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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 09/21/1993 Kent, Washington September 21, 1993 Regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7: 00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Woods. Present: Councilmembers Bennett, Houser, Johnson, Mann, Orr, and White, Chief Adminis- trative Officer McCarthy, City Attorney Lubovich, Planning Director Harris, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Police Chief Crawford, Fire Chief Angelo, and Human Resources Director Olson. Approximately 20 people were in attendance. PUBLIC City Contracts. Councilmember Bennett distri- COMMUNICATION buted copies of a proposed resolution relating to City contracts. He explained that contracts are frequently signed by staff rather than the Mayor or department heads. The proposed resolution would require that all contracts entered into be submitted to the City Attorney' s office for approval and that all contracts not requiring the signature of the Mayor be reviewed and executed by the appropriate department head. It was agreed that the proposed resolution would be sent to the Operations Committee and brought to Council at a later date. Regional Justice Center. Hugh Leiper noted that he had spoken with Arthur Wallenstein and sug- gested that the courthouse remain at the planned location, but that the jail be located on the Naden site. He said that the excess property could be sold and used for the development of a hotel, office buildings and apartments. He noted that the courthouse will have a positive effect on the downtown area. Pedestrian Interference Ordinance. Linda Johnson of the Kent Downtown Partnership, commended the Council for their foresight in passing a panhan- dling ordinance. Crime Prevention Month. Mayor Pro Tem Woods read a proclamation noting that crime and drug abuse prevention programs promote positive alternatives to delinquency and drug use among young people. She noted that the Mayor has proclaimed October, 1993 , to be Crime Prevention Month in the City of Kent and urged all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions and businesses to increase their participation in the community' s crime and drug prevention efforts. Police Chief 1 September 21, 1993 S PUBLIC Crawford accepted the proclamation and noted COMMUNICATION that the citizens have taken back East Hill and it is now a safe place to live and work. Day of Concern for the Hungry. Mayor Pro Tem Woods noted that the City of Kent commits both City General Fund and Block Grant dollars to fund emergency food programs, and that the Seattle Emergency Feeding Program has invited Kent to join in an effort to end hunger in our city. She read a proclamation declaring October 1, 1993 , as Day of Concern for the Hungry in the City of Kent, and urging all citizens to join with the Seattle Emergency Feeding Program to feed those who are hungry. Arthur Lee of the Seattle Emergency Feeding Program noted that on October 1, volunteers will be staffing stores in Kent, and expressed appreciation for Kent's support. CONSENT ORR MOVED that Consent Calendar Items A through J CALENDAR 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 September 7, 1993 . TRAFFIC (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3G) CONTROL Central Avenue & 4th Avenue Interconnect. AUTHORIZATION to accept the contract with UDL, Inc. for the Central Avenue & 4th Avenue Interconnect project as complete, and to release retainage after receipt of State releases. PRELIMINARY (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 4A) SUBDIVISION West Meadow Preliminary subdivision SU-93-2. The Hearing Examiner has recommended conditional approval of an application by Betty Lou Buttkus for a three-lot single family residential pre- liminary subdivision. The property is located at the southwest corner of S. E. 248th Street and 115th Avenue S.E. at 24816 115th Avenue S.E. 2 September 21, 1993 PRELIMINARY There were no comments and ORR MOVED to accept SUBDIVISION the findings of the Hearing Examiner and to adopt the Hearing Examiner's recommendation of approval with nine conditions of the West Meadow SU-93-2 three-lot single family residential preliminary subdivision. Johnson seconded and the motion carried. COURT (BIDS - ITEM 5A) Municipal Court Remodel. This project consists of remodeling the old engineering building at 2nd and Gowe for the municipal court. Bid opening was held on September 10. When presenting the municipal court proposal to the Council last June, remodeling costs were roughly estimated at $103 , 000 from the $250, 000 allocated for the project. The low bid came in at $105, 735 plus $2 , 600 for an alternate bid item for energy efficient lighting. Application will be made to Puget Power to seek reimbursement for part of the alternate bid amount. City Attorney Lubovich noted that the bid is well within budget, and that the Public Safety Committee recommended acceptance of the low bid and the alternate bid for the energy efficient lighting. He clarified for White that $78, 000 has been allocated for furniture and equipment, that benches for the court will cost $5, 000, and that there will not be a need for a lot of furniture. MANN MOVED that the low bid be accepted and a contract be awarded to Mayer Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $105,735 plus $2 , 600 for energy efficient lighting, subject to the architect's completion of a reference check and the low bidder' s satisfaction of bid con- tracting conditions. White seconded and the motion carried. CITY HALL (BIDS - ITEM 5B) City Hall Remodel. The Operations Committee has recommended that a contract in the amount of $488 , 800 be awarded to the low bidder, M.D. Moore, Inc. for the City Hall Remodel. This 3 September 21, 1993 CITY HALL amount is within budget and will utilize a Puget Power Energy Grant which will save the City approximately $28, 000 per year in electricity costs. In addition to the energy portion of the remodel, the project will remodel the wing vacated by the police department, which will alleviate some of the crowded conditions in City Hall and provide Public Safety with evidence storage space. The project is expected to be completed by March in time to accommodate any future reorganizations. Furniture was requested as part of the 1994-1999 CIP with funding begin- ning in 1995 . Support Services Manager Lindsey noted for White that $100, 000 a year for three years is budgeted in the CIP for furniture. HOUSER MOVED that the contract for the City Hall Remodel project be awarded to M. D. Moore, Inc. , in the amount of $488, 800 . Orr seconded. White noted that the cost for this project is $748, 000 plus the $300, 000 budgeted for furni- ture, for a total of over $1, 000, 000. Bennett said that because of downsizing and the Capital Facilities Plan, he is not sure $1, 000, 000 should be spent at this time on this project. McCarthy explained that the furniture discussed in the CIP for 1995, 1996 and 1997 would be equivalent to furniture in the Centennial Building and the Police Building, and added that existing furni- ture could be used instead. He noted for Bennett that they have explored the option of reducing space needs in the Centennial Building and subletting the space to others. He pointed out that the main reason for this project, and a substantial portion of the cost, is related to the heating, air conditioning, ventilation and lighting systems, for which the City is getting a substantial grant. He said the other costs are relatively minor, such as taking out walls and putting in carpeting. Lindsey noted that the area to be remodeled is approximately 6000 sq. ft. Orr said that the repairs need to be done and costs will be higher in the future. She agreed that space in other buildings could be reduced and that space in City Hall should be used. 4 September 21, 1993 CITY HALL White also agreed that the building needs to be remodeled and repaired, but said that to spend $1, 000, 000 is premature when it is unknown how the space will be utilized. He added that the City pays $400, 000 a year to rent space in other buildings. McCarthy noted that at one time there was a plan for use of the space, but that staff feels the new mayor should decide how the space is used. He said the open concept design was chosen so that it can be used in different ways. Houser commented that the Puget Power grant could be lost if it is not used at this time, and that the repairs definitely need to be made. She said that doing the repairs only at this time is an option, but that City Hall space is currently not being used while paying rent in other buildings. She also noted that the $300, 000 for furniture is optional and could be revised. Bennett offered a friendly amendment to do the upgrade on the mechanical and lighting systems and wait until the new mayor takes over for the other items. Houser agreed, but Orr voiced concern about the cost going up if the project is not done now. She noted that originally the grant from Puget Power was higher, but that it has been changed, and could change again. McCarthy said that dividing the project up would cause problems and that it makes sense to do it all at one time. Houser said that since two new bids would be required in the future if the entire project is not done at this time, she would withdraw her approval of Bennett' s amend- ment. Bennett then withdrew his amendment. Bill Doolittle, 412 N. Washington, questioned whether the system in this building could be worn out after twenty years use, noting that buildings in the county have had the same system for over 50 years. He questioned whether the city knows how to use the system. He pointed out that the $750, 000 figure originally included remodeling the chambers as a court, so another $105, 000 has been added tonight. He asked who will have title to the heating/air conditioning unit if the remodel goes through. Woods suggested that he discuss that question with Mr. Lindsey. 5 September 21, 1993 CITY HALL The motion to award the City Hall Remodel project to M. D. Moore, Inc. , then carried, with Bennett and White opposed. CABLE TV (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3D) Cable TV Rate Regulation - FCC Qualification. AUTHORIZATION to seek qualification for FCC approved Cable TV rate reduction authority. This would authorize City staff to take the appropriate steps to qualify the City for Cable TV rate reduction authority under the new FCC rules. FRIENDSHIP (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3F) CITY Maanshan, China Friendship City - Preliminary Agreement. Ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Maanshan, China, and the City of Kent, signed on August 19, 1993 , during the Central Puget Sound Interna- tional Trade Exchange. HUMAN (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3E) RESOURCES Workers Compensation Claim Handling Contract. AUTHORIZATION to renew the Workers Compensation Claim Handling Contract for 18 months. This contract is to handle, adjust, issue for payment checks on all expenses, medical bills and loss of wage benefits in accordance with rules and regulations of Washington Labor and Industries (Workers Compensation Act) , file all necessary reports and statistical information with Labor and Industries, and generate summary reports for City of Kent records and use. PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3H) RECREATION 1992 Open Space Bond Interest Earnings - Budget Change. ACCEPTANCE of $193 , 143 of 1992 Open Space Bond interest earnings from King County, with $115, 000 to be allocated to the Interurban Trail project and $78, 143 to the Lake Fenwick Trail project. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3I) Interurban Trail. ACCEPTANCE of $42, 000 from Puget Power to be allocated to the Interurban Trail project to replace three small wood bridges which are in derelict condition and pose safety problems for trail users. 6 September 21, 1993 PARKS & (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3J) RECREATION 1994 Comprehensive Plan. APPROVAL of the allocation of $30, 000 from the unencumbered C. I .P. budget for the purpose of preparing a Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan. This planning effort will be coordinated with the City's Capital Facilities Plan so as not to duplicate efforts. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 4B) Lake Fenwick Park Condemnation. Two small properties totaling . 29 acres are all that remain to be purchased as part of the Lake Fenwick Acquisition project funded by State IAC and King County Open Space Bond funds. The City has acquired ownership of the properties to the north and south of the subject site. The pro- perties were appraised in May, with one being appraised at $2, 500 and the other at $3 , 000. The owners are asking $19, 500 for the two parcels. The City has not been able to reach an agreement with the owners. Therefore, the Parks Committee has recommended adoption of an ordinance to com- mence condemnation proceedings. Patrice Thorell of the Parks Department clarified for White that the City has been negotiating since 1991 and that half of this property is submerged. She explained that acquisition will create contiguous property along the lakefront. Bennett commented that he is opposed to the process whereby an item voted on unanimously by a committee goes on the Consent Calendar. He said he feels that items on the Consent Calendar are not brought to the public's attention, which is why he asked that this item go under Other Business. HE THEN MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3134 authorizing condemnation of . 29 acres for parks and recreational purposes. Houser seconded. White commented that although he is not opposed to acquiring the property, he is reluctant to resort to condemnation to acquire parks property. Thorell noted for Orr that the land is currently not being used, that it has a 40% slope, and that 7 September 21, 1993 PARKS & it is not buildable. Johnson noted that the RECREATION property is inaccessible and said that since there is such a discrepancy between the City's appraisal and the owners asking price, there is no other choice except condemnation. The motion then carried 4-2 , with Bennett and White opposed. APPOINTMENTS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3C) Bicycle Advisory Committee Appointments. CONFIRMATION of the Mayor' s appointment of Steve Nuss and Davis S. McLean to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board. Mr. Nuss will replace Ed Morton, who resigned, and his term will continue to 12/31/93 . Mr. McLean will replace Randy Danioth, whose term expired. Mr. McLean' s appointment will continue to 12/31/94 . FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 3B) Approval of Bills. APPROVAL of payment of the bills received through August 31, after auditing by the Operations Committee at its meeting on September 7 , 1993 . Approval of checks issued for vouchers_: Date Check Numbers Amount 8-17/31 133670-134132 $1, 639, 774 .96 Approval of checks issued for payroll: Date Check Numbers Amount 9-20-93 Checks 186712-187022 $ 280,989.57 Advice 9381-9698 374 , 131. 38 $ 655, 120. 95 REPORTS Council President. Woods asked that any Councilmember who is interested in appointment to one of the Metro King County committees send her a letter. She noted that appointments will be made in mid-November. Woods also noted that Suburban Cities will host the King County Council candidates on October 13 at SeaTac. 8 September 21, 1993 REPORTS Planning Committee. Orr noted that population projections for the Growth Management Act requirements were presented to the Planning Committee today. She asked Councilmembers to review their packets, noting that this will be brought to Council in the near future for direction. Parks Committee. Bennett stated that there were 700 participants in the RV Roundup at Russell Road Park last weekend. He noted that it cost $400 a day to rent the facility, and that the services expected were not provided. Administrative Reports. McCarthy announced that there will be a Regional Justice Center community meeting on September 22 , which will be the last public meeting before the County chooses a site plan. He noted that the City had met with them today and passed along the Council' s comments. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7 :45 p.m. Brenda Jaco r, CMC City Clerk 9