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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 07/07/2015 I ® F. 1VT KENT�� WAS H INGT Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2015 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Ralph, Berrios, Fincher, Higgins, Ranniger, and Thomas. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF. Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson moved to reschedule item 4C, Tacoma Stars Introduction to July 21, 2015 and delete item 4G, Economic and Community Development Report. He also added item 7F, an excused absence for Councilmember Thomas. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Historical Note from Kent's 125th Anniversary - Jon Johnson, on behalf of the Greater Kent Historical Society presented the historical note. Johnson highlighted the Kent Lettuce Festival which occurred in the City of Kent from 1934 - 1937. B. Public Recognition - Council President Ralph thanked the City staff for all their work on the 4th of July. She especially thanked the parks, public works and the police departments. Mayor Cooke thanked all of the City staff, police, public works, fire, and parks for their work during the holiday. She communicated that on July 1 there were 20 fireworks calls, 30 on the July 2, 62 on July 3, and 522 on the 41h of July. She noted that besides the fireworks calls there was a shooting, a stabbing, domestic violence calls, a few fires, and several driving under the influence arrests on July 4th. She recognized that the City staff was extremely busy and thanked them. C. Tacoma Stars Introduction - Removed from the agenda. D. Kent Neighborhood Program Matching Grant Awards - Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Program Coordinator gave a brief on the matching grants that were presented to the neighborhood programs. She stated that there are three neighborhoods receiving grants-Saltair Hills, Mill Creek, and Pheasants Hollow-and introduced them to the Council. She discussed the specifics of the neighborhood grant program, including how projects are selected. E. Proclamation for Diversity Employment Day- Mayor Cooke communicated that the City organizes the Diversity Employment Day Career Fair which meets with major employers and diversity professionals on July 21 at the ShoWare Center. This event will offer employment advice. F. Community Events - Council President Ralph communicated that there were 22 events at the ShoWare Center in June. She stated that the Long Island Medium and Kent City Council Meeting Minutes the Allegro Showcase were great. She stated that "Hello Kitty" will be on July 24 and the circus will be back in September. Mayor Cooke communicated that Kent Cornucopia Days is here. She noted that the Kent Lions Club organizes this event and it is entirely staffed by volunteers. She stated that there are dragon boat races, the crowning of Miss Cornucopia, a street fair, a soccer tournament, and a parade. G. Economic and Community Development Report - Removed from the agenda. H. Intergovernmental Reports - Council President Ralph noted stated that she has no report from meetings in the past few weeks. She added that the King County Regional Law Safety and Justice Committee did not meet in the month of June and will meet at the end of July. She added that the Transportation Policy Board meets this week. Councilmember Higgins noted that he hasn't had any regional meetings for two weeks and there will be meetings on July 15, to include the Sound Cities Association Board of Directors meeting and the Regional Transit Authority meeting. Councilmember Boyce had no report, however the Sound Cities Association Policy Issues Committee meets on Wednesday. PUBLIC HEARING None. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Bob Cisney, Kent - Cisney highlighted the weed and grass overgrowth on a vacant lot on Harris Street across from the food bank. He stated that it is unsightly and the homeless use the area for toilets and sleeping. He noted that the area has not been mowed since last year. He inquired whether there is anything that can be done. He noted that there are three different lots that need to be addressed. City Attorney Tom Brubaker communicated that his staff will work on it tomorrow and attempt to get in touch with the property owner. 2. Lisa Grillo, Kent - Grillo stated that she is a U.S. Veteran and has lived in the City for a long time. She stated that she has run her neighborhood National Night Out program for three years and is active in social media. She said that on the night of July 41" she waited on the phone after calling 911 for 20 minutes. Each July 4th, she said she can't go anywhere and has to take care of her animals and her home. She stated that this year there was a fire at her neighbors' home who also suffers from post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She asked for a ban on fireworks and noted that issuing a ban may not stop fireworks, but it communicates that the Council cares about its residents. 2 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Ranniger stated that she couldn't agree. She communicated that a light, a sound, or just a bang can trigger PTSD. She noted that fireworks start early and there were people who were hostages in their homes for days. Mayor Cooke clarified that the City couldn't obtain the authority from state law to execute a ban on fireworks this year. She added that even if a ban is put into place people will disregard the law, but the expectation is that the law be enforced. 3. Crystal Grillo, Kent - Grillo communicated that she has lived in the City for 23 years and is mystified by the lack of concern from the Council. She said she has heard that the lack of Council concern is caused by charities that receive money from the sale of fireworks. She said she met a gentleman who served in Vietnam who was walking in the Cherry Park neighborhood on West Hill, he couldn't believe how he felt after hearing the fireworks on the 4th. She added that this gentleman was a combat veteran and stayed inside during the fireworks. She stated that the lack of a ban shows no respect to the Veteran's and residents. She communicated that every year she has to give drugs to her pets to combat the effects of fireworks. She concluded that it is time to ban fireworks in the City of Kent. 4. Holly Inkpen, Kent - Inkpen communicated that her neighbor runs an adult family home and has over 20 negative reports concerning the facility. She stated that they park in her driveway and block her family in. She stated sometimes they sit in front of their house for half an hour and sometimes its ten minutes. She noted that 1215t isn't a big street, either. She mentioned a sensor on the outside of the house that sounds when people walk by, in or out and it can be heard inside of her house. She stated that she has the right to enjoy her property and the alarm is a nuisance. She said she complained to the police and they told her to call when a fire truck is parked in her driveway. She added that she has also called code enforcement. 5. Steven Inkpen, Kent - Inkpen stated that he has a pamphlet full of pictures, police reports, and other information concerning the obstruction of their driveway. He stated that the neighbors are unresponsive and rude. He added that there are things being thrown over the fence at their home. He noted that he has communicated with other neighbors and they are in agreeance. He said the neighborhood is sick of it and would like suggestions on what can be done. He also stated that the police encouraged him to speak at this Council meeting. 6. Bill Stevenson, Kent - Stevenson supports a full ban of fireworks. He also communicated that panhandling in the City of Kent has gone too far. He stated that panhandlers have become aggressive and are coming up to your car to ask for money. Mayor Cooke replied that there is a law on panhandling in the City and Assistant Chief Padilla communicated that residents can call 911 if it occurs. He added that it is an infraction and it can be dealt with through the City's code. Mayor Cooke asked that Stevenson communicate to the police where it is occurring most frequently. Councilmember Berrios communicated that the important thing for people to do is call the police. If things are not reported to the police, panhandlers won't be held accountable. He added that if there is a trespass order the person can be arrested. 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Ralph moved to approve Consent Calendar Items A through F, seconded by Councilmember Boyce. Motion carried 6-0. A. Approval of the Minutes — Approve. The minutes of the workshop and regular council meeting of June 16 2015 were approved. B. Payment of Bills — Approve. Bills received through May 31 and paid on May 31 after auditing by the Operations Committee on June 16 2015. C. 2016-2021 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) — Set Hearing Date. The Public Hearing date to consider the DRAFT 2016-2021 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program was set for July 21, 2015. D. Agreement with T-Mobile West LLC for Cell Site in the Right-of-Way - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign two Right-of-Way Use License Agreements with T-Mobile West LLC, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. E. Downtown Railroad Ouieter Zone - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign all necessary consultant contracts not to exceed $150,000, consistent with the City's procurement policy and direct staff to complete a preliminary analysis to determine the potential for a Local Improvement District that would fund a Railroad Quieter Zone subject to final contract terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. F. Excused Absence for Councilmember Les Thomas. An excused absence for Councilmember Thomas as he is unable to attend the City Council meeting of July 7, 2015. OTHER BUSINESS None. BIDS A. West Gowe Street — 4th Ave. South to 6th Ave. South Drainage Project - Award. Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director communicated that there were four bids received and the project is across the street from City Hall. He noted that the trees have lifted the curb and gutter so that it no longer functions. Councilmember Higgins moved to award the West Gowe Street between 4" Avenue South to 6th Avenue South Drainage Project to R.L. Alia Company in the amount of $312,030.00 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. 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. - Council President Ralph stated that at the workshop there was a presentation by the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) on a fire impact fee. She stated that the capital needs of the RFA are growing and this fee would help pay for the impacts from those commercial and residential developments. The second topic was "Best Start for Kids" and it concerns early prevention of childhood issues. She added that the presentation was given by King County Executive Dow Constantine's office and the Council, by consensus, agreed that this item should be on the ballot for November 2015. Council President Ralph communicated that the next workshop topic will be on fireworks and that meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. on July 21. She added that a City emergency ban meeting would have occurred, but the Washington State Department of Natural Resources did not raise the threat level to "very high" which would have authorized the City to initiate a citywide ban of fireworks. B. Mayor. - Mayor Cooke communicated that the police have assembled a very good document concerning the fireworks event. She said that even if the ban was put into effect, she isn't sure that the police could have done much to curb fireworks. She added that she met with King County Executive Dow Constantine and the Mayors of three South King County Cities to discuss the alignment of link light rail in the Midway area. She noted that there are organizations moving to have the light rail along Highway 99, which is not favorable to the City. She noted that management of parking was also discussed with the Sound Transit staff and three King County Councilmembers. Mayor Cooke noted that City's budget discussions have begun with departments and there is a $2 million gap between revenues and expenses. She stated that the Norway exchange students will be here in July. She announced her being elected to the Association of Washington Cities Board. Lastly, she recognized Jacob Dryfus who was in the audience and is up for a spot on the Arts Commission. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson communicated that the legislature adopted the state operating budget and it retained all of the state shared revenues. The City did very well on the transportation and capital budget front. He noted that the City will receive $15 million on the transportation investment package for a railroad grade separation on 228th Street. He also noted that under the capital budget the City receives almost $5 million for the Lower Russell Road Levee Project, $500,000 for the Lake Meridian dock placement, $500,000 for the Russell Road athletic field conversion, $500,000 for a trail connector on 228th Avenue, and $500,000 for initial work toward an East Hill YMCA. He summarized that it is almost $15 million in transportation funds and $7 million for capital funds. He stated that it ended up being a very good session for the City of Kent. He communicated that the Chief Administrative Officer Report is in the packet and there is a brief executive session concerning property acquisition and it is expected to last ten minutes with action occurring once the regular meeting is reconvened. 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Cooke noted that there will be a five minute recess before the executive session. D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - Councilmember Boyce stated that the June meeting was cancelled and the next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 15 at 5 p.m. E. Operations Committee. - Today's meeting was cancelled. F. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Ranniger thanked Council President Ralph for having the fireworks workshop on July 21. She also stated that a revised ordinance on animal control was brought forth at the Parks and Human Services Committee meeting last month. She noted that legal will bring the ordinance back to committee in August due to the cancellation of the next meeting. She noted that if it is adopted in August it will come to the Council in the fall. G. Public Safety Committee. - Councilmember Berrios stated that shortly after the 4th of July last year he knew the City had issues with fireworks. He stated that he toured the City with the Police Chief, departing at 7:30 p.m. and returning at 1 a.m. He noted that there were people using illegal fireworks around the block from his house. At 10 p.m., he said it became very intense. He noted that during this mayhem there was one call about a door to a residence being broken down, one call about a knife fight, and another about a man shooting a gun out of the window. He and Police Chief Thomas responded to the gun call and reported loud fireworks being set off in the vicinity that could have been confused for gunfire. He said he witnessed a small Asian woman who was watering her lawn and trees because of fear of them catching fire. He expressed his appreciation for Police Chief Thomas and his staff. He noted that even if there is a ban he is afraid to go through another year of this. He stated that the next Public Safety Committee meeting is on July 14 and this will be discussed. Additionally, he stated that both the fire and police chiefs will be present at that meeting to communicate their experiences. He stated that there are people who drive from other cities to fire off their fireworks in Kent often leaving their messes behind in our City. He stated that the emails do make a difference and the Council is interested in what the residents have to say. He discussed an incident where a car drove by and threw a firework at a residents' home and started a fire. He noted that the committee is taking this very, very seriously and is working on the issue. H. Public Works Committee. - Councilmember Higgins stated that the committee met yesterday and the garbage utility tax revenues have been sufficient enough to have more areas paved to include the 40th Avenue areas on West Hill. I. Regional Fire Authority. - No report. RECESS At 8:19 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would recess for five minutes. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6 i Kent City Council Meeting Minutes At 8:24 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would enter into an Executive Session for ten minutes to discuss property negotiations as per RCW 42.30.1 10(l)(b). At 8:32 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION No action was taken. 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