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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 06/21/2007 City of Kent Parks and Human Services Committee Meeting Minutes for June 21, 2007 Call to Order: Elizabeth Albertson called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Changes to Agenda: Item #2, King County Mental Health/Substance Abuse Sales Tax Proposal changed from Action to Informational Council Present: Elizabeth Albertson attending for Debbie Ranniger, Debbie Raplee, Bob O'Brien Item #1: Minutes of May 17, 2007 - Approve Motion: Debbie Raplee moved to approve the minutes of May 17, 2007. Bob O'Brien seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Item #2: County Mental Health/Substance Abuse Sales Tax Proposal - Informational Jeff Watling stated that this proposal was presented to the King County Alliance on May 17, reiterating that no action is required on this item. Jeff also introduced Mike Heinisch, Executive Director of Youth and Family Services, Co-Chair of King County Alliance of Human Services and Chair of the South King County Council of Human Services in attendance to answer any questions. Katherin Johnson added that this plan isn't even a proposal yet; it's actually a concept. She explained that RCW 82.14.460 allows counties to impose a 0.1 percent sales tax increase to augment state funding for mental health and substance abuse related services and it does not have to go to public vote. The sales tax increase, at an average cost of $25 dollars per household per year, would raise an estimated $47 million in the County. The funding would significantly reduce the regional funding gap for essential programs and services for county residents, including services for the homeless, mental health and substance abuse diversion, while covering transition services for high risk youth and adults in the criminal justice system, plus other counseling and supportive services. Katherin shared that no action has been taken by the King County Alliance of Human Services, or the King County Council of Human Services. Mayor Cooke is aware of the proposal and is interested in the impacts to the city and region. As a member of the Suburban Cities Association and the Regional Law of Justice Committee, the Mayor will receive further information at upcoming meetings. Police Captain Ruefener has been invited to attend meetings to gather information as well. If a decision is made by the County, Mayor Cooke plans to invite a representative from the Council to report to Kent City Council. Parks and Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2007 Page 2 Debbie Raplee asked for specifics of the proposal such as what exact programs are funded, if the plan speaks to increased staffing needs, budget comparisons from year to year, and what the numbers of people served, plus success rates are. Mike shared that details can be found in the Community Crises Alternative Action Plan Phase III Report, issued in June 2007, located on the King County web site. This report will also be presented at the Council of the Whole meeting on Monday, June 25, at the City of Shoreline Conference Center. The report outlines 12 strategies of programs and subsequent funding. Mike added that the County also provides a "report Card" on their web site with statistics that should address any questions the Council may have. Debbie Raplee asked of an inpatient drug treatment facility in South King County for parolees with substance abuse issues. Mike responded that the closest facilities are Milam's in Burien, Harborview and Lakeside in Bothell. Bob O'Brien questioned the reference to "people of color" in the study. Katherin responded that the survey shows the term used is based on statistics of homelessness, levels of poverty, and substance abuse. Mr. O'Brien suggested changing the text. Bob O'Brien referenced five other counties that have implemented a sales tax increase pilot program: Spokane, Jefferson, Skagit, Clallam and Clark. Mr. O'Brien also voiced his concern with community-based care as outlined in the survey and felt doctors were moving away from a drug-free treatment. Mike responded that Kent's youth program does not include drug replacement and has a 76% success rate. Elizabeth Albertson thanked Mike for representing South King County and Kent and anticipates Council taking a stand on this proposal in the future. Item #3: Revised 2007 Cit Art Plan and 2007 - 2011 Five Year City Art Plan - Approved The attached City Art Plan shows revisions to the 2007 City Art Plan and Five Year Plan that was approved by Council on February 6, 2007. The purpose of these revisions is to accommodate the Arts Commissions decision to move forward with the public art for the Town Square Park streetscape. While this public art is associated with Town Square Plaza, its primary purpose is to connect Kent Station and historic downtown. Bob O'Brien asked for clarification of the additional funding for the Town Square Plaza. Jeff and Cheryl explained that part of the art project was originally budgeted in the Town Square Plaza project, but as construction bids came in higher than the CIP budget, funds had to be deferred from CIP and the Art Plan. The Arts Commission approved the revisions by postponing some of the 2007 projects. Motion: Bob O'Brien moved to recommend approving revisions to the 2007 City Art Plan and Five Year Plan. Debbie Raplee seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Parks and Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2007 Page 3 Item #4: Town Square Park Artist Agreement - Authorize The Artist Elizabeth Conner was chosen by a jury to complete the art proposal for $160,000.00. The jury’s recommendation was approved by the Arts Commission on April 24. This art project is designed around the goal of connecting Kent Station and historic downtown. Kent Station is well-lit; historic downtown is darker. A series of illuminated sculptures placed in trees along the streetscape adjacent to Town Square Park will help connect and activate historic downtown. This art project is based upon pods from the sweet gum trees which have historically been planted in downtown Kent. Bob O'Brien questioned the height of light placement in the trees and the possibility of vandalism if placed too low. Cheryl responded that the artist plans to place the lights 2.5 feet from the ground, but they are examining the potential for vandalism, how to maintain low replacement costs, and ways to keep the art from becoming trash receptacles. Motion: Debbie Raplee moved to recommend authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with Conner Studios, LLC in the amount of $160,000.00 for the Town Square Park Art Proposal, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Parks Director and City Attorney. Bob O'Brien seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Item #5 Turnkey Park Master Plan - Approve Lori Flemm reported that in 2002, the City of Kent purchased the Vivienne Geroy property, a 5.5 acre lot in an older and established lot, adjacent to Turnkey Park, located on the East Hill of Kent at 23312 100th Avenue SE. This additional purchase added an acre of land for new park amenities, including 200 feet of street frontage. Amenities proposed include parking, picnic shelter, improved and new gravel trails, ¼ mile loop trail, entrance beautification and a new ADA paved trail. The total cost is $178,000.00 and will be paid out of estimated Fee-in-Lieu funds in 2008. Three public meetings were held on January 24, March 4, and May 23, 2007, to allow citizens the opportunity to provide input on amenities they preferred in the park. A National Trails Day event was held here on June 2, 2007. Debbie Raplee questioned the small seven-stall parking area. Lori responded that routinely parking is not provided at parks of this size, but because of the busy access road to the park, staff decided to provide a small parking area. Motion: Bob O'Brien moved to recommend Council approve the master plan for Turnkey Neighborhood Park. Debbie Raplee seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Parks and Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2007 Page 4 Item #6: Kent Downtown Partnership Donation for Hanging Basket Program - Accept In June 2007, the Kent Downtown Partnership donated $700.00 toward the cost of purchasing hanging flower baskets for the 2007 season. This donation funds the basket program, which includes baskets and plants provided by the city's nursery crew. The maintenance staff will continue to hang baskets in the downtown core, but the merchant baskets will be discontinued after 2007. Motion: Debbie Raplee moved to recommend accepting the $700.00 donation from the Kent Downtown Partnership and authorizing the expenditure of funds in the Greenhouse budget. Bob O'Brien seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Item #7: Kherson Park No-Build Easement Request - Informational The building located at 109 Second Avenue next to Kherson Park in downtown Kent sustained substantial fire damage in December 2006, and is currently in the process of renovation. The owner Sandy Newby attended the meeting to request a fifteen and one- tenth (15.1) foot wide no-build easement on the south side of her building. The easement is necessary to construct a residential dwelling unit on the second floor of the existing building and provide emergency egress windows which face Kherson Park. Ms. Newby asked that the Committee make a decision at the meeting so that she can meet her deadline to submit required documents to the city. Lori explained that if the city were to grant a no-build easement, it would restrict the use of the city property. The value of the easement would be sold at 75% of the appraised value of the property. The easement would be sold for approximately $12,750 – $14,250, plus all costs borne by the grantee, including recording fees, appraisal, and all incidental costs. This site was the home of the previous Kent City Hall. The City is currently identifying space needs in anticipation of annexation and expansion needs of the City Hall campus and is reluctant to encumber this site until plans have been developed and the need to build on this site not warranted. Jeff and the Council voiced their support of new development in downtown, but felt more information is needed, and more time is necessary before making a decision that would eliminate the city's option to ever develop that piece of property. Motion: Bob O'Brien moved to deny the request for a no-build easement within Kherson Park property. Debbie Raplee seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Item #8: West Fenwick Urban Forestry Program - Informational Lori Flemm, Superintendent of Parks and Open Space shared information and highlights of the West Fenwick Park Urban Forestry Program. After the wind storm in 2006, the park sustained considerable damage. All the dangerous trees were removed at that Parks and Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2007 Page 5 time. In April, Consulting Urban Forester Kevin McFarland, conducted a Forestry Evaluation in Management Section 1 and he recommended that fifty-six (56) trees be removed or monitored. Publication of this program will be shared through public meetings, the city's web site, the newspaper articles and park signage. Staff will evaluate the wood and determine if it can be sold to a furniture maker or chopped up and made available for residents to take home as firewood, as part of the Municipal Firewood Program. Seedlings raised by local kids involved in the city's Tree Education Program will be planted in the park this fall. Item #9: Lake Meridian Park Project Update - Informational Lori Flemm, Superintendent of Parks and Open Space provided an update on the Lake Meridian Park Project that will be under construction this summer. Public Works Department and the Parks Department have coordinated timelines to complete two projects at the boat launch simultaneously. The summer months are the opportune time because lake levels are low, thus minimizing boat launch closures. Parks awarded the project to Quigg Brothers. Park's improvements include widening the ramp, replacing planks and creating a float for boat boarding. The Public Works project includes widening the channel, replacing the culvert, and steam and plant restoration. Parallel parking will remain along 152nd Way. The city is asking boaters to park first on 152nd so boats can be launched easily. Staff received a grant to fund 90% of the boat launch construction project. Lori confirmed that a permit is required for this project and that the speed limit is 30 m.p.h. Project timeline: June 19: Boat Launch Bid to be awarded by City Council. July 16 - August 21: Intermittent closure of launch ramp and parking. August 20 - October 31: Boat launch closed, but WDFW launch will remain open. November 30: Construction complete. Item #10. Americans for the Arts Award for "Big Corn" - Informational Cheryl dos Remedios announced that the art project, "Big Corn” was included in the prestigious “Public Art: Year in Review” presentation at the Americans for the Arts 2007 Annual Convention in June. The Kent Arts Commission congratulates artist Peter Reiquam for creating one of the most successful, innovative and exciting public art projects in the United States. Peter Reiquam’s project is one of 40 public art projects selected for this honor from approximately 300 applicants nationwide. The artwork is located at the Willis Street gateway, immediately adjacent to SR 167 in Kent. It was installed in April of this year. Cheryl distributed collector cards displaying the commemoration to "Big Corn." Cheryl thanked Parks Planning and Development and Public Works for their help in getting this award. Parks and Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2007 Page 6 Item #11. Monthly What's Happening in Parks - Informational Jeff Watling announced upcoming events: • Lifeguards at Lake Meridian start Saturday, June 23, at Lake Meridian from 11:00 to 7:00 p.m. each day. • Summer camps start next week; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through August 16. • 9th Annual Fourth of July Splash is Tuesday, at Lake Meridian. Fun and activities for the family. The Rainier Symphony will be playing at 9:00 p.m. • Great line up of performers for the Summer Concert Series which begins Tuesday, July 10. Concerts are Tuesdays 12:00 p.m. at Kent Station, Wednesdays 12:00 p.m. at Mill Creek Park and West Fenwick and Thursdays 7:00 p.m. at Lake Meridian. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Teri Petrole Recorder - Parks and Human Services Committee