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KENT
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2014
The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by
Mayor Cooke.
Councilmembers present: Ralph, Berrios, Boyce, Fincher, Higgins, Ranniger, and
Thomas.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL, ADMINISTRATION, OR STAFF.
Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson recommended adding the Green Business
Award presentation to Item 4E(a), which the Council approved by consensus.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
A. Public Recognition - Councilmember Higgins stated that there was an article in
the Kent Reporter concerning a community-led volunteering effort called the "Blue
Heart" project. He added that Teagan McGinnis from Kentridge High School passed
away last year from a car accident and his mother, Laura McGinnis, started it in his
honor. Ms. McGinnis came to the podium and spoke about the "Blue Heart" project.
The project consists of people choosing a volunteer service, participating in that
service for a full year then posting it onto social media and nominating five other
people to do the same. Teagan's sister, Avery, highlighted the website,
www.theblueheartproject,com, and passed out bracelets to the public.
Mayor Cooke thanked the Information Technology Department for their work during
the November it windstorm and their efforts in restoring the City's communication
system. She read the names of several City employees recognizing their efforts in
getting the City's information system back online.
B. Community Events - Council President Ralph highlighted the Disney on Ice event
at the ShoWare Center and said eight of the ten performances were sold out. She
added that "Frozen" will be the next Disney event held at the ShoWare. She
announced that "Jingle Babes" will be on December 5, and the 28th Annual Magical
String Show will follow on December 7.
Mayor Cooke communicated that the Christmas tree lighting will be on December 6
and Santa will be present. She added that Christmas Rush will be held on December
13.
C. Proclamation of Small Business Da v - Mayor Cooke presented the Small
Business Day Proclamation to Barbara Smith of the Kent Downtown Partnership. Ms.
Smith thanked the Mayor and the Council for the proclamation.
D. Proclamation of Civil Air Patrol Week - Mayor Cooke read and presented the
Civil Air Patrol Week Proclamation to First Lieutenant Jessica Jerwa. First Lieutenant
Jerwa highlighted the proclamation and thanked the Mayor and Council for it.
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2014
E. Presentation to the Kent Food Bank - Mayor Cooke presented a ceremonial
check in the amount of $7,055 to the Kent Food Bank from the employees of the City
of Kent.
E(a). 2014 City of Kent Green Business of the Year - Gina Hungerford
communicated that Vectra Fitness was the 2014 City of Kent Green Business of the
Year.
F. Anvointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission - Mayor Cooke
introduced the members of the Inaugural Parks and Recreation Commission. She
noted that 60 people applied for the 16 positions. The members appointed were:
Kendrick Glover, Wayne Jensen, Randy Furukawa, Jorge Ramos, Elizabeth "Annie"
Saurwein, Lawrence "Dan" Barrett, Karl Hedrick, Tiambia "Tye" Whitfield, Richard
Johnson, Zandria Michaud, Megan Stevens, Latanda "Tanda" Topps, Annette Bailes,
Yuriy Zaremba, Jaleen Roberts, and Brayden Seims. Jeff Watling, Parks and
Community Services Director thanked the new Commissioners and noted that they
would begin their work at the start of the new year.
G. Public safety Report - Assistant Police Chief Rafael Padilla spoke about 26 men
that were arrested for patronizing prostitutes at a local hotel. He noted that the
department anticipates $46,500 to be derived from this one sting. Half of those funds
will go to support the victims of prostitution and the other half will go directly to
prevention and enforcement. He added that last week $10,000 of those funds were
delivered to Katherine's House (Catholic Community Services). He then stated that
another major sex trafficking investigation was done by our Special Investigations
Unit, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office. This case led to the arrest and conviction
of a South King County man on two counts of sex trafficking of juveniles. He continued
and made mention of a string of residential burglaries that took place downtown and
an abandoned stolen vehicle that led to the capture and booking of a defendant. He
announced that the "Game of Life" Conference is being held December 16 - 17 at Kent
Commons. He also noted that the new hours of operations for the Police lobby will be
8am - 8pm Monday thru Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. He said
that the goal is to have a 24 hour facility in the future. He also noted the Diverse
Community Task Force that was initially formed to discuss use of force has been
meeting. He stated that the meetings have grown into an open engagement with the
community and both sides have learned many things. The next meeting will focus on
the City's efforts to recruit a more diverse force. Assistant Police Chief Padilla closed by
stating that the Department will be undergoing training on fair and impartial policing
services.
E. Intergovernmental Reports - Council President Ralph stated that she attended
the Transportation Policy Board meeting last week in which the legislative agenda was
discussed. She noted that there was conversation around community needs and the
fact that this area has asked for a transportation package from Olympia for a long
time. She stated that there is a subcommittee which will determine what actions they
could take if there isn't a transportation package adopted by the legislature this year.
There was also a presentation by Washington State Department of Transportation
concerning the retrofitting of bridges. She noted that most of the Puget Sound area
bridges have been retrofitted. The next report will be from WRIA-9 concerning habitat
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preservation and aligning communities. She also attended the South King County Area
Transportation Board meeting regarding the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma coming
together to do some strategic planning. She noted that both ports have a stake in the
industrial district in Kent and support 48,000 jobs in this region. She stated she was
elected as the Vice Chair of the South King County Area Transportation Board.
Councilmember Higgins communicated that the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Board
of Directors meets in two weeks. King County Regional Transit Committee meets
November 19 in which they will be reviewing the adopted county budget for metro for
2015-2016. He stated that they will also discuss passenger crowding measures and
look into adopting a new way of measuring that.
Councilmember Ranniger reported that the Domestic Violence Committee cancelled
their meeting.
Councilmember Fincher announced that the King Conservation District measure was
moved to the full King County Council, skipping the subcommittees. She noted that
this is a regional measure concerning urban tree canopy and urban agriculture. She
added that King Conservation District isn't having a December meeting, but will be
meeting in January.
Councilmember Boyce reported on the Sound City Association and the discussion
around the Manufacturing and Industrial Center (MIC) requests as well as the Joint
Base Lewis-McChord item. He stated that the Base Commander wasn't aware of the
recommendation by the cities, so this item was deferred to the vision of 2040 and will
be updated in 2018. The MIC would like to discuss creating a multi-tier framework with
the SCA. Lastly he communicated that the Sound City Association dinner is December
3 and the next meeting will be December 10.
Mayor Cooke discussed briefly Sound City Association and the manufacturing
identification for both Marysville and Arlington. She inquired as to whether or not
Councilmember Boyce has spoken with Economic and Community Development. To
which Councilmember Boyce stated that he had been in communication with them.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Don Dinsmore, Kent - Dinsmore is opposed to having the King County Animal
Control handle animal control services in the City of Kent. He communicated that he
has a slew of letters from business leaders including the Kent Downtown Partnership
Executive Director standing behind him and his dog. He noted that his neighbor
complained against him and said the dog bit him. He stated that the dog is registered
as his service dog from Madigan Army Hospital. He volunteered to be a non-paid
person to assemble an alternative for animal control in the City of Kent.
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2. Kirk Nelson, Kent - Nelson communicated that he is opposed to the raising of the
Mayor's salary.
3. Richard Wilkinson, Kent - Wilkinson thanked the Police Chief Ken Thomas and
Assistant Chief Rafael Padilla for the three-night course he attended concerning the
police department and their mission. He stated that several Councilmembers were also
in attendance. He commended the Police Department for the program.
4. Charmaine Boston, Kent - Boston stated that she hates seeing the ShoWare on the
front page of the Kent Reporter all of the time. She stated that the ShoWare provides
a lot of good for the community and provides jobs to the residents of Kent. She said
the City should do everything to make the facility work and succeed. She
communicated that the staff is amazing and it is close to her heart. She noted that this
is her personal opinion, but she feels as though we as a community need to fix this.
She said the ShoWare is a wonderful place.
5. Susan Sommerman, Kent - Sommerman communicated that the City of Kent offers
a severe weather shelter. She noted that the policy notes that the facility will open
when the temperature falls below 32 degrees for 24 or more consecutive hours or
snow is apparent. She stated that the temperature has fallen below 32 degrees, but
not for 24 more hours. She stated she is thankful that it was open even though it
wasn't 32 degrees for more than 24 hours. She proposed that the policy be revised to
have the facility open when temperatures are forecasted to be below 32 degrees or
snow is forecasted. She suggested opening it sooner and having it open longer.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Council President Ralph moved to approve Consent Calendar Items A through
G, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried 6-0.
A. Approval of Bills - Payment of the bills received through September 15 and paid
on September 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on October 7, 2014 were
approved.
B. Appointment of the New Kent Parks and Recreation Commission - Confirm
appointment of 16 members to the new Kent Parks and Recreation Commission and
authorize the Mayor and the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director to
assign membership terms prior to the first Commission meeting in January, 2015.
C. Puget Sound Energy Design Agreement for Russell Road Upper South Reach
Levee - The Mayor was authorized to sign the Puget Sound Energy Schedule 74
Design Agreement for the Upper Russell Road Levee - South Reach, as approved by
the City Attorney and Public Works Director.
D. 2014 Emergency Management Performance Grant - The Mayor was authorized
to accept the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Washington
Military Department/Emergency Management Division and the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security, in the amount of $93,525.00, to sign all necessary grant
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2014
documents, and to amend the budget and authorize expenditure of the funds in
accordance with final grant terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney.
E. Ordinance Amending Kent City Code 9.02, Criminal Code - Adopt Ordinance
No. 4129 amending Chapter 9.02 of the Kent City Code, entitled "Criminal Code," to
adopt by reference infractions and misdemeanor crimes established within the Revised
Code of Washington by the State Legislature during its 2014 session for application
and enforcement in the City of Kent, to make other housekeeping amendments, and to
adopt Class C felony crimes that may be used as a basis to support the crime of
criminal attempt or criminal conspiracy.
F. 2014 Annual Docket Report - The Mayor was authorized to accept the Economic
& Community Development Committee recommendations on the 2014 Annual Docket
Report, as revised.
G. Consultant Services Agreement with Fehr & Peers for Transportation
Element of the Comprehensive Plan - The Mayor was authorized to sign a
Consultant Services Agreement with Fehr and Peers in an amount not to exceed
$45,000 to provide services for the update to the Comprehensive Plan Transportation
Element, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
BIDS
None.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Council President. Council President Ralph thanked the speakers for their
comments this evening and discussed the comments that were expressed by the
residents. She discussed the workshop and noted that there was a discussion
concerning the 2015 - 2016 Biennial Budgets and stated that they are hoping to have
a new budget to bring forward within the next 2 weeks.
B. Mayor. Mayor Cooke spoke about the appointment of the Parks and Recreation
Commissioners. She noted that she enjoyed the conversations with the Commissioners
and listening to them express their feelings concerning the City.
C. Chief Administrative Officer. Chief Administrative Officer Matheson spoke about
his Chief Administrative Officer Report. He stated that there will be a Council workshop
to discuss the power outage, what happened, and how we can learn from it. He also
noted that there would be an executive session for 20 minutes this evening.
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2014
D. Economic & Community Development Committee. Councilmember Boyce
communicated that his report is in the minutes and thanked Mayor Cooke for her
selections for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
E. Operations Committee. Councilmember Thomas noted that his report was in the
minutes and also commended Mayor Cooke concerning the commission and Project
Blue and said that it has been a great evening.
F. Parks and Human Services Committee. Councilmember Ranniger verified that
the next meeting was at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday November 25.
G. Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Berrios communicated that there have
been further discussions with regards to fireworks, the times and enforcement of
current code. It has not been put to rest, and there will be a meeting in the New Year.
He discussed the comments of the citizens and that a week from Thursday on
November 27 he and his wife will serve a Thanksgiving meal for the community at 2
p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Golden Steer Restaurant.
H. Public Works Committee. Councilmember Higgins suggested residents listen to
the Public Works Committee meeting concerning the projects that were discussed last
night at their meeting. He noted that a significant amount of work has been done in
the City in 2014. He noted that the recommended list for the B&O tax revenue for
2015 was discussed and it was decided that the list be vetted by the public first.
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I. Regional Fire Authority. Councilmember Thomas announced that there is a
meeting tomorrow on November 19 at Station #78. He confirmed with Councilmember
Berrios that the Golden Steer has been doing Thanksgiving meals for 16 years and
estimated that 5,000 meals have been served.
Councilmember Fincher thanked Gina, Sam, and Beth for attending the Kindergarten
Academy at Neely-O'Brien Elementary presenting rewards for recycling. She added
that she can't think of any other Police Department that would open up to the public
and let residents know about the inner workings of the police department. She
extended her appreciation to the Chief and Assistant Chief, and the two trainers for the
meetings that were held. She stated that she believes this is a huge step forward in
averting any situations similar to those that happened in Ferguson, MO.
Councilmember Ranniger communicated that there has been a tremendous amount of
interest in the budget this year and inquired as to when the meeting in which the
budget will be passed will be held.
Chief Administrative Officer Matheson stated that the best case scenario would be that
the Operations Committee would prepare a recommendation on December 2 of which
the Council would then adopt on December 9. The other possibility would be a
workshop held on December 2, followed by a necessary workshop on December 9. The
Operations Committee would then prepare a recommendation on December 16, a
special meeting would be held that same evening for the Council to adopt the budget.
Mayor Cooke five minute recess at 8:50 p.m.
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2014
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:55 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would recess into an
Executive Session for twenty minutes to discuss property negotiation as per
RCW 42.30.110(1)(b).
At 9:15 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for ten minutes.
At 9:25 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for ten minutes.
At 9:34 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened
the regular meeting.
ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Property Negotiation, as per RCW 42.30.110(1) (b).
No action.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Ronald F. oore�MMC
City Clerk
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PUBLIC COMMENT
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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.