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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.
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