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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 08/20/2013 \14147 KENT WA5HI NOTCH Kent City Council Meeting August 20, 2013 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Albertson, Boyce, Higgins, Ralph, Ranniger and Thomas. Councilmember Perry was excused from the meeting. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA A. From Council, Administration, Staff. Council President Higgins added Consent Calendar item 7(L), an excused absence for Councilmember Perry. B. From the Public. None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Public Recognition.- Mayor Ma Cooke discussed the Neel -Soames Homestead and Y displayed a watercolor painting of the house. She discussed the Kent Historic Homes Tour that she attended last Saturday. She thanked all the volunteers. B. Community Events. None. C. Intergovernmental Report. Council President Higgins discussed the King County Regional Transit Committee meeting and the likelihood of 17% in service cuts in Metro Transit. He added that the King County Regional Policy committee met last week and heard about veterans' services provided by King County and regional waste policy. He noted that there is the potential for a transfer station to be built near Kent. He pointed out that the King County Chemical Dependency and Oversight board meets Thursday. Councilmember Ralph communicated that the Regional Law and Safety Committee meets next Thursday morning. Councilmember Albertson announced that the City will continue their membership with the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBD) and that the Transportation 2040 strategies and Highway 167 and State Route 509 were the main topics at their last meeting. She added that she is on the "Let's Complete State Route 509" board and during the workshop it was decided that the committee will continue to ask the legislature to go into session to complete SR-509 and have the funding package passed this year. D. Public Safety Report. Police Chief Ken Thomas communicated the August 2013 Public Safety report. He discussed the wedding dress assistance given by the Valley Communications telephone operator which gained national exposure. He also communicated that vehicle prowls are lower this month and auto thefts and robberies have increased due to the summer months. He noted that residential burglaries are 1 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 lower, but because of the increased construction activity, commercial burglaries have increased. Chief Thomas presented Chiefs Award of Citizen Commendation awards to Sonny Ahlawalia, Nikki Malcolm, Bart Mattson, and Philip Petersen who saved a family who's boat capsized in Lake Meridian. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Ken Przepiora, Kent, communicated that he was against the sale of the Par 3 golf course. 2. Zach Lockhart, Des Moines, communicated that he was against the sale of the Par 3 because it is where he golfs with his grandfather. He noted that the course means a lot to him. 3. Thomas Brice, Kent, communicated that he said the Par 3 means more than golf. He said it is the green entrance into the City. He stated that Alexa Moormeyer qualified for the National Drive, Chip, and Putt competition in Augusta, Georgia at the course. 4. Suzanne Dowell, Tacoma, said she lives close to the Northshore Golf Course and is a beginner golf player. She stated that all three generations of her family play at the Par 3 Golf Course and is opposed to the City selling it. 5. Wayne Johnson, Federal Way, communicated that he has been using the Par 3 course for years and noted that there are many people that use it who have disabilities. He urged the Council to reconsider selling the course to a developer. 6. Manny Espinosa, Kent, stated that the Par 3 was purchased by former leaders of the City who saw the impact it would have on the citizens of Kent. He said it is a beautiful legacy and shouldn't be sold. There have been friendships formed at the course and it continues to impact the quality of life of Kent's seniors. He said the course relieves the pains and aches of society and instills the core values of golf into the children. He urged the Council to save the Par 3 because it is the right thing to do. 7. Evan Johnsen, Seattle, on behalf of First Tee of Greater Seattle, discussed preserving the Par 3 and noted that his organization serves the Riverbend Golf Course. He stated that the number of patrons have increased at the Riverbend and discussed the advantages of the Par 3 and golf. 8. R.C. Sample, Kent, thanked the people who spoke and communicated that the people don't want the Par 3 sold. He attempted to survey the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Thomas called for point of order. Concluding the public comment period and questioning of the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Ranniger clarified that there is no pending sale of the Par 3 Golf Course. She added that the Parks and Human Services Committee looked at the revenues and expenditures of the City and the Par 3 was brought up because it is part of an enterprise fund that isn't fully self-sustaining at the present time and it needs to be. She added that there were two open houses and many people came with ideas, 2 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 concerns, and their passions. One of those ideas was to question why it was an enterprise fund and why isn't made into a park and placed under the general fund. The only decision that has come forward is to have a meeting on September 3 to consider whether to change the funding mechanism. There is no pending sale and the Council is still grappling with the issue and what the options are. The workshop will be September 3 and the advantages and disadvantages of enterprise fund vs. general fund will be discussed. She noted that the workshop on September 3rd wouldn't have been scheduled if the Council was truly going to move forward with any sale. Councilmember Ralph communicated that no Councilmember has made any decision and said there are issues in the enterprise fund and the process going forward will be to determine how those issues can be dealt with. She added that no one has stated that the Par 3 would be sold. There is no pending sale, she communicated. This is about determining what is needed to address the enterprise fund issues. Councilmember Albertson communicated that she has been on the Parks and Human Services Committee for eight years and this has been an issue all eight years. The lack of revenue being generated from the Par 3 is an issue and something has to be done. She added that there are other issues such as turf repair at Wilson Playfields. There are several parks failing and the Parks Levy was voted down to fix these and other parks problems. This is a policy decision and it needs to go to the full Council, she explained. She added that the open houses were held so the Council could have public input and information to make future policy decisions. Councilmember Boyce said he appreciates the last four or five meetings and he has learned a lot about the Par 3. He noted that the Council tries to be fiscally responsible and has to ensure that the City can take care of itself. He communicated that there is no need to threaten anyone at a Council meeting concerning what their opponent's views are. He encouraged speakers to make their point. Councilmember Thomas communicated that he wants a ruling on his point of order and City Attorney Fitzpatrick communicated that Councilmember Thomas was correct in calling for a point of order. Mayor Cooke communicated that R.C. Sample could have another minute for Public Comment. Sample communicated that his findings show that the golf course hasn't lost $132,000 in revenues. He stated that the debt is based on rent and internal service charges. He said the debt has been paid and the revenues are being used to pay for the contracts to run the course. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Higgins moved to approve Consent Calendar Items A through L. seconded by Councilmember Thomas. The motion carried and the following items were approved: A. Minutes of the workshop and regular Council meeting of August 6, 2013. 3 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 B. Payment of the bills received through June 30 and paid on June 30 after auditing by the Operations Committee on August 6, 2013. Checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 6/30/13 Wire Transfers 5523-5534 $1,237,831.45 6/30/13 Regular Checks 674252-674665 5,710,514.61 6/30/13 Use Tax Payable 2,048.18 $6,950,394.24 Payment of the bills received through July 15 and paid on July 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on August 6, 2013. Checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 7/15/13 Wire Transfers 5535-5552 $1,654,243.14 7/15/13 Regular Checks 674666-675003 1,049,697.12 7/15/13 Use Tax Payable 2,580.90 $2,706,521.16 Checks issued for payroll for June 16 through June 30 and paid on July 5, 2013: Date Check Numbers Amount 7/5/13 Checks 332168-332344 $ 101,676.36 7/5/13 Advices 315834-316469 1,240,383.74 $1,342,060.10 Checks issued for payroll for July 1 through July 15 and paid on July 19, 2013: Date Check Numbers Amount 7/19/13 Checks 332345-332514 $ 105,193.56 7/19/13 Advices 316470-317108 1,192,439.07 $1,297,632.63 C. Creekside Building Bill of Sale. The Bill of Sale for the Creekside Building Project, permit #2061716, for 1 gate valve and 2 hydrants was accepted. D. Hartun Glass Bill of Sale. The Bill of Sale for the Hartung Glass project, permit 9 9 P J � #2061114, for 7 gate valves, 4 hydrants, 1,509 linear feet of waterline, 1 sanitary sewer manhole, 183.10 linear feet of sanitary sewer line, 689.70 linear feet of new street, 2 storm sewer manholes, 3 catch basins, and 597.32 linear feet of storm sewer _ line was accepted. E. Seven Oaks Park Playground Equipment Agreement. The Mayor was authorized to sign the goods and services agreement with Landscape Structures, Inc. in the amount of $32,824.89 to purchase playground equipment for Seven Oaks Park, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and the Parks Director. 4 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 F. Bennett Group Consulting Services Contract — Civility Training. The Mayor was authorized to sign a contract with the Bennett Group, in an amount not to exceed $10,500 for Police Department training on workplace civility as well as workplace bullying prevention and intervention issues and strategies, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Police Chief. G. Cumulative Grant Donations to the Youth Conference and Drinking Driver Task Force Funds. The Mayor was authorized to accept the current Youth Conference Donation fund balance of $34,333, and the Drinking Driver Task Force fund balance of $13,163, amend the budget and expend the funds in accordance with the grant terms and conditions acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney. H. Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Grant. The Mayor was authorized to accept the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority grant award in the amount of $1,614,100, amend the budget and expend the funds in accordance with the grant terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Police Chief. I. King County Sheriff's Office Cost Reimbursement Agreement. The Mayor was authorized to sign the Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the King County Sheriff's Office in the amount of $73,912.60, for the purpose of verifying the address and residency of registered sex and kidnapping offenders, with final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Police Chief. 1. North Star Contract — Firing Range Repairs. The Mayor was authorized to sign a contract with North Star Construction and Environmental for repairs to the Kent Police Department firing range, in an amount not to exceed $49,767.75, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney. K. State Farm Grant — Illegal Street Racing Enforcement. The Mayor was authorized to accept the State Farm Grant, in the amount of $3,750, for implementation of an illegal street racing enforcement operation, amend the budget and expend the funds in accordance with the grant terms, subject to approval of the City Attorney and Police Chief. ADDED L. Excused Absence. Councilmember Perry was excused from the Council meeting of August 20, 2013. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. Council President Higgins discussed the workshop and summarized that all City funds are doing ok and there was a discussion on State Route 509. He said the Council committed to doing some lobbying concerning the transportation package. B. Mayor. Mayor Cooke discussed a meeting with the Corps of Engineers approach to the levees, the Systemwide Improvement Framework (SWIF). 5 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 Mayor Cooke discussed gifts the City received from its Sister Cities. She congratulated Smith Brothers Farms on their move and their grand re-opening. C. Administration. Interim Chief Administrative Officer Brubaker stated he had no report but there would be a one hour executive session for labor negotiations and property acquisition. D. Economic & Community Development Committee. In the minutes. E. Operations Committee. In the minutes. Councilmember Ralph addressed an issue regarding the sale of property that the City owned at the northwest corner of the intersection of Riverview Boulevard and Veteran's Way (formerly South 2315t Street). She noted that on January 2, 2013 the Council approved to enter into a sale agreement with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Perry voting in opposition. She communicated that the terms of the agreement were that SPU would negotiate the sale and three tiers were set up concerning the use of this property. Tier 1 consisted of preferred uses such as retail, hotel, and privately-owned office space. Tier 2 included a variety of uses to include multi-family and senior housing. Lastly, Tier 3 had less desirable uses including non-market rate multi-family housing. The caveat on the sale was that if an offer came back with a Tier 3 use the Council would have the opportunity to decline that offer. She noted that Councilmember Perry voted against this agreement because she felt it would take away the Council's ability to have the ultimate say on the sale and use of this property. Now, she said, she agrees with her. She stated that the discussion prior to the vote was that there were safeguards built in to the agreement that would prevent a non-desired use from occurring. She said that if she would have known that there was any possibility of the City having more subsidized, low income, development at that site she would have voted against the agreement. She communicated that it was her understanding that with the metrics in place Tier 3 would have been a prohibited use. She said that in July a developer made an offer and a purchase and sale agreement was prepared and signed. However, after the agreement was signed the Council was told by the City staff that the developer was going to build subsidized, low income, multi-family housing and include Section 8 housing. She said the Council was informed that the stipulation in the original agreement that development be at market rate and that subsidized housing was not acceptable had not been included in the purchase and sale agreement. Additionally, she communicated that the omission wasn't recognized when the purchase and sale agreement was reviewed and the contract was ultimately signed. She went on record and communicated that if she would have been informed this type of development could have occurred she wouldn't have voted in favor of the agreement with SPU. She said there have been several mistakes and oversights with this project and it is still going forward. She said she doesn't support the development, wouldn't have voted for the project, and is disappointed about this outcome. She noted that the City of Kent has a more than adequate inventory of subsidized and low income housing at this point in time. She concluded that is the first of new development on the West Hill of Kent in the Midway Subarea and hopes this development and its type doesn't set any precedence or hinder any further development in the Midway Subarea. 6 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 F. Parks and Human Services Committee. Councilmember Ranniger stated that there will be a discussion on the possible policy decision to change the golf course funding from an enterprise fund to a general fund at the Parks & Human Services Committee meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. She also stated that there will be no decisions made and no public comment. The meeting will be for the exploration in what the differences will be if it is changed from and enterprise fund to a general fund entity. G. Public Safety Committee. In the minutes. H. Public Works Committee. Councilmember Albertson thanked Councilmember Ranniger for her work on the Par 3 issue. She communicated the reason these items are brought to Council workshop is to increase full Council knowledge. She noted that August 6th was National Night Out. She noted that the September 2nd Public Works Committee meeting has been cancelled and items on the next Public Works Committee agenda are railroad quiet zones and how the anticipated transit cuts will affect Kent. I. Regional Fire Authority. Council member Thomas communicated that the Regional Fire Authority meeting is tomorrow night and to review their budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:14 p.m. the Council adjourned into Executive Session. At 8:44 p.m. Mayor Cooke extended the meeting for an additional fifteen minutes. At 8:59 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the meeting for an additional ten minutes. At 9:09 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the meeting for an additional ten minutes. At 9:13 p.m., the regular meeting reconvened. Brubaker discussed the Clark Springs water source within the City limits at 26005 SE Kent Kangley Road and that the City is interested in purchasing the property to protect the spring and the site. Councilmember Albertson moved to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents to complete the purchase of property owned by David D. Donnelly, located at 26005 SE Kent Kangley Road, Parcel No. 252206-9078, consisting of 0.74 acres to protect the Clark Springs water source, within established budgets and subject to approval of final terms and conditions by the City Attorney and Public Works Director, seconded by Council President Higgins. Motion carried 6-0. 7 Kent City Council Minutes August 20, 2013 ADIOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. Ronald F. bore, C City Clerk 8 PUBLIC COMMENT KENT• SIGN UP SHEET WSM6- N For the Kent City Council Meeting of: NAME Street Address Erriail ddress Topic 1234 Main Street SE Comprehensive �x Jane Doe Kent, WA 98932 jdoe@hotmail.com Plan t� St (,4C 4 Sri, �.tcs r2 l�e x-wa 9 80 3(-.a s 11 14,) U r C Sv �'�owe�l a1� s syw"� 6 7 p. 10 �1 12 13 14 is 16 17 18 19 20 Members of the public are invited to speak under "Public Comment', Agenda Item #6. Please sign above and when asked by the Mayor, come to the podium. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.