HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 02/16/2012 �� KENT
WA5HING'ON
Parks and Human Services Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2012
Council Present: Chair Debbie Ranniger, Elizabeth Albertson, Dana Ralph
Chair Debbie Ranniger called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
Item No. 1: Minutes of January 19, 2012
Elizabeth moved to approve the minutes of January 19, 2012. Dana
seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Item No. 2: Indigent Defense Services Findings — Resolution
Katherin Johnson, Manager of Housing and Human Services explained that this
Resolution supports the contracts with the law firm of Stewart, Beall, MacNichols,
and Harmell, Inc., P.S. ("SBMH"), for indigent counsel services and the Law Office
of Michael Jordan, P.S. ("Jordan"), for the provision of conflict counsel services.
The city is required by statute and the Constitution to provide an attorney for
individuals unable to afford legal representation when charged with a crime filed in
the Kent Municipal Court. SBMH, which is located in Kent, is currently under
contract to provide this service. In addition, Jordan, a Tacoma law firm, is
currently under contract to provide indigent defense services in cases in which
SBMH cannot provide services due to a conflict of interest. Staff recommends
continuing to contract with SBMH and Jordan from April l't, 2012 through
December 31't, 2014.
On April 19, 2011, the City Council passed Resolution No. 1843, which adopted
various standards for indigent defense services in order to ensure that indigent
defendants receive effective assistance of counsel as required by the state and
federal Constitutions. While those standards were adopted into the then existing
indigent defense service contracts, these new contracts better incorporate those
standards, and create a number of mechanisms to ensure that indigent defendants
are receiving effective assistance of counsel. The new contracts incorporate
caseload levels, complaint processing procedures, training requirements, and
review requirements. The contracts were reviewed by an outside attorney
consultant to ensure that Kent's system of public defense would provide indigent
defendants with a constitutionally appropriate level of service. There has been no
increase in the monthly payments due the contractors.
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Dana moved to recommend Council adopt the Resolution adopting findings
relating to indigent defense service contracts and authorizing the Mayor to
enter into indigent defense contracts with the law firms of Stewart, Beall,
MacNichols and Harmell, Inc., P.S., and Jordan Law Office, P.S. Elizabeth
seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Item No. 3: Housing and Human Services One Night Count Summary - INFO
ONLY
Parks Director Jeff Watling introduced the item saying that under this item, staff
wants to cover emergency shelters and a follow up from the last Parks Committee
meeting when council had questions on homelessness policies and partnerships and
then transition to how we want to proceed with the process for the Resource Center
building.
Jason Johnson, Human Services Planner reported that the city activated the Kent
Lutheran Church Severe Weather Shelter for six nights during the snow and ice
storm in January. Over the six nights, approximately 135 people were served, with
average 20 per night including a mix of men, women and children each night. Some
were homeless and some didn't have power in their home.
The Human Services division is very grateful for the partnership with Catholic
Community Services and Kent Lutheran. Jason recognized Bill Hallerman and Linda
Stolkholm in the audience and thanked them for the hard work they've put into this
partnership.
Catholic Community Services has provided shelter services and day time case
management in Kent for over 18 years and Kent Lutheran Church has been feeding
and attending to the needs of the homeless for over 20 years. The service they
provide not only helps people in need, but their service model also saved the city
over $9,000 by not having to issue hotel vouchers. Jason thanked the many
community volunteers and staff that assist in serving the homeless.
The primary purpose of the "One Night Count" is to document how many people
still lack basic shelter and what strategic polices we have in place. Jason reported
that the annual "One Night Count" of homeless people in King County took place
Friday, January 27, between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. with 800 volunteers canvassing
the county to count the number of men, women and children who are homeless and
without shelter. Kent was the first city outside of Seattle to participate in the One
Night Count. Roughly 60 volunteers participated in Kent and counted approximately
100 homeless sleeping outdoors. There was a small increase county-wide for those
found without shelter than last year. There was not a significant change from last
year in the Kent numbers. The "One Night Count" only includes a very small part of
Kent primarily in the valley and the same areas are counted each year. At the same
time, an inventory is done of all shelters and transitional beds in the county by the
Seattle King Coalition on Homelessness. It will be completed in spring and Jason
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will bring the results back to the committee.
Katherin Johnson, Manager of Housing and Human Services referred to the last
Parks meeting when the committee asked for additional information on homeless
issues, funding, needs, leadership, data local efforts (attached is the report).
Katherin reported that Kent has been supporting human service agencies for over
35 years. Originally funded through federal revenue sharing and then 1% of the
general fund was set aside to address human services in Kent by funding agencies.
The city is a direct entitlement community for HUD Community Development Block
Grant Funds. Kent has remained a leader from that point on.
Kent was one of the first at the table to pose the question, is it possible to end
homelessness? About eighteen months after meetings began, the Federal
government handed down a mandate that a 10 year plan to end homelessness
would have to be developed in order to continue to get funding. Kent was one of
the first focus groups to develop that plan which addresses the issues of chronic
homelessness. Kent staff has actively participated in the framework that operates
and manages the homeless services system in King County including leadership
seats on the Committee to End Homelessness, the Seattle/King County Coalition on
Homelessness and through local efforts such as the South King County Forum on
Homelessness. The Human Services Master Plan, which addresses homeless
through our continuum of services, is in its sixth year and ready for renewal. One of
issue staff looks at within set services is intervention and prevention.
Homelessness knows no boundaries. Most of the homeless stay close to home and
travel between Kent, Auburn and Renton. DSHS showed, in a self identified report,
that there are approximately 2,000 homeless in Kent using their services. This
number includes families, individuals and seniors. Homeless does not mean you live
on the street, it means you do not have a permanent address and that includes
people who live with friends or live in their cars.
In the Kent School District, approximately 13,500 qualified for the free/reduced
lunch program and this is an indicator of risk. Poverty is another issue. In 2011
25% of Kent residents were under the poverty level. The median income in Kent is
$49,000. We look at all areas and found a lack of services for families. Family
homelessness is the largest single gap in services. There are 29 units of shelter in
South King County for families. Many are for domestic violence victims only. There
are no day care centers for Moms and kids to even get a shower or do laundry.
There are very few shelters for just women alone. Day centers were addressed
through the focus group, "South King County Response to Homelessness." The
model for day centers recommended by the focus group was to alternate days in
different cities so that not one community would take on the burden. Federal Way
and Auburn have implemented this program.
The city partners with the 20 agencies that we fund through CDBG support. Most of
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them provide some service to the homeless. The Food Bank provides food packs
and they stock the city's Human Service office with food packs. Catholic Community
Services has been a major partner with the city for 35+ years. Kent Youth and
Family Services has transitional housing and programs for parenting teens, and
Multi Service Center handles housing provision work and emergency housing.
The Federal Government often puts conditions on funding and that any agency
receiving homeless funding. Agencies must have a homeless information
management system that reports where the homeless are being seen, what
services are provided, and how are they getting to and from these services. Kent
talked to cities and encouraged them to participate in this data so that they could
apply for Federal funding.
The city has begun the funding cycle and the Human Services Commissioners have
been trained to evaluate the applications online. The Commissioners renewed their
commitment to continue to look at ways to help with assistance for homeless
shelters as well as prevention programs.
Dana thanked staff for putting this information together - it helps put things in a
broader context. Elizabeth asked about residency for day shelters in Federal and
Auburn. Jason stated that there are no residency requirement. Debbie asked about
facility use and Jason responded that these programs are run by faith-based
churches.
Jeff followed up to conversations with Council, businesses, human service agencies,
commissioners and Union Gospel Mission staff on how the city can map out the
process to evaluate the use of the Resource Center and the requests from Union
Gospel Mission and other interested agencies. Staff feel there is a due process and
propose a three phase approach in a thorough and expeditious manner:
• Scoping
• Call for Proposals
• Evaluation and Recommendation
The first step is to initiate a focus group discussion involving businesses, human
service agencies, Union Gospel Mission, and neighbors to meet for the next six
weeks. Discussion will involve framing questions to proposed use of the Resource
Center building and determine the community's response to using that building for
homeless purposes. To define the best use of the Resource Center building with the
goal of defining the scope. The group would be required to make a recommendation
by April and a Call for Proposals would go out. A panel of members from the Human
Services Commission, residents and businesses would evaluate the proposals and
make a proper recommendation to Council in June/July on how to proceed and
move forward.
Jeff stated that the city has countless partnerships with similar service providers
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and staff want to make sure that everyone goes through the same vetting process
that we've asked other agencies to go through.
Elizabeth referred to the homeless count stating that our numbers are in
perspective with being a bigger city and we have big city challenges. We are
looking for constructive ways to do more; we want to make sure that we are doing
the appropriate thing for the issue at hand and one that works.
Dana reiterated that she wants to do this in a smart manner and make sure it is
sustainable. She wants it to be a fair and equitable to all partners and have a solid
process that we can defend.
Debbie wanted to share that the city is charting new territory with this process. It is
unique and it may become the model for the use of all city buildings. Council and
staff are interested in feedback. The process is being created as we go.
Public Communication
Andrea Keikkel, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce read a letter that
was sent to the Mayor Cooke and City Council on behalf of the Chamber The letter
was in regard to the proposed Union Gospel Mission day shelter for men in
downtown Kent. The Chamber encourages the city to vet all applicants for use of
the building. To research and fully disclose to the community the financial pros and
cons of a contract of this magnitude. They urge the city to slow down and not be
influenced by politics or pressure from interested parties. The Kent Chamber of
Commerce believes that when dealing with this building, the most important
aspects are financial feasibility, full community input, creating fair and balanced
process and looking to the future regarding the revitalization of downtown Kent
(see attached letter).
Barb Smith, Executive Director of Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) reported that
approximately 55 people attended the recent information sharing forum sponsored
by the Kent Downtown Partnership. The end result was that the majority asked the
city to slow down. They are compassionate with the homeless issue, but are
concerned with moving too quickly and with that location as the only means to fix
the problem. She will forward the comments from the meeting on to the city.
Jim Renton, a volunteer for the Volunteer Planning Activity for Homeless has
worked at the Food Bank and with the homeless for four years. In speaking with
many homeless, he feels they need an opportunity to learn new skills. He wants to
participate in a committed conversation to look holistically at the reason why the
homeless are in this situation and to find a way to help them become productive
individuals.
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Wade Schwartz of Panther Lake resident and Human Services Commissioner said
that we need to enhance the resources. He has come before to the Council in the
past to request resources for the homeless. He feels a band-aid approach does not
work. He is concerned with the aggressiveness of putting another non-profit in Kent
and feels that we need to look at outside resources already established and move
forward with them. Mr. Schwartz said that we need to take care of what we have
and "grow them" as a whole. He would like an RFP available to all of the services
available in the community. He is concerned with the utilization of that building. He
wants the group to go about it slowly; to take a look at what we're doing now with
current human services. He feels we need to stop and see what we want to do
before we go ahead and do it.
Lesli Himata, Covington, WA of Kent Hope and Director of Emergency Kent Services
for Kent United Methodist Church and has dealt with human service issues for eight
years. She said that Kent Hope and Union Gospel Mission and the volunteers and
agencies assisting them have the enthusiasm, history and expertise in running this
kind of operation. She doesn't feel that this has been a fast process because her
group has been working on this for eight months. Kent United Methodist has given
approximately $36,000 to the community for emergency assistance and to Kent for
water bills for low income. She feels that an RFP was already out and no one had
funding or expertise, but now there is a great proposal with Union Gospel Mission
and Kent Hope, along with 224 volunteers, multiple churches and agencies,
including case management from Valley Cities. She feels if this process is put out
again, the city might lose the enthusiasm and expertise. She said this is a funded
mandate.
Mark Johnson of Union Gospel Mission agreed with the spirit of what Ms. Keikkela
said. He feels Union Gospel Mission values community process and they want to
serve the entire community. He wanted to say that they are happy to work with
any process that the city feels is most appropriate. He hopes he has demonstrated
their desire to be available and to be a part of the conversation and to bring a
broad base of folks from the community. He understands the need to attend to
multiple considerations and interests of the city and not just this aspect. He asked
for a process to clearly define expected outcomes and how they will be reported. He
feels that using the building for free is to provide a public good. He agrees that a
thorough process is necessary to generate the sense that this is what the
community values and wants to do; he appreciates trying to balance the need and
the need to do something about this now. He hopes the best policy can be found to
move forward and whatever the committee decides of what that through and
community based process may be. He has enjoyed the opportunity to work with
Katherin, Jeff and Council through this process.
Elizabeth asked Mark to define the statement of faith for employment. Mark
responded that Union Gospel Mission is officially an association of churches. As a
result of that, UGM has a statement of faith that employees agree to and only hire
persons able to adhere to that statement. In Seattle they are not available to
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participate in the City of Seattle Human Services contracting process because
Seattle view them as discriminatory in their hiring practices. They are allowed to
practice in that discrimination. Elizabeth asked if UGM discriminates against gays
and lesbians. Mark said there is no specific policy. He confirmed that Seattle Union
Gospel Mission does not discriminate as a service provider whatsoever, but does in
their hiring practices - by law to protect their identity.
Debbie thanked Mr. Johnson for being open to the questions as well as to the
proposed community process.
Mark said that they believe in and support a community based process. We believe
any successful long term intervention involving homeless requires time and
combined efforts.
Bill Hallerman, Agency Director of King County Catholic Community Services (CCS)
and a Human Services Commissioner said that this is the first time he's heard of a
proposal and feels it makes sense. He's learned that partnerships with businesses
and community government take time so that everyone is on the same page. CCS
is faith-based and is held accountable for their services. Time is necessary to look
for gaps. The balancing with business needs to feel comfortable. He supports the
idea of support groups and feels the timeline proposed by the city is reasonable.
Elizabeth stated that Kent Hope has been working on this for some time, but other
groups haven't had the same amount of time. In addressing the comment of
redundancy on advertising another RFP, the first process revealed creativity, but no
guaranteed funding from any of the eight proposals. Even though we have a group
ready to go, what she's hearing from the public is that we need a new RFP process
that includes all the stakeholders. We need to define a vision of this facility that will
holistically service the homeless. The scoping phase will allow us to see what it will
look like and then put it out for proposal. She supports a process, but wants it
separate from human services because it's not a cash grant, but it should include
deliverables and potentially become a model for non profit agencies. She would like
to see it put out quickly but not cost the city a lot.
Katherin explained that the process would be a separate application. Programs need
to be reviewed and it needs to have a facility piece. We need to look at the
improvements that need to be made and how will it be paid for because the city
doesn't have any money in the budget for renovations. It will be under separate
review and due date. The timeline is necessary for the Human Services Commission
and staff the time to run through the process.
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Ranniger noted that this would be a hybrid that would include participation from the
community, agencies, and businesses. It would give the broader community an
opportunity to be a part of that review process. Jeff confirmed that it would be a
separate process and a separate discussion.
Dana said the city needs to get the whole picture and we need a defined process.
This is about all aspects of the community and we need to gather input from the
entire community. She would rather have questions now, rather than have to
defend later. She appreciates UGM's willingness to work through this. This process
allows us to make the best decision for the community.
The committee confirmed that they are all comfortable with the three phase
process and they appreciate the focused approach in the scoping phase.
Katherin announced that Jason is taking the lead and his experience will be
invaluable. Jason is a member of the Board of Directors for South King County on
Homeless and they are asking the same questions. He is currently conducting focus
groups on these issues in other areas of the county.
Debbie feels that the expedited and thorough three-phase process makes sense. It
is important to involve our stakeholders and pay attention to gaps. It will address
any concerns the community may have and it is a good way to get deliverables.
She feels that an education piece for employment would be an important
component to include in the scoping process.
An official motion is not necessary because no decision for use of the building has
been made yet. Jeff suggested that staff will work in short order with the Mayor's
office and take an outline of these three phases to Council under Reports on the
Council agenda. City Attorney Tom Brubaker, announced there is no need for a
motion on this issue. Jeff said that formal action would take place when/if there is a
lease agreement.
Item No. 4: Kent Municipal Court Remodel Procurement Code Reauirements
- Authorize
Jeff introduced Alex Ackley, the new Superintendent of Facilities. Jeff reported that
the city's facilities division is acting as the construction manager for the remodel of
the Kent Municipal (formerly Aukeen) court building. Estimated savings from using
city forces to conduct the work is in the range of $600,000 to $800,000. In order
to complete the work, the city will make numerous purchases for goods or services
on an individualized basis. This will include items as simple as a trip to the
hardware store to pick up nuts and bolts or as comparatively large as the purchase
of all furniture for the remodeled space.
Normally, under the city code, we do not "split" bids on purchases that are part of a
larger, single project. However, in this unusual instance where the city is the
construction manager and purchases every individual item, it would be impractical
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to, for example, go out to bid to buy 3 sheets of drywall. Using this approach would
increase costs and cause enormous delay. Accordingly, the city asks that staff be
able to apply the procurement code limits to individual purchases as outlined in the
City Procurement Code. In this manner, institutional controls put in place by the
council remain in effect for individual purchases, while at the same time allowing for
efficient, cost-saving construction. Spending authorization will remain the same.
Jeff announced that six contracts will be coming back to them for approval next
month.
Elizabeth moved to authorize the city, as construction manager, to apply
the city's procurement code requirements to purchases of individual
products, services, and supplies for the Kent Municipal Court remodel, and
to ratify all acts consistent with this motion. Dana seconded. The motion
passed 3-0.
Item No. 5: 2012 Hiahline School District Contract for Camp Waskowitz
Facility Rental - Authorize
Lori Hogan, Superintendent of Recreation and Cultural Services stated that annually
the city rents the Camp Waskowitz facility in North Bend for one week, August 6 -
10, in 2012 from the Highline School District #401. Children entering 5tn 6th and 7th
grades in the Fall of 2012 can sign up for this one week summer resident camp.
The revenue generated from program fees collected for camp covers the entire
rental fee.
Dana moved to recommend authorizing Mayor Cooke to sign the 2012
Contract with Highline School District to rent the Camp Waskowitz Facility.
Elizabeth seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Lori distributed the 2012 Trade Shows/Tournaments/Special Events chart.
Item No. 6: 2012 Washington State Slo-Pitch Umpires Association
Agreement - Authorize
Lori explained that participating teams in the city of Kent Adult Softball Program
annually select their preferred umpires association to provide umpire coverage for
league play. Each year, up to 180 teams will play in league games covered by the
Washington State Slo-pitch Umpires Association Agreement. As a result, the 2012
contract will likely exceed $25,000.00. Participant fees cover all costs for this
program.
Elizabeth moved to recommend authorizing the Mayor to sign the
Washington State Slo-pitch Softball Umpires Association Agreement for the
2012 season. Dana seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Item No. 7: 2012 King County ASA Umpires Association Agreement -
Authorize
Lori noted that participating teams in the City of Kent Adult Softball Program
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annually select their preferred umpires association to provide umpire coverage for
league play. Each year up to 180 teams will play in league games covered by the
King County ASA Umpires Association. As a result, the 2012 contract will likely
exceed $25,000.00. Participant fees cover all costs for this program.
Dana moved to recommend authorizing the Mayor to sign the King County
ASA Umpires Association Agreement for the 2012 season. Elizabeth
seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Item No. 8: Director's Report
The Parks and Human Services Committee meeting for March 15, will be cancelled
and re-scheduled to March 8, due to scheduling conflicts for Debbie Ranniger.
Staff is transitioning from assisting Public Works on right-of-way clean up to park
clean up from storm damage. In a reciprocal effort, Public Works crews are helping
Park's crews to clean up the parks.
Three bids were received for the netting replacement at the Riverbend Driving
Range. Three bids were received and below the Auditor's estimate. The netting
replacement is scheduled to begin on March 5. Jeff thanked Council for moving
promptly on the procurement waiver which allowed staff to order the new netting in
a timely fashion for earlier installation.
You Me We
The second annual You Me We event is Friday, February 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30
p.m. at ShoWare. There are 44 vendors with family friendly activities, and 10
performers will entertain on stage.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
re, Pe;t---ol&
Teri Petrole
Council Committee Secretary
Parks and Human Services Committee
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