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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 11/19/2002 • KEN T Kent, Washington WASHINGTON November 19, 2002 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7 : 00 p.m. by Mayor White. Council members present : Epperly, Orr, Peterson, White, Woods and Yingling. Others present : Chief Administrative Officer Martin, City Attorney Brubaker, Deputy Police Chief Miller, Fire Chief Schneider, Public Works Director Wickstrom, Parks Director Hodgson, Community Development Director Satterstrom, Finance Director Miller, and Employee Services Director Viseth. Approximately 30 people were at the meeting. Council member Clark was excused from the meeting. (CFN-198 ) CHANGES TO THE AGENDA At the Mayor ' s request, Consent Calendar Items V and W (Strawberry Place Phases I and II Bills of Sale) were removed from the agenda. Woods added Consent Calendar Item Y (Excused Council Absence) and Other Business Item C (King County Conservation Futures Agreement) . Martin added pending litigation and another property acquisition to the Executive Session, and noted that no action on them is anticipated. (CFN-198 ) PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Green Business of the Year. Robyn Bartelt, Conservation Specialist, explained that this award recognizes a Kent business for their outstanding achievements in waste reduction, recycling and purchasing recycled content products . She announced that the first annual Green Business of the Year Award goes to Panasonic Services Company, which has over 200 employees and recycles nearly 70% of their products . She presented the award to Tony Havner, Brad Moskowitz and Robert Kallish, who expressed appreciation for this recognition and offered to provide tours of their facilities to those who are interested. (CFN-198) Feed America Thursday. Mayor White read a proclamation noting that Thanksgiving Day celebrates the spirit of selfless giving and an appreciation for family and friends, and that thirty-three million Americans, including thirteen million children, live in households without an adequate supply of food. He proclaimed Thursday, November 21, 2002, as Feed America Thursday, and urged the people of Kent to generously share with others by donating money or food to a charitable or religious organization to feed the hungry. (CFN-155) 1 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Bible Week. Mayor White noted that the Bible has been a constant source of moral and spiritual guidance for many people throughout the centuries and that it continues to provide inspiration, hope and comfort for millions of Americans today. He proclaimed November 24 - December 1, 2002 , as Bible Week in the City of Kent, and encouraged interested citizens to participate in this observance . (CFN-155) CONSENT CALENDAR WOODS MOVED to approve Consent Calendar Items A through Y, with the exception of Items V and W. Orr seconded and the motion carried. MINUTES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6A) (CFN-198) Approval of Minutes . Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of November 5, 2002 . PUBLIC WORKS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6G) (CFN-171) Freight Action Strategy (FAST) Memorandum of Understanding. Authorization for the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding among the principal parties of the FAST Corridor, as recommended by the Public Works Committee . The agreement is non-binding, however it establishes participation goals for the Federal, State, Port, Railroads and city share of project costs . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6H) (CFN-1019) Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Utility Funds Transfer. Authorization for the Public Works Department to move past and present WSDOT storm drainage utility fee revenue from the sewer operating fund into the Garrison Creek (D20037) project fund, as recommended by the Public Works Committee. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6U) (CFN-1038) Meadow Hills Sanitary Sewer. Accept the Meadow Hills Sanitary Sewer project as complete and release retainage to Westwater Construction upon standard releases from the state and release of any liens, as recommended by the Public Works Director. The original contract amount was $288, 124 . 16 . The final contract amount is $312 , 951 85 . 2 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 PUBLIC WORKS (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 79) (CFN-1065) Tacoma Second Supply Project - Seattle Share. The City of Seattle has relinquished its share of the Second Supply water project Prior to Seattle ' s relinquishment, Kent had only one potential option to meet its projected long-term water supply needs, the proposed impoundment reservoir Seattle ' s relinquishment now gives Kent a second option. However, should Kent choose not to take advantage of this option, the remaining partners will find another agency to take this share. Presently, three of the four remaining partners (Tacoma, Covington Water District and Lakehaven Utility District) have agreed to pick up three quarters of Seattle ' s original share, thus leaving the last quarter for Kent . The Public Works Department recommends that Kent pick up this last remaining quarter. CAO Martin stated that this is a critically important issue . He displayed graphs relating to water use and needs, water sources, water rates, the impoundment pro- ject, and financial options . After explaining both the impoundment reservoir option and the Seattle share option thoroughly, he recommended that the City purchase the additional Seattle share of the Tacoma Pipeline project, increase water rates 5% annually for three years effec- tive 2003 , increase system development fees effective 2003 , direct staff to analyze possible options for selling all or a portion of the Impoundment Reservoir property prior to proposing any future water rate increase, and review rates and options prior to January 2006 . He noted for Yingling that water may be available for sale in 2007 . WOODS MOVED to adopt Ordinance No . 3626 authorizing the Mayor to sign a revised Second Supply Project Partnership Agreement and a Repayment Agreement upon concurrence of the language therein by the City Attorney and the Public Works Director. Peterson seconded. Woods said this is a very important infrastructure project, and that this is a wonderful opportunity to provide water for Kent citizens at a very good price. Yingling agreed, and noted that water is needed for future commercial economic develop- ment . The motion then carried. 3 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 PUBLIC WORKS WOODS MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 3627 increasing water rates over the next three years and also increasing the system development charges in the first year to pay for the additional financial obligations that go with the execution of the revised Second Supply Project Agreement . Yingling seconded. Woods said the City is doing its best to keep water rates under control . Orr spoke in support of the proposal, noting that it is important that new development help with the cost . The motion then carried. WOODS MOVED that in the event that alternate funds become available for water utility purposes, the Mayor direct staff to provide a reduced rate structure. White seconded. Woods explained that the intent is to ensure that if the economy grows or large amounts of water are sold, that would be passed on to the customers The motion then carried WOODS MOVED to direct staff to analyze possible options for selling all or portions of the City property cur- rently designated for future use as an impoundment reservoir before adoption of the 2006 budget and before proposing any future water rate increases . Orr seconded. Woods expressed hope that the sale of the property will result in the addition of significant resources to the water fund and make it unnecessary to raise water rates again. Peterson said it is important to get every bit of equity out of the impoundment reservoir property to offset the costs in a financially responsible way. The motion then carried. Joe Rubio, 3831 S . 248th, commended Martin and the staff on the presentation made tonight, stating that it was precise and understandable REZONE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6M) (CFN-121) 108th Avenue Townhomes Rezone Ordinance. Adoption of Ordinance No. 3625 relating to land use and zoning, rezoning two (2) parcels of property comprised of approximately 1 . 1 acres and located approximately two blocks south of Southeast 240th Street on 108th Avenue Southeast , from Community Commercial (CC) to Multifamily Residential Townhome District (MR-T16) (108th Avenue Townhomes Rezone, RZ2002-1) . 4 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 REZONE (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 7A) (CFN-121) Klouzal Rezone (RZ-2002-2) . Steve Burpee and Steve Klouzal have requested a rezone of approximately 4 .78 acres of property from SR-8, Single Family Residential, to MR-T16 , Multifamily Residential Townhouse. The property address is 2635 S . 260th Street . A public hearing was held before the Hearing Examiner on October 2 , 2002 , and the Hearing Examiner issued Findings, Conclusions and a recommendation to approve the rezone on October 16 , 2002 . Chris Hankins of the Planning Department explained the protect , noting that this property was before the Council as a 2001 Comprehensive Plan Amendment/Rezone, and that approximately 3 . 5 acres of the property is delineated as wetlands . He pointed out that the applicant has not proposed a development at this time and the request is considered a non-protect rezone . He clarified that the property east of the site is zoned MR-M. ORR MOVED to accept the findings, conclusions and recommendation of the Hearing Examiner on the Klouzal Rezone and to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance . White seconded and the motion carried. FIRE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6C) (CFN-122) Symtron Systems Lease Agreement Renewal. Authorization for the Mayor to execute the lease agreement renewal between the City of Kent and Symtron Systems, Inc . for office space located at Fire Station 74 , 24611 116th Avenue SE . Symtron has been leasing office space from the City of Kent Fire Department since November of 2001, which has improved response times for repairs and maintenance to training tower burn simulators . The lease agreement is identical to the previous agreement . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6D) (CFN-122) King County Medics Lease Agreements Renewal . Authorization for the Mayor to execute lease agreements between King County and the City of Kent for housing 5 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 FIRE Medic Units at Fire Stations 76 (Valley Industrial Area) and 75 (Soos Creek Station) . These agreements were entered into based upon the need to add paramedic units to the Valley area (Station 76) and to maintain the current medic unit at Station 75 (near Soos Creek) . The agreements are identical to the previous agreements except the monthly lease fee was increased by CPI and the term of the agreements was extended (years 2003 through 2004) . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6E) (CFN-122) Sale of Surplus Fire Vehicle. Authorization to surplus the 1981 GMC/Marion Aid Car (Apparatus 752 - VIN #507894) and to advertise the vehicle in local papers for sale with an asking price of $1, 500 or best offer. This vehicle is of no further use to the Fire Department due to its age, high mileage, and the cost to maintain. Funds from the sale of this vehicle will be placed in the Apparatus Replacement Fund. POLICE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6F) (CFN-122) Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. Acceptance of FY2002 LLEB grant in the amount of $68, 410 with City match of $7, 601, interest account of $1, 600 for a total of $77, 611 . The grant is for Computer Crime Investigative Equipment, Safety Education Officer/Scooterville, Citizen Corps Program, Children' s Crime Prevention TV Show, and Officer Training Equipment . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6N) (CFN-122) King County Live Scan Equipment Grant. Accept equipment and establish budget documents, as required, for Live Scan Equipment . The King County Regional AFIS ("Automated Fingerprint Identification System" ) Committee awarded the Kent Police Department a redeployed Live Scan machine and printer through an application process . The AFIS Committee also provides installation of the equipment, software and a T1 line and router. The Kent Police Department is required 6 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 POLICE to pay the monthly T1 line charge which is currently approximately $200 00 per month. The equipment will be installed in the City of Kent Corrections Facility Annex Building. The equipment will support inmate programs, including the work crew, work release, work-time credit and day reporting. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 60) (CFN-122) Washington State Traffic Safety Commission Grant for Traffic Equipment. Accept funding in the amount of $4 , 000 . 00 from WTSC for traffic equipment . This program provided $1, 000 . 00 equipment funding for every 100 seat- belt violation citations written during the program period. Kent police officers wrote 401 seatbelt viola- tion citations; qualifying for $4 , 000 . 00 for traffic enforcement equipment . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6P) (CFN-122) Washington State Traffic Safety Commission Grant for DUI/Seat Belt. Accept funding from WTSC for the November DUI/Seat Belt Overtime Funding covering the "Drive Hammered - Get Nailed" Campaign. Funds will be used for overtime salaries of commissioned personnel in direct support of operational activity. DRINKING DRIVER TASK FORCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6Q) (CFN-122) Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Grant. Accept grant funding in the amount of $60, 200 . 00 from Washington State DASA This is the second phase of the current RUaD (Reduce Underage Drinking) grant effective October 1 , 2002 through June 30 , 2004 . ENERGY AUDIT (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6J) (CFN-120) Energy Audit Capital Improvements. Authorization for the Mayor to sign all necessary documents to allow Washington Department of General Administration to conduct an energy audit on City buildings, with repayment to the state over 12 years, based on realized energy savings . 7 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6R) (CFN-118) Clark Lake Outflow Restoration Grant. As recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, accept the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and King County Water Works Program grants totaling $30, 000 and amend the Clark Lake Outflow Restoration Grant budget . (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6S) (CFN-839) King County Arts Commission Special Projects Grant. As recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, accept the $3 , 500 grant from the King County Arts Commission' s Special Projects Program and amend the Kent Arts Commission budget accordingly. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6X) (CFN-1000) Auburn Home Repair Program Contract. As recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, accept an additional $25 , 000 from the City of Auburn for the Auburn Home Repair Program and amend the budget accordingly. (OTHER BUSINESS - ITEM 7C) (CFN-118) (ADDED ITEM) King County Conservation Futures Interlocal Grant Agreement. Woods noted that at the Operations Committee meeting today acceptance of a grant of $400, 000 from the King County Conservation Futures program was considered. Parks Director Hodgson explained that the grant would pay back the acquisition on Clark Lake, and that it would involve entering into an agreement with King County and amending the budget He outlined the history of the project and urged the Council to accept the grant . WOODS MOVED to accept the King County Conservation Futures Interlocal Grant in the amount of $400, 000 and authorize the Mayor to enter into the King County Conservation Futures Agreement and amend the Clark Lake Land budget accordingly. Orr seconded and the motion carried. 8 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 FINANCE (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6K) (CFN-104) Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable and Utility Billing Write-Offs Authorize miscellaneous Accounts Receivable and Utility Billing write-offs of $19, 367 .47 for accounts from 1995 through March 2001 that are primarily the result of bankruptcies and are deemed uncollectable, as recommended by the Operations Committee at their November 5, 2002 meeting. (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6L) (CFN-104) LIDS 350, 352 and 354 Bond Process. Approval to proceed with a combined LID bond issue for LIDS 350, 352 , and 354, as recommended by the Operations Committee at their November 5, 2002 meeting (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6B) (CFN-104) Approval of Bills . Approval of payment of the bills received through October 31 and paid on October 31 after auditing by the Operations Committee on November 5, 2002 Approval of checks issued for vouchers : Date Check Numbers Amount 10/31/02 Wire Transfers 1286-1295 $ 996, 034 23 10/31/02 Prepays & 540270 2 , 990, 894 . 56 10/31/02 Regular 540927 $8, 206 , 565 . 63 $12 , 193 , 494 .42 Approval of checks issued for payroll for October 1 through October 15 and paid on October 18, 2002 : Date Check Numbers Amount 10/18/02 Checks 263861-264167 $ 251, 452 85 10/18/02 Advices 136218-136914 1, 188, 684 54 $1, 440 , 137 . 39 Approval of checks issued for payroll for October 16 through October 31 and paid on November 5, 2002 : Date Check Numbers Amount 11/5/02 Checks 264168-264487 $ 249, 820 . 07 11/5/02 Advices 136915-137660 1, 136, 945 . 35 $1 , 386, 765 .42 9 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 FINANCE (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 5A) (CFN-186) 2003 Budget. This date has been set for the second hearing on the 2003 Budget . Finance Director Miller reviewed the preliminary budget, noting that it totals $120, 412 , 408 which is a decrease of 11 . 3% from last year. She then explained total City sources and uses of funds . She noted that about 25 vacant positions have been eliminated, that all departments reduced their travel budgets by 20%, and that I .T. staffing was cut, for a total savings of $2 , 878, 393 . Miller also noted that some things such as maintenance have been delayed and the funding moved to the General Fund Mayor White opened the public hearing. Robert O'Brien, 1131 Seattle Street, suggested that the Mayor and Council members send a letter to the Independent Salary Commission telling them that due to the budget crisis facing the city, that they should forego any salary increases to elected officials except for the municipal judges for the next two years . Ted Kogita, 25227 Reith Road, said the city has done a good job of cutting taxes, but the rate is still too high. Joe Rubio, 3831 S . 248th, questioned the Mayor' s recent trip to China and how eliminating vacant positions can save money. He sug- gested putting the Kent Station project on hold. There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing. Yingling seconded and the motion carried. Martin then explained that eliminating vacant positions is a valid technique to reduce the budget , and that he will most likely recommend using it again next year. Regarding Kent Station, he recommended going full speed ahead at all costs, as that will grow the economy. He also noted that there was an extraordinarily high number of employees who got extra- ordinarily sick this year. Mayor White spoke in support of his trip to China, noting that approximately 35% of the business that occurs in Kent is international trade, and said he makes no apologies for traveling to Asia in support of Kent ' s local business economy. Mayor White explained that the budget shortfall was caused mainly by a $1 . 8 million decrease in sales and 10 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 FINANCE utility taxes, a $900, 000 decrease in permit and plan check fees, a $400, 000 loss of state backfill funds caused by Initiative 695, and a $1 . 7 million increase in the cost of providing employee health care. He said the shortfall was closed by making the following cuts, not by raising taxes : cutting or freezing 35 staff positions, delaying or deleting $1 . 1 million in capital proDects such as painting and roofing, delaying the purchase of $900, 000 in vehicles, reallocating $1 million in revenue that would have been used for various capital pr03ects , making $1 . 1 million in miscellaneous reductions, and reducing the general fund reserve by $2 . 8 million. He added that the City will grow the economy with the Kent Station, build roads and continue constructing a mult- modal transportation network, help people in the community who have fallen on hard times, and provide public safety services . (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 5B) (CFN-104) 2002 Tax Levy for 2003 Budget. This date has been set for the public hearing on the 2002 Tax Levy for the 2003 Budget . Finance Director Miller noted that final figures for property tax have not been received from King County. The Mayor opened the public hearing Upon a question from Robert O ' Brien, 1131 Seattle Street, Mayor White explained that estimates are used until the final figures are received from the County. Miller then reviewed the figures . There were no further comments from the audience and WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing . Orr seconded and the motion carried. Yingling commented that the City is taking a fairly conservative approach to property tax increases . (PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEM 5C) (CFN-775) Capital Improvement Plan. This date has been set for the second public hearing on the Capital Improvement Plan. Miller explained the source of funds and how they would be spent, noting that money comes from the Capital Improvement fund, from grants, from contributions, from the Street and Utilities funds and from Councilmanic bonds She added that there may be a voted public bond issue in 2005 for public safety. Miller stated that the 11 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 FINANCE funds would be spent on transportation, park development, improvements to buildings and technology, and utility pro3ects . Mayor White opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience. WOODS MOVED to close the public hearing, Orr seconded, and the motion carried. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6I) (CFN-1216) 2003 Government Relations Contract. As recommended by the Operations Committee, approval of the 2003 Government Affairs contract with Doug Levy of Outcomes by Levy. The contract covers Mr. Levy' s services and expenses for 2003 These services include legislative advocacy at the local , state and federal level on the City' s high priority issues . LEGISLATIVE AGENDA (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6T) (CFN-198) 2003 Legislative Agenda. Approval of the 2003 Legislative Agenda which serves as the advocacy workplan during the 2003 Legislative Session. The Agenda reflects the input of staff, Council and the Mayor' s Office and responds to issues expected to be prominently discussed in Olympia next Spring This document was reviewed by Council during the October 15 , 2002 Workshop and forwarded to the November 19 , 2002 Council Meeting for final consideration and approval . COUNCIL (CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEM 6Y) (CFN-198) (ADDED ITEM) Council Absence. Approval of an excused absence from tonight' s meeting for Council member Clark, as he is unable to attend. REPORTS Council President. Woods invited all interested persons to attend the dedication of the East Hill Youth Sports Complex at 132nd and 248th at 4 : 00 p.m. on November 26 . She also reminded everyone of the holiday celebration December 5-7 . (CFN-198) 12 Kent City Council Minutes November 19, 2002 REPORTS Operations Committee. Yingling expressed sympathy in the loss of Fire Creek Grill owner Jack Pederson (CFN-198) Parks Committee. Woods noted that the next meeting will be at 4 : 00 p .m. on December loth. (CFN-198) Administrative Reports . Martin reminded Council members of an Executive Session of approximately twenty minutes, dealing with three items of property acquisition and pending litigation, with no action anticipated. He also announced that the permits for Kent Station have been received. (CFN-198) EXECUTIVE SESSION The meeting recessed to Executive Session at 8 :48 p.m. and reconvened at 9 : 15 p.m. (CFN-198) ADJOURNMENT At 9 : 15 p.m. , WOODS MOVED to adjourn. Peterson seconded and the motion carried. (CFN-198) Brenda Jacobe CMC City Clerk 13