HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 12/09/1997 Kent, Washington
December 9, 1997
Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at
7: 00 p.m. by Mayor White. Present: Councilmembers Clark,
Epperly, Houser, Johnson, Orr and Woods, Operations Director/
Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Fire Chief Angelo,
Police Chief Crawford, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Planning
Director Harris, Parks Director Hodgson, Finance Director Miller,
and Employee Services Director Viseth. Councilmember Bennett was
excused from the meeting. Approximately 85 people were in
attendance.
PUBLIC councilmember Johnson Mayor White noted that
COMMUNICATIONS Jon Johnson has served the City of Kent for 20
years as a respected member of the Kent City
Council, and that he has been a quiet but
powerful force behind many issues and projects
which have benefited the City. He declared
December 13 , 1997, as Councilmember Jon Johnson
Day in the City of Kent and invited all Kent
citizens to join him in expressing thanks and
appreciation to Johnson for his many years of
service and his valuable contributions to Kent
and its residents. The Mayor then presented
Johnson with an etched glass plaque.
Councilmember Johnson said Kent is a good city to
work for and raise a family in. He thanked his
family for their support, and he thanked the
current and past Mayors and Councilmembers.
Johnson also commended staff who have served
over the years. He expressed pride in the City
and encouraged all citizens to get involved in
public service.
councilmember Houser. Mayor White noted that
Councilmember Christi Houser has served as a
member of the Kent City Council for the past 12
years, and that she has been involved with many
major issues including recycling, Student Court
and the Drinking Driver Task Force. He declared
December 12, 1997, as Councilmember Christi
Houser Day in the City of Kent and invited all
Kent citizens to join him in saying a sincere
Thank You to Ms. Houser for her many contribu-
tions to the City and its residents. He then
presented her with an etched glass plaque.
Councilmember Houser noted that the Council is
committed to doing the best for the City and
thanked them and the citizens of Kent.
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
PUBLIC Smnlovee of the Month. Mayor White announced
COMMUNICATIONS that Jan Cutting, Graphics Specialist in the
Information Services Department, has been
selected as Employee of the Month for December.
He noted that Ms. Cutting is the core production
person in her group and that she has accomplished
tasks that added to or improved the Department,
such as learning the Cable TV programming process
and PageMaker's indexing feature. He then pre-
sented her with the Employee of the Month plaque.
Dea Drake, Ms. Cutting's supervisor, said it is a
privilege to work with her, and that this honor
is very well deserved.
Introduction of Mayor's Appointees. Mayor White
introduced the following appointees/reappointees:
Economic Development Corp. Ron Banister
Human Services Commission Brad Bell,
Steve Anderson
Land Use and Planning Board Jon Johnson
Drinking Driver Task Force Mike Buckingham
Bicycle Advisory Board Donna Gregory,
Steve Nuss
CONSENT HOUSER MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A
CALENDAR through GG be approved. Woods seconded and the
motion carried.
MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A)
Approval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of
the regular Council meeting of November 18, 1997,
and approval of a correction to the minutes of
the regular Council meeting of November 4, 1997,
as follows:
Item 3B. Approval of Bills
from: Check Numbers 50891-51412
to: Check Numbers 50890-51412
WATER (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3U)
Kent springs Customer Removal water Mains
ACCEPT the Kent Springs Customer Removal project
as complete and release retainage to Kar-Vel
Construction, Inc. upon standard releases from
the State, and release of any liens, as recom-
mended by the Public Works Director. The
original contract amount was $353, 841.28. The
final project costs was $334, 601.86.
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
WATER The project consisted of 3, 174 LF of 8" and
1,618 LF of 12" water main, 1, 122 LF of 1" water
service line for 30 services, 7 fire hydrants and
various related appurtenances.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3V)
Kent Springs Customer Removal hater Mains.
AUTHORIZATION for the Public Works Department to
establish a Charge in Lieu of Assessment for the
total amount of $261,829.47 distributed to the
affected properties as calculated, as recommended
by the Public Works Committee.
SEWERS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C)
LID 349, B.S. 223rd Street Sanitary Severs.
ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1501 setting the hear-
ing date for January 6, 1998, to establish the
formation of LID 349, SE 223rd Street Sanitary
Sewers, as recommended by the Public Works
Committee.
PUBLIC WORKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3T)
Sale of Surplus Vehicles. DECLARE certain
Equipment Rental vehicles no longer needed by
the City as surplus and authorize the sale
thereof at the next auction, as recommended by
the Public Works Committee.
(BIDS - ITEM 5B)
Green River Nursery Kodular Classroom/Office/
Workroom. The bid opening for this project was
held on November 25, 1997, with three bids
received. The low bid was submitted by 21st
Century Builders LLC in the amount of $84,768 .82 .
The Engineer's estimate was $97, 696.56. The
Public Works Director recommends award to 21st
Century Builders LLC. JOHNSON MOVED that the
Green River Nursery Modular Classroom/Office/
Workroom Structure contract be awarded to 21st
Century Builders LLC in the bid amount of
$84,768.82 . Woods seconded and the motion
carried.
RAILROAD (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3EE)
FRANCHISE Union Pacific Railroad Spur Track Franchise.
ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3380 relating to the
Union Pacific Railroad Spur Track Franchise.
The Union Pacific Railroad Company is currently
operating a spur crossing across S. 196th Street
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
RAILROAD west of the Boeing Defense property. Originally,
FRANCHISE Union Pacific Railroad obtained a franchise to
operate this spur in our right-of-way. However,
that franchise has expired by its own terms and
Union Pacific Railroad has not yet obtained a new
franchise from the City. This ordinance con-
stitutes an offer of a new franchise with the
City.
STREET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M)
VACATION S. lesth and Both S Street Vacation. ADOPTION
of Resolution No. 1502 setting January 20, 1998,
as the public hearing date for the South 188th
and 80th South Street Vacation, as recommended by
Public Works Committee.
TRANSPORTATION (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J)
Pacific Hi ghyay South State Development
Proposal. CONCURRENCE with the State' s Accident
Reduction Proposal on Pacific Highway South of
constructing a median down the center thereof
from Kent-Des Moines Road (SR 516) to South 272nd
Street with appropriately spaced Left Turn/U-Turn
pockets as concurred with by the Public Works
Department, as recommended by the Public Works
Committee.
ANNEXATION (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D)
ZONING net Mar Annexation Area Initial Zon1nC and
Comprehensive Plan Amendments (AZ-97-2 and
CPA-97-2) . ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3372 relat-
ing to zoning and Ordinance No. 3373 relating to
comprehensive plan amendments for the Del Mar
Annexation. The City Council held public
hearings on October 7 and November 18, 1997.
REZONES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E)
Rtonebrook Suites Rezone RZ-97-3. ADOPTION of
Ordinance No. 3374 rezoning approximately
4. 6 acres related to the Stonebrook Suites
Rezone. The City Council approved this rezone
on November 18, 1997. The property is located at
the northwest corner of S. 182nd Street and 72nd
Avenue S.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F)
Old NAPA Store Rezone RZ-97-2. ADOPTION of
Ordinance No. 3375 rezoning approximately 13, 632
square feet of property relating to the Old NAPA
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
REZONES Store Rezone. The City Council approved this
Zoning Code Amendment on November 18, 1997. The
property is located at 24728 36th Avenue South
(Military Road) .
ZONING CODE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G)
AMENDMENTS CK-2 Sonina District Regulations ZCA-97-6.
ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3376 amending the
zoning code relating to the CM-2 Zoning District.
The City Council approved this Zoning Code
Amendment on November 18, 1997.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H)
Office (0) Zoning District Regulations ZCA-97-7.
ADOPTION of Ordinance No 3377 amending the
zoning code relating to Office(0) Zoning District
Regulations. The City Council approved this
Zoning Code Amendment on November 18, 1997.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3FF)
Planned Unit Development Zoning Code Amendment
#ZCA-97-3. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3381
relating to amendments to the Planned Unit
Development regulations in the Kent City Code, as
recommended by City Council Planning Committee on
November 18, 1997 . On August 19, 1997 , the City
Council held a public meeting on this item to
consider the recommendation of the Land Use &
Planning Board's recommendation, and it was sent
to the Planning Committee for further review.
The revisions to the Land Use and Planning
Board's recommendation are outlined in the
August 19, 1997 memo to the City Council.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4F)
Water Treatment Facility ZCA-97-8. The Land
Use and Planning Board has recommended amending
Kent Zoning Code Section 15. 02. 178, modifying
the definition of "hazardous substance land use
facility" and the types of uses identified as
general conditional uses in Section
15. 08. 030(B) (1) . The Land Use and Planning
Board held a public hearing on this matter on
November 24, 1997 .
ORR MOVED to approve the Kent Zoning Code
Amendment ZCA-97-8 as recommended by the Land
Use and Planning Board, and to direct the City
Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance.
Woods seconded and the motion carried.
(Councilmember Epperly was out of the room and
did not vote. )
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Kent City Council Minutes
December 91 1997
ZONING CODE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4G)
AMENDMENTS
churches in 1L 2 Soninc District 3CA-97-9• The
Land Use and Planning Board has recommended
amending the Kent Zoning Code Section 15. 08. 020,
allowing churches in the M-2 zoning district.
The Land Use and Planning Board held a public
hearing on this matter on November 24, 1997.
ORR MOVED to approve the Kent Zoning Code
Amendment ZCA-97-9 as recommended by the Land
Use and Planning Board, and to direct the City
Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance.
Houser seconded and the motion carried.
(Councilmember Epperly was out of the room
and did not vote. )
PLATS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3R)
Chsrrvaood Final Piat FSII-95-9. SET January 61
1997, as the date for a public meeting to con-
sider a final plat application by Barghausen
Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the Cherrywood
Final Plat. The subject subdivision is 4.73
acres in size and is located at 26235 114th
Avenue SE. The City Council approved the
Cherrywood preliminary plat on June 18, 1996.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3S)
Glenn Kara Rs Plat Final Plat FSII-96-13. SET
January 61 1997 , as the date for a public meet-
ing to consider a final plat application by
Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the
Glenn Kara Re-Plat Final Plat. The subdivision
is nine (9) acres in size and is located at 9840
S. 222nd Street. The City Council approved the
Glenn Kara re-plat preliminary plat on July 2,
1996.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4E) raerly StOAeQate
g�gand Crossinc F8II 9618 (Fo
Knolls) Final Plat. This date has been set to
consider the Highland Crossing Final Plat appli-
cation by Centex Homes. The 80-lot single family
residential final plat is located between 116th
Avenue S.E. and 120th Avenue S.E. , and south of
S.E. 240th Street, and is 10.25 acres in size.
The preliminary plat was approved by the King
County Hearing Examiner and upon annexation to
the City, the preliminary plat came under Kent' s
jurisdiction and was approved by the Kent City
Council on June 4 , 1996.
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
PLATS ORR MOVED for final plat approval of the Highland
Crossing Final Plat (formerly called Stonegate
Knolls) according to the King County File No.
L95P0002, as recommended by Staff. Woods
seconded and the motion carried. (Councilmember
Epperly was out of the room and did not vote. )
CONDITIONAL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4J)
USE APPEAL Matlack Conditional Use ARpeal, This is a closed
record appeal hearing of the decision of the
Hearing Examiner, approving a conditional use
permit in favor of Matlack, Inc. The appeal is
brought by Richard J. Brooks. The property is
located west of 77th Avenue South at approxi-
mately South 202nd Street and is 134. 14 acres in
size. The conditional use permit was approved
subject to conditions outlined in the Hearing
Examiners decision dated July 31, 1997.
The Council must decide the appeal after review
of the written record and testimony at the
hearing.
City Attorney Lubovich explained that the rules
for appeal are stated in Resolution No. 896, and
that the oral argument will be confined to the
Hearing Examiners record. He noted that the
appellants will have 30 minutes to present their
argument but may reserve time for rebuttal. He
also noted that the opponents will have 30
minutes to present oral argument. He explained
that the Council may ask questions of either
party or City staff for additional information,
and that the Council reviews the Hearing
Examiners decision under the following
standards:
1) The decision is based on substantial error;
2) Procedural irregularities materially
affecting the prior proceedings;
3) Decision unsupported by material and
substantial evidence;
4) Decision is in conflict with the City's
Comprehensive Plan (if applicable) ; and
5) Insufficient evidence was presented as to
the impact on the surrounding area (if
applicable) .
Lubovich stated that the action has to be based
on substantial evidence, and that the Council has
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL 1 of 3 options, after reviewing the record and
USE APPEAL listening to the testimony, as follows:
1. Sustain the findings and conclusions of the
hearing examiner and affirm the decision; or
2 . Reverse the decision in whole or in part and
make bona fide findings as to why the
modification(s) ; or
3 . Remand it back to the Hearing Examiner for
further information.
Lubovich noted that counsel is present for both
parties with Mickey Gendler representing Richard
Brooks (the appellant) , and Roger Pearce for
Burton Brooks and Matlack, Inc. (conditional use
permit applicants) . He noted for Mayor White
that the appellant goes first and may reserve
time for rebuttal.
Mickey Gendler, of Bricklin and Gendler, ex-
plained that Mr. Brooks is not opposed to the
Matlack development but he feels the best course
for resolving the issues raised is to remand it
back to the Hearing Examiner for further informa-
tion. He noted that the land is industrial, and
that the Matlack proposal is consistent with the
zoning of the land. He further noted that
Mr. Brooks property is residential and that the
Hearing Examiner referred to it as being out of
place which is an unfair characterization because
it is possible, in their view, that industrial
and residential use can co-exist. Gendler noted
that Mr. Brooks wants Matlack to carry out the
project properly to protect against the effects
of hazardous spills, to provide proper storm
water management and drainage, and to protect
against flooding.
Gendler explained some of the historical perspec-
tive concerning this particular property and
noted that Mr. Brooks was asked by the Kent City
Council approximately 15-20 years ago to place
the land in a conservation program called the
Current Use Program which was generated by King
County. He noted that the City requested this
land remain as a wildlife habitat and a wetlands
so Mr. Brooks agreed to make application, the
City passed a resolution, and King County
approved it. He noted that at the end of the
Hearing Examiners decision for reconsideration,
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL Ted Hunter commended Mr. Brooks for his environ-
USE APPEAL mental values but stated that if Mr. Brooks
thinks there is a need for wildlife habitat in an
industrial area maybe he should go to the City
Council for a change to the zoning. Gendler
noted that Mr. Hunter' s comments disrespect the
history in which the City Council worked with
Mr. Brooks to accomplish that very purpose.
Gendler explained why Mr. Brooks feels there
has been insufficient consideration and evidence
about the impacts, and that the substance of
issues are: 1) buffer and screening, a visual
issue for some more protection of the adjacent
property; 2) Drainage and Detention; and 3) Plans
for dealing with hazardous spills, if and when
they occur. He noted that Mr. Brooks never
received notice of the city's Determination of
Nonsignificance (DNS) , and that, after it was
brought to the Hearing Examiner' s attention, a
one page correction was issued by the Hearing
Examiner. He noted for Council that Mr. Brooks
does not contest the fact that he never received
the notice even though he was clearly entitled to
it. Gendler explained that the City's SEPA
Ordinance states that the parties of record are
required to get notice, and it directs that the
notice be coordinated with other permanent
processes. He noted that Mr. Brooks is a party
of record but that he didn't find out about the
DNS until notice of the conditional use permit
was received, at which time Mr. Brooks promptly
made inquiries about the SEPA review but dis-
covered that he was too late to appeal. He noted
that the DNS contains some detailed technical
requirements specific to the drainage and storm
water management issues that concern Mr. Brooks,
but unfortunately, the DNS didn't resolve the
issues or have any significant impacts. He noted
that Mr. Brooks didn't get a chance to appeal the
DNS or comment, and won't have any role or voice
in the review of those plans when the detailed
drawings come in because they were just put off
beyond the SEPA process.
Gendler pointed out that some of the DNS require-
ments such as a downstream analysis for 1/4 mile
from the site have not been met. He noted that
the applicant has submitted a basin plan, storm
water calculations, and documents which should
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL have contained the downstream analysis but
USE APPEAL didn't. He explained that it's important this
information be included because no one knows what
will happen when storm water is managed if the
downstream condition is unknown, or whether it
will discharge in the proper quantity and rate of
speed or back up. He noted that if it backs up,
it will be onto Mr. Brooks' property. He pointed
out that condition 5A of the DNS requires the
onsite detention ponds to be in accordance with
Kent Construction Standards which provides miti-
gation for potential storm water impacts, but
that the reports in the site plan submitted do
not meet the City's standards. He noted that it
is critical to have sufficient detention capacity
and pointed out that the applicant has calculated
a wet pond volume of 14,000 cu. ft. is required
but the drawing shows it as 6500 cu. ft. He
stressed that 6500 cu. ft. is half of the volume
required which leaves them with half the volume
unmanaged and unaccounted for under the City's
own standards. He noted that the Kent
Construction Standards, on Page 5-17, for Valley
Development Detention criteria, (Section E)
states that the specific requirements of basin
plans shall supercede normal criteria, and that
one of those basin plans is the State' s Storm-
water Management Manual for the Puget Sound Basin
which has been incorporated into the Kent
Standards. Gendler noted that the City Standards
were unavailable to them at the time of the
hearing because they were being revised to comply
with the State's standards for the Puget Sound
Basin but that both are the combined legal
requirements. He pointed out that the pond has
to have at least one slope surface of a maximum
of 6-to-11 six horizontal to one vertical, but
that Matlack's drawing shows all the slopes to be
3-to-1 which doesn't provide for the access
needed for the servicing of the ponds and which
is another violation of the requirements that
haven't been met. Gendler noted that the State's
plans require a liner to prevent infiltration,
overflowing emergency spillway, and a gravity
drain so that the pond can be emptied for
maintenance or other purposes, and that all these
things are simply missing from the reports. He
again emphasized that the pond was virtually too
small against the applicant's own acknowledgment
of 14, 000 cu. ft. that was needed. He noted that
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL an artificially high CN or runoff coefficient
USE APPEAL was used which measures the ability of the land
before it becomes impervious to absorb water. He
explained that when the land is impervious it
absorbs no water so if it previously absorbed
water the lost storage capacity has to be com-
pensated. He further noted that if the land is
sandy soil, a coefficient of 55 should be used
but that Matlack used 81 which brings it much
closer to the impervious condition of 98 so less
capacity needs to be provided elsewhere to make
up for this impervious paved surface. He noted
that on July loth all of this was pointed out
along with the fact that Mr. Brooks is an
engineer but that the Matlack's representatives
just attacked Mr. Brooks' credentials to raise
the issue.
Gendler pointed out that substantial concern was
raised in regard to an event happening when it' s
raining which would obviously increase the
quantity of spilled materials and make it more
difficult to manage. He noted that the appli-
cants have not demonstrated their ability to
control it or clean it up properly. Gendler also
noted that one of the Hearing Examiner's condi-
tions stipulated that before construction can
begin everything in his letter had to be answered
but the problem is they get to answer it later
and Mr. Brooks doesn't get to see the answer. He
further noted that there are no assurances the
answer given will be the right one and that
Mr. Brooks disagrees with this aspect of the
public participation. Gendler agreed with the
Hearing Examiner in that if the professionals do
their job everybody comes out fine, but if they
don't, then there are good reasons to be fearful
that the public participation wasn't enough to
protect individual rights. He noted that
Mr. Brooks is asking for this issue to be re-
manded back to the Hearing Examiner to get these
questions answered now. He opined that it would
be better for Matlack to go ahead and do their
plans now in final form so that everybody can see
what's going on, be able to determine whether
these things really provide proper drainage and
storm water management, or if a spill of
hazardous materials occurs, that it would be
controlled. He reiterated that for these
reasons, Mr. Brooks is asking for the matter to
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL be remanded, questions answered, and if the
USE APPEAL answers are right, let them go ahead with their
expansion at that time. There were no questions
asked of Mr. Gendler by the Council. Mayor White
asked the Clerk to note that Mr. Gendler is
reserving the rest of his time for rebuttal.
Roger Pearce, of Foster, Pepper and Sheffelman,
noted that he represents Matlack, Inc. , the
permit applicant. He explained that Mr. Vince
Heldt, who is the terminal manager and has been
employed by Matlack, Inc. for the last 10 years,
is present to answer any questions the Council
may have about what's in the record regarding the
property, the use and the surroundings. He noted
that Mr. Dana Mower, who is the engineer for the
project and the applicant, and also the engineer
for the drainage district, can read plans and
verify for Council that those plans are abso-
lutely consistent. He noted that the plans have
also been checked by the City, and that the storm
water drainage issue is not an issue because this
project will help any of the backup problems in
the area. He explained that the evidence at the
hearing showed a 36" culvert which backs up water
onto Mr. Brooks property and the Matlack property
when it rains extensively, but that Matlack is
installing a 72" culvert to take the grade off of
it which stops the branches from plugging it up,
and that it will actually cure the drainage and
water problems in the area.
Pearce noted that the issue tonight is an appeal
of the decision of the Kent Hearing Examiner, and
that it is important to realize where we are in
the process. He noted that this issue is in the
conditional use permit stage, with more addi-
tional permits required such as a grading permit
and final design of all the storm water plans by
Public Works. He noted that the Hearing Examiner
explicitly recognized this and that Mr. Brooks is
not shut out from making comments because he can
go down right now and look at the final design of
the storm water plan which is a public works plan
and comment to Public Works on it.
Pearce pointed out that Mr. Gendler has already
litigated an identical case to the Supreme Court
(Opal vs. Adams County) where the contention was
that there wasn't enough detail in the plans. He
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL explained that the court noted it was only in the
USE APPEAL use permit phase of this proceeding but that
later on, at the permit phase, the County will
review the more detailed portions of that plan.
Pearce noted that the Matlack project has a
wealth of detail because the project has taken
so long, and that there were some significant
environmental issues to resolve doing the
project. He explained that a small stream had to
be moved, and that a significant amount of work
was done to locate the new rail lines on the
property. He noted that the Kent Hearing
Examiner did an admirable job after the hearing,
after evidence from Mr. Brooks and his Counsel,
evidence from Mr. Heldt and Mr. Mower, all the
records from the city's permitting process, and
all the SEPA records were presented. He noted
that leaving the record open for 15 days so that
Mr. Brooks could comment on the plans, and the
decision on reconsideration were very complete,
very thorough, as the Hearing Examiner went
through all of the City's criteria and approved
the conditional use permit. He noted that
Council's review of the Hearing Examiner's
decision is highly deferential under the
substantial evidence and standard review because
the Hearing Examiner is the person who is in the
best position to judge the evidence and the
credibility of the witnesses. He noted that the
evidence fully supported the Hearing Examiner's
decision.
Pearce stated that Mr. Brooks raised three main
issues as follows: 1) Storm Water Management
Design; 2) Mitigation for glare, lighting from
the facility; and 3) Mitigation of noise from the
facility. He briefly mentioned the noise and
lighting issues. He explained that the relevant
facts were discussed in the staff report and that
the conditional use permit is to expand an
existing facility. He noted that Matlack, Inc.
is a bulk rail truck transfer facility, an
allowed use in the M-3 zone, which is the most
intense industrial zone in the City, and that
this property is also designated as industrial in
the new City Comprehensive Plan. He explained
that the reason the conditional use permit is
required is because the facility handles bulk
hazardous materials such as hydrogen peroxide.
He noted that the proposal does not add any
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL buildings, but it adds four rail sitings for
USE APPEAL loading and off-loading materials to and from
trucks. He noted that the only noise associated
with this business is the daily drop of rail cars
by Union Pacific, and the movement of trucks
arriving and departing the site. He stated that
the evidence at the hearing showed noise from the
adjacent rail lines is much more intense than the
noise from the facility. Pearce noted that there
is a Union Pacific Rail line along one side of
the property on 77th Street with the Burlington
Northern Rail line right along the other side.
He pointed out that the existing land uses in the
area range from light to heavy industrial facili-
ties such as the Seattle Auto Auction, Western
Processing, and a Puget Sound Energy Substation
that is located in very close proximity to the
site. He noted that the only property with a
residence is Mr. Brooks' rental house which is on
the property to the south of Matlack, Inc. He
explained that the rental house is located on the
far south edge of the property and is separated
by wetlands and a stream relocation to serve as a
big buffer for the property. He stated that
Mr. Brooks' property is 370, from the furthest
south proposed rail line and immediately adjacent
to an industrial facility which manufactures
compost. He noted that the M-3 zoning allows all
these types of facilities, except residences, but
that Mr. Brooks' house is a grandfathered use
that would not be allowed in this area today. He
explained that grandfathered uses and non-
conforming uses are disfavored under the City's
current zoning code and that the site is served
by a watermain and Metro.
Pearce explained that in April the City mitigated
a Determination of Nonsignificance that was based
on a lengthy and complete environmental review
report which, in turn, was based on detailed
environmental studies including a thorough
wetlands and soil study that was submitted to the
City by Matlack. He noted that the MDNS con-
tained 16 very detailed conditions to mitigate
any potential environmental impacts from this
proposal including sharing the costs of improving
traffic corridors, detailed drainage plans for
improvement by Public Works that show the
collection, conveyance, treatment, storage and
release to a 100-year post development storm
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL water condition in compliance with the Kent City
USE APPEAL Code Construction Standards. He noted that
Matlack is required to construct a storm water
treatment system in accordance with the Kent
Construction Standards to mitigate potential
impacts to storm water quality; that all culverts
are required to be upsized from 36" to 72" which
is four times in volume; that they are required
to execute a declaration of storm water and
facilities management covenants prepared by the
City; and that they are also required to incor-
porate best management practices according to the
United States EPA Ecology Emergency Spill/Cleanup
Requirements. He explained that there are
existing best management practices at the site
now as well as an emergency response plan. He
noted that Mr. Heldt and Mr. Jackson had testi-
fied at the hearing that there has never been a
significant spill at the Matlack site. He
explained to the council that conditional uses
are a flexible zoning tool where actual permitted
uses in the zone may need to be conditioned in
order to make them more suitable to a particular
location. He noted that under Washington Law a
local government is required to grant a condi-
tional use permit if the impacts are no greater
than uses permitted outright in the zone. He
noted that the uses allowed in the M-3 zone
include plywood manufacturing plants, machine
tool manufacturing plants, motor vehicle and
aircraft manufacturing plants, and sawmills. He
explained that the only reason Matlack needs a
conditional use permit is because they are
handling hazardous materials. He noted that the
primary issue before the Council is whether the
proposed expansion of this existing use in the
industrial zone is compatible with uses allowed
in the zone and with the general surroundings.
He also noted that the Hearing Examiner had the
opportunity to review that evidence including all
the storm drainage reports, the preliminary storm
drainage reports in detail, and had a chance to
hear and view the witnesses which included
Mr. Mower and Mr. Heldt. He noted that unless
there is a flaw in the Hearing Examiner' s
decision, unless there is a part of it that's
not supported by substantial evidence, he would
urge the Council to approve it. He noted that
the Hearing Examiner determined all the condi-
tional use permit criteria are met, and that in
15
Kent City Council Minutes
December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL the Hearing Examiner's conclusions the specific
USE APPEAL issues raised by Mr. Brooks and raised again by
Council were discussed. He noted that lighting
has not really been an issue but that all of the
lighting is directly inward, directional
lighting, away from the south and away from
Mr. Brooks' property. He noted that the Hearing
Examiner found that the buffering would mitigate
the noise issue and both the State and City
regulations control noise. He noted that the
Hearing Examiner found no credible evidence there
were any odor impacts from the Matlack operation,
and that the Hearing Examiner determined that the
City and Matlack provided sufficient measures to
insure proper storm water drainage. He noted
that the backups have been eliminated by over-
sizing the pipes or culverts leading out from the
Matlack property. He also noted that the Hearing
Examiner still imposed additional conditions to
create a detailed, storm management plan and
updated emergency management procedures. Pearce
explained that the notice of the DNS issuance is
not appealable to the Council and therefore not
before the Council. He noted that on the merits,
however, it is going to show that the City did
give notice. The City's SEPA notice provisions
were followed to the letter. He noted that the
City's SEPA Notice provisions are in Section
11.03 .340 which requires posting the property,
advertisement in the newspaper, and giving mailed
notice to those who are a party of record, who
have asked to be given notice on this proposal.
He explained that Mr. Brooks was not a party of
record in April, or through the SEPA proceeding
at all, and did not become a party of record
until the conditional use permit proceeding. He
noted that there was no legal requirement from
mailed notice, and that because Mr. Brooks'
property is a rental house, it is not surprising
that he was unaware of the signs posted but that
the City's sign procedures were followed.
Mr. Pearce noted that regarding the issue of
storm water mitigation, the testimony that the
Hearing Examiner chose to believe was that the
proposed use would actually improve the backup of
storm water, and that the project will comply
with the City's provisions for storm water
retention, treatment, and release. He noted that
16
Kent City Council Minutes
December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL the City's Public Works staff agreed that this
USE APPEAL will work, that it is a feasible preliminary
plan, and that at the use phase of this permit-
ting process it is the plan needed. Mr. Pearce
noted that Mr. Mower checked the drawings and
confirmed that they are consistent. He noted
that Mr. Gendler's characterization of the
drawings is incorrect, that the drawings are
consistent, and that the drawings before the City
Public Works Department now are more detailed
with the final plan in front of the City ready
for review of the final storm water approval and
for the grading permit phase of this permitting.
He called the Council's attention to the legal
matter of opal vs. Adams County in which the
Court held that an EIS was adequate for the use
permit phase of landfill and permitting, not-
withstanding the deferral of additional more
detailed studies to the operating phase of that
permitting process. He noted that the Hearing
Examiner had before him the preliminary storm
water management plans of which both the City and
the applicant's engineer had testified that they
were feasible. He noted that the Hearing
Examiner weighed the evidence, decided that
these plans were feasible and that the storm
water drainage system would work.
Pearce noted that there is no credible evidence
in the record that there are hazardous waste
spills, that there are dangerous spills, or that
the spills will not be controlled. He noted that
Matlack has a detailed, spill control and
response plan in place and that they take this
very, very seriously. He noted that it is their
business and very costly if accidents happen so
they do their absolute best to control it. He
noted that the facility has to be lit 24 hours a
day because Matlack wants the public and their
drivers to be safe, they don't want anything
going wrong with the trucks when they go out on
the road.
Pearce noted that in respect to the coefficient
of water runoff, it is the kind of detailed issue
that happens at the final planning phase, but
that Mr. Brooks stated the soils on the site
infiltrated faster than Matlack had calculated
them. Pearce explained that it means that
Matlack oversized the detention facilities even
17
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL though the City's requirements are to calculate
USE APPEAL it as per original conditions. He noted that the
Hearing Examiner chose to believe the profes-
sional civil engineers' work that was based on
the soil logs and the onsite study.
Gendler noted that the Opal vs. Adams County case
was mentioned twice by Pearce in which he stated
that the case stands for the proposition that if
you consider something at the use permit stage,
the details can be put off until later. He noted
that the case actually stands for the proposition
that if there is an environmental impact state-
ment that studies things at the use permit stage
sufficient to make a siting decision and there
is going to be a second environmental impact
statement, that the public will get a chance to
comment on, then some of the other details can be
put off for later. He noted that Mr. Brooks
didn't even get one impact statement or one
chance to comment as is required by the Supreme
Court' s decision in the other case. He further
noted that the case really demonstrates the
difference between an ample public process or one
that just cuts out the people most affected. He
also clarified that there are two residences
right across the street from the Matlack property
so Mr. Brooks is not the only one being affected.
Gendler pointed out for the Council very specific
reasons about things Matlack has not done but are
required to do by the DNS, and that Matlack ran
away from the evidence. He noted that the record
shows the applicant, not Mr. Brooks, stated that
the soils were sandy and that is why they wanted
a variance. He also noted that Pearce mentioned
that sandy soils need more detention capacity to
replace something that has a greater capacity to
absorb the water coming down with something
impervious which is stated wrong. Gendler noted
that these kinds of things can be cured by
remanding the issue back to the Hearing Examiner.
Pearce clarified for the Council that Matlack
handles hazardous substances on this site not
hazardous waste and that he wanted to get the
written record straight. Lubovich pointed out,
for the record, that the Council has before them
the MDNS that has been issued as well as the
18
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL proof of publication, and he suggested that it be
USE APPEAL made a part of this record. ORR MOVED to make
the documentation a part of the record. Woods
seconded and the motion carried.
Upon Orr's question, Matt Jackson from the
Planning Department noted that the staff report
has a map which is shown as the site plan for a
variance dated July 2nd. He explained that there
are four proposed rail spurs on the south pro-
perty line of the proposed Matlack conditional
use permit, and that Mr. Brooks' property is also
located to the south. He noted that the channel
shown is a relocated stream bed, and that there
is a wetland on the southwest corner. He also
noted that the Hearing Examiner's condition was
to buffer the south property with 10 ft. of
landscaping. Upon Orr's question, Jackson noted
that the Hearing Examiner recommended the land-
scaping with his own research but that the zoning
code requires that a type 2-3 landscaping between
two uses which are considered incompatible. He
noted for the Council that when the City was
reviewing the conditional use permit application
they were not approving a building permit or
issuing a zoning permit for that project so there
is additional review that will happen on this
project. He explained that grading is the first
process and that the start of this process has
been put on hold pending the outcome of the meet-
ing tonight as well as approval of the variance.
Jackson noted that there will also be a building
permit required to put in rail spurs at which
time the standards and the zoning code will be
applied, and that these require additional
screening in types, closer spacing than what is
shown on the landscape plan. Matt Jackson
concurred with Orr that Type 2 landscaping would
probably be used. Jackson noted that the wetland
and buffer area will be in its natural state, and
that the detention facility and the drainage will
be in a vegetative area. He noted that the 70
ft. area will not be developed with any permanent
surfaces and will remain in its natural vegeta-
tion state. He noted that the area that would
have a view corridor would have to be mitigated,
and that the condition from the Hearing Examiner
says the south property line. Upon Orr's
question, Jackson noted that the property is
approximately 370 ft. across at the southern
portion of the land, and that approximately 100
ft. would not be the natural wetlands.
19
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
CONDITIONAL ORR MOVED to sustain the findings and conclusions
USE APPEAL of the Hearing Examiner and affirm the decision.
Johnson seconded. Johnson explained that Council
reviews the Hearing Examiner's decision based on
certain standards, and in those certain standards
and the reason he seconded the motion is because
he couldn't find that there was a substantial
error, procedure irregularities, the Hearing
Examiner's decision was unsupportive by material
or substantial evidence, that it was in conflict
with the City's Comprehensive Plan, or that there
was insufficient evidence presented as to the
impact of the surrounding area. He noted that
all five of those decisions need to be sustained
based on the evidence presented at the Hearing
Examiner's hearing. He also noted that based on
the testimony which was given at both the hearing
and the appeal tonight, he had to vote to sustain
the Hearing Examiner's decision. There was no
further discussion and the motion then carried
unanimously.
EMS LEVY (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C)
Emergency Medical Services L0vv State law
requires authorization by the City of Kent before
the King County EMS levy can be placed on the
ballot. The proposed resolution authorizes King
County to place this question on the February 31
1998, election and further encourages King County
to seek alternative funding for EMS in the
future, and calls for the creation of the EMS
Financial Planning Task Force which shall be
charged with developing recommendations for
future funding. The proposed levy is not to
exceed $0.29/$1, 000 assessed value for a period
of three years.
McFall explained that the County feels
February 3rd is the best opportunity to achieve
validation of the measure. He noted that there
is a very strong commitment that this is not a
levy-supported service but more of a basic
service. He said the proposed resolution calls
for the creation of a review committee that will
have significant representation from cities, so
that they will be involved in discussions and
recommendations as to future funding. He pointed
out that if this passes in February, it will be a
tax levy which begins in 1999, and that funding
for Kent's share of the program for 1998 will
come from reserves.
20
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
EMS LEVY McFall noted for Orr that there is no guarantee
that within the three year time period a proposal
will be in place, but that the proposed resolu-
tion encourages such. Orr opined that this
should be resolved within two years so that a
program is in place by the end of the third year.
It was noted that Council will be kept aware of
the progress being made.
Fire Chief Angelo noted that this is a highly
valued service and that over 70% of the popula-
tion is willing to support it. He stated that
Fire service is committed to finding solutions,
and upon Orr's suggestion, said that a presenta-
tion explaining the levy to citizens could be
made at a Council meeting in January.
JOHNSON MOVED to approve Resolution No. 1503
authorizing the County-wide ballot proposition
for funding of emergency medical services. Woods
seconded. She then thanked Chief Angelo and
Mr. McFall for their time seeking a solution to
this emergency, and said that now is the time for
the County to anticipate providing this as a
regional service. She added that if this comes
back, it may be necessary for the City and other
jurisdictions to consider providing their own
Medic One program. Johnson's motion then
carried.
SATURDAY (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D)
MARKET Kent saturdav Market Letter of Acreement, and
Public Development Authority. The Kent Saturday
Market has presented a proposal that would allow
the City to assist the Market to develop the old
Dunn Lumber "Barn" site into a new year-round
downtown Market. This proposal asks the City to
create a statutory Public Development Authority
that would receive title to the Barn property.
The PDA would receive the property through a note
and deed of trust, together with a partial dona-
tion from the City. The PDA would then obtain
separate financing and grants to redevelop the
site. Once completed, the Kent Downtown Partner-
ship would lease the property from the PDA, and
the leasehold proceeds would be used to payoff
existing debts.
21
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
SATURDAY Linda Johnson of the Kent Downtown Partnership
MARKET answered questions from Orr regarding the size of
the booths, profits from the bakery, and fees,
and noted that there will be a commissary on site
as well as health department approved bathrooms.
She explained that food such as meat, milk and
cheese must come from a commissary or proper
kitchen facility, and that a true farmers market
needs to have 60% farm-based products and 40%
craft-based products. McFall noted for Orr that
money the City has invested will be reimbursed by
the sale of long term bonds which is programmed
into the 1998 debt issuance. He explained that
the Public Development Authority would allow the
City to transfer title of the property to this
PDA which then would lease to the Downtown
Partnership. He noted that the total value in
property and cash is $600, 000, which the City
would not recoup, and that the City would have a
structure which has been improved, but for a
specific type of use which benefits from a rustic
atmosphere.
JOHNSON MOVED to authorize the Mayor to enter
into the "Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Kent and the Kent Downtown Partnership",
and to direct the City Attorney to draft the
necessary ordinance to establish a Public
Development Authority organized to support the
development of a new location for the operation
of a full time downtown market in downtown Kent.
Woods seconded.
Woods pointed out that downtown renovation has
been one of the Councils top priorities, and
that this project will return great dividends for
the downtown area. She stated that this puts the
City out on a limb, but that the Council is
confident that the Downtown Partnership will meet
the challenge. Orr voiced concern about
approving this item tonight, stating that she
would like more information as to the dollar
amounts of the bakery potential, the meat market
potential and the produce which would be
available year around. She said she is
uncomfortable with not having figures as to how
much is available for debt service and additional
expenses. Clark agreed that there is risk
involved, but that many discussions have been
held and a commitment has been made to support
22
Kent City Council Minutes
December 9, 1997
SATURDAY the Downtown Partnership. ORR MOVED to table
MARKET this item until the first meeting in January.
Houser seconded. Upon a roll call vote, the
motion died for lack of a majority, with Epperly,
Houser and Orr in favor and Clark, Johnson and
Woods opposed.
Johnson's motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a
Memorandum of Understanding and to establish a
Public Development Authority carried with Clark,
Johnson and Woods in favor, Epperly, Houser and
Orr opposed, and Mayor White breaking the tie
with a vote in favor.
PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3N)
RECREATION King County Open Mae pond Fund. Clark Lake
Wetland. ACCEPTANCE of the balance of $20, 155
remaining in the 1989 King County Open Space Bond
Fund and amendment of the Clark Lake Wetland
budget.
The $20, 155 balance remaining in the 1989 King
County Open Space Bond Fund has become available
to Kent due to the annexation. As approved by
the Parks Committee, staff recommends accepting
these funds and amending the Clark Lake Wetland
budget.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 30)
Sale of Joan Austin ProvSrty. APPROVAL to sell
the Jean Austin property and amend the Playground
Equipment budget with the revenue for future
renovation, acquisition or development.
On November 18, 1997, Council accepted 0.27 acres
of land donated by Kent citizen Jean Austin. The
property was appraised at $48, 000. As authorized
by the Parks Committee, staff recommends selling
the property and using the profit to amend the
Playground Equipment budget to fund future play-
ground renovation, acquisition or development.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3P)
Park Land AMisition pudcet. ACCEPT $148,000
in interest accrued in the Park Land Acquisition
Account and amend the budget for future land
acquisition.
As authorized by the Parks Committee, staff
recommends acceptance of this interest and
23
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
PARKS & amending the Park Land Acquisition Account budget
RECREATION in order to purchase additional land in the
future.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3Q)
Boas Creek Trailhead Quit Claim Dead to King
County. APPROVAL of the quit claim deed to King
County for the Soos Creek Trailhead property and
to forward the documents to Mayor White for
signature.
The Soos Creek Trailhead parcel was inadvertently
included in the annexation of Lake Meridian Park
to the City of Kent. As approved by the Parks
Committee, King County requests that a quit claim
deed be executed to become legal owner of the
Soos Creek Trailhead again.
GOLF COURSE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4H)
Golf Course Automation Contract. Beginning in
September of 1997, representatives from S.S.M.D. ,
along with City Staff from Parks, Finance, and
Information Services departments began a process
to select a replacement computer system for the
Golf Complex. A written Request for Information
was issued followed by a formal Request for
Proposals. Software demonstrations were con-
ducted both on site and at the business offices
of the top two vendors.
The selection team unanimously chose National
Business Systems, as the preferred vendor for the
Golf Complex Cashiering Automation System.
Finance Director Miller pointed out information
on this item was not ready at the last Operations
Committee meeting, but that the process was
extensive and that there was a good selection.
WOODS MOVED to authorize the Mayor to sign a
contract with National Business Systems to
provide an automated cashiering system and
related equipment, training and support at the
City Golf Complex, in an amount not to exceed
$38,219. 33, after contract negotiations have been
completed and approved by the City Attorney.
Johnson seconded and the motion carried.
(Councilmember Epperly was out of the room and
did not vote. )
24
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
GOLF COURSE (OTHER BUSINESS - 4I)
givorb•nd Golf Manaament Agrement. The City
Council authorized staff to negotiate a contract
with S.S.M.D. Enterprises for the management of
the Riverbend Golf Complex beginning January 1,
1998. Staff from the City and S.S.M.D. are
finalizing the details of a contract for manage-
ment of the golf complex.
Parks Director Hodgson said that staff from the
City and from S.S.M.D. have recently spent a
great deal of time on this contract and that the
contract is objective rather than subjective. He
said it contains language and attachments which
specify levels of service and hours of operation.
He stated that S.S.M.D. will begin to contract
with Nevada Bob's and that they will maintain a
minimum level of merchandise as well. Hodgson
said that quarterly reports to the City Council
are specified in the contract in terms of perfor-
mance and revenue expectations. He said he
believes this will be a win-win contract, in that
the City will be able to cover debt service as
well as maintenance and operation, and be able to
provide funds for capital improvements. He said
they have entered into an agreement that they
will mutually develop a new pro shop on the
driving range side if revenue expectations are
met. He pointed out that responsibility for that
construction and the debt of the loan will be on
the contractor.
McFall commended Mr. Hodgson, the City Attorney,
and the representatives from S.S.M.D. for their
work in negotiating this contract, and requested,
since the contract is not complete, that authori-
zation be subject to final review and approval by
the City Attorney.
WOODS MOVED to authorize the Mayor to finalize
and sign a contract with S. S.M.D. Enterprises for
the management of the Riverbend Golf Complex
beginning January 1, 1998, subject to final
review of the City Attorney. Orr seconded and
the motion carried.
COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3GG)
(ADDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUSER)
Council Absence. APPROVAL of an excused absence
from tonight' s meeting for Councilmember Bennett
who is unable to attend.
25
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
LEGISLATIVE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L)
AGENDA 1999 State Lecislative Agenda. ADOPTION of the
1998 State Legislative Agenda as offered at the
November 19, 1997 City Council meeting, with
minor modifications included in the December 9,
1997 City Council agenda packet.
POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K)
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant for Doaestic
Violence, ACCEPTANCE and approval of disburse-
ment of grant funds for domestic violence
programs as outlined in the grant application, as
recommended by the Public Safety Committee. The
City has been informed that the U.S. Department
of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
has approved the City's application for funding
under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants
(LLEBG) Program, in the amount of $62,462 . This
Grant Award has been designated for enhancement
of the City's response to crimes of domestic
violence, with portions of the funds going to
both the Kent Police Department and the City
Attorney's Office. The grant requires a ten
percent (10%) matching contribution which is
budgeted in the City Attorney's 1998 budget.
As one of the conditions of the Grant Award, a
public hearing was held on November 18th to
solicit public comment on the disbursal of
these funds.
PERSONAL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4K)
WATERCRAFT Personal watercraft. On May 6, 1997, Council
adopted Ordinance No. 3348 regulating the
operation of personal watercraft on Lake
Meridian. As part of its motion, the Council
directed that the regulations contained in the
ordinance be reviewed after September 15, 1997.
The Public Safety Committee, after having con-
sidered the matter, directed that an ordinance be
prepared to allow personal watercraft to be
operated on Lake Meridian, with the same restric-
tions throughout the year as placed on personal
watercraft from May 16th through September 15th.
The proposed amendment, would allow personal
watercraft to operate at speeds in excess of
eight miles per hour between the hours of
12 : 00 noon and 6: 00 p.m. on even number days of
the calendar throughout the year.
26
Kent City Council Minutes December 91 1997
PERSONAL ORR MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3385 relating
WATERCRAFT to the operation of personal watercraft on Lake
Meridian, as it is presented in the Council
packet this evening. Houser seconded.
Clark noted that this ordinance was passed out of
the Public Safety Committee without a recommenda-
tion to the Council and pointed out that the
issue has been divisive within the community. He
noted that the citizens who live on the lake
wanted action and that an ordinance was put into
effect this summer which rotated the days jet
skis would be used. He said he is at odds with
the ordinance which has been brought forward. He
explained issues relating to this such as noise,
use of the shoreline, and taking advantage of
boat wakes. He pointed out that the Growth
Management Act was adopted in 1991, which deals
with population growth, demands on land and
greater urban density. He noted that the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan also says there will
be greater density. He said that as more and
more boats are jammed onto Lake Meridian, there
is the risk of less and less civil behavior,
which is the issue. He emphasized that peoples
rights should be respected. He said that every-
one he spoke to in the area agreed that the
situation had improved even though it was only a
partial restriction. He said the proposed
ordinance would cause greater disruption in the
neighborhood.
Lubovich explained for Houser that jet skis would
be able to operate on even-numbered days through-
out the calendar year at high speeds only between
the hours of noon to 6:00 p.m. He noted that
according to Ordinance No. 3348, jet skis could
operate at high speeds from noon to 6:00 p.m. in
the summer season. Houser questioned the number
of tickets issued by Police on the lake and
Epperly said that 13 citations were given but it
was not identified whether those were jet ski
operators. Orr noted that the proposed ordinance
says that vessels exceeding speeds of 8 mph shall
remain at least 200 feet from the shoreline
and 100 feet from other vessels and swimmers.
Lubovich confirmed that this applies to all
vessels. Woods said she feels the lake is too
small for excessive speed and noise, and voiced
concern that with this ordinance there will not
27
Kent City Council Minutes
December 9, 1997
PERSONAL be a boat patrol on the lake, which increases the
WATERCRAFT public safety concern.
The motion died for lack of a majority, with Orr,
Houser and Epperly in favor and Clark, Johnson
and Woods opposed.
Woods suggested bringing this issue back to the
first meeting in January for resolution. There
was no opposition. Mayor White asked the Council
to consider, as a compromise, extending the
length of time for jet skis from the first of May
until the first of October instead of going year
around, citing budget impacts of the patrol.
APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3Z)
Economic Development Corporation. CONFIRMATION
of the Mayor's reappointment of Ron Banister to
continue serving as a member of the Kent Economic
Development Corporation Board of Directors.
Mr. Banister's new term will continue until
12/31/2001.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3AA)
Human Services Commission CONFIRMATION of the
Mayor's reappointment of Brad Bell to continue
serving as a member of the Kent Human Services
Commission. Mr. Bell' s new term will continue
until 1/l/2001.
CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointment of Steve
R. Anderson to serve as the non-voting agency
representative to the Commission. Mr. Anderson
is the Executive Director of the Children's
Therapy Center. He has been an agency provider
in Kent for the past 10 years and will bring his
valuable experience and expertise to the
Commission.
Mr. Anderson will replace Mary Lou Becvar, whose
term will expire on 1/1/98. Mr. Anderson's
appointment will begin January 1, 1998 and
continue to January 1, 2000.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3BB)
Land Use and Planninq Board. CONFIRMATION of the
Mayor's appointment of Jon Johnson to serve as a
member of the Land Use and Planning Board.
Mr. Johnson served as a member of the Kent City
Council for 20 years and is familiar with Kent
28
Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
APPOINTMENTS issues and long term planning. He will bring a
wealth of experience to the Board and will be a
valuable asset.
Mr. Johnson will replace Tom Brotherton, who will
vacate his position on the Board as he begins his
term as a City Councilmember. Mr. Johnson's new
term will become effective l/l/98 and continue to
12/31/2000.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3CC)
Drinking Driver Task Force, CONFIRMATION of the
Mayor's reappointment of Mike Buckingham to con-
tinue serving as a member of the Kent Drinking
Driver Task Force. Mr. Buckingham's new appoint-
ment will continue to 1/1/2001.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3DD)
Xent Bicycle Advisory Board. CONFIRMATION of the
Mayor's reappointments of Donna Gregory and Steve
Nuss to continue serving as members of the Kent
Bicycle Advisory Board. New appointments for
Ms. Gregory and Mr. Nuss will continue to
12/31/1999.
EMPLOYEE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I)
SERVICES Worker Coapsusation Progran Contract.
AUTHORIZATION to renew the Worker Compensation
Third-Party Administrator Contract with Scott
Wetzel Services, Inc. for 1998.
MAINTENANCE (BIDS - ITEM 5A)
Uniform and Linn Services. On December 2 , 1997,
the Operations Committee recommended award of a
three-year contract for uniform rental and linen
laundry services to Unifirst Corporation in the
amount of $52,295.72 . Bids were opened on
October 8, 1997 . JOHNSON MOVED to authorize the
Mayor to sign a three-year contract with
Unifirst Corporation to service the City's
laundry requirements. Orr seconded and the
motion carried.
FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B)
Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the
bills received through November 14 and paid on
November 14, 1997, after auditing by the
Operations Committee on November 18, 1997.
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
FINANCE Anp oval of checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
10/31/97 192116-192260 $ 505, 747. 56
11/14/97 192261-192626 1,250, 365. 50
$1,756, 113 . 06
ARRroval of checks issued for payroll for
November 1 through November 15 and paid on
November 20, 1997:
Date Check Numbers Amount
11/20/97 Checks 223840-224134 $ 241, 891.91
11/20/97 Advices 51938-52435 713 , 252.16
$ 955, 144.07
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3W)
Petty Cash - ordinance and Change Fund. ADOPTION
of Ordinance No. 3378 increasing the Petty Cash
Fund portion of Ordinance No. 3159 from $1, 500
to $1,800, as recommended by the Operations
Committee at their December 2, 1997 meeting and
as recommended by the Operations Committee at
that meeting, authorization to change the Change
Fund authorization limit from $15 to $25.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3X)
Accounts Receivable Write-Offs. AUTHORIZATION to
write-off uncollectible accounts receivables for
1997 in the amount of $4, 114.95, as recommended
by the Operations Committee at their December 2,
1997 meeting.
(CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3Y)
1997 Budget Adiustaent. ADOPTION of Ordinance
No. 3379 amending the 1997 Budget for budget
adjustments made after July 1, 1997, as recom-
mended by the Operations Committee at their
December 2, 1997 meeting. This technical
housekeeping adjustment totals $9,203,403 and
approves a line of credit in an amount not to
exceed $200, 000 to cover housing and community
development costs at year-end until they are
reimbursed by King County.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A)
1998 Property Tax Levy. At their December 2,
1997, meeting, the Operations Committee
recommended adoption of two ordinances for
property tax for 1998: (1) an ordinance
30
Kent city Council Minutes December 9, 1997
FINANCE establishing the tax levy for the General Fund
of $15, 190,951.00 and the Debt Service Funds of
$1,834,090.00 for 1998, and (2) an ordinance per
Referendum 47, stating the public hearing date
and the amount of increase over the allowed 1997
taxes levied which is $275, 291 at 1.9 percent.
Finance Director Miller noted that since the
Operations committee meeting, she received the
tax levy amounts from King County. She noted
that there is an adjustment of an additional
$22, 715 which is included in the ordinance. She
said this is a slight decrease in the levy, and
pointed out that the 1. 9% levy is one of the
lowest. JOHNSON MOVED to approve Ordinance
No. 3382 establishing the property tax levy
amount of $15, 190, 951.00 for the General Fund and
$1,834, 090.00 for the Debt Service Funds for
1998; and to approve Property Tax Ordinance
No. 3383 increasing the property tax amount by
$275, 291.00 which is 1.9% over the taxes levied
the previous year. Woods seconded and the motion
carried.
(OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B)
1998 Budget. The Operations Committee has
recommended adoption of the 1998 Budget. The
Budget is the Preliminary Budget document plus
the technical correction approved at the
November 18, 1997, Operations Committee meeting.
The Budget is in balance and includes an 8.6
percent General Fund reserve of $4, 342,346.
Finance Director Miller said that after the
Operations Committee meeting, they were able to
come up with enough money to increase the fund
balance back to 10% and that this technical
correction is in the amount of $689,329. 00. She
confirmed for the Mayor that the reason the
reserve is down is in anticipation of the EMS
levy. City Attorney Lubovich pointed out that
new Exhibits A and B have been distributed to
Councilmembers.
JOHNSON MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3384,
including the new exhibits, adopting the Final
1998 Budget. Orr seconded. Orr noted that
Council has not yet received crime statistics
which were requested previously, and expressed
hope that the Council would have the option of
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Kent City Council Minutes December 9, 1997
FINANCE reviewing the budget in the first quarter and
making adjustments if necessary. The Mayor and
Miller agreed to that.
The motion then carried.
REPORTS Public Yorks Committee Clark reported that
there will probably not be a meeting the third
week in December.
Planning Committee. Orr announced that the
Committee will not meet until after the first of
the year. She wished Councilmembers Johnson and
Houser good luck and commended them for their
efforts on the Council.
Administrative Reports. The Mayor said it has
been a pleasure working with Councilmembers
Houser and Johnson over the years, thanked them
for their contributions, and said he looks
forward to working with them in some capacity in
the future.
EXECUTIVE At 9:40 p.m. , McFall noted that there will be a
SESSION brief executive session.
The meeting reconvened at 9: 55 p.m. and
adjourned. � � 0
Brenda Jacober, CMC
City Clerk
32