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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 03/17/2015 ENT Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Ralph, Boyce, Fincher, Higgins, Ranniger, and Thomas. Councilmember Berrios was excused. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Public Recognition - Mayor Cooke discussed the passing of former Mayor Isabel Hogan on March 9, 2015. She noted that she was the Mayor of Kent in 1975 and was the City's Mayor for 16 years. Mayor Hogan was the City's first female mayor and first female school board director. Mayor Cooke highlighted former Mayor Hogan's life, career, and accomplishments. She noted that the Russell Road Sports Complex has been renamed Hogan Park at Russell Road in her honor. Mayor Cooke noted that she was instrumental in the establishment of Kent Commons, Earthworks Park and other recreational programs and facilities to Kent. Mayor Cooke announced the flags at City Hall will be at half-staff tomorrow. Councilmember Fincher recognized the students from Kent Meridian High School and discussed the senior project event she attended last week. She highlighted a few of the stories the students presented. B. Community Events - Council President Ralph noted that there will be a ribbon cutting on Thursday at the SE 256th Street Project. She thanked Councilmember Higgins for his efforts in getting the project funded. C. Introduction of Stillwater Greens Neighborhood Council. - Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Program Coordinator presented the 27th Neighborhood Council to the City. She highlighted the benefits of being a Neighborhood Council in the City of Kent. She noted that this Neighborhood Council consists of 77 homes. Mayor Cooke welcomed the representatives of the Stillwater Green Neighborhood Council and presented them with their certificate. D. Public Safety Report - Ken Thomas, Chief of Police discussed some illegal drug sales that were taking place in Kent that led to a drug bust at a house in Renton. He noted that bust in Renton netted over $400,000 and the money would enter into the legal process. He stated that he is hopeful that the forfeiture of the funds would result in it being used for drug prevention purposes in the Kent Police Department. Chief Thomas introduced two officers to be sworn in. Officer Garret Gunderson and Officer Jennifer Lindstrum were sworn in by Mayor Cooke. Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 Chief Thomas presented the Life Saving Award to Officer Autumn Majack, who has won the award previously, and noted that she won the award for reviving a woman with CPR. He also presented the Life Saving Award to Corrections Officers Amber Horejsi and James Chapman who saved the life of an inmate who was unresponsive through utilizing an AED unit. Chief Thomas presented the Chief's Award of Citizen Commendation to Jerry Bond and Louise Lucas King for their assistance to Officer Ross during his attempt to arrest a suspect. Chief Thomas presented the Chief's Award of Citizen Commendation to Deforrest Phelps who reported the abuse of two children which led to the arrest of a pimp. Chief Thomas stated that an arrest has been made in connection with the vandalism which took place at the Kent Hindu Temple and surrounding businesses. E. Intergovernmental Reports - Council President Ralph noted that Kent hosted a meeting with the Department of Corrections (DOC) concerning the second chance grant. As a result of the meeting, there were eight Kent organizations that met with DOC and it was a great networking opportunity. She stated that at the Regional Transportation Policy board meeting it was revealed that the hours of delay in traffic in the region has increased by 25 percent in a year. She explained that "hours of delay" is measured by the amount of time a vehicle is travelling less than 50 miles per hour on the interstate. Council President Ralph stated that she attended a South County Area Transportation Board (SCATB) meeting. There was a presentation about the interchange at Interstate 5 and Port of Tacoma Road. There is a significant amount of cargo that comes from the Port of Tacoma into Kent warehouses, she pointed out, and the area is extremely bottlenecked with cars and trucks. She added that City of Fife is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation and planning some significant changes there. Additionally, she said there was a presentation from King County Metro concerning long range planning and they are engaging stakeholders in the community, as well as cities and jurisdictions for participation. Councilmember Higgins noted that the Sound Cities Board of Directors is meeting here in Kent, tomorrow at 10 am. The main agenda item is a letter to the 10 Year Committee to End Homelessness because they are moving very quickly to issue a report and recommend next steps since they are wrapping up their existence. Sound Cities would like a slowdown so cities can comment on their report. He will be attending the King County Regional Transit special workshop meeting where the long range plan will be reviewed, as will the definition of "access to transit". He added that the issue is, in the case of parking rides, does a person still have access to a park-n- ride if it is full. Councilmember Fincher noted that the KCD meets tomorrow afternoon and hasn't met since the last Council meeting. She said that she met with the Committee to End Homelessness concerning the report that Councilmember Higgins just discussed. She noted that the committee strategized on several topics, to include, how the region gets to a point where homelessness is rare, how to stop the criminalization of homelessness, how to keep people housed, employment, access to systems, poverty in King County, length of stays at housing, and realigning housing services and agencies. She noted that there was a wide range of agencies in attendance and the plan was devised and broken down to include roles and responsibilities. 2 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 Councilmember Ranniger stated that she attended the caucus chair training given by the Sound Cities Association. Councilmember Boyce added that homelessness was a big topic at the Sound Cities Association meeting and praised Merina Hansen, Senior Planner in the City's Human Services Department for her work and presentation at the meeting. PUBLIC HEARING None. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Doug Basler, Kent - Basler noted that a City is made up of its people and they are all a vital part of the City's resources. He felt the role of City government is to provide quality leadership and have a vision for the future. He said he was reading the 2025 document and was surprised at the goal to adopt new revenue sources. He stated that growth, new business development, and finding ways to make businesses more profitable are the best ways to generate revenues. He felt the costs for businesses to move into Kent should be reduced. 2 Erik Bernard, Kent - Bernard cautioned the Council not to form a TBD and impose a $20 car tab fee because the Kent Regional Fire Authority (RFA) is taxing its customers $3.5 million this year, the City raised property taxes by 5 percent, increased garbage costs, and Kent businesses are charged a B&O tax for streets which has been passed down to Kent consumers. He added that the City of Auburn balanced their budget with no increases and they don't have a $20 vehicle tax. In comparison, he stated that the Auburn RFA increased their budget by $2 million and the Kent RFA has increased $3.5 million. He added that the Kent RFA tax levy and the fire budget charge increased 21 percent from last year. He stated that property owners pay $2.00 per $1,000 in assessed value and business owners pay $3.00 per $1,000, to include the B&O tax, which he said gets indirectly passed onto Kent consumers. He also said the City has this $3 million cost that they pay to the RFA and doesn't understand why they pay it and then residents get billed. 3. Russ Hanscom, Kent - Hanscom implored the Council to please leave school impact fees alone. He stated that he is speaking for himself and that in the near future there will be a recommendation by Tarragon to reduce school impact fees by $170,000. In Covington, he said, it was done because the City Manager can approve it. He stated that Tarragon will claim that a one bedroom isn't a one bedroom and wants to have 24 apartments waived. He urged the Council not to waive the fees and said the Code is confusing and a hearing examiner should hear the issue. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Ralph moved to approve Consent Calendar Items A through M, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 A. Approval of the minutes — Approve. The minutes of the regular Council meeting of November 18, special meetings of November 25, December 2 and December 16, regular Council meeting of January 6, workshop and regular Council meeting of January 20 and Council retreat summary of February 6 and 7 were approved. B. Payment of Bills — Approve. Payment of the bills received through February 15 and paid on January 31 and February 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on March 3, 2015. C. Excused Absence for Councilmember Jim Berrios - Approve. The Mayor was authorized to approve an excused absence for Councilmember Berrios as he is unable to attend the City Council meeting of March 17, 2015. . D. Astound Broadband Franchise Ordinance — Introduce. This item was introduced to the Council for adoption at the April 7, 2015 City Council meeting. No action was taken. E. Washington State Department of Commerce, Energy and Solar Grant — Accept. The Mayor was authorized to accept the Washington State Department of Commerce Energy Efficiency and Solar Grant in the amount of $500,000, establish budgets for the LED street light conversion and HVAC replacement at the Riverbend Golf Course, authorize expenditures of the grant funds accordingly, and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney, Public Works Director and Parks Director.. F. Consultant Services Contract with GEI Consultants, Inc., for Briscoe- Desimone Levee Reach 1 — Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign a Consultant Services Contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $103,176 to provide engineering services for the Briscoe-Desimone Levee Reach 1 project, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. G. Business & Occupation Project List Update — Approve. The Mayor was authorized to amend the 2015 street improvement project list, pay for these additional project costs, except as may be supplemented by grant funds or additional Council authorization, from available Business and Occupation Tax receipts. H. Supplemental Budget Adiustment Ordinance - Adopt. Ordinance No. 4143 approving the supplemental budget adjustment ordinance, reflecting an overall budget increase of $14,966,147 was adopted. I. Interlocal Agreement with Department of Corrections - Ratify. The Mayor was authorized to ratify the police chief's execution of an Interlocal Agreement with the state department of corrections, including Amendments 1 through 6, to allow a state community corrections officer to use space at the Kent Police Department. J. Countywide Planning Policies Resolution — Adopt. Resolution No. 1906 ratifying the 2014 King County Buildable Lands Report and amendments of the Countywide Planning Policies defining countywide greenhouse gas reduction targets 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 and establishing greenhouse gas measurement and reporting commitments adopted by the Metropolitan King County Council and pursuant to the Growth Management Act was adopted. K. Recoanition of Stillwater Greens Neighborhood Council - Resolution - Adout. Resolution No. 1907 that recognizes the Stillwater Greens Neighborhood Council, supports its community building efforts, and confers all opportunities offered by the City's Neighborhood Program. was adopted. L. 2015 Federal Lobbyist Consultant Services Agreement - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the 2015 Consultant Services Agreement with VanNess Feldman, Attorneys at Law, representing the City of Kent as our federal lobbyist, not to exceed $56,000.00, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney. M. 2015 Genesis Marketing, Consultant Service Agreement - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the 2015 Consultant Services Agreement with Genesis Marketing, providing the city of Kent maintenance, monitoring and reporting for the tourism website VisitKent.com, not to exceed $30,000.00, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney. OTHER BUSINESS None BIDS A. 2015 Vehicle Detector Loops - Approve. Tim LaPorte stated that there were two bids received and the bid from Pioneer Cable is acceptable. He added that there are 16 locations throughout the City that would have the loops replaced equaling 60 or 70 total replacements. Councilmember Higgins moved to award the 2015 Vehicle Detector Loops Project to Pioneer Cable Inc. in the amount of $123,513.75 and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director, seconded by Council President Ralph. Motion carried 6-0. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. Council President Ralph noted that there was a presentation at the workshop concerning the state of the City's transportation system. She noted that the total cost to operate and maintain the system is about $23 million per year and that amount will not catch the City up on the entire backlog, which includes roads that need to be replaced, repaired, and repaved. B. Mayor. Mayor Cooke announced a meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 6 pm for anyone who wants to participate in a discussion on how the City should celebrate its 125th Anniversary. On April 9 there will be a public meeting on the design of James 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 Street Hill, specifically the area where the trees have been removed because of the damage they did to the sidewalks, road, and curbs. The meeting is at 7pm at East Hill Elementary School for residents and businesses impacted by the area to determine what should be done next. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson communicated that the CAO Report is in the packet and there is an executive session on potential litigation scheduled for 15 minutes. D. Economic & Community Development Committee. Councilmember Boyce noted that the highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the Stillwater Green Neighborhood Council. E. Operations Committee. In the minutes. F. Parks and Human Services Committee. Next meeting is Thursday, March 26 at 5 pm. G. Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Boyce noted that there will be a meeting concerning fair and impartial policing at the Police and Fire Training Center on 1161h Avenue on March 27 at 6 - 9 pm and another meeting on March 28 from at 8 am - 4:30 pm. I H. Public Works Committee. Councilmember Higgins noted that the Committee meeting was yesterday and the main topic was the proposed project on 277th with the Regional Fire Authority. I. Regional Fire Authority. Councilmember Thomas noted that the RFA has been working with the City to have 277th be a through street to provide better fire and police services. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:04 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would recess into an Executive Session for fifteen minutes to discuss potential litigation as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). At 8:19 p.m. Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for ten minutes At 8:26 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION No action was taken. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. 6 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 Ronald IF oor MC City CleYk i i 7 PUBLIC COMMENT ir SIGN UP SHEET KENT '6'IASsa,ri r_.1�ry For the Kent City Council Meeting of: �� `� ��vx NAME Street Address Email Address Topic Ex Jane Doe 1234 Main Street SE idoe(a)hotmail com Comprehensive Kent, WA 98032 Plan 1AC 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 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.