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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 05/03/1994Kent, Washington May 3, 1994 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor White. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Clark, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr and Woods, Operations Director/ Chief of Staff McFall, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Fire Chief Angelo, Police Chief Crawford, Government Affairs Division Manager Martin, Parks Director Hodgson, and Human Resources Division Manager Viseth. Approximately 75 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Drinking Driver Task Force Design Contest. COMMUNICATIONS Lt. Rufener, Kent Police Department, noted that some of the challenges facing today's youth are suicides, car accidents, drug use, and violence in the communities. She explained that once a year the Drinking Driver Task Force tries to bring children together to design contest posters with themes to help prevent these pro- blems and to reinforce safety messages. She noted that there were over 800 participants in this year's contest and explained that the information gathered is put together in mean- ingful themes and sent out to all the schools to reinforce the message. Lt. Rufener intro- duced the winners in each category, and certificates were presented to them by Mayor White, Councilmember Houser, and Chief Crawford. Pediatric Interim Care Center Day. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring May 7, 1994 as "Barbara Drennen and Barbara Richards Pediatric Interim Care Center Day" in the City of Kent. He urged citizens to recognize the accomplish- ments of these two determined women and the success of the Pediatric Interim Care Center in providing crucial care for medically fragile infants. The Mayor presented the proclamation to Barbara Drennen. Correctional Officer Week. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring the week of May 1-7, 1994 as "Correctional Officer Week" in the City of Kent, and encouraged all citizens to acknowledge the professional service the Corrections Staff provides to the community. He noted that the Kent Corrections Facility is also celebrating their eighth anniversary 1 May 3, 1994 PUBLIC during the month of May and that the City of COMMUNICATIONS Kent wishes to honor the valor, service and dedication of its Corrections Officers. The Mayor presented the proclamation to Officer Michael Armstrong and Chief Crawford. Greater Puget Sound Safe Boating Week. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring the week of May 1-7, 1994 as "Greater Puget Sound Safe Boating Week" in the City of Kent, and urged all those who enjoy the pleasure of boating to become aware of the potential hazards of boating, especially during the spring months. He noted that their theme, "Boat Safe, Boat Sober", is very appropriate for tonight as it ties in with the Drinking Driver Task Force's theme. The Mayor presented the proclamation to Flotilla Commander Patricia Helmer of the U.S. Coast Guard. National Public Works Week. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring the week of May 15-21, 1994 as "National Public Works Week" in the City of Kent. He invited all citizens and civic organizations to acquaint themselves with the problems involved in providing public works services, and to recognize the contributions that public works officials make every day toward the health, safety and comfort of the citizens. The proclamation was presented to Public Works Director Wickstrom. Letter Carrier's Food Drive Day. Mayor White read a proclamation declaring May 14, 1994 as "Letter Carrier's Food Drive Day" in the City of Kent, and called upon all citizens to join the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 2038 in working to aid those in need in the community by participating in the annual food drive. Bill Parmenter of the U.S. Postal Service was presented with the proclama- tion. Employee of the Month. T that Patrice Thorell of t has been named Employee o He noted that one of her courteous helpful service 2 he Mayor announced he Parks Department f the Month for May. primary goals is to the Kent May 3, 1994 PUBLIC community. Operations Director McFall noted COMMUNICATIONS that Patrice is a wonderful ambassador for the City in the business community as well as the recreation field, and that she is regarded by fellow employees not only as an extremely competent professional but also a good friend. Introduction of Mayor's Appointees. Mayor White introduced Ron Banister as his appointee to the Civil Service Commission, and Roger Broer as his appointee to the Arts Commission. Regional Justice Center URdate. Wendy Keller, Project Manager, distributed to the Council a copy of the Key Project Schedule Items and Timeframes, and noted that the project is right on schedule with completion of the schematic design in October, the design development in March, and the cost estimate reconciliation in April. She also noted that final papers were signed last Friday, and that the two properties are now owned by King County. Keller informed the Council that NW Metals has already vacated their property, that Howard Manufacturing will be off their property in about 2 weeks, and that the Kent Fire Depart- ment will be using the NW Metals building for training. She noted that the RFP for asbestos removal is now out, the RFP for remediation of the pentachlorophenol tank will be out shortly, and that an RFP for demolition of site build- ings and foundations will then be sent out. She explained that throughout the summer the preloading and preparation of the site will be taking place with two oil tanks underneath the NW Metals building which still have to be removed, and that there will be at least three contractors on-site. Keller noted that the Construction/EIS Mitiga- tion Package will also be done within the next couple of months with the operational mitiga- tion process completed by January, 1995. She explained that the building design process will be completed by November with a review process following, the documents will be done in December, and that the project will be ready tc 3 May 3, 1994 PUBLIC go out for bid by January, 1995. She noted, COMMUNICATIONS however, that the Metropolitan King County Council needs proof that they can afford to operate the building and make any judgments as to how much of the building may not be opera- tional at the time of opening. She stated that construction is scheduled to begin in March, 1995 with completion by December, 1996, and effective occupation by January, 1997. Keller noted that the Community and Business Advisory Group (CBAG) has been given 15 opera- tional questions to address with three issues being discussed at each meeting, so they are on a very stringent schedule. She explained that a building at the SW corner of the site, which is owned by the railroad, is being addressed as requested by the City in the EIS. She noted that negotiations are currently underway with the railroad for possible purchase of this property but that it would be an additional cost to the project, and even though it would benefit the exit out of that corner as well as the general look of the area, it may not be necessary to purchase it. She stated that the City will be kept posted on this issue. Keller noted that the King County Council has appropriated 1% of the money for the arts plan to select and hire artists to work with the design architects on the integrated pieces toward the front of the building and the 4th Street side of which are well underway. Russ Stringham, 1411 W. Smith, stated his support of this project from the beginning but said that if some issues, such as traffic and parking, are not properly mitigated it will have a negative effect on the area. Upon Stringham's question, Keller explained that $600,000 has been provided by the levy to deal with traffic and parking issues, and that none of it has been allocated as of yet. She noted that 200 extra parking spaces are being pro- vided, but no final decisions have been made whether to have paid parking or not. Upon Steve Dowell's question, she noted that proper removal of the tanks and the ground around them 4 May 3, 1994 PUBLIC is part of the environmental checklist. She COMMUNICATIONS explained that the County will do a self - cleanup of the area rather than wait two years for the DOE to approve because it is not con- sidered a high level contaminated site. She explained that the DOE doesn't give an official approval until the site is completely cleaned up. Keller also noted for Dowell that all buildings will be opened at the same time even though some of the courtrooms and some of the jail may not be operational at the time of opening. Keller further noted that the Department of Ecology has met with them on all sub surface investigations, worked out a plan on how to remediate, and has reviewed it. She explained that this was a courtesy DOE extended them as another government agency under an emergency clause. Teen Center Task Force ReRort. Mark Moder, Youth Pastor for Kent Christian Center and representative from the Teen Center Task Force, introduced the committee members, and gave some background on the establishment and mission of the task force. He noted that the recommenda- tions from the task force to the Council are as follows: (1) that the Mayor and City Council authorize placement of a $7.6 million bond issue on the November, 1994 ballot to fund land acquisition and construction of a 29,000 sq. ft. youth teen center; (2) that the 13.2 acre Morrill homestead property on SE 248th Street be acquired for building a youth teen center; (3) that two satellite programs be offered twice a week at school sites - Totem Junior High School on West Hill that would be operational in 1994, and one on a school site in downtown Kent; (4) that the youth teen center use the in- novative Project Lighthouse concept of combining teen recreation, law enforce- ment, Kent Ministerial Association, and 5 May 3, 1994 PUBLIC social services into the daily operations COMMUNICATIONS at the teen center and satellite programs, and that professionals and volunteers from the many Kent based agencies and community groups be involved in operating a multi- faceted youth teen program; (5) that coordinated efforts be continued with the Kent Transit Advisory Board with the ultimate goal of bus services to and from the youth teen center and other locations within the Kent city limits; and (6) that the Task Force remain in strong partnership with the Kent School District which has shown interest, cooperation and support for the youth teen center program. Moder noted that there is almost no availa- bility at any school within the Kent School District on a consistent basis and that consistency is a necessity. He distributed to the Council a copy of a letter signed by ap- proximately 120 youth showing support for a teen center. He explained the building site concept design, but noted that this isn't the final design and again stressed the real need for a youth teen center with all the issues facing youth today. Mayor White thanked all members of the Task Force. MANN MOVED to accept the Youth Teen Center Task Force report. Orr seconded. Christie Peterson, 13118 SE 234th, expressed hope that if the Council is not quite ready to make a decision, they would postpone action and give individuals a chance to go to the community for more support for this center. She said she just found out about this project and is sure others are not aware of it as well. The motion to accept the report then carried. Mann dis- tributed to the Council a three-page copy of "Youth Statistics" from the 1993 Human Services Needs Assessment book, and urged them to read and investigate the report thoroughly. MANN THEN MOVED that the Council refer this matter N May 3, 1994 PUBLIC to the Parks Committee which will then hold direct Admin- COMMUNICATIONS public hearings, and that Council istration to analyze the report and forward their findings to the Parks Committee and the Council, and that the Council discuss the feasibility of the current Youth Teen Center proposal as developed by the City's Youth Teen Center Task Force, and that the Council make a final decision on the future of this project no later than the Council's June 21 regular meet- ing. Orr seconded. Mayor White expressed concern about the short time frame, but stated that Administration will be as responsive as possible. The motion then carried. Mayor White suggested that the petition con- taining 120 signatures be made a part of the record. BENNETT SO MOVED. Orr seconded and the motion carried. CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A CALENDAR through J, with exception of Item F which was removed by Councilmember Houser, be approved. Johnson seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of Minutes. APPROVAL of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of April 19, 1994. WATER (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) in Lieu of Assessment. Hardship Case - Charge AUTHORIZATION for the Finance Manager to execute the necessary documents allowing Mr. Richard A. Kerkel of 26405 122nd Place S.E. to make monthly payments against a $632.50 Charge in Lieu of Assessment fee for water service, as recommended by the Public Works Committee, and in accordance with Resolution No. 975. Mr. Kerkel has claimed that paying the full amount at this time would create a hardship. SIDEWALKS (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2A) LID 342 Smith Street Sidewalks, Washington_ Avenue to 64th Avenue. This date has been set for the public hearing on the final assessment roll of LID 342. Public Works Director 7 May 3, 1994 SIDEWALKS Wickstrom pointed out the location and explained that the LID was formed a year ago, after an inquiry by Catholic Community Services. He noted that construction is not complete, but that the final project cost is estimated to be $113,265. He explained that the project is a mix of LID and City funds, and that closing the LID ahead of time would keep costs down. He added that the City's share of the project is approximately $38,000 which will come out of the sidewalk fund. Wickstrom noted that a protest was received from Bally's Health & Tennis Corporation, asking that their assessment be reduced by $1,000 but that no supporting evidence was provided. He therefore recommended that the assessment not be adjusted. Mayor White declared the public hearing open. There were no comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MANN MOVED to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordi- nance adopting LID 342, Smith Street Sidewalks from Washington Avenue to 64th Avenue. Bennett seconded. Lubovich clarified that the motion to accept the material in the Council agenda packet as part of the record should be made first. Mann and Bennett withdrew the motion and the second. MANN THEN MOVED to make the material contained in the Council agenda packet on this item part of the record. Houser seconded and the motion carried. MANN MOVED to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordi- nance adopting LID 342, Smith Street Sidewalks from Washington Avenue to 64th Avenue. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. TRAFFIC (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 2B) CONTROL LID 344 Traffic Signal at S.E. 240th Street and 108th Avenue S.E. This date has been set for the public hearing on the final assessment roll for LID 344. Public Works Director Wickstrom noted that inquiries regarding a signal were received after an accident at the intersection, and that a review determined that certain criteria were met. He added that there 8 May 3, 1994 TRAFFIC were some covenants from various developments CONTROL in the area to support the installation of a signal. He noted that informal meetings were held with property owners who would be affected by an LID, that it appeared that there was support to proceed, and that a public hearing was held on January 4, 1994. He pointed out that the project is under construction and should be completed in the latter part of the summer, and noted that closing the LID out would reduce costs. He noted that the total cost of the project is estimated to be $150,197.21, and that City funds will cover part of the project. Wickstrom noted receipt of protests from Mary Behrendsen (Assessment No. 4) and Sam Behar (Assessment No. 9). He noted that property owners must supply credible evidence that shows that their property is not benefitted to the amount of the assessment. He said the information supplied regarding Assessment No. 4 was not credible, and noted that the property is vacant. He added that if they were to develop, a covenant would have to be executed to participate. He concluded that no reduction in Assessment No. 4 is warranted. He noted that Mr. Behar did not provide any supporting evidence that would justify a re- duction in Assessment No. 9. Mayor White declared the public hearing open. Mary Behrendsen, owner of Assessment No. 4, disagreed with Wickstrom that the material she provided with her protest is not satisfactory. She said the price paid for the property is adequate proof of the value at that time, and that tax information should be considered adequate. She noted that she has been unable to sell this property, and said that she should not have to pay for a traffic signal because her property does not generate any traffic. She said the traffic is coming from the apart- ments and that they should have been required to pay for a traffic signal when they were built. She also asked why the post office is not required to pay a portion of the cost. Wickstrom responded that the post office is exempt from all local authorities including LID assessments. He pointed out that the issue is 9 May 3, 1994 TRAFFIC the value of the property immediately before CONTROL the LID and immediately after the improvement, not the value at the time of purchase. He said that the assessor's value is not considered credible evidence, and noted that many dispute the assessor's value of their property. He added that the apartments are paying their share of the costs as distributed through this LID. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MANN MOVED to make the material contained in the Council agenda packet on this item a part of the record. Houser seconded and the motion carried. MANN THEN MOVED to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance adopting LID 344, traffic signal at S.E. 240th Street and 108th Avenue SE. Woods seconded. Bennett asked that the signals between 104th Avenue S.E. and 116th Avenue S.E. be synchronized to avoid gridlock. The motion then carried. Later in the meeting Ms. Behrendsen expressed dismay that the Council did not comment on her concerns, and simply accepted Wickstrom's recommendation. Mayor White suggested that she meet with Wickstrom after the meeting, and offered to discuss the matter with her at that time. LEVEE (BIDS - ITEM 5A) IMPROVEMENTS Green River Levee Improvements. Bid opening for this project was held April 26th with nine bids received. The low bid was submitted by Lloyd Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $272,010.31. The engineer's estimate was $326,034.55. The project consists of con- structing a section of new levee and raising portions of the existing levee along the northerly bank of the Green River from approximately the Meeker Street Bridge to the West Valley Highway bridge. Also included is the installation of a paved pedestrian/bicycle trail along the top of same. 10 May 3, 1994 LEVEE The Public Works Director has recommended that IMPROVEMENTS this bid be accepted and the contract awarded to Lloyd Enterprises, Inc. MANN MOVED that the Green River Levee Improvement contract be awarded to Lloyd Enterprises, Inc. for the bid amount of $272,010.31. Bennett seconded and the motion carried. ANNEXATION (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4D) (ADDED BY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR MCFALL) Auburn Agreement - Ramstead Annexation. McFall explained that the proposed agreement has to do with the Ramstead Annexation. Public Works Director Wickstrom pointed out the location of the area and noted that the Ramstead Annexation is presently before the Boundary Review Board. He stated that the area contains 594 acres, including an 18 -acre finger which is owned by Mrs. Ramstead and is of concern to the City of Auburn. He noted that the sphere of interest for both cities overlaps, and both have con- cerns. He explained that under the law, pro- perties can be exchanged by passing resolutions between each jurisdiction, and noted that this has been done with the City of SeaTac regarding a Park -N -Ride lot. He added that it would be subject to a referendum by the people if they object. He stated that the City of Auburn is receptive to this, and asked the Council to authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement relat- ing to the Ramstead Annexation with a possible future modification of the boundaries. BENNETT SO MOVED. Woods seconded and the motion carried. PUBLIC SAFETY (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Hours of Operation for Licensed Premises. The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 9.32 of the Kent City Code entitled "Conduct in Alcoholic Beverage Premises", by adding a new section regulating entertainment conducted on premises licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Under the proposed ordinance, no music, dancing, or entertainment could be conducted between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any 11 May 3, 1994 PUBLIC SAFETY premises licensed under the authority of the State Liquor Control Board which is open to the public and which operates for profit, directly or indirectly, or requires a monetary payment or contribution from persons admitted. The City Attorney distributed corrected copies of the proposed ordinance containing references to the statutory authority and adding a sen- tence stating that "music" and "entertainment" shall not apply to radios or mechanical musical devices such as tape decks or similar equip- ment. He explained that the ordinance basical- ly prohibits live entertainment, often referred to as after hours entertainment, in night clubs between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. He explained that this would not regulate all entertainment since the use of radios and other mechanical devices cannot be prohibited. WOODS MOVED for the adoption of Ordinance No. 3163 regulating entertainment conducted on premises licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Houser seconded and the motion carried with Bennett opposed. FIRE DEPARTMENT (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) The sale and Sale and Discharge of Fireworks. use of fireworks has been the subject of much public debate over recent years. In the interest of preserving both the tradition of fireworks and public safety, and pursuant to RCW 70.77.395, the City of Kent has prepared an ordinance restricting the time fireworks may be sold and limiting the time fireworks may be discharged. The Fire Prevention Bureau has notified all 1993 firework permit holders of the proposed fireworks ordinance as requested by the Public Safety Committee. Fire Chief Angelo noted that four alternatives were presented to the Public Safety Committee as follows: 1. Follow State Law. Dates of sale: June 28 noon to July 6 noon. No limit of days they may be discharged. 12 May 3, 1994 FIRE DEPARTMENT 2. Limit Sales. Dates of sale: June 28 noon to July 4, 11:00 p.m. Discharge: July 4th only 9:00 a.m. - midnight. 3. Limit Sales. Date of sale: July 4 only. Discharge: July 4th only, 9:00 a.m. - midnight. 4. Limit Sales 1994, Ban 1995. Dates of sale: June 28, 1994, noon - July 4, 1994, 11:00 p.m. Discharge: July 4, 1994 only, 9:00 a.m. - midnight. Sale and discharge banned in 1995. He noted that the Fire Department recommends Option 4, limited sales and discharge in 1994 and a ban in 1995. He explained that one year notice must be given to people who sell fire- works before a ban can take place. Mayor White commended the Council for their efforts to address this issue. He spoke in favor of a ban in 1995, due to safety issues, the noise factor, and the potential costs associated with fireworks, and urged the Council to consider a ban. Angelo noted that Option 4 is the same as Option 2 with the addition of a ban in 1995. Bennett suggested adopting Option 2 and con- sidering a ban at the Council meeting of May 17th. Lubovich noted that an alternate ordinance banning fireworks sales and discharge in 1995 has been prepared and could be adopted at tonight's meeting if the Council so desires. BENNETT MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3164 restricting the time for sale of fireworks and limiting the time for discharge of fireworks. Houser seconded. Woods offered a friendly amendment adding an outright ban in 1995. Bennett agreed to the amendment. Houser noted that the Public Safety Committee had planned to discuss the ban at their next meeting, and did not agree to the amendment. Woods withdrew the amendment. Lubovich noted for Orr that there is still time to discuss the ban at the Public Safety Committee meeting and then pass an ordinance enacting a ban in 1995. Mayor White asked the City Attorney to prepare such an 13 May 3, 1994 FIRE DEPARTMENT ordinance for consideration by the Public Safety Committee. John Hvrv, 10602 Fawn Drive NW, Gig Harbor, noted that he works with several families and clubs who retail fireworks in Kent. He said he has no disagreement with restrictions on the dates of sale, but is opposed to a total ban. He noted that youth organizations would be im- pacted, and provided a copy of safety material which is distributed to retailers. He stated that injuries and property damage due to fire- works has gone down significantly for the second year in a row, due to safety education. He added that the worst injury statistics are in the ten states that ban all fireworks. He stressed that his company works to create a safe 4th of July celebration and they do not believe bans are effective, noting that people can obtain illegal fireworks. Clark reiterated that public safety is the issue. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 3164 then carried. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) RECREATION Riverbend Proposed 1994 Buyout Fund Projects and Improvements. APPROVAL of an $81,204 expenditure and budget change for projects and improvements at Riverbend Golf Complex, as recommended by the Golf Advisory Board, Parks Department Staff, and Parks Committee at its April 5, 1994 meeting (3-0). (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) (REMOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER HOUSER) Riverbend Proposed 1994 Greens Fee Schedule. Approval of a proposed 1994 Riverbend Greens Fee Schedule was recommended by the Parks Committee (3-0) at its April 5, 1994 meeting. This proposal follows the staff recommended fee increase schedule with the addition of a spe- cial discount for City residents. The discount is $.50 below 1993 greens fee rates. Houser asked that this item be removed from the Consent Calendar and be referred to the next Parks Committee meeting so that the new Parks Director would have a chance to meet with the contractors at the golf course before it goes through. 14 May 3, 1994 PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) RECREATION Open Space - Budget Change. AUTHORIZATION to adjust the Parkside Wetlands project budget from $230,000 to $235,721 incorporating interest income to this project per the open space agreement with King County. HUMAN RESOURCES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) Police Office Technician II. AUTHORIZATION for a Police Office Technician II position. This position is needed to assist in the accredi- tation process the Kent Police Department is currently working on. The position will be moved from temporary part-time to regular part- time so that hours of work can be increased to meet project timelines of completion by December 1995. APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) Appointment - Civil Service Commission. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointment of Ron Banister to the Kent Civil Service Commission. The Mayor has recently appointed Ron Banister to serve as a member of the Kent Civil Service Commission. Mr. Banister is associated with Windemere Real Estate Agency, is a member of the Kent Economic Development Corporation, and has served as a member of the Kent Board of Adjustment. He will replace Carl Hart, whose appointment was nullified because of residency requirements. Mr. Banister's appointment will be in effect until 4/30/2000. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Appointment - Arts Commission CONFIRMATION of the Mayor's appointment of Roger Broer to the Kent Arts Commission. The Mayor has recently appointed Roger Broer to serve as a member of the Kent Arts Commission. Mr. Broer is a career artist and is the author of our "We Are All Related" mural on the east wall of the First Interstate Bank at First and Meeker. He has done many public art projects including a project at the Department of Interior headquarters in Washington, D.C., and 15 May 3, 1994 APPOINTMENTS most recently a large mural for the new Denver airport. Mr. Broer will replace Midge Sweley, who resigned, and his appointment will be in effect until 10/31/97. COUNCIL (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) Compensation of Councilmembers. The proposed ordinance would amend Kent City Code Section 2.01.010, Compensation of Councilmembers, by increasing Councilmember salaries, providing for cost of living increases, and providing for medical benefits. Operations Director McFall explained that under the proposed ordinance, Councilmembers would be covered under the City's medical insurance plan at the City's expense, and that dependents could be covered at their own expense. He explained that the salary cannot be adjusted to apply to Councilmembers in their current term, so the increase would not be effective until after the expiration of the current terms of seated Councilmembers. He noted that this could result in staggered salary increases, but that the Operations Committee recommended that the salaries for all seven Councilmembers be adjusted on January 1, 1998. He stated that the base salary would change from $500 per month to $550 per month, and that the salary would be adjusted by 75% of the CPIW for Seattle each year. Upon Woods' question, McFall explained that the cost to cover a Councilmember and all dependents would be approximately $600 a month. Human Resources Division Manager Viseth noted that the City would pay approximately $200 of that amount. JOHNSON MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3165 increasing Councilmember salaries, providing for cost of living increases, and providing for medical benefits. Houser seconded. Steve Dowell said that the cost for seven Council - members would be $24,480 per year, or $97,920 for their four-year terms. He noted that Councilmembers most likely have insurance coverage, and would cancel any they are currently paying for if the City provided 16 May 3, 1994 COUNCIL insurance. He said that councilmembers are not employees, and passage of this ordinance would be insensitive to current economic conditions. He suggested increasing the salary by $50 a month, but limiting the COLA to 3% and elimi- nating the medical benefits. He also suggested that the Mayor veto the entire plan. Clark noted for Dowell that the proposed ordinance is of no value to him, since he is not eligible for it because of State insurance plan changes. Upon Houser's question, McFall noted that 75% of the CPIW would be approximately $11.00 for this year. Russ Stringham spoke in favor of the increase in salary, noting the complexity of the issues and the amount of time that goes into the job. He said that in order to attract people to run for City Council, they must be adequately compensated. He suggested imple- menting the program on a staggered basis, during election years, so that the extra in- crease would begin sooner and candidates would know the salary. He noted that an increase of $50 is currently a 10% increase, but in January 1998 it won't be as much. He agreed that there should be a limit on the COLA. Stringham then questioned why medical benefits would be offered to part-time employees, noting that Councilmembers presumably have full time jobs which pay benefits. He recommended not offering the full time benefits. Upon Woods' question, Viseth noted that employees who work at least 21 hours a week receive the equivalent of full time benefits. Stringham pointed out that City employees work regular hours, but that there is no way to verify how many hours a Councilmember works. Johnson noted that he instigated this issue, and that the Operations Committee has recommended the compensation brought forward tonight. He added that other cities were contacted as to compensation for Councilmembers and this plan is comparable. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 3165 then carried, with Bennett opposed. 17 May 3, 1994 FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Interlocal Agreement with City of Des Moines Regarding Midway Crossing. AUTHORIZATION for the Mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with the City of Des Moines regarding Midway Crossing. This interlocal agreement is related to the Midway Crossing Neighborhood Shopping Center which is divided by the boundary of Kent and Des Moines with the majority of Midway Crossing residing in Kent. This agreement out- lines the understanding between the two cities on sales and utility taxes and surface water management charges, maintenance and capital issues and amends the original interlocal entered into in 1987. Mann later commented that he is unhappy with the exit from the mall to Kent -Des Moines Way. He said the exit was a compromise conditioned for by the anchor store, and the resulting traffic is dangerous. He opined that such a compromise is outrageous, and that citizens are in jeopardy. White explained that the left -turn lane out of the mall was required by the City of Des Moines, and Mann expressed his disapproval. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) ADDroyal of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through April 5, 1994 and paid on April 15, 1994, after auditing by the Operations Committee on April 27, 1994. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 3/16/94-3/31/94 141188-141780 $2,204,758.63 4/1/94-4/15/94 141781-142238 1,286,568.03 Approval of checks issued for payroll for March 16 through March 31, 1994 and paid on April 5, 1994 and for April 1 through April 15, 1994 and paid on April 20, 1994: Date Check Numbers Amount 4/5/94 Checks 193653-193984 $ 251,133.35 4/5/94 Advices 14081-14434 397,685.19 18 May 3, 1994 Date Check Numbers Amount 4/20/94 Checks 193985-194328 256,686.20 4/20/94 Advices 14435-14788 424,632.68 $1,330,137.42 REPORTS Council President. Woods noted that the Suburban Cities Association meeting will be in Kirkland on May 11th, and that elections will be held for the coming year. Woods noted that in regard to recent discus- sions regarding changing the Mayor's salary, at no time did the current Mayor request such a change. She suggested that it would be appro- priate to consider making such changes at the same time that the City Council salary changes take place. Operations Committee. Johnson noted that the next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. on May 11. Planning Committee. Orr explained that a special meeting was held this week and that the minutes are forthcoming. Administrative Reports. Government Affairs Manager Martin reported on cable tv in response to concerns regarding audio and video taping during executive sessions. He explained that the policy is to have the outside door locked and the inside door open, and all staff out of the room. He added that a red light will be on during taping. He reminded Councilmembers that audio is picked up through their microphones. He also noted that materials regarding light- ing, clothing, etc. will be available soon. Martin also noted that discussions regarding production and other interests are being held with representatives from Green River Community College and Highline Community College. EXECUTIVE At 9:30 p.m., Mayor White announced an execu- SESSION tive session of approximately 15 minutes. The meeting reconvened at 9:55. 19 May 3, 1994 Bartelt v. Kent. WOODS MOVED to submit for the record the proposed settlement agreement regarding Bartelt v. Kent and that it be approved subject to approval and execution of settlement documents including a full release which would include all claims, attorneys fees, costs and all appropriate City officials. Houser seconded and the motion carried with Bennett opposed. Nelson v. Kent and Wilson. WOODS MOVED to accept into the record the proposed settlement agreement regarding the Nelson v. Kent matter and that it be approved subject to approval and execution of settlement documents including a full release which would include all claims, attorneys fees, costs and the appropriate City officials. Houser seconded and the motion carried with Bennett opposed. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Brenda Jacdbe , CMC City Clerl 20