HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 01/20/2015 KENT
Kent City Council Workshop Meeting
January 20, 2015
The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Council President Ralph.
Councilmembers present: Ralph, Berrios, Fincher, Higgins, and Thomas.
Councilmember Ranniger arrived at 5:20 p.m. Councilmember Boyce was excused.
"You, Me, We" Art Project — Rhonda Billerbeck, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural
Services Program Director discussed the You, Me, We Event which will be on January
30, 6:00 - 9:00 pm. She discussed the You, Me, We Art Project and noted that it is a
project that records the hopes and dreams of the community leaders and members.
Transportation Benefit District - Monica Whitman, Senior Transportation Planner,
discussed the possible formation of a Transportation Benefit District (TBD). Whitman
communicated what the TBD could do if it was formed. Whitman noted that the
proportion of gas tax dollars that the City receives has decreased over the years,
while the amount of lane miles in the City has increased, She highlighted the available
funding sources for transportation projects.
Councilmember Higgins inquired about municipalities being allowed to take a
percentage of the Good-to-Go funds as a way to impose tolls and Whitman stated she
would get back to the Council on that.
Whitman communicated that the $20 vehicle license fee funding source would raise
approximately $1,6 million a year and takes about 7-8 months to enact.
Councilmember Berrios expressed concerns about the B&O and garbage tax the City
has already imposed and inquired as to whether or not the various other cities
utilizing the $20 vehicle license fee have those additional taxes as well. Whitman
communicated that she will compile a list and distribute her findings to the Council.
Councilmember Fincher inquired about a timeframe in which the county could enact
the ordinance and Whitman said she was unsure and would find out.
Councilmember Higgins communicated that there is a transportation project backlog
that needs to be addressed. He noted that the City needs to work on determining
what it can do to handle transportation maintenance issues. He said he is thankful to
the business community for their payment of their B&O taxes and suggested that a
community advisory panel be created to determine the priorities and when things
need to be done.
Councilmember Berrios inquired about the recent reduction in gas prices and how the
gas tax is being affected by the reduction in costs. He also inquired about the savings
the City would derive from its fleet based on reduced gas prices.
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Tim LaPorte indicated that we will see some savings, but it will not be anything
substantial.
Council President Ralph communicated that there was discussion about a statewide
transportation package and a 12 percent gas tax at her South County Area
Kent CityCouncil Workshop Meeting Minutes January 20 2015
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Transportation Board meeting. She noted that there was some optimism about having
funding for maintenance projects, but only a limited amount.
Whitman continued and stated that Sound Transit is proposing a motor vehicle exise
tax, a sales tax and a property tax, which, she said, will make it more and more
difficult for local governments to pass measures.
Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director noted that there will be an item at one of the
March Council workshops regarding Transportation Sustainability and the
Transportation Benefit District. This briefing will provide the Council with a fairly solid
idea of how much it costs to maintain the City. He added that transportation
infrastructure is the most expensive part of the comprehensive plan.
Councilmember Berrios noted that the City is making significant progress over the last
several years with the B&O and solid waste utility tax.
Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson summarized the discussion and
confirmed the workshop in March regarding transportation needs,
Council President Ralph communicated that she, Councilmember Boyce and Matheson
would like to have a spreadsheet compiled on the implementation of projects for
2015-2016.
Councilmember Berrios verified that the first street project will go out to bid in May
and begin in June of this year.
The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m,
'/ Ronald F. ore, "C
City Clerk
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