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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 05/04/1999 Kent, Washington May 4 , 1999 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor White . Present : Councilmembers Amodt, Brotherton, Clark, Epperly, Orr, Woods and Yingling, Operations Director McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Fire Chief Angelo, Police Chief Crawford, Public Works Director Wickstrom and Parks Director Hodgson. Approximately 85 people were at the meeting. CHANGES TO Mayor White added Employee of the Month under AGENDA Public Communications . PUBLIC Drinking Driver Task Force Design Contest COMMUNICATIONS Recognition Ceremony. Nancy Mathews, Drinking Driver Task Force Coordinator, noted that the poster design contest has been in existence for 16 years. She explained that the program began as a one-year project to raise awareness of drinking and driving and it became a great success . She noted that the Task Force was approached by staff many times concerning seat belts, bicycle helmets, pedestrian safety and that the program is now simply referred to as Highway Safety. She noted that 420 posters were submitted this year with 13 winners selected. She then introduced members of the Steering Committee who were present at the Council meeting and explained that these citizens volunteer their time to put together the program, and give staff policy direction which is then recommended to the Council for approval . Mayor White, Councilmember Woods, Chief Crawford and Ms . Mathews congratu- lated each of the winners and presented them with a certificate . Report on China Trip. John Ryan, President of the Chamber of Commerce, gave a brief update on their recent trip to China. He noted that the Chamber decided to split their trips into two different ones with one week in China and one week accompanying Governor Locke to Mexico. He noted that the Asian Economic Crisis hit the Chamber' s entire program pretty hard last year as it did many export businesses in the valley with the focus completely on Asia. He noted that with the passage of NAFTA there appears to be more opportunity in South and Central America so the Chamber has decided to explore it . 1 Kent City Council Minutes May 4 , 1999 PUBLIC Ryan noted that three cities in China, Beijing, COMMUNICATIONS Shanghai and Guanzhou, were visited with two objectives in mind. He noted that the first objective was to address the VISA issue because of an unprecedented low approval rate from U. S . embassies for applicants to attend the show. He noted that the usual 60%-70% approval rate was under 20% . He explained that each person who applies for a VISA gets only two minutes with an officer to determine their qualification, and if there is a slight hesitancy that person will be denied. He also explained that an individual would probably be denied if they've had any dealings with another person who ' s been denied a VISA or if they are from a province that is regularly denied. Ryan noted that the second objective was to recruit for the show. He noted that it is very important for this program to continue and move forward because Kent is now seen as real and vital . Debbie Smith, Director of the Chamber of Commerce International Program, noted that they met with packaging companies, food processing companies, and every association that could be related to the Chamber' s program. She noted that two projects were brought home to work on with the first project from a district in Shanghai . She noted that this project is a preservation and packaging challenge with a baked product that the district wants to export to Japan. She explained that when some Oregon State University professors who were a part of Food World 198 were contacted it was discovered that they had received a research grant and that they plan to be in Shanghai at the end of May to meet with the District officials so arrangements can be made for the District to accomplish their goals. Smith noted that the other project is in Guanzhou, in southern China, where one of the largest food manufacturing companies is asking the Chamber' s help in finding some bakery 2 Kent City Council Minutes May 4 , 1999 PUBLIC technology and equipment in digital imagery. She COMMUNICATIONS noted that the two projects are concrete ones that the Chamber can sink their hands into and hopefully see come to term. She thanked the Council for their help and support . Upon Yingling' s question, Smith noted that the trade mission to Mexico will be ,to Guadalajara and Mexico City where they plan to meet with trade officials and take businesses down there to make business-to-business connections. She explained that Mexico has a Gold Key Service providing appointments so as the local businesses make clear to the Chamber what their objectives are it is passed on to the Gold Key Service and they locate those customers . She reiterated that the Chamber will be recruiting for Food World and also help the area businesses make the connec- tions they need to make . Ryan noted for Yingling that the Chamber will be staying with the Process Foods Technology and Equipment theme again this year but that the entire program focus will be re-evaluated at the end of the year to determine how successful or unsuccessful the show is this summer. He stated that the improved focus, the reputation, and the improved VISA situation will result in the show perpetuating itself . He invited Councilmembers who would like to join them in Mexico to feel free to come . He thanked the Council for their continued support and assured them that there will probably be some positive results from this program. Letter Carrier's Food Drive Day. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring May 8, 1999 as Letter Carrier' s Food Drive Day in the City of Kent . The Mayor noted that the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) , Kent Branch 2038, are joining in an effort to make a major impact on the supply of food at Kent Community and Springwood Food Banks, helping to feed those in need. He noted that citizens can contribute through the Post Offices as well as leaving donations in and by their mail box before 9 : 00 a.m. for collection by the letter carriers . 3 Kent City Council Minutes May 4 , 1999 PUBLIC Mayor White called upon all citizens to join NALC COMMUNICATIONS Branch 2038 in working to aid those in need in the community by participating in the annual food drive. He then presented the proclamation to Ms. Karen Kirkmire-Wilson who was representing the letter carriers Branch 2038 . Ms . Kirkmire- Wilson noted that the intent of starting the food drive was to make it, the easiest way for people to contribute food to those who are in need. Police Officers Week. Mayor White read a pro- clamation declaring the week of May 9-15, 1999 as Law Enforcement Week in the City of Kent . The Mayor noted that the Presidential proclamation encourages citizens to hold appropriate cere- monies and activities honoring Law Enforcement and the service given by the men and women who stand guard in communities . He noted that more than 14, 000 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty with a total of 1, 600 officers who have died in the last ten years with thousands of others who have been injured. He noted that the City of Kent wishes to acknowledge its own officers, the men and women who fre- quently risk their lives to "Serve and Protect" and he encouraged citizens to participate by recognizing and acknowledging their appreciation for Police Officers and their daily contribution to our community safety and peace of mind. Mayor White then presented the proclamation to two officers of the Kent Police Department . National Day Of Prayer. Mayor White read a proclamation hereby supporting May 6, 1999 as a National Day of Prayer as is called for by the Governor of the State of Washington and the Congress of the United States of America. The Mayor noted that national days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation, and that "A National Day of Prayer" was established as an annual event by an official act of Congress in 1952 and that such act was signed into law by then President Truman. He also noted that Washington State Governor Gary 4 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 PUBLIC Locke issued a proclamation designating May 6 as COMMUNICATIONS a Day of Prayer, and that the Congress, by Public Law 100-307, recognize annually a "National Day of Prayer. " Mayor White presented the proclama- tion to John Hodgson, President-Elect of the Kiwanis Club. Introduction Of Anipointees. Mayor White introduced Bob Whalen, Linda Johnson, Frank Wiemes, and Jay Bakst as his reappointments to the Transit Advisory Board. (ADDED ITEM BY MAYOR WHITE) Earoloyee of the Month. Mayor White announced that Barbara Lopez of Finance/HR/Payroll Automation has been selected as Employee of the Month for May. The Mayor noted that Barbara has been sharing her time, energy and expertise between two departments and dedicating herself to the Automation Project . He noted that she has been diligently working on numerous projects such as the Capital Facilities Plan, the Councilmanic Bond, Credit Upgrade Presentation, and the year- end closing entries and schedules. Mayor White expressed that the last few months have been challenging and that Barbara ' s ability to split her time between the two very busy departments without hesitation makes her a very deserving recipient of the Employee of the Month award. He then presented her with the Employee of the Month plaque. CONSENT ORR MOVED that Consent Calender Items A through CALENDAR T, with the exception of H, be approved. Woods seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6A) Agproval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of April 6, 1999 . STORMWATER (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6C) System Develoinent Fee, Meridian Stormwater Capital I=rovement. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3453 which adopts the System Development Fee, Drainage Service Fee, and Meridian Stormwater 5 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 STORMWATER Capital Improvement Program for the Soos Creek Basin of the City' s storm utility service area. SEWER (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 5A) DID 352, South Kent Storm Sewers. This date has been set for the public hearing to establish the formation of LID 352 , South Kent Storm Sewers . Public Works Director Wickstrom noted that the project is south of Willis Street and covers the industrial area just north of South 259th Street between Burlington Northern Railroad on the east and Union Pacific Railroad on the west . He noted that the area encompasses about 50 acres and is actually a complimentary project to the one the City is currently doing. He noted that the City has long proposed to resolve the drainage pro- blems in this area, and that the purpose of the LID is to construct a collection system because presently there is almost no outlet . He explained that there is a very small 12" pipe that was constructed with a high dyke so when the river is high it is blocked off with a flat gate leaving no outlet and any development has to provide extensive on-site storage of up to 9% inches over the entire site. He noted that the developments which have occurred up to this point have had to provide some of the storage necessary, and that the City' s project, which includes approximately 2% acres of City-owned property on the corner of 259th and 3rd Avenue, includes an on-site storage facility which will contain about 4% acre feet of storage plus a small pump station of 30 cubic feet per second that will outlet into the river. He explained that this will allow the development to cut its storage requirements in half plus it would eliminate the flooding that now occurs and drainage would become a mute problem. Wickstrom noted that staff met with the property owners in February, 1999 to discuss the project and LID formation. He also noted that the storage and collection system projects are tied together so without one or the other there is 6 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 SEWER very little benefit to the area but with both the whole area benefits . He noted that the City was able to secure 65% support from the property owners through a combination of signees who had returned a questionnaire to the City and some covenants . He explained that the public hearing tonight is just to establish the LID, and that Council has to .decide whether or .not to proceed with the project . He reiterated that this LID project is a collection system which installs storm systems on 3rd Avenue, 5th Avenue, and 1st Avenue and then ties it into the City' s detention facility and pump station. Wickstrom noted that the total amount of the LID is $777, 590 . 21, and includes some wetlands that the City would pick up of approximately $91, 975 . 04 in assessments . He explained that the actual assessment to the properties is $685, 615 . 17 . He noted that if Council passes the ordinance forming the LID it would take 60% of the value of the property owners assessment to protest it . He briefed the Council on the remaining procedures for an LID. Upon Clark' s question, Wickstrom noted that the whole area is industrial and that the storage requirement makes it difficult to develop but under ESA the City will have to modify its storm drainage regulations to address retrofitting because there is potential for re-development in this area. He noted that the redeveloper would get stuck with the heavy drainage requirement which might make the property not developable. He noted for Epperly that the project brings the storm drain system up to the north end of the industrially zoned property which, in the future, can be extended to service the whole area. He noted that without the City' s detention and outlet projects nothing could be done in that area. Wickstorm noted for Orr that there is a 10 acre tract with 5-acres of wetland that actually receives a 404 permit and has a development 7 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 SEWER permit which is tied to the City' s project being built . He noted that other properties along 5th Avenue have indicated a desire to redevelop or add to their property but they are in a quandry of how to develop meeting the new requirements of the LID and making the existing ponds adequate for the whole property versus having to add to it . He clarified for Orr that,.this project would actually benefit anyone who has the potential for expansion. Mayor White then opened the public hearing. Cecil Tilley, 906 3rd Avenue South (Puget Sound Steel Company) , noted that he is in part of the area that floods . He noted that there are two drainage pipes underneath his property and if those areas are continually dug out, there would be no standing water. He noted that Puget Sound Steel has taken care of the problem on this property, and that he is opposed to the flood control project (LID formation) . Doug Allan, Allan Partnership, who owns four acres on 5th Avenue noted that this project definitely needs the Council ' s support . He noted that his company has been fighting water problems since 1968 and that they are looking forward to getting this drainage system expanded and controlled so they can develop on the one-acre pond area, and improve the industrial area to the point where it matches with other industrial areas in the City. He asked the Council to support this project because it is an opportune time before the cost increases . He also noted that the project is very much needed so that development can con- tinue, and the labor factor could be increased to about 21%% . Alan noted that this project is very well defined has been worked on for many years by the Engineering Department, and that now is the time to take care of the problem in this area. He noted that any support from the City Council would be very much appreciated. Craig Flintoff, owner of Parcel 15, noted that the pictures which were presented to the property owners were a direct result of the current 8 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 SEWER gravity flow system not being maintained. He noted that if this project is approved it should include everything up to Willis Street and take care of the problems which encompass more of the current land owners in that area. He noted that a culvert would probably take care of some of the problems and gravity flow on the other side of 259th into the river. He _expressed that the financial burden of this LID falls on the small businesses in the area but the owner-occupied businesses are the ones who are opposing the LID formation. He also noted that those with the undeveloped land and those who are geared up for expansion are for this project because it will share the cost on the tax payers and private businesses . ORR MOVED to close the public hearing. Woods seconded and the motion carried. Clark noted that the reality is that there have been drainage problems in this area with all of the neighboring properties and it was been dealt with in a piecemeal manner but the improvements need to be done. CLARK MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3452, creating LID 352 , South Kent Storm Sewers . Woods seconded. Wickstrom noted for Epperly that a latecomers fee is paid up front and then the property owner is reimburse as others connect to it . He also pointed out that the City has a right to pump up to 12 , 000 and continue to pump at this rate unless King County declares an emergency and the pump stations in .this area would be shut off . McFall clarified for Epperly that as properties in an LID area are subdivided, assessments will be split out amongst the new ownerships . Wickstrom noted for Yingling that the private residences not included in the LID are for properties located north of the industrial zone. He noted that ultimately the City will probably have to do something to solve their drainage problems further north but they are just outside the scope of this LID. Upon Brotherton' s 9 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 SEWER question, Wickstrom explained that if it were sized to handle the entire area, there would be no detention required on-site but this LID requires half of what is normally required. The motion then carried unanimously. WATER (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6F) Garrison Creek Reservoir Seismic__Upgradg. ACCEPT the Garrison Creek Reservoir Seismic Upgrade contract as complete and release retainage to Able Wright & Company upon standard releases from the State and, release of any liens, as recom- mended by the Public Works/Planning Committee . The original contract amount was $49, 798 . 53 . The final construction cost was $102 , 197 . 10 . The overruns were due to additional material required to complete the project . Adequate funds exist within the project budget to cover this overage. PUBLIC WORKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6E) Surplus Vehicles/Eguinment. DECLARE certain vehicles and equipment as surplus and authorize the sale thereof at the next public auction, as recommended by the Public Works/Planning Committee . STREET (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6D) VACATION Street Vacation, 125th Place SE ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1538 setting June 15th as the public hearing date for the South 125th Place Street Vacation, as recommended by the Public Works/Planning Committee. TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6G) CONTROL Neighborhood Traffic. ADOPTION of Resolution No. 1539 directing the Mayor to review and implement policies and standards relating to enhanced neighborhood traffic control, as recommended by the Public Works and Planning Committee . This resolution directs the Mayor to prepare and submit any necessary revisions to the City' s subdivision regulations, development standards, 10 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 TRAFFIC and other codes or policies to implement CONTROL neighborhood traffic control, improved pedestrian access, and other vehicular speed reduction controls . CRIMINAL CODE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6H) AMENDMENTS Laser Beam. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3454 making it unlawful to improperly point or aim a laser beam at another person without consent . Originally developed as an aid for presentations, laser pointers are readily available to the public. Reported incidents of laser beam related injuries have risen. Not only can retinal damage occur, but directing a beam at an officer or other armed person can create a significant risk of injury to both parties . There is currently no law that prohibits the improper use of laser pointers . This ordinance makes it unlawful to point a laser beam at another person without consent and increases penalties in certain circumstances . Clark explained that an incident happened in his neighborhood a few months ago which alerted him to the fact that there is no ordinance to prohi- bit the improper use of laser beams . He later discovered that the Colt Manufacturing Company has produced a handgun which is used for training that can site and register hits on a target . He noted that adoption of the proposed ordinance before the Council tonight is aimed at actions where a laser beam is pointed directly or in- directly on another person in such a manner as to harass, annoy, frighten or assault . He noted that the proposed ordinance also deals with the appropriateness of the action because there are times when an individual actually tries to intimidate another which becomes dangerous for the person using the laser beam as well as the intended victim. He noted the ordinance deals with different levels of behavior, specifically a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor when it targets public safety officials or individuals carrying out their official capacity such as EMS 11 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 CRIMINAL CODE officials. He explained that the intent for AMENDMENTS adoption of this ordinance is to send a clear message to the public that it has become a more dangerous world and those who are charged with taking care of public safety issues need to be protected. Clark noted that he submitted . a .copy of the Iowa ordinance to 33rd District Rep. Shay. Schual-Berke and proposed that it be adopted by the State Legislature. He noted that the ordinance was passed by both the House and Senate and is awaiting signature by the Governor. He also noted that the proposed ordinance gives the City of Kent a certain amount of caution in the usage of laser type weapons and provides defense in consideration of one ' s peers . He explained that this ordinance would be in effect until the Governor signs the ordinance that was passed by the State Legislature and then that ordinance is adopted by the City. CLARK MOVED for approval of Consent Calendar, Item H. Woods seconded and the motion carried. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6I) Criminal Code Amendment. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3455 amending the Kent Criminal Code. Recent trends in criminal behavior necessitate the following changes to the Kent criminal code by (1) creating a section relating to the destruction, theft, abandonment, or misuse of electronic home detention devices; (2) amending the section relating to escape; (3) creating a new section relating to the neglect of a child or dependent person; (4) creating a new section relating to vehicle prowl tools; (5) creating a new section relating to drug paraphernalia; (6) creating a new section relating to the possession of certain weapons at the Kent Commons; (7) repealing two sections relating to firearms; and (8) amending the section relating to domestic violence . 12 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 BILLBOARDS (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 5B) Billboard Moratorium. On April 20, 1999, the City Council passed Resolution No. 1536 imposing a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for the issuance of any building, land use, or development permit or approval for billboards . State law authorizes cities to adopt moratoriums, provided a public hearing is held within sixty (60) days of adoption. This date has been set as the date for a public hearing on this matter. The Council may either continue the moratorium for the full six-month term or terminate the moratorium. Lubovich noted that the matter before the Council tonight is not the issue of billboards but the moratorium iteself . He explained that any applications filed after April 20, 1999, when Resolution No. 1536 was passed to impose a moratorium regarding billboards, would not be able to proceed with the moratorium in place. He noted, however, that any applications filed on or before April 20th would not be affected by the moratorium assuming that all the code require- ments are met . He reiterated that tonight is just a hearing on the continuation of the moratorium and that the substantive matter of the billboards is currently before the Planning/ Public Works Committee. Mayor White opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience and ORR MOVED to close the public hearing. Woods seconded and the motion carried. Clark explained that the issue being discussed is whether to continue having commercial billboards that are rented out or not . He noted that the City has been working on this issue for over two years and that the recommendation out of the Land Use and Planning Board is to retain the sign board numbers as they currently exist . He noted that another proposal is to ban billboards with an amortization 13 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 BILLBOARDS schedule for the values inherent and leases . He encouraged citizens to contact City Hall and give more public input than what has been received to this point . CLARK MOVED to pass Resolution No. 1537 adopting findings and continuing the moratorium estab- lished in Resolution No. 1536, relating to building, land use, or development permit or approval for billboards . Brotherton seconded and the motion carried. ZONING CODE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6K) AMENDMENTS Central Avenue Design Guidelines Amendment ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3457 relating to Central Avenue Design Guidelines . On April 6, 1999, the City Council approved the recommendation by the Land Use and Planning Board and directed the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance . COMPREHENSIVE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6L) PLAN Shoreline Master Program ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3458 relating to the Shoreline Master Program. The Shoreline Master Program was adopted by the City Council on February 2, 1999, after review by the Public Works and Planning Committee on February 1, 1999 . The Land Use and Planning Board held a hearing on this item on December 14, 1998 . The revised Kent Shoreline Master Program was sent to Washington State Department of Ecology on February 12, 1999 for their 30-day review. The Department of Ecology formally approved the Shoreline Master Program on April 20, 1999 . PLAT (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6S) Country Club North Final Plat FU-97-5. APPROVAL with conditions of the Country Club North Final Plat and to authorize the Mayor to sign the final plat mylar. 14 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 PLAT The Country Club North Final Plat is 8 . 14 acres in size and is located between SE 238th Street and SE 240th Street, and 139th Ave . SE and 140th Ave. SE. King County approved the preliminary subdivision under Ordinance No. 12667 on January 13 , 1997 . This subdivision was transferred to Kent by King County upon the annexation of the Meridian valley area. City staff has reviewed the proposed final plat and found that it complies with the conditions imposed by King County Ordinance No. 12667 . PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6M) RECREATION Trinity Church Parking Lot Development and Joint Use Agreement At Pleat Fenwick Park AUTHORIZA- TION to enter into agreement with Trinity Reform Church allowing development of additional parking space on City property at West Fenwick park in exchange for joint use of the parking lot, subject to approval of plans and acceptance by the City Attorney. The Trinity Reform Church is in need of addi- tional parking. The church wants to add 30 stalls to their east parking lot site and an additional eleven feet of parking space on West Fenwick Park property. In exchange for allowing them to construct on City property, the church offers joint-use of the parking lot at all times, except Sundays and during evening hours after 6 : 30 p.m. The church will be responsible for all costs related to this project . Additional parking would benefit not only the park, but users of the new West Hill Skate Park. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6P) FIRE King County Basic Life SN=ort Services Contract Amendment. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign the contract amendment with King County EMS, allowing the City to receive funds per the EMS Levy. In 1998 an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy was passed for a three-year period, beginning in 1999 . The City has signed a contract with King 15 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 FIRE County EMS since 1981 to receive EMS Funding. A contract amendment is received annually to adjust the payment amount that the City of Kent will receive . This amendment changes the amount of $330, 912 in 1998 to $682 , 787 in 1999 . The amendment also changes the contract period to cover all of 1999 and amends a section to cover Nondiscrimination in Subcontracting Practices . The City Attorney' s Office has reviewed the amendment and in their opinion the amended contract is compliant . This item relates to the Council ' s vision for Kent 2003 by allowing the City to continue to provide EMS services to citizens (safe community) . EMPLOYEE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6) SERVICES Civil Attorney Position. APPROVAL of the Operations Committee ' s recommendation authorizing an additional Assistant City Attorney (civil) position in the City Attorney' s office, and amending the 1999 Budget in the amount of $48, 000 : $36, 000 for salary and benefits; $7, 000 for computer, workstation, and equipment; and $5, 000 for anticipated office reconfigurations. $12 , 000 of this position is a one-time expense . All costs will be paid for transfers from Public Works projects. TECHNOLOGY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6R) PLAN Remote Access System Purchase. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign a Remote Access Purchase and Implementation agreement with Network Control Incorporated in the amount of $68, 935 .20, subject to City Attorney approval . REAPPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6T) Transit Advisory Board. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor' s reappointment of Bob Whalen, Linda Johnson, Frank Wiemes, and Jay Bakst to continue serving as members of the Transit Advisory Board. Their terms will continue until 4/30/2001 . 16 Kent City Council Minutes May 4 , 1999 FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6B) $gproval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through April 15 and paid on April 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on April 20, 1999 . Approval of checks issued for vouchers : Date Check Numbers Amount 4/15/99 215398-215843 $ 798,406 . 89 4/15/99 215844-216288 3 , 823 , 937 .28 $4 , 622 , 344 . 17 Approval of checks issued for payroll for April 1 through April 15 and paid on April 20, 1999 : Date Check Numbers Amount 4/20/99 Checks 235003-235326 $ 273 , 709 .49 4/20/99 Advices 78725-79288 817 , 027 . 25 $1, 090, 736 . 74 (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6J) Youth/Teen Utility Tax Reauthorization AUTHORIZATION to continue dedicating three/tenths of one percent of utility tax to the youth/teen programs by removing the sunset provisions of the utility tax dedicated to these programs . City Council previously authorized a percentage of the utility tax be dedicated to youth and teen programs which sunsets at the end of this year. The funds are used for recreation programs such as D.A.R.E. , video technology programs, and youth oriented capital projects . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6N) Fireworks Display Funding Request AUTHORIZATION to use City matching funds, up to $6, 000 to finance the expansion of the fireworks display for the Fourth of July "Splash" Festival at Lake Meridian Park. The Lake Meridian Homeowners Association has provided a July 4th fireworks display over the lake for years . As part of the expansion of the 17 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 FINANCE festival, the Homeowners Association and City staff recommend improving the fireworks display. To accomplish this, the Homeowners Association requests the City provide $6, 000 in matching funds for improvements . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 60) Downtown Planter Box Reulacementa AUTHORIZATION to allocate $18, 000 for the first phase of replacing planter boxes and garbage cans in downtown Kent . There are many wooden planter boxes downtown that are used to help beautify the area. Many are in immediate need of replacement . Prior to pre- senting a funding request to City Council, staff from Planning, Public Works, and Parks Departments met with members of the Kent Downtown Partnership and the Downtown Design Committee. Those in attendance determined that it was important to develop a plan to replace planters, garbage cans, and benches with a consistency in design and color. The Committee agreed on replacement pieces and proposes a 3-to- 5 year replacement plan beginning immediately. The request is for $18 , 000 to replace 30 planters and 10 garbage cans this spring. REPORTS Council President. Orr reminded the Council of the Suburban Cities dinner on May 12th and asked for those who plan to attend to get their reservations to the Council Secretary as soon as possible . Operations Committee. Woods noted that the next meeting is scheduled for May 18th at 3 :30 p.m. Parks Committee. Woods noted that the next meeting will be held on May 18th at 4 : 30 p.m. Administrative Reports. Operations Director McFall noted that the Council will be resuming their annual goal-setting retreat on Monday and Tuesday evenings (May 11th and 12th) from approximately 3 :30 - 9 : 00 p.m. , and will be 18 Kent City Council Minutes May 4, 1999 REPORTS meeting in the 4th Floor Conference Room of the Centennial Center. Upon Mayor White ' s request, McFall noted that the City has entered into an earnest money agreement with the owner of a substantial portion of pro- perty on which Council has designated their desire to place the performing arts center and that the closing was completed today. He ex- plained that there is still a small piece of property that the City wants to acquire to square off the property along Smith Street, but this is the first significant step toward finalizing the civic and performing arts center. He noted that not only has the location been designated but also a significant portion of the property acquired. Mayor White noted that the acquisition of this property was done within the designated budget that Council had approved. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 05 p.m. X.I/61 v, a &)� Donna Swaw Deputy City Clerk 19