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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 11/05/1996 Kent, Washington November 5, 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, and Orr, Operations Director/ Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, and Finance Director Miller. Approxi- mately 40 people were at the meeting. Councilmember Woods was excused. PUBLIC gapjoyee of the Month. Mayor White announced COMMUNICATIONS that Neldon Hewitt, Public Works Operations Utilities Superintendent, has been selected as Employee of the Month for November. He noted that Hewitt is responsible for managing and maintaining the sewer and storm system, and that he deserves to be recognized for long standing contributions to the Public Works Department and his many years of service to the City. Introduction of Mayor's Apoointse. Mayor White introduced Linda Denny, his appointee to the Kent Arts Commission. Human services Month. Mayor White read a pro- clamation declaring November 1996 as Human Services Month in the City of Kent. He noted that the City Council has established that 1% of the General Revenue budget from the previous year will be the level of funding for human services, and encouraged all citizens to recognize and support Human Services Month. He invited citizens to visit the Human Services displays in the lobby of City Hall and at the Kent Library. The proclamation was presented to Brad Bell, who noted that in 1995 28, 000 Kent residents were served. He added that the funding will service 16 separate agencies and 24 different programs. Bell expressed appreciation for the support and for the proclamation. CONSENT HOUSER MOVED to approve Consent Calendar Items A CALENDAR through K with the exception of Item G which was removed. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Anoroval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting and the Council workshop of October 15, 1996. 1 November 5, 1996 HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) SANITATION Newman Short Plat. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale for the Newman Short Plat submitted by Newman Construction for continuous operation and maintenance of 28 feet of storm sewer and 71 feet of sanitary sewer improvements, and release of bonds after the expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. This project is located at S. 224th and 94th Avenue South. STREET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) VACATION Saar Street/Railroad Avenue Street Vacation STV-96-6. This public hearing has been set to consider an application to vacate a portion of Saar Street lying east of S. Railroad Avenue, as referenced in Resolution No. 1483 . Planning Director Harris pointed out the location on the map. He noted that staff recommends vacating ten feet rather than twelve feet as requested by the applicant, and that a 25-foot radius be provided at each end of the vacation. He pointed out that the staff report also out- lines conditions regarding retaining utility easements and being compensated as per City ordinance. Mayor White opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience and HOUSER MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. ORR MOVED to approve the Planning Director's recommendation of approval of an application to vacate a portion of Saar Street lying east of S. Railroad Avenue, as referenced in Resolution No. 1483 , and to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance upon receipt of compensation and retainment of the utility easement. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. PUBLIC WORKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) ISTEA Funding. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the ISTEA Grant Fund Agreement for Citywide Pedestrian & Bicycle Facility Improvements, and Pacific Highway South HOV Lanes and direct staff to accept the grant and establish a budget in the amount of $1, 336, 000, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. 2 November 5, 1996 PUBLIC WORKS (BIDS - ITEM 5A) South 277th street Corridor Pedestrian Bridge over Green River. Bid opening for this project was held on October 31st with nine bids received. The low bid was received by Donald Murphy Contractors, Federal Way, in the amount of $495,843 .72 . The Engineer's estimate was $510, 070. 00. The construction of this bridge will facilitate transport of fill material to the west side of the Green river where it is needed. When the South 277th Street Corridor project is opened as scheduled in 1999, this bridge will become the bicycle/pedestrian bridge along that corridor. It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the South 277th Street Corridor Pedestrian Bridge contract be awarded to Donald Murphy Contractors for the bid amount of $495,843 .72 . CLARK MOVED that the South 277th Street Corridor Pedestrian Bridge contract be awarded to Donald Murphy Contractors for the bid amount of $495,843 .72 . Bennett seconded and the motion carried. PLAT (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Canterbury Greens Preliminary Plat (sU-96-4) . This date has been set to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation for conditional approval of an application by Canterbury Greens Associates for a 19-lot single family residential preliminary subdivision. The property is located south of SE 264th Street at 126th Avenue SE (if extended) . ORR MOVED to accept the Findings of the Hearing Examiner and to adopt the Hearing Examiner's recommendation of approval with twenty-eight (28) conditions of the Canterbury Greens 19-lot single family residential preliminary subdivision. Houser seconded and the motion carried. HEARING (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) EXAMINER Hearing Examiner Decision Appeal Process. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3320 relating to the judicial appeal process of the Hearing Examiner's 3 November 5, 1996 HEARING decisions, as recommended by the Planning EXAMINER Committee. This ordinance will bring the appeal procedures for the Kent Hearing Examiner into compliance with the new State requirements under the Land Use Petition Act (LUPA) . COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) (ADDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUSER) Council Absence. APPROVAL of an excused absence from tonight's meeting for Councilmember Woods. APPOINTMENT (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Kent Arts Commission. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointment of Linda Denny to serve as a member of the Kent Arts Commission. Ms. Denny has been a resident of Kent for more than 23 years and is employed by the Kent School District where she works at East Hill Elementary school. She has a degree in Art Education from the University of Washington. She has been active as a volunteer with the City of Renton as well as her work in Kent with Canterbury Faire and as Chair of the Juried Art Show. Ms. Denny will replace Frank Zaratkiewicz. Her term will become effective immediately and will continue to 10/31/97 . MAINTENANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) Kent Commons Air Conditioning. ACCEPT as com- plete the Kent Commons air conditioning project and authorize release of retainage upon receipt of the release of lien from the Department of Labor. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Copier Contract. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign three year contracts with Copiers Northwest for 24 fleet copiers and with Xerox for one high volume copier for the printshop. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) RECREATION (REMOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORR) Youth/Teen Utility Tag Ordinance. The Parks Department and the Parks Committee recommended adoption of Ordinance No. 3321 amending Chapter 3 . 18 of the Kent City Code relating to utility taxes by extending the sunset provision of the interim tax assessed for youth/teen programs to December 31, 2000. In 1994, the Kent City 4 November 5, 1996 PARKS & Council initiated a three-tenths (0. 3) percent RECREATION utility tax benefiting youth teen programs that sunsets December 31, 1996. Orr stated that she removed this item from the Consent Calendar because of her concern about extending the tax for four years. She voiced concern about the amount of money spent on staff, and suggested reviewing this issue more often. SHE MOVED to approve the extension but for one year, through December 1997. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. The ordinance was adopted as amended. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) Lake Fenwick Restoration. ACCEPT as complete the Lake Fenwick Restoration contract with VLS Construction and release of retainage after State releases, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The original contract amount was $132 , 631. 56. The final construction cost was $123 , 830. 04 . BUDGET (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2B) 1997 Budget. This is the second hearing on the 1997 Budget. Public input is desired and welcomed. Adoption is scheduled for November 19, 1996. The 1997 Budget totals approximately $90,801, 658 and the Preliminary Budget is in balance with no rate increase. The Budget Document is available in the City Clerk's Office. Finance Director Miller stated that this is one of the most conservative budgets in recent years. She noted that due to the manufacturing tax exemption, revenues decrease by approximately $1, 100, 000 in the General Fund. She explained that $1, 000, 000 has been set aside which could be transferred to the General Fund. She noted that the General Fund includes only one half-time position, and that there are 5. 3 additional positions in the total budget. She outlined some additions such as bicycles for the Police Patrol and Court security, and noted that continuation of the Shuttle Bus program has been included, as well as sidewalk repairs, and other capital projects approved in the Capital Facilities Plan. Miller explained that the balance in reserve has been increased to approximately $600, 000, which is the highest amount ever. She noted that the 5 November 5, 1996 BUDGET tax ordinance will go to the Operations Committee, and proposed that a dollar amount be adopted at the Council meeting of November 19 and be adjusted in December if necessary, since figures are not yet available. She noted that some technical changes will be discussed at the Operations Committee meeting. The Mayor opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience and JOHNSON MOVED to continue the public hearing on the 1997 Budget to the November 19, 1996 Council meeting. Orr seconded and the motion carried. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) ARyroval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through October 15 and paid on October 15, 1996, after auditing by the Operations Committee on October 16, 1996. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 10/15/96 175000-175608 $4, 080, 136.92 Approval of checks issued for payroll for October 1 through October 15, 1996 and paid on October 18, 1996: Date Check Numbers Amount 10/18/96 Checks 215076-215391 $ 551,585.55 10/18/96 Advices 39112-39564 302 ,761.38 $ 854, 356.93 MAYOR' S (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) SALARY Mayor's Salary. The Operations Committee has recommended adjusting the salary of the Mayor to $60, 000 per year effective January 1, 1997, and to $75, 000 per year effective January 1, 1998 . Mayor White said it is his hope that there be no adjustment in the Mayor' s salary during the 1997 budget year. Director of Operations McFall explained that addressing the Mayor' s salary is a goal which was identified by Council during the Target Issue process. He added that a salary survey was done and was presented to the Operations Committee. JOHNSON MOVED that the Mayor' s salary be adjusted to $75, 000 effective January 1, 1998 . Clark seconded. 6 November 5, 1996 MAYOR's Paul Morford, P. O. Box 6345, Kent, said there SALARY are two issues--budget and ethics. He noted that ethics had been discussed in April 1994 and read a portion of a letter drafted by White during his campaign noting that he had led the fight to defeat the move to increase the Mayor's salary. Morford expressed appreciation for the Mayor's comments about not increasing the salary at this time. Morford stated that the previous Mayor had recomended $75, 000, and that the Mayor was to be the CEO and not have an Administrator. He said an ordinance was written to eliminate the Administrator's position and to create the Operations Director position, which he feels is really the City Administrator, and that Council and staff know the city is being run by a City Administrator and not by the Mayor. Morford said that the salary should be set by the scope of work, and said that the Mayor of Auburn does not have an Administrative Assistant and his total staff is less. He said the entire budget issue should be looked at. He voiced concern about the ethics issue and campaign promises, and recom- mended that the salary set for the remainder of the term be what the Mayor had initiated in opposition to the committee meeting set by the previous Mayor, and that a committee be set up to look at the total staff requirements and scope of work that the Mayor does. He added that next term there may even be an issue as to the manager form of government. Orr spoke in opposition to Johnson's motion, noting that she was opposed to the increase in 1997 at the Operations Committee meeting. She said she was also opposed to raising the salary to $75, 000 in 1998, and suggested looking at the entire administration as to costs and duties before setting the Mayor's salary. She said that at the Operations Committee meeting she had suggested that $60, 000 would be an appropriate salary for the new term and that that salary be adjusted based on the kind of administration at the time. She said she would prefer that this issue go back to committee for further review before a decision is made as to the salary in 1998. Epperly agreed that this should be looked at again. Johnson reiterated that the Operations Committee originally recommended that the salary be adjusted to $60, 000 in 1997 and to $75, 000 in 7 November 5, 1996 MAYOR'S 1998. He said that the Operations Committee SALARY looks at all departments including Administration to determine whether there should be staff reductions, continuation of programs, and so forth. He felt that sending this issue back to committee would delay it, and that staffing levels and the Mayor' s salary are separate issues. He pointed out that there will be two budget reviews before 1998 and said staffing could be changed then. Houser noted that the City Administrator position was eliminated when the Mayor's position became full time. She felt that the salary issue and staffing are tied together, and said she would be more comfortable if an ordinance raising the salary for the Mayor were brought back. Clark pointed out that the city is not the same as it was when the full time mayor position was created, and that Kent is suddenly the loth largest city in the state which was not antici- pated at the time. He added that the city now has responsibility for a larger area and a larger population, and that more dramatic changes are expected downtown with the opening of the Regional Justice Center. He stated that if this issue is drawn out, it will be under discussion during a mayoral election year. He urged that this issue be handled promptly. Bennett said that he was not able to attend the Operations Committee meeting due to an illness in his family, and therefore did not have the opportunity to discuss this issue. He said he is not opposed to an increase in the Mayor's salary, but that he is uncomfortable with not having been at the meeting to discuss it and that the only reason it moved forward was because he was not there. Orr said that the city was aware of the annexa- tions for a number of years beforehand, and agreed that setting the salary for the mayor during an election year can be difficult. She explained that when running for Mayor, White suggested a salary of $50, 000 and she agreed. She said the Operations Committee meets at least two more times before the end of the year and that a recommendation can be made for an appropriate salary. She said it may even be possible to look at the administration as a whole 8 November 5, 1996 MAYOR'S by January of next year. She said the salary as SALARY it has been is appropriate, but it should be looked at before setting a figure for 1998. The motion to adjust the Mayor's salary to $75, 000 effective January 1, 1998 then failed, with Clark and Johnson in favor and Bennett, Epperly, Houser and Orr opposed. Mayor White reminded Councilmembers that this issue came to them because it was one of their priority issues, and that if it is addressed further, it will be at their prerogative. He said that staffing issues are addressed in the budget, that Council has approved the current staffing levels, and that it is their prerogative to adjust those staffing levels at any time. REPORTS Council President. Houser reminded Council- members that the Suburban Cities dinner will be held on November 13 in Tukwila, and asked that they contact Ms. Banister. Operations. Johnson noted that the next meeting will be held at 4 : 30 on November 6th. Public Works. Clark noted that the next meeting will be held at 3 : 30 on November 6th. Planning. Orr noted that the next meeting will be held at 4:00 on November 19th. EXECUTIVE Administrative Reports. At 7 :40 p.m. , McFall SESSION reminded Council of an executive session of approximately twenty minutes to discuss negotiations for property acquisition and matters of litigation. The meeting reconvened at 8:25 p.m. PROPERTY HOUSER MOVED to authorize establishment of a ACQUISITION budget of $200, 000 for the purchase and develop- ment of the Cavender Property for museum parking, contingent upon approval by the Hearing Examiner (Parks of the conditional use application to utilize the Department) Keck home as a museum and/or public meeting facility, and subject to final approval of the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement by the City Attorney. Epperly seconded and the motion carried with Bennett opposed. 9 November 5, 1996 PROPERTY BENNETT MOVED that the Mayor be authorized to ACQUISITION sign and enter into a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with King County Fire Protection District No. 37 for the purchase of Fire Station (Fire No. 75 in the amount of $1,913,578. 96, and to Department) adjust the Capital Improvement Budget to reflect the $100, 000 down payment payable in 1996. Johnson seconded and the motion carried. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8: 30 p.m. Brenda Jac er, CMC City Cler 10