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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 03/04/1997 Kent, Washington March 4, 1997 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, Police Chief Crawford, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Parks Director Hodgson, and Finance Director Miller. Approximately 60 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC sister City International Art Competition COMMUNICATIONS Presentation. May Miller, Chair of the Yangzhou Sister City Committee, noted that a local art competition had been held in conjunction with an international Sister City art competition and that the theme is "My Future in the Global Community. " She brought the winners forward and noted that the first place artwork will go on to international competition. She thanked the participants, the committee members and others. Mayor White commended Ms. Miller and the Kent Arts Commission for their efforts on this project. Employees of the Month. Mayor White announced that the Home Repair Crew has been chosen as Employees of the Month for March. He noted that the team is made up of Jeri Broeffle, Jr. , Home Repair Coordinator, Jim Vinzant, Home Repair Specialist, and Al Richardson, Home Repair Specialist. The Mayor noted that this team of dedicated individuals consistently exhibit the "Kent Cares" attitude while performing home repairs for citizens in need. He thanked them for their commitment to excellence, their unyielding efforts and their accomplishments. Planning Director Harris read a letter from Ed and Ruth Lyons complimenting the Home Repair Team. Lin Houston, Manager of the Office of Housing and Human Services, said that their jobs are unique in that they go not only into the community, but into people's homes, and that this team has earned the trust and respect required for that. She expressed appreciation for their dedication and said they deserve this honor. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reportina. Mayor White announced that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in 1 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PUBLIC Financial Reporting to the City of Kent for its COMMUNICATIONS 1995 Annual Financial Report. He presented the award to Finance Director Miller and congratu- lated her. Miller said this is a great honor for the City and that John Hillman deserves the award for his work on the project. CONSENT HOUSER MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A CALENDAR through I be approved. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) ARRroval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of February 18, 1997 . HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) SANITATION Rose's Meadow. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale for Rose' s Meadow submitted by Lakeridge Development, Inc. for continuous operation and maintenance of 1, 290 feet of street improvements and 1,431 feet of storm sewers and release of bonds after the expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The project is located in the vicinity of 124th Avenue S.E. & S.E. 261st Street. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) Stillwaters Addition No. 1. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale for Stillwaters Addition No. 1 submitted by Lakeridge Development, Inc. for continuous operation and maintenance of 206 feet of street improvements and 206 feet of storm sewers and release of bonds after the expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The project is located in the vicinity of S.E. 264th Street and 127th Avenue S.E. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Meeker Court Apartments. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale for Meeker Court Apartments submitted by Pacific Northern Construction for continuous operation and maintenance of 320 feet of sanitary sewer improvements and release of bonds after the expiration period, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The project is located at 24420 64th Avenue S. 2 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PLAT (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Blueberry Farm Preliminary Plat SU-96-9. This date has been set to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation for conditional approval of an application by Ekhard Preikschat and James Crozier of RN Parnel Company for a 20-lot single family residential preliminary subdivision. The property is located at S.E. 264 Street (if extended) and 110th Avenue S.E. (if extended) . ORR MOVED to accept the findings of the Hearing Examiner and to adopt the Hearing Examiner's recommendation of approval with forty-six (46) conditions of the Blueberry Farm preliminary subdivision. Woods seconded and the motion carried. POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) BRringwood substation Lease. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the Springwood Substation lease agreement renewal for the term of December 1, 1996, through November 30, 1997. All terms remain the same. No costs are involved. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) RECREATION senior center Roof Replacement. AUTHORIZATION to proceed to bid and establish a budget of $150, 000 for the Senior Center Roof Replacement project, as recommended by the Operations Committee at their February 19, 1997 meeting. This is to be funded with a transfer of $60, 000 from the unused Kent Commons roof project with the balance of $90, 000 to come from the CIP fund balance. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) Kent Market Transfer Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an agreement for the trans- fer of the Kent Market from the City of Kent Downtown Partnership, in a form substantially similar to the proposed agreement, as recom- mended by the Parks Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) Kent Market Use Permit and service Agreement. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an agreement with Kent Downtown Partnership to provide services to the Kent Market, in a form sub- stantially similar to the proposed agreement, as recommended by the Parks Committee. 3 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PARKS & (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) RECREATION Riverbend Golf Course Complex Management Proposal. At a special Parks Committee meeting on February 18, the committee made the following recommendations: 1. A. That the City of Kent continue to manage the maintenance of the Riverbend Golf Complex. B. That the City of. Kent conduct a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for golf operations management beginning in 1998. C. That if the RFP process is conducted, the City contract with an outside consultant to develop the RFP and assist in the evaluation process. 2 . That City of Kent staff be allowed to decide its ability to manage the Riverbend Golf Complex and to submit a proposal within the RFP process. Woods asked that No. 2 which reads "That the City of Kent staff be allowed to decide its ability to manage the Riverbend Golf Complex and to submit a proposal within the RFP process be deleted from consideration, as requested in Parks Director Hodgson's memo dated March 3 , 1997 . There was no objection. Parks Director Hodgson explained that the Parks Committee asked staff to do an evaluation of options available in terms of managing the golf course, and that that information was presented to the Parks Committee in October. He said there were three options for the city to look at: 1) whether the city could manage it itself, 2) whether management of the golf operation should be recontracted, and 3) whether there could be some type of combination of city con- tract management. He noted that a task force was formed to evaluate the three options, and that in December they recommended to the Parks Committee that the city return as manager of the golf operation. Staff was then asked to take that recommendation and do research as to whether that was feasible for the city to do. He said 4 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PARKS & staff looked at it from the standpoint of the RECREATION ability to financially manage the golf course and the ability to contract portions of the golf course in terms of managing it. He said that as a result, at the special meeting staff made the three recommendations which are before the Council in the form of one motion. Hodgson said the city is doing a good job of maintenance of the golf operation, that con- tinuing maintenance is a good idea, and that the city can continue to make the necessary improve- ments to make this a first class facility. He said that conducting an RFP was recommended because the industry has changed and that since other golf courses have been improved or built, the number of rounds played at Riverbend has gone down and the aggressiveness of discounting and that sort of thing are new to the golf industry in this area. He stated that another reason the city should not be involved in managing the golf course is that they do not feel comfortable asking for the $250, 000 to $300, 000 in start up costs it would take to get off the ground. He said that if Council chooses to go to another RFP, in order to make the playing field level it would be imperative to bring in a consultant to help develop and write the RFP and assist whatever team is put together to evaluate that process, noting that this would assure fairness. Hodgson noted that they were asked at the special meeting to put in an RFP, which is prevalent in other parts of the country. He said he has found no evidence of that in this state, and that he does not feel it is in the city's best interest to do so. WOODS MOVED that the City of Kent continue to manage the maintenance of the Riverbend Golf Complex, that the City of Kent conduct a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the golf opera- tions management beginning in 1998, that if the RFP process is conducted the City contract with an outside consultant to develop the RFP and assist in the evaluation process, and that the City Council approve the committee selected to develop the RFP. Houser seconded. 5 Kent City Council Minutes March 4 , 1997 PARKS & Woods thanked the Golf Task Force for their work RECREATION and for the confidence they expressed in the City's ability to take back the golf course. She also thanked the Committee and said she believes their recommendation is fair, noting that the golf business has changed radically. Johnson stated that the golf course is a public facility, and that the Council must consider the best interest of the citizens. He said it would be best to go through the RFP process to find the best contractor to deliver the services. Bennett said that expenses on maintenance have far exceeded any other golf courses in the area, and that revenues are going down. He opined that the existing contract is not a good contract for either party, and added that the contractor has put in a lot of hard work. He asked whether the Council would help select the committee, or just approve it. Woods replied that the Committee would consider options and bring it to Council. Bennett noted that this has been in the committee process for approximately six months, and that the $250, 000 figure to manage the golf course is under-estimated and was known six months ago. He offered a friendly amendment to Woods' motion to select a Councilmember to chair a separate com- mittee. Woods reiterated that every action that comes out of the Parks Committee will be brought to Council and therefore does not see the need for another committee. She did not accept Bennett's friendly amendment. Houser suggested that any Councilmembers can submit names of people who would be interested in being on the committee. Orr noted that she agrees that the Council should approve the com- mittee selected to develop the RFP. She asked for a breakdown of maintenance costs at the golf course, and staff agreed to provide that information. Dr. Joseph Drake, 13476 S. E. 242nd Street, said he would like to see some people of color on all committees, and that he would like to see an RFP for everything including the maintenance of Riverbend. He said he is sure that the main- tenance cost is higher than all other golf 6 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PARKS & courses in the area, and voiced concern about RECREATION subsidizing maintenance. He asked that a committee be formed to look into that, and also that an outside group share information. Bob Woodard, 4914 29th Avenue South, Seattle, Chair of the Ken Griffey Celebrity Challenge, noted that they were unable to have tournaments at Riverbend until the current contractor took over, and that they have had their annual tourna- ment at Riverbend the last two years. He agreed that golf is changing, and said it takes money to get a golf course up to speed and that the revenue coming in should be put back into the course. He said Riverbend is a good course and urged that the current contractor be allowed to continue what he has been doing. Arthur Harvey, 16619 S. E. 251st, President of the Kent Citizens Association, said the current management of Riverbend demonstrates leadership, and that they realized changes needed to be made and met that challenge. He said the current contractor should be retained. Raymond Ward, 20637 92nd Avenue South, said he has been well treated at Riverbend and that the present administration is doing a good job. He said that competition is the reason for lower revenue, which happens with any enterprise. He questioned why bids should be solicited when the current management has brought the course to it's current position. Doug Schwab, 4819 S. 315th Place, Auburn, noted that he is a frequent user of the golf complex, is a current Riverbend Mens Golf Club Board- member, is past Chairman of the City's Golf Advisory Board, is current Director of Washington State Golf Association and a recent member of the City of Bellevue's Golf Management Selection Committee. He urged the Council to vote in favor of the recommendation brought forward by the Parks Committee, as amended. He noted that the Parks Department and Golf Task Force have re- viewed the options available to the City. He said that if there are problems with the current contractor, they will be resolved by authorizing an RFP and making them demonstrate their 7 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PARKS & capabilities. He noted that the golf complex has RECREATION come a long way since 1992 and is one of the finest facilities in the northwest, which was accomplished through the management contract with SSMD and the money saved by keeping rates the same. He outlined the improvements which have been made. He said that having everyone who works at the golf complex be city employees who report to the Parks Director lacks both financial and operational merit. He said 'John Hodgson and Pete Peterson are in charge of what goes on at the golf complex and that the City has not given up their authority over the golf course. He urged that John Hodgson manage the golf course and said that SSMD should have no problem com- peting for the privilege of serving the citizens of Kent and users of the golf complex. Brett Wilkinson, 2601 188th Avenue S.E. , head golf professional at Riverbend, said that the atmosphere at the golf complex in 1992 was pitiful and that staff was uncooperative. He said the atmosphere is now one of the best around. He noted that creativity and competi- tion are required and that SSMD has been very innovative. He pointed out that two junior golfers, Aaron Kurth and Andy Turnis, have gone through their program and have signed letters of intent to attend colleges where they will play four years of golf and receive a quality educa- tion. He said that everyone at SSMD has a caring attitude, and that some put in up to 100 hours a week. Aaron Kurth, 31220 28th Avenue South, Federal Way, said he is employed by Mr. Stone and that without the environment around him at the golf complex, he would not have the opportunity he has now. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Stone and Mr. Wilkinson for their help and said he would like to see them stay. John Duncalf, 11802 53rd Avenue South, Seattle, said the City is very lucky with what they have now and that they should look at competitive service as well as dollars. He said consumers are very well served at Riverbend and noted that he is aware of two tournaments which have moved to Riverbend because of the excellent treatment they receive. 8 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 PARKS & Jim Stone expressed appreciation for the good RECREATION things people have said and commended the employees of the golf complex for their work. He said he receives many letters of thanks for the service delivered during tournaments. He said they have done things which enable them to strive for excellence, not just what is in their contract. He noted that there has recently been an audit which resulted in no type of adversity, and said he welcomes audits because even better controls result. He said SSMD is capable and willing to continue their service, and that they would like to fulfill their goals and objectives. He read the goals which were established when they got the contract: ,to upgrade the quality of service, increase revenue to the City, and enhance the overall image of the entire golf complex in the Puget Sound region. Our philoso- phy in doing this is that quality service is our main product, the by-product of our service will be patronage. He said although they prefer a negotiated situation, they will participate in the RFP process, and asked Councilmembers to keep an open mind as to what is best for the golf course and the City of Kent. He said they are ready to continue to serve and hope for a long and lasting relationship. Johnson stated that the RFP process will allow for competition and for exploring alternatives, and noted that the existing contractor and his employees would not be here today if not for an RFP process. He said that operationally the golf course pays for itself no matter who runs it. He said the property was purchased for open space and ball parks, and that the 9-hole and the driving range were failing before the City bought them to preserve open space. He said the Council then built the golf course for additional recrea- tion for citizens. He reiterated that it makes sense to go through an RFP process, and that the ultimate winners will be the golfers and citizens of Kent. Upon a roll call vote, Woods' motion carried unanimously. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through February 14 and paid on 9 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 FINANCE February 14, 1997, after auditing by the Operations Committee on February 19, 1997 . Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 02/13/97 179792-180085 $ 913 , 330.40 02/14/97 180086-180860 919 ,888.44 $1,833,218.84 Approval of checks issued for payroll for February 1 through February 15, 1997 and paid on February 20, 1997 : Date Check Numbers Amount 02/20/97 Checks 217639-217970 $ 636, 179 . 46 02/20/97 Advices 43071-43544 245, 027 . 77 $ 881, 207 . 23 REPORTS Council President. Houser announced a workshop to be held next Tuesday, March 18th at 5: 30 p.m. regarding the RTA Rail Station. She noted that the consultant for the Downtown Plan will attend. Houser asked that Councilmembers interested in attending the Suburban Cities meeting on March 12 contact Ms. Banister. Houser announced that the Regional Justice Center will hold an appreciation award ceremony at noon on March 14th at Kent Commons and a ribbon cut- ting ceremony will be held at the Regional Justice Center at 1: 30. She noted that public tours of the facility will be held from 10: 00 to 5:00 p.m. on March 15 and from 10: 00 to 4 : 00 on March 16. Houser noted that there will be an Open House and Dedication Ceremony for King County Medic 7 on Saturday, March 15th, from 10: 00 a.m. to 1: 00 p.m. , with a formal ceremony at 11: 00 a.m. and refreshments to follow at Station 76, 20676 72nd Avenue South. Operations Committee. Johnson noted that the Operations Committee meeting scheduled for March 5th has been cancelled. Public Works Committee. Clark noted that the Committee will meet at 3 : 30 p.m. March 5th. 10 Kent City Council Minutes March 4, 1997 REPORTS Planning Committee. Orr noted that the Committee will meet at 4: 00 p.m. on March 18th. Administrative Reports. McFall noted that a petition was received on February 20th for an area known as the Meridian Valley Annexation, and that the petition has been reviewed and certified as sufficient, with signatures of property owners representing 63% of the assessed valuation of the area to be annexed. He added that the Notice of Intent has been submitted to the Boundary Review Board and explained that they have 45 days to decide whether or not they will take jurisdiction of the matter. He stated that a proposed budget reviewing the revenues and expenses from the annexation area is being prepared and will be presented to Council in April. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8: 15 p.m. 4r� Brenda Jaco oer, CMC City Clerk it