworks display would go through a longer process through the Fire Marshal, to the Public Safety Committee, and back to City Council, which is the staff' s recommendation. He noted that this ordinance is very timely and needed if it' s to be in operation in time for the Fourth of July celebration. Lubovich noted that this ordinance does not expand or restrict the display of fireworks under the City' s fireworks code. He explained that the fireworks code currently deals with common fireworks, but that the public display would be processed through State law by the City. He noted that this ordinance sets up a process for the homecoming games and the Fourth of July ceremonies to authorize the Fire Marshal to issue the permits rather than to have the City Council do it. He explained that other public displays would have to come to the City Council for issuance, but that 8 May 21, 1996 PUBLIC this basically expedites the processing of those SAFETY permits which are commonly experienced in the community. Mayor White urged that the paperwork and paper trail be kept to a minimum. BENNETT MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 3296 relating to the display of fireworks. Epperly seconded and the motion carried. CABLE TV (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Viacom Cable Lease Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the lease agreement with Viacom Cable for their facilities located at the City' s joint reservoir on 124th Avenue S.E. and approximately 285th Street, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. The existing lease agreement has expired and this is a five-year renewal agreement. PLATS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Briarmount Preliminary Plat SU-96-11. AUTHORIZATION to set June 4, 1996 as the date for a public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner' s recommendation of approval with conditions for a preliminary plat application (SU- 96-11) by Baima and Holmberg, Inc. The property is located between S. 200th Street and S. 202nd Street, west of 96th Avenue S. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Fox Ridge Final Plat FSU-96-8. This date has been set to consider the Fox Ridge Final Plat FSU-96-8 . The plat 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 Avenue S.E. (if both roads were extended) . The plat is 7 . 14 acres in size. The preliminary plat was approved by King County (File No. S91P0005) and upon annexation to the City the final plat came under Kent's jurisdiction. 9 May 21, 1996 PLATS ORR MOVED to approve the staff' s recommendation of approval with conditions for the Fox Ridge Final Plat FSU-96-8 according to King County Ordinance No. 11373 and File No. S91P0005, and to authorize the Mayor to sign the final plat mylar. Houser seconded and the motion carried. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) RECREATION Rent Commons Parking Lot Budget Change. APPROVAL of a budget change of $22 , 000 to repair Kent Commons parking lot with funding from the CIP fund balance. The budget will be used primarily to repair street tree damage and other damage and to reseal the 15-year-old parking lot. In addition, the City will restripe and mark for handicap parking plus clean the sidewalks and walkways. This will also "spruce up" the Commons to coincide with the completion of the Regional Justice Center next door. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) West Hill Parks Master Plans. APPROVAL of Bruce Dees and Associates' master plans for Linda Heights Park and the Midway Reservoir site, and RECOMMENDATION for disposition of the Kronisch property and the old West Hill Fire Station on South 248th Street, as approved by the Parks Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L) Ikuta Property Donation. AUTHORIZATION to accept the donation of .89 acres of property, adjacent to Springbrook Creek from George S. Ikuta, as requested by the Parks Department. Future site development includes a bench or picnic table overlooking the creek, and a plaque placed on site in the family' s honor. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M) Ring County Bond Issue Proposed Projects. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1474 relating to King County Bond Issue Proposed Projects, as requested by the Parks Department. To demonstrate local support for proposed projects for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Funding Bond Initiative, 10 May 21, 1996 PARKS & jurisdictions submitting project applications are RECREATION requested to have a City Council resolution supporting the projects submitted for funding under the Initiative. The deadline for City Council action is the end of May. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 30) Interurban Trail Resurfacing Project. AUTHORIZATION to accept as complete the Interurban Trail Resurfacing Project and release retainage to Western Asphalt upon receipt of state releases, as requested by the Parks Department. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3P) Mill Creek Earthworks Park Bollards Project. AUTHORIZATION to accept as complete and release retainage to Parkwood Services upon receipt of state releases, as requested by the Parks Department. The Parks Department applied for and received $15, 000. 00 to purchase and install bollards at Earthworks Park through a grant from King County Cultural Resources Division. Parkwood Services was hired to complete the project. HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3N) SANITATION 1st Avenue North Street Improvements. AUTHORIZATION to accept the bill of sale for 1st Avenue North Street Improvements submitted by Paul Morford, for continuous operation and maintenance of 385 feet of water main improvements, 400 feet of street improvements and 185 feet of storm sewers, and release of bonds after the expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. This project is located in the North Park Addition on 1st Avenue North. FLOOD (BIDS - ITEM 5A) CONTROL Mill Creek/SR 167 Drainage Tunnel. Bid opening was held on Wednesday, May 15th with 4 bids received. The low bid was submitted by Northwest Boring of Woodinville in the amount of $246, 760. 00. The Engineer' s estimate was $250, 000. 00. 11 May 21, 1996 FLOOD The project consists of a 60" diameter steel CONTROL casing under SR 167 adjacent to existing Mill Creek culverts. This is one element of the overall Mill Creek Improvement work to eleviate flooding of Mill Creek and along Central Avenue. CLARK MOVED that the Mill Creek/SR 167 Drainage Tunnel contract be awarded to Northwest Boring for the bid amount of $246, 760. 00. Woods seconded and the motion carried. APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) Civil Service Commission. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor' s reappointment of Callius Zaratkiewicz to continue serving as a member of the Kent Civil Service Commission. Mr. Zaratkiewicz's new appointment will continue until 5/31/2002 . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) Land Use and Planning Board Members. CONFIRMATION of the Planning Committee' s seven nominees (Thomas Brotherton, Brad D. Bell, Steve Dowell, Ronald E. Harmon, Devendra (David) Malik, Jerry Daman, and Gloria 1. LaBore) as members of the Land Use and Planning Board. Mayor White thanked the Council for their approval of the Land Use and Planning Board members. He requested that for the first meeting, only as long as it takes to convene the meeting so the group can elect its own officers, Steve Dowell be acting chair. There were no objections to the Mayor' s request by Council. Councilmember Orr informed the Council that the Planning staff has been requested to send a letter to each of the members, pending their approval tonight, to invite them to the public hearing that the interim Land Use and Planning Board is holding on May 29th at 7 : 00 p.m. She noted that this will give them an opportunity to see how it operates as well as keep them informed of the issues that may be coming before them. She explained that the letter will be going out tomorrow. 12 May 21, 1996 FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through April 30 and paid on April 30, 1996 after auditing by the Operations Committee on May 7, 1996. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 4/30/96 168057-168729 $2, 130, 550. 08 Approval of checks issued for payroll for April 1 through April 15, and paid on April 19, 1996: Date Check Numbers Amount 4/19/96 Checks 210778-211114 $ 264 , 665. 58 Advices 33603-34036 575 , 651. 45 $ 840, 317 . 03 On May 15, 1996 no vouchers were approved because of schedule changes. _Approval of checks issued for payroll for April 16 through April 31, 1996 and paid on May 3 , 1996: Date Check Numbers Amount 5/3/96 Checks 211115-211454 $ 260, 506. 74 5/3/96 Advices 34037-34515 555 , 814.42 $ 816, 321. 16 REPORTS Council President. Council President Houser noted that she will have a short summary ready to give to Council in the middle of June from the trade mission to China. Planning Committee. Councilmember Orr announced that the next regularly scheduled meeting will be on June 18th at 4 : 00 p.m. Orr noted that a member of the local Good Sam Club contacted her this week informing her that May 28th is a day that all Good Sam Clubs across the country are doing a clean-up day. She noted that the flyer distributed estimates that if every member of Good Sam Clubs nationwide were to pick up one piece of trash on this date, about 2 , 000, 000 pieces of garbage would be picked up from parks, streets, etc. She explained that she 13 May 21, 1996 REPORTS was asked to announce this date and urge all citizens in Kent to join in with the Good Sam Clubs. She added that if everyone in the City of Kent could pick up an additional piece of trash on May 28th, it would help with the clean-up of our own community. EXECUTIVE At 7:45 p.m. , City Attorney Lubovich announced an SESSION executive session of approximately fifteen minutes to discuss property acquisition and an update on pending litigation. He noted that action is anticipated on the property acquisition. The meeting reconvened at 8: 09 p.m. Property WOODS MOVED to approve the purchase of the Keck Acquisition Property, otherwise known as the Bereiter Mansion, (Keck pursuant to the terms of the earnest money Property) agreement. Epperly seconded and the motion carried. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8: 10 p.m. Donna Swaw Deputy City Clerk 14