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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 07/28/2015 I 1® ®Y ! WASHINOTON Kent City Council Special Meeting Minutes July 28, 2015 The special meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Berrios, Boyce, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph, and Ranniger. Councilmember Thomas was excused by a Council motion made and carried 6-0 at the August 4, 2015 meeting. OPENING REMARKS Council President Ralph stated that the purpose of the meeting is for the Council to consider a resolution to place an advisory proposition relating to fireworks on the November 3 ballot. She noted that it is for the sale, possession, and discharge of private fireworks. City Administrator Matheson communicated that there is a revised resolution on the dais and it contains the revised dates the City has to provide the pro/con committee names to King County Elections. Mayor Cooke noted that this resolution concerns private fireworks and that the public fireworks would be permitted. This, she said, is an advisory vote that the Council is obtaining from the public. This vote doesn't change any laws, she pointed out. OTHER BUSINESS A. Resolution Calling for an Advisory Proposition Relating to Fireworks — Adopt. Councilmember Berrios moved to adopt Resolution No. 1913, placing Advisory Proposition No. 1 on the November 3, 2015 election ballot asking voters whether the sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks should be prohibited in Kent, seconded by Councilmember Higgins. Councilmember Berrios thanked the Council for getting to this point and stated that the City has received several complaints as well as concerns from parties that are against a ban. He noted that it is time for everyone to have a voice on this issue. Councilmember Higgins noted that the Council has received a large amount of correspondence on this issue. He noted that this is an advisory item and the Council needs to follow through if the citizens vote for a ban. He noted that whatever the turnout is, there will be some citizenry that will be dissatisfied at the end. He encouraged everyone to respect the will of the majority for whatever happens. He added that he will be right there to ensure the laws are enforced when this is concluded. Kent City Council Special Meeting Minutes Councilmember Boyce clarified that whatever the vote turns out, the Council may or may not bring this item back for action. Council President Ralph communicated that because of state law, if the Council was to pass a ban, it wouldn't go into effect until July 4, 2017. A vote was taken on the motion on the table which carried 6-0. Council President Ralph stated that the Council now seeks applicants for the pro/con committee which will write the statements for and against the ban for the voter's pamphlet. She noted that there is a limit of three applicants per committee which will be appointed by the Council on August 4. She stated that the applications to serve on either committee will be available on the City's website at 6 p.m. and they are due to the City Clerk's Office by August 3 at 5 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m. i Ronald F. ore, C c i 2