HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 12/27/1995 O PE RATOWS COMMITTE I IINUTE s
DECEMBER 27, 1995
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson-Committee Chair, Leona Orr
STAFF PRESENT: Tom Brubaker, Brent McFall, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Merrily Manthey
The meeting was called to order at 9:36 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
Approval of Vouchers: All claims for the period ending December 15, 1995, in the amount of
$2,473,045.38 were approved for payment.
Resolution on Alternative Medicine as an Economic Develo]2ment Effort
Director of Operations Brent McFall introduced the item and introduced Merrily Manthey noting
that she has led the work on this proposed resolution as Chair of the Natural Medicine Economic
Development Task Force. Merrily Manthey explained that in February of 1995 the Metropolitan
King County Council passed a motion for establishit of a natural medicine clinic. This will be
the first clinic in the U. S. providing medical options outside of traditional medicine to low income
citizens. Merrily noted that the cost for alternative medicine is significantly less especially chronic
illness.
Ms. Manthey outlined the amount of excitement King County's proposal has generated and the
interest the Natural Medicine Economic Development Task Force has received from the community
and the media. She noted that this is an opportunity for economic development,the promotion of
good health, and the enhancement of the reputation of Kent. Merrily gave examples of the Mayo
Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the amount of economic development and reputation garnered
from the clinic which could apply to Kent if this project grows to the extent possible. Manthey
outlined some of the economic development under discussion which includes: suggestions that the
growers of herbs could open greenhouses for medicinal herbs which are currently wildcrafted; the
opening of a hospital,preliminary talks with Valley Medical have been favorable; the expansion of
Kent Medical Center; and, Bastyr University has shown interest in locating a campus in Kent.
Merrily stated that the window of opportunity opened by King County's funding could expand to an
in-patient program for chronic illness. The needs are extensive, Dr. Wright currently has a 500
patient waiting list with people flying in from all over the United States as well as other countries.
Merrily stated that by passing the proposed resolution it will show the city's intention to support this
project. After being asked if there were any questions,Committeemember Leona Orr stated that she
would be happy to adopt the resolution and offered to work any way she can to make it happen. Orr
then moved to recommend adoption of the proposed resolution at the next Council meeting.
Committee Chair Johnson seconded the motion which passed 2-0.
Proposed Legislative Package
Brent McFall presented the item noting that Arthur Martin was on vacation and had prepared the
backup to update the Committee. He explained that the AWC does not expect a lot of action during
this legislative session outside of the items listed including a possible override of Governor Lowry's
veto of the tax cuts,the supplemental budget,and new legislation on property rights. McFall stated
that there may be a few items to guard against such as King County introducing a bill from Chris
Vance to abolish the municipal court and force these cases into district courts. After discussion of
the court issue, McFall noted that there is expected to be a number of items introduced such as
cleaning up of the annexation process,but resolution of these issues is not expected. He informed
OPERATIO* COMMITTEE MINLIES, CONT.
DECEMBER 27 1995
the Committee that the biennium budget does not include funds for the state portion of surface water
fees as yet. They normally pay 30% so this is being monitored to make sure that the item is not left
unfunded to avoid paying the states share. McFall stated that Arthur Martin will report routinely to
the Operations Committee and Council. Johnson suggested that the report be given at the Council
meetings since this is a short session. Orr stated she appreciated the information and McFall stated
that he would schedule the updates at the Council meetings.
November Financial Rel2ort
Finance Division Director May Miller reviewed the November Financial Report with the Committee.
On page 5 May noted that there is only one past due LID outstanding thanks to the help of the legal
department. She explained on page 9 that we are under budget in expenditures but this is partially
due to closing projects a month early. The sales tax dropped in December, which she noted they
have not been able to analyze as yet. Even with the November drop, we are still 4.1% over budget
for the year.'During further review,Miller noted thi-bu lding permits received at 67% over budget
with valuations even higher. She informed the Committee that the remaining balance from the
youth/teen program on page 27 will carry over to 1996 since these funds are dedicated to this
program. May concluded her report by reviewing the balances for the remaining budgets.
McFall noted that the Council retreat has been scheduled for January 19 and 20 and more
information will be forwarded to the Council.
There being no further busindss, Committee Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:28 a.m.
Page 2
OPE RATOWS COMMITTE104INUTES
DECEMBER 27, 1995
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson-Committee Chair, Leona Orr
STAFF PRESENT: Tom Brubaker, Brent McFall, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Merrily Manthey
The meeting was called to order at 9:36 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
Approval of Vouchers: All claims for the period ending December 15, 1995, in the amount of
$2,473,045.38 were approved for payment.
Resolution on Alternative Medicine as an Economic Development Effort
Director of Operations Brent McFall introduced the item and introduced Merrily Manthey noting
that she has led the work on this proposed resolution as Chair of the Natural Medicine Economic
Development Task Force. Merrily Manthey explained that in February of 1995 the Metropolitan
King County Council passed a motion for establislyd�t of a natural medicine clinic. This will be
the first clinic in the U. S.providing medical options outside of traditional medicine to low income
citizens. Merrily noted that the cost for alternative medicine is significantly less especially chronic
illness.
Ms. Manthey outlined the amount of excitement King County's proposal has generated and the
interest the Natural Medicine Economic Development Task Force has received from the community
and the media. She noted that this is an opportunity for economic development,the promotion of
good health, and the enhancement of the reputation of Kent. Merrily gave examples of the Mayo
Clinic in Rochester,Minnesota, and the amount of economic development and reputation garnered
from the clinic which could apply to Kent if this project grows to the extent possible. Manthey
outlined some of the economic development under discussion which includes: suggestions that the
growers of herbs could open greenhouses for medicinal herbs which are currently wildcrafted; the
opening of a hospital,preliminary talks with Valley Medical have been favorable; the expansion of
Kent Medical Center; and, Bastyr University has shown interest in locating a campus in Kent.
Merrily stated that the window of opportunity opened by King County's funding could expand to an
in-patient program for chronic illness. The needs are extensive, Dr. Wright currently has a 500
patient waiting list with people flying in from all over the United States as well as other countries.
Merrily stated that by passing the proposed resolution it will show the city's intention to support this
project. After being asked if there were any questions,Committeemember Leona Orr stated that she
would be happy to adopt the resolution and offered to work any way she can to make it happen. Orr
then moved to recommend adoption of the proposed resolution at the next Council meeting.
Committee Chair Johnson seconded the motion which passed 2-0.
Proposed Legislative Package
Brent McFall presented the item noting that Arthur Martin was on vacation and had prepared the
backup to update the Committee. He explained that the AWC does not expect a lot of action during
this legislative session outside of the items listed including a possible override of Governor Lowry`s
veto of the tax cuts,the supplemental budget,and new legislation on property rights. McFall stated
that there may be a few items to guard against such as King County introducing a bill from Chris
Vance to abolish the municipal court and force these cases into district courts. After discussion of
the court issue, McFall noted that there is expected to be a number of items introduced such as
cleaning up of the annexation process, but resolution of these issues is not expected. He informed