Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Regular Minutes - 03/16/1993 Kent, Washington March 16, 1993 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor Kelleher. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr, White and Woods, Chief Administrative Officer McCarthy, City Attorney Lubovich, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Human Resources Director Olson, Information Services Director Spang, and Acting Finance Director Miller. Approximately 45 people were at the meeting. PUBLIC Chris Ring Day. Mayor Kelleher read a proclama- COMMUNICATION tion declaring March 17 , 1993 as Chris King Day in the City of Kent. He noted that Chris King has been chosen as the winner of "A Salute to Citizen- ship" for the State of Washington by the Philip Morris Companies, Inc. and, because of her out- standing service to the City of Kent, has been selected for this honor. He urged all citizens of Kent to recognize Chris King' s contributions to the community and then presented her with the proclamation. CONSENT WOODS MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through CALENDAR M be approved. White seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3A) Approval of the Minutes. Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 2 , 1993 . HEALTH & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) SANITATION Rent School Administration Remodel. ACCEPTANCE of the bill of sale and warranty agreement submitted by Kent School District #415 for continuous opera- tion and maintenance of 2 , 493 lineal feet of water main extension, 1, 355 lineal feet of sanitary sewer extension and 2 , 620 lineal feet of storm sewers, in the vicinity of 12033 SE 256th Street and release of bonds after expiration of the maintenance period. TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) CONTROL LID 333 - Signalization at 72nd/180th Street. AUTHORIZATION to accept as complete the contract with Breaker Construction for a traffic signal installation at the intersection of 72nd Avenue S. & S. 180th Street. 1 March 16, 1993 TRAFFIC (BIDS - ITEM 5A) CONTROL 104th Avenue SE and SE 256th Street Left Turn Lane Improvement. Bid opening was held on March 4th with seven bids received. The low bid was sub- mitted by Gaston Brothers Excavating in the amount of $398, 951. 44 . The Public Works Committee has recommended this bid be accepted, subject to con- currence therein by the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) . WHITE MOVED that the contract for 104th Avenue SE & SE 256th Street Left Turn Lane Improvements be awarded to Gaston Brothers Excavating in the amount of $398 , 951. 44 , subject to the concurrence by TIB. Woods seconded and the motion carried. WATER (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) Arnold Evans Water Consumption Adjustment. AUTHORIZATION to adjust the water bill at 217 E. Russell Street as a one-time only adjustment due to the failure of a private water system during the January storm, in accordance with the provi- sions of Ordinance No. 2732 , as recommended by the Public Works Committee. FRANCHISE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Puget Power Franchise Ordinance. ADOPTION of Ordinance No. 3096 which was discussed at the Council meeting of March 2 , 1993 . As required by State law, this date has been set for the second reading (review) of the proposed Franchise which describes conditions, terms, requirements, etc. under which Puget Sound Power & Light subscribes to for use of City rights-of-way for the placement and operation of its facilities. COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) Excused Absence. APPROVAL of a request from Councilmember Christi Houser for an excused absence from the March 2 , 1993 City Council meeting. LIBRARY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) Annexation to the Ring county Library System - Kent Library. APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 3097 to initiate a process of potential annexation by the City of Kent to the King County Library District, 2 March 16, 1993 LIBRARY as recommended by the Operations Committee on February 16, 1993 . The information for the annexation has been previously reviewed at a Council Workshop of November 17 , 1992, where the only issues seemed to be the cost of a special election and the timing of the one-time only savings to the City. The Library District will extend the 1993 contract amount for 1994 , saving the City approximately $300, 000, if a favorable vote is obtained at the City's September 14 , 1993 primary election. It is the intent of the City to reduce its property tax levy beginning in 1995 by the amount of the 1994 library services contract. The Kent Library Board has recommended approval of this ordinance. ANNEXATION (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3M) (ADDED BY CITY ATTORNEY LUBOVICH) Chestnut Ridge Annexation. AUTHORIZATION to set April 6, 1993 as the public hearing date on the Chestnut Ridge Annexation. HUMAN (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4C) SERVICES Catholic Community Services - Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Procedural Change. The Human Services Commission and the Planning Committee have recommended that Catholic Community Services be allowed to ration the remaining dollars for the Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Program to make it stretch through the end of 1993 . In order to do this, in February they started vouchering only in extreme conditions or for families with children. The Council is being asked to allow Catholic Community Services the flexibility to continue using its best judgment in administering the Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Program with this new procedure. Upon the Mayor' s question, Lin Ball of the Housing & Human Services Office clarified that these funds are from the General Fund. Susan Ramos, Chair of the Human Services Commis- sion, explained that this issue is being brought before the Council because the procedure would be in conflict with the original resolution. She noted that more than half of the allotted funds have been spent in January because of the 3 March 16, 1993 HUMAN unpredictable weather and felt this procedure is SERVICES the responsible thing to do even though the issue will probably be revisited in the fall. ORR MOVED to allow Catholic Community Services the flexibility to continue using its best judgment in administering the Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Program by vouchering only in extreme conditions. Woods seconded and the motion carried. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) RECREATION King County Turnkey Park. AUTHORIZATION to accept transfer of title from King County for Turnkey Park located in the City of Kent. ECONOMIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Council. AUTHORIZATION for CORP. the Mayor to execute a service contract with the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County (EDC) to perform various services regarding economic development strategies. FEES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3K) Planning Department Zoning Permit Fees. APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 3098 amending Ordinance No. 2667 to increase the zoning permit fee to $32 in order to implement an increase of $3 , 760 in miscellane- ous Planning Department fees as adopted in the 1993 Budget. REZONE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3L) Venture 84 Rezone #RZ-92-3. AUTHORIZATION to set April 6, 1993 as the date for a public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner' s recommendation of approval for a rezone application (RZ-92-3) by Sound Ventures of Kent, acting on behalf of Budget Rent A Car. The property is located on the west side of 84th Avenue So. , approximately 300 feet north of South 222nd Street. A public hearing on the application for this rezone was held on February 3 , 1993 by the Hearing Examiner. COMPREHENSIVE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) PLAN MAP Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment (CPA-93-1) . The AMENDMENT Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed plan amendment changing the City-wide Comprehensive Plan from Single Family Residential 4 March 16, 1993 COMPREHENSIVE to an office designation on three lots. In PLAN MAP addition, the "Single Family Designated Area" AMENDMENT overlay shall be modified to delete these three lots. Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager, clarified that this is an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Map not a zoning amendment. He noted that three parcels of property are affected by the amendment which include the Keck Home, the Masonic Home, and a duplex, all located near the intersection of Jason Avenue and Smith Street. He explained that the property is located next to the Downtown Planning Area boundary and the planned land use for the Downtown area is mixed use development. Satterstrom noted that the zoning is Downtown Commercial so it is a very intensive type of mixed use commercial zoning and planning. He stated that this plan amendment would modify two plans: 1) the City-wide Comprehensive Plan; and 2) the Valley Floor Plan. He also noted that there would be a small modification to the "Single Family Designated Overlay" which would delete these three lots. The Planning Commission recommended this amendment from their last meeting on February 22nd. ORR MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 1349 approving the proposed plan amendment changing the City-wide Comprehensive Plan from Single Family Residential to an office designation on the subject three lots and modifying the "Single Family Designated Area" overlay to delete these three lots, as recommended by the Planning Commission. White seconded and the motion carried. PERMIT CENTER (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4A) Permit Center. The proposed resolution would adopt the recommendation of the Planning Committee to establish a new organization for the permit process system. McCarthy stated that the purpose of tonight's meeting is to report to the Council on Adminis- tration' s effort to meet one of their 1992/1993 Target Issues: To enhance the delivery of City services by improving the effectiveness and effi- ciency of the permit process. " He noted that the 5 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER Council requested a one-stop permit center long before the Centennial Building was completed in November, 1990; and the City commissioned an independent consultant study in 1990 which recom- mended a separate Office of Building and Code Enforcement. He explained that in 1991 the Mayor commissioned an Advisory Committee to review the permit process and their report, issued May 28, 1992 , recommended the creation of an Office of Development Permits and Inspections. McCarthy noted that the Mayor' s Advisory Committee report has been distributed previously to the Council with wide review by the Planning Committee and others. He noted that it identifies the following six recommendations: 1) Implement the 1992-1993 Council Target Issue to: Enhance delivery of City services by improv- ing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Permit Process; 2) Combine basic multi departmental building per- mit functions and personnel into an independent Office of Development Permits and Inspections; 3) Recognize the permit review process as an important integral component of the City's financial well being such that it is a tool to enhance economic development; 4) Direct analysis and eventual grouping of similar development review functions to eliminate process delays and duplication and require lesser numbers of personnel for overall permit proces- sing; 5) Select an interim project manager who is either a licensed architect or civil engineer and has extensive experience in permitting; 6) Use implementation of this new Office of Development Permits and Inspections to set a precedent for revision of other permit related processes. 6 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER McCarthy noted that department heads have been given the opportunity to provide an alternative and that their alternative focuses on maintaining the existing organization in the Fire Department with an assigned Planning Department Planner and a Public Works Department checklist for pre-applica- tion signoff. He explained that this alternative will improve the time lines but does not get to the heart of a one-stop permit center, and that Administration feels the Mayor's Advisory Commit- tee proposal is the right step to implement the Council's desire. McCarthy stated that the Advisory Committee proposal aims at improving the efficiency of the permit process and directs the movement of personnel from various departments into one department with a common goal and priority -- to process permits and do inspections. He noted that the consolidated department will: 1) Eliminate the need for tracking permits between departments; 2) Provide a central contact for customers inquiring about the status of a permit; 3) Save inspection time as inspectors become cross trained to perform multiple inspections currently done by inspectors in various depart- ments; 4) Focus the total permit process toward en- hancing economic development while insuring code compliance; 5) Allow the City to rightsize the organization while downsizing the number of staff; 6) Allow the City to hire an individual most qualified to understand the building issues by requiring the applicant to be a licensed architect or civil engineer; 7) Allow the City to set a precedent for right- sizing other permit activity and other City functions. 7 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER McCarthy noted that the Mayor' s Advisory Committee Report is a first step toward a one-stop permit center and improvements in all permit processing activity. He explained that the implementation of this plan will authorize the City to establish an Office of Development Permits and Inspections which will operate under an interim project manager's authority who will report directly to Administration during the development stages. Upon the Mayor's request, McCarthy explained that this item has been to the Planning Committee three or four times with Chamber of Commerce representa- tives present, department heads have presented their proposals, and Councilman Johnson moved to bring the issue forward for Council action. JOHNSON MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 1348 establishing a new organization for the permit process system, as recommended by the Planning Committee. Houser seconded. Orr offered a friendly amendment to change one word in the resolution (Page 3 , Section 2E) from "department" to "organization" . Johnson and Houser accepted the change as a friendly amendment and it was so ordered. Johnson noted another change to be made on Page 3 , Section 2B, "reasonable level of qual- ity of public services" should be changed to "reasonable level of quality public services" . Houser accepted this change as a friendly amend- ment and it was so ordered. Paul Morford, Chairman of the Mayor' s Advisory Committee on the Permit Process, distributed copies of the Committee' s Final Report, a memoran- dum of endorsement and plan of action from the Mayor, and a letter of endorsement from the Chamber of Commerce, to the Council. He briefly gave some background history and reviewed portions of the report. He noted that Jim Hansen, former Assistant City Administrator, had been involved since 1988 and had chaired a task force on streamlining the permit process. He pointed out that Hansen headed up the construction of the Centennial Building with the hope that everything could be on one floor with a one-stop permit center, but was disappointed and frustrated when this could not be accomplished. He noted that the Committee had accumulated almost a whole file 8 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER drawer full of correspondence, letters and reports including the Warner Study from Hansen and that Hansen had reviewed the Advisory Committee's preliminary proposal before he left the City. Morford noted that Hansen felt that the report before the Council tonight was the right approach and on the right track. Morford explained that Gary Honiker, Chairperson for the Chamber of Commerce Tenant Improvements Committee, wrote the Mayor's Advisory Committee in 1990 expressing his frustrations with City staff and department heads resistance to change, and that staff was not committed to improvements but more in justifying the existing structure. He noted that Honiker resigned, the Chamber of Commerce called him the next day to Chair their committee, and the Mayor requested him to Chair a task force on the total permit process. He noted that he had accepted both positions and that the Mayor appointed the following members to the Advisory Committee: Paul Morford, Chairman and a professional engineer; Paul Mann, Councilmember and Chairman of the Public Safety Committee; Torjan Ronhovde, a registered architect; John Murdoch, Boeing Permit Specialist for Aerospace in Kent; Ted Knapp, Bircher Development; Ed Chow, former City Administrator; and Raul Ramos, Planning Consultant. Morford explained to the Council the process the Committee used to gather some of the information included in their report. He noted that the Advisory Committee reviewed the existing organiza- tional chart, met with department heads, separated all the different types of permits such as single family, mobile homes, tenant improvements, etc. , for the whole previous year and put an average time it took to obtain a permit. He noted that for a single family permit it took a total time flow of 50. 6 days with a total of 11 hours of actual work. He explained for the Council that the Advisory Committee came up with recommenda- tions of which a good portion are already in operation and working well. Morford noted that the Advisory Committee then reviewed the action plan to see how to make this plan work. He stated that since the Mayor ' s Advisory Committee, the 9 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER Chamber's Committee on Tenant Improvements, and the Warner Study all recommend putting it into a separate section, the Council should go ahead to adopt and implement it now. Upon White's ques- tion, Morford explained that he saw a problem with the current resolution because it calls for more study before implementation and he feels enough study has been done. The Mayor clarified for Bennett that the only issue on the floor is the resolution that is proposed and before them, but if Bennett wanted to adopt another plan and propose a different resolution it could be done. Jeff Stewart, Benjamin Homes Builder, noted that his company builds about 50 homes a year and that they were considering a plat for 23 lots in Kent. He stated, however, that when they found out about the bottleneck in the Planning Department and that it could take up to 18 weeks before a permit would be issued, his company would probably not even consider the development because it would be too much of a risk. He noted that every month added to a building cycle adds $500 to the cost of a home which translates into another $700-$800 in the final price. He expressed that the changes being proposed tonight are good ones for the community. Woods explained that last June the Planning Department had ten planners and now they currently have three. She noted that while the Council would like to facilitate permits more rapidly, it is not only the permit process that is on the back burner but almost any other project with will be there for a long, long time because the City is operating with a barebones Planning Department. Orr added that it is important that the community and the development community as well as residents of Kent as a whole understand that even if Morford' s proposal is adopted now, there are not the people available to implement the plan at this time. She expressed that no matter which way the Council goes, it is going to take some time to get it up to speed. Morgan Llewellyn, Real Estate Broker in Kent, noted that the Mayor's Advisory Committee was originally started because of problems with the Senior Housing Project. He emphasized that cities are facing many difficulties in tough times with 10 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER limited resources and they will have to look at doing things differently. He stated that the Advisory Committee' s purpose was to take a fresh look at the permit process but that the Council will have to decide how to achieve the goals. He urged the Council to implement the Advisory Committee' s recommendations. Steve Burpee, Northwest Corporate Real Estate, noted that the Chamber of Commerce began looking at the permit process in 1990 because their members were expres- sing concerns and comments about it. He stated that cities are facing many challenges and that government needs to look at how they can do a better job with less resources to serve the community, the business, and the citizens. He recommended moving forward with the Advisory Committee's proposals. Enrique Mora, Benjamin Homes Builder, noted that the Planning Department informed him today that there is only one planner left and that it would take 4-6 months for Planning approval. He expressed that it isn't fair for single family builders to have to wait as long as someone who is going through the SEPA and Wetland checks because the only thing that needs to be checked are the setbacks. He requested that the Council look into the possibility of getting someone just to check single family home plans out in the short term to help relieve this problem. Johnson emphasized that it is his intent, as a Councilmember, to see that the resolution is followed through to the letter, if passed. Upon White' s question, McCarthy noted that if the Council gave direction tonight the City could look at filling this position immediately with a Civil Engineer from Public Works on an interim basis and then do a selection process to hire a licensed architect or engineer. McCarthy clarified for White that, if adopted, the position would be classified as an acting or out-of-class pay position on an interim basis. He noted that the interim project manager would establish organiza- tional objectives and quantify measures while the staff works with the Permit Study Committee to develop a complete and proper job description followed by advertising, recruiting selection, etc. 11 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER The Mayor clarified for the Council that the resolution before them is requesting a specific plan from Administration that will be reviewed at the Council/Department Head retreat in April. He noted that it does not say the Council is direct- ing the City to move forward and implement the recommendations of the Advisory Committee or any other specific recommendations right now. City Attorney Lubovich noted that the resolution just commits to a single organization and following the retreat Administration will have 60 days to come back to Council with its proposal on how it is to be structured. He also noted that if a change is to be made different than "after the retreat" , the resolution would have to be amended. Orr noted that she can support the resolution the way it is currently written, but if changes are going to be made she needs to know before the vote is taken. She expressed that a retreat is important to gather more information from the departments because she is not completely convinced that the Advisory Committee has gotten complete informa- tion. White noted that he will not be able to support the resolution as it is written because it is not moving ahead as quickly as it should and addressing the issue. The Mayor reiterated that this resolution, if adopted, does not authorize Administration to make any structural changes at this time. Johnson explained that direction will come after the retreat so that a team concept can be developed and that everyone involved under- stands what is going to happen and what resources are needed to implement it. Upon White' s ques- tion, Johnson noted that his intent was to have the 60 days run from the Council meeting following the retreat and that something would be in place and operational by the third week in June. White clarified that he is not opposed to doing some- thing with the permit process and not opposed to the report from the Advisory Committee, but his concern is that it is not happening quick enough. Tom Sharp, 11126 SE 256th, Kent, requested that the Council/Department Head retreat date of April 12th, the City Council meeting date of April 20th, and the 60 days thereafter be incorporated into the resolution. ORR MOVED a 12 March 16, 1993 PERMIT CENTER friendly amendment to include the date of the Council retreat on April 12th, the Council meeting date of April 20th, and adding 60 days thereafter to the resolution. City Attorney Lubovich noted that the following could be inserted on the last page under sub-paragraph F: "Perform these tasks within sixty (60) days of Council direction on April 20, 1993 or as otherwise directed by Council" . Houser seconded, with approval by Johnson, and the motion carried. Upon White's question, McCarthy noted that in order to have someone on board within sixty (60) days the advertising would have to start the day after the retreat. City Attorney Lubovich noted that if any ordinance is to be passed after the retreat, depending upon the organizational struc- ture, there is a 30 day implementation period. He explained that if a new department is created then an ordinance would be necessary. The Mayor noted that it is possible to advertise for a position before the 30 waiting period is finished and possibly accordion the process. Bennett noted that the Council is working for the citizens and business people of the community and that delaying this process is not exercising it very well. The Mayor noted that two letters have been received and submitted for the record from the following: 1) Mr. Theodore Nixon, Architect; 2) Mr. David Bocek, D. Bocek Company. WOODS MOVED to make these letters a part of the record and have the Clerk read them into the record. White seconded and the motion caed. O' LL�Acu The original motion^then carried, with White opposed. FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. Approval of payment of the bills received through March 4 after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting on March 15, 1993 . 13 March 16, 1993 FINANCE Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 3/1-3/15/93 128208-128697 $1, 207, 247 . 03 Approval of checks issued for payroll: Date Check Numbers Amount 3/19/93 Checks 181891-182275 $ 288 , 349 . 28 3/19/93 Advices 5508-5816 $ 355, 066.46 $ 643 , 415.74 REPORTS Council President. Woods reminded the Council that a volunteer is needed to serve on the Library Board. Public Works Committee. White noted that a pro- posal to create a Transit Advisory Committee, similar to the Bicycle Advisory Committee, will be discussed at the next Public Works Committee on Thursday, March 18th. Parks Committee. Bennett noted that the deadline for the Golf RFPs was on Monday, March 15th, at 5: 00 p.m. and that eleven proposals were received. He also noted that the time for the Committee meeting has been changed from 5: 30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Budget Committee. Johnson noted that he had attended a workshop last Thursday, March llth, in Tacoma with the Puget Sound Regional Council. He mentioned that the PSRC discussed the issue of the airport at Sea-Tac but no position has been taken as of yet but he has information for the Council as far as where the Organization stands on this issue. He also noted that Suburban Cities will be discussing this issue on Wednesday, March 17th and possibly taking a position on the issue. Administrative Reports. McCarthy noted that the Council packets include a report concerning staff reductions in the Planning Department and Adminis- tration' s effort to assist them in providing additional staff through transfers and long-term 14 March 16, 1993 REPORTS recruitments. He noted that the report also gives the status in regard to the Library landscaping and that by the end of March there might be some grass and shrubs outside of the Library. McCarthy informed the Council that the Selection Committee will meet on March 18th at 6: 00 p.m. to review the eleven Golf RFPs and decide where to go from there. McCarthy noted that the Operations Committee today recommended the Council and Mayor be connected to the City' s computer system allowing better com- munication between the City and the Council and between the Councilmembers themselves. He stated that the initial funding will be about $7, 000 with annual costs of approximately $2 , 000 which include dedicated lines and printers. He informed the Council that the Information Services staff will be contacting them individually to set this up, but for those not wanting a terminal, the City can add them to a distribution list, have Administra- tion print out the messages on a regular basis, and put the messages in the Council boxes. McCarthy also noted that the Operations Committee discussed garbage rates, recycling issues and that Public Works Director Wickstrom is prepared to answer any questions or comment about information to apprise the Council of what is happening in this area. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 35 p.m. Donna Swaw Deputy City Clerk 15