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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 10/6/2020 Approved Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Date: October 6, 2020 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: THIS IS A REMOTE MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ralph called the meeting to order. 2. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Dana Ralph Mayor Present Toni Troutner Council President Present Bill Boyce Councilmember Present Brenda Fincher Councilmember Present Satwinder Kaur Councilmember Present Marli Larimer Councilmember Present Les Thomas Councilmember Present Zandria Michaud Councilmember Present 3. AGENDA APPROVAL A. Approve the agenda as presented. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Toni Troutner, Council President SECONDER: Bill Boyce, Councilmember AYES: Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud 4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Public Recognition Mayor Ralph recognized Council President Troutner for receiving her Association of Washington Cities Certificate of Municipal Leadership. 1. Employee of the Month Mayor Ralph recognized Human Resources Training and Development Analyst, Jan Hiatt as October's employee of the month. 2. Proclamation for National Arts and Humanities Month Mayor Ralph proclaimed the month of October as the National Arts and Humanities Month in the City of Kent. Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 2 of 18 Arts Program Manager, Ronda Billerbeck accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Kent Arts Commission. B. Community Events None. C. Quarterly Economic and Community Development Report Chief Economic Development Officer, Bill Ellis provided the quarterly Economic Development Update. Ellis spoke about the City’s Economic Development Plan and the six strategies being focused on: City Image and Branding, Place-making and Gateways, Business Climate, Cluster Growth and Retention, Kent Industrial Valley and Work Force. 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL AND STAFF A. Mayor Ralph's Report Mayor Ralph spoke about her proposed budget that was presented to City Council on September 29th. She also spoke about HB 1590 relating to housing and conveyed details of conversations she has had with King County Councilmembers and Executives regarding it. B. Chief Administrative Officer's Report Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson recognized former Public Works Director, Tim LaPorte on a 31-year long career with the City of Kent and wished him a wonderful retirement. He also congratulated Chad Bieren on his promotion to the City of Kent's interim Public Works Director. Matheson also spoke about the race and equity training being rolled out to the City. The rest of Matheson's report is in the packet and there is no Executive Session tonight. C. Councilmember's Reports Council President Troutner discussed the workshop this evening in which they discussed the Mayor's budget proposal. Troutner sits on the Regional Transit Committee where they are actively working on policy documents and service changes. Councilmember Larimer serves on the King County Affordable Housing Committee and at the recent meeting there was a review of the shared principals to guide members of the committee. Councilmember Fincher serves on the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Council in which they discussed money lost during COVID-19 and possible program cuts and the basis for selection. 6. PUBLIC HEARING Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 3 of 18 None. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Roble Mousse Mousse spoke in support of the Money Transmitting Issue and thanked Council for the consideration of the resolution regarding this issue. City Clerk, Kim Komoto Read the following comment submitted by James Rushing into the record. Hello members of the council. Thank you for allowing me to discuss a subject that might be a beacon of light during these dark times. I represent a successful Washington based retail cannabis company, Origins, which owns and operates stores in West Seattle and Redmond, and we wish to present some evidence and facts that we hope will stimulate a discussion amongst the council, law enforcement, the mayors office, as well as the citizens of Kent around the matter of allowing adult-use cannabis retail businesses, like ours, to operate in properly zoned areas Kent; bring much needed revenue to the state, county, and local tax authorities; provide additional community assistance; and reduce the occurrence of cannabis diversion in and out of Kent. First, I would like to speak of the economic impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on the state of Washington, King County and the city of Kent. We are all aware of what the last 6 months has been like, and we have all been directly effected by the social and economic changes that has happened since the pandemic began, but, as a former professor and an analytical scientist, I like to reference only the facts. I wish to explain how our group might help to quell the economic impact of this virus on the community. According to the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, overall, the State of Washington will see a 15+% decline in state revenues in 2020. With the King County Office of Economic and Financial Analysis reporting a 27% decrease in taxable sales; 496,600 new unemployment claims filed in the county since March 1st and a 12.4% drop in job growth just from April to May, the most recent King County economic forecast model has projected it will take into 2022 to no longer feel the financial impact of Covid 19 on the local economy. Alternatively, in Kent we project Origins could be contributing $500,000 a month to local, county and state tax agencies, while supporting $2 million dollars a month in product sales, and consistently employing 50 Local workers, having been deemed an essential business by the State. We truly could be an asset to the city. In addition to the potential economic impact an Origins owned retail cannabis Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 4 of 18 store would have on the City of Kent, we hope to bring some information from a few peer reviewed articles to your attention, so the council may have the most current information possible when discussing the social impact adult use cannabis establishments have on the community. Studies have shown that recreational cannabis sales are not correlated with increases in crime. A 2019 study published in Justice Quarterly had found that recreational cannabis legalization and sales had minimal to no effect on major crimes in Washington, and no statistically significant long-term effects on violent or property crime, as well. In fact, a paper published by the IZA Institute for Labor Economics, there was a significant reduction of rapes and thefts, as well as ordinary and binge drinking events and the consumption of other drugs, after the legalization of cannabis in the State of Washington. A study by Utah State University, published well as ordinary and binge drinking events and the consumption of other drugs, after the legalization of cannabis in the State of Washington. A study by Utah State University, published in November of 2019, reports an 18% reduction in drunk driving accidents after the legalization of cannabis in Washington. And finally, I want to discuss the loss of commerce to the City of Kent. Kent is a young city, with a mean age of its citizens being 31 years old is significantly lower than the national average. This demographic being one the largest consumers of legal cannabis in the US, we all must be aware that with 12-13% of the citizens of this country consume cannabis monthly, and that the individuals who do enjoy cannabis who live in Kent, currently, are taking not just their cannabis money elsewhere, but this forced exodus causes people to spend their money at other commercial businesses while conducting their daily routine. If Kent can keep those consumers from leaving the area, they would likely be more inclined to do their regular shopping tasks in town as well. In fact, four surrounding cities have shown an annual cannabis sales average higher than their opposite boarding neighbors. This shows that Kent’s cannabis consumers are leaving the area and spending their money elsewhere. We would love the opportunity to bring those tax dollars back to Kent. I have provided the council with some supporting materials to help the council reference the claims I have made today. Thank you for your time and we hope the council would reconsider any ordinances prohibiting the sale of adult use cannabis in Kent. If you would like to get to know Origins as a company, please contact me and I would love an opportunity to introduce you to our team. We would like to have the opportunity to educate the council further on this matter. Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 5 of 18 Komalpreet Kaur Sahota spoke and requested Council reject the Race and Equity Resolution being proposed this evening and requested the Kent Police Department be defunded by 50% and reinvesting in BIPOC communities and investing in the youth in the community. Heaven Hamilton spoke and requested Council prioritize community needs over keeping a police budget Jamal M spoke about the movement to defund the police and requested increased engagement and correspondence by the Council with the community. Kasi Farrar spoke about the youth leadership in the community and echoed the following issues as referenced earlier: demilitarization of police equipment and training, the formation of completely independent youth review board, and investing in community-based education. Sam Sumpter spoke in support of divesting from policing and investing in black and brown communities in order to create true safety and wellbeing. Alicia Glenwell spoke and urged Council vote down the ordinance regarding sales and use tax for affordable housing/services. Glenwell also spoke in opposition of the resolution declaring equity a foundational requirement in the provision of City services. She supports the idea of divesting from policing and investing in the community’s needs. Rev Dr. Parry Moore spoke and requested no more cuts to the Human Services budget and to step up funding in regard to mental health, social services and housing for all. City Clerk, Kim Komoto read the following written comment into the record. The same comment was received by: Cindy Arias - Resident of Kent Alex Rollosson Halbhuber - Resident of Sammamish Dionica Sy - Read into the record - Resident of Kent Shea Scribner - Resident of Kent Jenny Feng - Resident Maritza Mendoza - Tax Paying member Dear Mayor Ralph and Kent City Council, As a resident of Kent, I am reaching out to you because significant changes need to be made within the City of Kent. First off, I’d like to address the proposed decision not to defund the Kent Police Department. The “race and equity” plan that does not address root issues. It is reckless Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 6 of 18 that this plan seeks to give more funding to an already huge police budget, but not to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in this city. We are calling for a system that has attacked BIPOC communities for centuries to be cut in half as these communities are tired of being terrorized and told that it is for their protection. It is necessary that you, as our elected officials, prioritize the needs expressed by the Kent community. Currently this so-called “race and equity” resolution calls for increasing police and city funding, but does not call for any funding towards the BIPOC communities in this city. The “race and equity” resolution fails to recognize the needs of Kent residents - particularly the BIPOC communities that make up the majority of the Kent population. The resolution puts forth internal efforts like racial equity training, task forces, and increasing the already massive police budget. Still, it does not provide a plan on how to combat the economic, criminal-legal, and cultural inequities our BIPOC residents face. Despite an extreme economic recession that disproportionately impacts BIPOC, low- income, disabled, and in other ways marginalized groups, the City has not provided funding to address these inequities. Our people need funding toward affordable housing, community healing, student ethnic studies curriculum, and so much more. Racial injustice is a systemic problem that is exacerbated by the police. To be part of the solution, you must prioritize community needs over keeping a police budget. Defund the Kent police, and invest in youth and BIPOC communities. The city’s budget is a moral document, and I urge you to, as your values state under innovation, “find a way.” City Clerk, Kim Komoto read the following comments into the record received from: Alan Sutliff - did not state if a resident Mayor Ralph, Council President Troutner, and Councilmembers Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimar, Michaud, and Thomas: I want to thank you all, first of all, for taking on the serious elected roles in our city on behalf of all of us who live and/or work here. The political nature of your roles means that you will never please everyone and I recognize the voters who turn out in recent elections have shaped the direction of the city council in ways that do not reflect the populace of the city of Kent. As a community member, I know that means I have more work to do. I am writing/speaking tonight against the adoption of Resolution No. 2017. This resolution spends five pages on recitals that are clearly meant to articulate a defense of all that has been done to embrace diversity and all the Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 7 of 18 trainings that have been available to change the hearts and minds of employees. One recital even takes on the concept of defunding the police and makes it clear that this city does not think there is any merit to the concept of divesting police funds and spending those funds in more effective practices that would actually make the community safer for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). The changes that are “resolved” are superficial in nature and do not really signify any real change for BIPOC youth in our community. - Section 2 says “continue the work” which means to say, “you are doing fine, just go about your business.” - Section 3 says “continue training.” - I am not sure what Section 4 will do in reality because it will still be a board wholly controlled by the city. - Section 5 around police policies might be perceived as doing something but if you read it carefully it actually doesn’t mandate any change and doesn’t even take a position that use-of-force should be eliminated or duty-to-intervene should be only maintained in extreme situations, but rather leaves it up to the Police Chief to decide. - Section 6 is fine but really only says what we should have been doing as a city for years. - Either vote this resolution down because it is really meaningless, or postpone the vote on this resolution until the city council can consult with BIPOC youth in our community on revisions. I have separately sent a much longer email in support of the positions taken by the local youth group known as ForFortyTwo. It is imperative that this council sit down and listen, truly listen, to the BIPOC youth leaders in our community. They are our future and if we truly want to be in inclusive city then we must listen and learn from them. Daniel Martin - Resident of Burien Dear Mayor Ralph and Kent City Council, I would like to ask you to reject the Race & Equity resolution. A plan that increases police funding but does not invest in BIPOC communities is a plan that fails to meet the demands of the moment. Racial disparities in policing and violent overenforcement against BIPOC people are known, and measurable, and cannot be eradicated by additional bias training. Structural change is necessary. In addition to Giovonn Joseph-McDade who was killed by an officer in Kent in 2017, the community holds in memory and demands accountability and Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 8 of 18 justice and change on behalf of the uncounted BIPOC people who have been killed by police in and around Martin Luther King County, including: Manuel Ellis (Tacoma, 2020) Jesse Sarey (Auburn, 2019) Malik Williams (Federal Way, 2019) Leonard Thomas (Fife, 2018) Mi’Chance Dunlap-Gittens (Des Moines, 2017) Tommy Le (Burien, 2017) Charleena Lyles (Seattle, 2017) Renee Davis (Muckleshoot Reservation, 2016) Cecil Lacy Jr. (Tulalip Reservation, 2015) Dustin Theoharis (Auburn, 2012) John T. Williams (Seattle, 2010) Robert L. Reese (Seattle, 1965) Berry Lawson (Seattle, 1938) Increasing the police budget-in the face of a movement to end police brutality and over policing and the school-to-prison pipeline that have been used throughout our history to oppress BIPOC people-is moving in exactly the wrong direction. Please reject this resolution, and listen to the demands of the community to defund the police and re-fund BIPOC communities. Christina Brennan - Resident of Kent First, I want to acknowledge that you have impossible jobs. If you didn't know that when you ran, I'm sure you learned it quickly. There are systemic issues and barriers at every turn, in addition to trying to meet the needs of a diverse population. Our jobs as citizens aren't to be your cheerleaders, but to hold you accountable with demands and critiques. So, today I'm reaching out to demand that you rescind any proposal around a race and equity resolution and start over. Community - especially those who are the most vulnerable and impacted by society's ills - need to be a part of the process from the beginning. How can you propose something about equity without those who need it at the table? I also could not find detailed information online about the resolution. I also demand no budget increases are made in any department, but especially the police department, until this process of input and transparency can come to fruition. I once again could not find details on this proposal for new police cars, but did learn that you spent $2 million just two years ago. We don't need more super-charged vehicles tearing through our streets. I live in the Lakes and constantly feel terrorized while on walks (in addition to them filling up at the maintenance building, they like to patrol apartment complexes - but not the condos interestingly enough). Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 9 of 18 I also find a couple of other correlating matters disturbing: - Hearing that Chief Padilla took a knee to honor Black lives killed by police then later said that he only kneels to God and proposing to his wife. This is so disrespectful. Regardless of the topic, why should someone who lies/postures be the police officer with the most power and highest salary?? - Mayor Dana Ralph's actions are troublesome. First, I learned today that she blocked community org For Forty-Two on Instagram. This is disgraceful! She is a public servant. I checked all of their posts and they did not once threaten or name-call or any other action that would make it okay for the mayor to silence her constituents! - I also noticed she has the blue line flag (which is equivalent to a gang sign) in her office. This outright devotion to a small subset of community in her office is unprofessional for someone who should serve ALL of us - clearly favoring some and ignoring others. That flag should be reserved for her home. Police also shouldn't have that blue line on their vehicles, uniforms, etc. - they already have a uniform and symbols(badges)). It's a constant reminder to citizens that they can beat and kill us and get away with it - just like the murderer of Giovann Joseph-McDade. Lastly, I encourage you all to read this expose by a former police officer <https://medium.com/@OfcrACab/confessions-of-a-former-bastard-cop- bb14d17bc759> and finally come to terms with the fact that you are upholding a racist system. And, you have the power to begin changing it. Do not move forward with this resolution or any budget increases until community input and transparency has been implemented! We must "find a way" to ensure public safety by investing in what prevents crime, starting with the youth! Police do not keep us safe. Listen to ForFortyTwo! Dave Wilson - Kent business owner I hear that some people are of the mind that we should divert funding from the police to other areas of our community. As a tax paying citizen of the city of Kent, I can't say how much I oppose any thought of defunding our police force. With the current county process of not incarcerating offenders, it is a time where we should be increasing our police presence and protection level. As I have seen with the city of Seattle and the lack of protection, many like myself will not go into the city to shop, dine or be entertained; even after Covid. That lowered spending is a direct result of comfort with regard to personal safety. We do not want our city to be defunded or to be left unprotected. PLEASE DO NOT DEFUND OUR POLICE FORCE!!! Sandy McLaughlin - Does not indicate if resident I would very much like to voice my opinion about Defunding the Kent Police department. I am very much against this. I live in downtown Kent and I see first-hand every day how much we need our Police department. I walk Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 10 of 18 through town quite a bit and I see a lot. If there were not our wonderful Police officers here or even just less of them we would be in for some dangerous conditions out on the streets. We are just getting Kent to be a place we can be proud of and I can walk around town. If we are to defund or reduce the police department in any way I will NOT feel safe! We should be talking about increasing staff and training at a time like this NOT decrease. Wendy Church I'm writing to express my sentiment that the Kent city council not bow to the pressure of a vocal minority, and resist efforts to defund, or lessen funding for, the Kent PD. The Kent PD is an exemplary law enforcement agency. What's happening in other places around the country in no way relates to the policies and actions of the Kent PD, who by any objective measure is a leader in terms of progressive policing and community relations. Here is a link to an unbiased Gallup poll that shows nationally what the majority of us really want with respect to policing: <https://news.gallup.com/poll/316571/black-americans-police-retain-local- presence.aspx>. This poll shows that over 80% of Black Americans want the same or increased police presence in their communities. Most of us, the silent majority - who have jobs, work to support our families, and don't have time to spend marching - do not want to see the already underfunded police lost any more of their budget. Thank you, and the rest of the council, for your service to the city. Please feel free to read this aloud at your meetings if useful. Jeannette Baran - Resident of Kent As you meet tonight at your city council meeting I would appreciate if you would take in consideration of my plea not to defund the Kent Police Department in any way. I have lived in Kent since 2003 - over 17 years. I value living in a safe community and having a police department that does more than police the streets. The outreach they provide to our community and youth is invaluable. Let’s show them the compassion and respect they deserve in serving the Kent community. Give them the training the require to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. I believe any group asking the police department be defunded is not truly understanding what they are asking or what is entailed. We often ask the residents to vote on additional funding then maybe we should vote as well to remove it. One group should not hold the power to negatively change the safety of our citizens and police. Again, as a 17+ year resident of Kent I do not agree with any defunding of the Kent Police Department. Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 11 of 18 Raynard Sands - Kent business owner Hello, my name is Raynard Sands, I am a resident, business owner, and senior pastor of Be Like Jesus Ministries. First of all, I want it to be known that I fully support our Mayor, Police Chief, and the entire police department. I am African American and I am strongly against the defunding of our police department. Since the defunding of the police department in Minneapolis 2 months ago the City Council members are alarmed by the surge of crime. They are pressing their police chief about the uptick in crimes that included: daylight carjackings, robberies, assaults, shootings, and street racing. Residents are asking ‘Where are the police’? If we are not careful we will look back and regret the defunding of our police department for years to come. Please do not defund our police department. I am in agreement for the race and equity plan which increases the training for our officers. Thank you for your time and God bless. Jacqualine Boles - Business in Kent We do not believe that the Police Department needs any defunding. Our Police take care of us as citizens and they work hard to secure our safety. We know the Police Department needs our help tremendously, they can not do this job alone. It takes us all as citizens to do our part an helping the Kent Police Department and their fellow Officers. We thank them for giving us their time, skills and energy in a very unsafe environment. We know policing has gotten a bad name for the recent events that have occurred in the past months and yes they have been devastating for our Nation. One apple can never spoil the entire bunch if you pull the apple out! The time has come for us to work together as all races, creeds, genders, religions and beliefs and realize we are all God's Children in his Kingdom. He has a plan for all of us to work together in love. Thank you for your time and consideration in allowing our comments to be heard. Tracy Sands My name is Tracy Sands, I am a resident of Kent, business owner and a pastor’s wife. I want you to know that I am in full support of our mayor Dana Ralph, our police chief Rafael Padilla as well as our entire police force. Do I think that we should defund our police? A resounding NO!! I like to live peaceably and like knowing that when I call the police they come. The recent news of the defunding of the Minneapolis police force should be a great example of why we don’t want to defund. The uptick of daylight car jackings, Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 12 of 18 robberies, assaults, shootings and street racing should be a good example. I am in agreement of the race and equity plan which will increase the training of our officers. Randall Smith Dear Mayor and City Council, As a local business owner and residence here in the city of Kent. I would like to state for the record my opinion on defunding the po lice. It is my concern that crime and safety of our residences and officers in this city should be our main focus. Not that of some political rhetoric. We should not follow we should lead and do all we can to instill through our community that safety is primary in this matter. Our city of Kent had always been known as a safe place for families. People from around the region are moving here to start families of their own because of the sense of family feel we have present in the city of Kent. My family has been here in Kent for over 30 years and we have much respect for our Mayor, city council and most importantly our police dept. I know that they will place safety as a number one priority in this city. Mike McArdel - Resident of Kent Please do not bend to the loud and few voices of anarchists calling for the defunding of police. KPD is currently understaffed in relation to most of its peers. I have always had a very professional experience with KPD in my 40 years as a resident. Do not conform with the idiots in Seattle who are in the process of destroying their city. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Toni Troutner, Council President SECONDER: Les Thomas, Councilmember AYES: Ralph, Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Mi chaud A. Approval of Minutes 1. Council Workshop - Workshop Regular Meeting - Sep 15, 2020 5:00 PM 2. City Council Meeting - City Council Regular Meeting - Sep 15, 2020 7:00 PM 3. Committee of the Whole - Committee of the Whole - Regular Meeting - Sep 22, 2020 4:00 PM 4. City Council Meeting - City Council Special Meeting - Sep 29, 2020 5:00 PM 5. Council Workshop - Workshop Special Meeting - Sep 29, 2020 5:30 PM Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 13 of 18 B. Payment of Bills - Approve MOTION: Approve the payment of bills received through 9/15/20 and paid on 9/15/20 and approve the checks issued for payroll 9/1/20-9/15/20 and paid on 9/18/20, all audited by the Committee of the Whole on 9/22/20. C. Change Order with Canon Solutions America, Inc. - Authorize MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to sign Change Order No. 5 with Canon Solutions America, Inc. to extend the City’s lease of multi-function devices through December 31, 2020; amend the budget to authorize an additional $187,415.30 for the extended lease term and an additional $207,918.92 for approved but unbudgeted contract charges under the original lease term; and ratify all acts consistent with the authority of Change Order 5 and this motion, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Information Technology Director and City Attorney. D. Verizon Wireless – Federal General Services Administration (GSA) Supply Contract – Ratify and Authorize MOTION: Ratify the Mayor’s approval of a purchase order with Verizon Wireless that granted the City the ability to purchase wireless voice and data services and equipment through September 20, 2020 under a federal supply contract, and further authorize the Mayor to sign future purchase orders to continue the City’s purchase ability under that federal contract through its December 2, 2023 term, and any extended contract term that may be authorized by the U.S. government, if those purchases can be made within established City budgets. E. 2021 South King Housing and Homeless Partners Budget - Approve MOTION: Approve the 2021 South King Housing and Homelessness Partners budget as adopted by the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners Executive Board on July 24, 2020. F. 2020-2021 South King Housing and Homelessness Partners Work Plan - Approve MOTION: Approve the 2020-2021 South King Housing and Homelessness Partners Work Plan as adopted by the South King Housing and Homelessness Executive Board on July 24, 2020. G. Kherson Park Renovation Consultant Services Agreement with J.A. Brennan Associates for Design and Construction Administration - Authorize Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 14 of 18 MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to sign a Consultant Services Agreement with J.A. Brennan Associates, in the amount of $197,707 for full design and construction administration at Kherson Park, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Parks Director and City Attorney. H. West Hill Reservoir Schedule 74 Construction Agreement - Authorize MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to sign all documents necessary to complete the power undergrounding project prior to construction of the West Hill Reservoir subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Public Works Director and City Attorney. I. West Hill Reservoir/Kronisch Property - Puget Sound Energy Easement Dedication - Authorize MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to sign the easement dedication to PSE necessary to complete the power undergrounding project prior to construction of the West Hill Reservoir. J. West Hill Reservoir/Kronisch Property - Ordinance to Dedicate Right-of-Way - Adopt MOTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 4369, authorizing the dedication of right-of-way on the West Hill Reservoir property necessary to complete the power undergrounding project prior to construction of the West Hill Reservoir. K. King County Metro Access to Transit Agreement-Authorize MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to sign a funding agreement with the King County Metro Transit Department to design five Access to Transit projects with Regional Mobility Grant program funding from King County Metro, for the amount of $285,000, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and the Public Works Director. L. Kent/Lake Meridian Water District Service Area Boundary Adjustment Agreement - Authorize MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to sign a Water Service Area Boundary Adjustment Agreement between the City of Kent and Lake Meridian Water District, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Public Works Director and City Attorney. M. Accept the 2020 Asphalt Grinding Project as Complete - Authorize Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 15 of 18 MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to accept the 2020 Asphalt Grinding Project as complete and release retainage to Statewide Parking Lot Service, Inc. upon receipt of standard releases from the State and the release of any liens. N. Resolution Supporting Money Transfer Operators - Adopt MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2018 supporting unbanked Money Transfer Operators and the immigrant communities which they serve. 9. OTHER BUSINESS None. A. Resolution Declaring Equity a Foundational Requirement in the Provision of City Services and Requesting Administration Take Certain Actions to Ensure City Policies and Practices are Equitable and Do Not Infringe Upon the Equal Treatment and Opportunity of all Individuals - Adopt Chief Administration Officer, Derek Matheson presented the Resolution Declaring Equity a Foundational Requirement in the Provision of City Services Requesting Administration Take Certain Actions to Ensure City Policies and Practices are Equitable and Do Not Infringe Upon the Equal Treatment and Opportunity of all Individuals. Matheson reviewed the key changes that were requested by Council at the previous Committee of the Whole meeting in which the Council reviewed the resolution in its entirety. Matheson confirmed the resolution before Council is not a budget request or a budget decision, nor is it an equity strategic plan. The resolution is a transitional step that sets forth the Council’s expectations now and for the next few months when an Equity Manager is brought on board to create a specific strategic plan. Councilmember Boyce moved to adopt Resolution 2017 with the following changes to the last sentence of Section 2. Where it reads - “In particular, the City Council requests the candidate pool and hiring in all departments, including the police department, reflect the diversity in the Kent Community." The motion was seconded by Council President Troutner. Councilmember Boyce is in support of the resolution because at the end of the day it's about accountability. Councilmember Larimer spoke in opposition of the resolution specifically regarding section 6 surrounding a co-response model and police data collection not being strong enough. Larimer requested the resolution be Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 16 of 18 tabled. Councilmember Fincher echoed Councilmember Larimer's request. She also clarified that this resolution is separate from the budget. Fincher agrees there is more work to be done and Council should put a hold on passing the resolution. Councilmember Thomas spoke in support of the resolution. Councilmember Kaur echoed Councilmember's Larimer and Fincher and requested more clarification and conversation on the resolution. Councilmember Boyce agreed that this resolution will be a living breathing document for fine tuning in the future. He requested that Council be clear about what they want to see in the resolution. Councilmember Troutner echoed the things Councilmember Boyce stated and is still in support of this resolution. Councilmember Boyce withdrew his motion. MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2017, declaring equity a foundational requirement in the provision of City services, and requesting Administration take certain actions to ensure City policies and practices are equitable and do not infringe upon the equal treatment and opportunity of all individuals who live, work, and visit Kent. RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Bill Boyce, Councilmember SECONDER: Toni Troutner, Council President AYES: Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud B. Ordinance – Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing/Services - Adopt Human Services Manager, Merina Hanson reviewed House Bill 1590 relating to a sales and use tax for affordable housing/services. She reviewed King County's plan for this legislation and considerations for the City of Kent. Assistant City Attorney, Adam Long reviewed the specifics of the ordinance and the tight timeline for getting this ordinance passed, published and into effect. Mayor Ralph indicated that passing this ordinance will give Kent a seat at Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 17 of 18 the table for future decisions to be made on how the funds will be distributed. She also committed to maintaining communications and updating Council with all opportunities that are presented. MOTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 4370 authorizing a sales and use tax for affordable housing and related services in accordance with RCW 82.14.530, amending Chapter 3.16 of the Kent City Code, and authorizing the Mayor to use the funds or to pool resources with South King Housing and Homeless Partners. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Zandria Michaud, Councilmember SECONDER: Marli Larimer, Councilmember AYES: Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud 10. BIDS A. Meet Me on Meeker (Russell-GRE) Sidewalk Improvements Project - Award Interim Public Works Director, Chad Bieren presented the bid for the Meet Me on Meeker sidewalk improvements project from Russell Road to GRE and recommended awarding the bid to Axum General Construction, Inc. MOTION: Award the Meet Me on Meeker (Russell - GRE) Sidewalk Improvements Project to Axum General Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,428,431.77 and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marli Larimer, Councilmember SECONDER: Zandria Michaud, Councilmember AYES: Ralph, Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION None. 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ralph adjourned the meeting. Meeting ended at 9:15 p.m. Kimberley A. Komoto Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 18 of 18 City Clerk Economic Development Update Bill Ellis, Chief Economic Development Officer October 6th, 2020 Small Business Emergency Grant •By 10/5 the team at Craft3 processed/disbursed 304 grants out of 307 eligible. (2 selected businesses declined award, and duplicate ownerships of multiple submitting businesses explains reduction from earlier 311 total estimates). $1,995,500 deposited. •Continuing to pursue remaining 3 businesses on eligibility list respond, sign acceptance paperwork and wrap up. •Final report from Craft3 will be shared back with City leadership with details elaborating on past updates by Friday, 10/16. Unemployment down, but for wrong reasons…labor force participation shrank, again. Mixed news from Boeing. Diversity of industries…but diversity of leading companies? Big Picture City of Kent Economic Development Plan •Passed by City Council in 2014 •Six Strategies, 108 Actions •Pivoting from “mitigation” of crisis to economic recovery •What have we accomplished? •What’s left undone, and may be relevant to our current challenges? Naden Assemblage RFQ and Hospitality Project Update Selection panel scheduling interviews for north Naden Important marker and decision point for both City and hotel development team upcoming Oct. 12th Thank you. WEllis@KentWA.gov | 253-856-5707 Demographics of Applicant Pool Preferred language: –Arabic 6 –Punjabi 4 –Russian 7 –Somali 30 –Spanish 28 –Vietnamese 19 –Other-write in 10 (Korean 6, Ukrainian 1, Japanese 1, Chinese 1, Dari 1) Racial Ethnicity •< 1% American Indian or Alaskan Native •26% Asian •20% Black or African American •8.2% LatinX or Hispanic •~1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander •2% Two or more races •24.5% White •2.5% Other •~2% Prefer not to Disclose •Remainder 12-13% left this field blank Woman -owned ~45% Veteran -owned <2.5% Demographics of Selected Applications Grants Awarded (#) Grants Awarded ($) Minority Owned Woman - Owned Veteran - Owned Avg. Jobs Lost (%) Avg. 2019 Bus. Revenues ($) Avg. Years in Business (#) Avg. Household Income ($) 217* 1,410,500 72%58%3%10%234,118 11 77,524 *211 disbursements by Close of Business today 5 are unresponsive to calls/emails and may force to rescind selection Why Businesses Most Often Deemed Ineligible •91 failed the test: Have no owner, officer, partner, or principal actor of the business who is currently employed by City of Kent or who is an immediate family member (spouse, sibling) of a current City of Kent employee •67 failed the test: Have been in business for at least two years as of June 30, 2020 •47 failed the test: Have no more than 15 full-time employees •46 failed the test: Have a current City of Kent Business License and not be delinquent in payment of taxes or fees owned to the City of Kent as of December 31, 2019 Kmart Property –What’s Next? House Bill 1590 ALLOWING THE LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO BE IMPOSED BY A COUNCILMANIC AUTHORITY KENT CITY COUNCIL –OCTOBER 6, 2020 House Bill 1590 Approved by the Washington State Legislature in 2020 and provides councilmanic authority to implement a sales tax-based affordable housing levy. The legislation provides that King County may councilmanically impose a sales tax of up to one-tenth of one percent countywide. The authority to implement the sales tax was extended to cities after the County did not take action by September 30, 2020. Options for Using the Funds A minimum of 60% of the money collected from the tax MUST be used for: Construction of affordable housing Construction of mental and behavioral health facilities Funding the operations and maintenance costs of new units of affordable housing and facilities where housing-related programs are provided Newly constructed evaluation and treatment centers Options for Using the Funds The facilities and programs funded through the levy must serve individuals whose income is below 60% AMI of the county imposing the tax. The funds will target specific populations including: people with behavioral disabilities, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, homeless individuals or families, or unaccompanied homeless youth or young adults. The remainder of the funds collected must be used for the operation, delivery or evaluation of mental and behavioral health treatment programs and services. Scenarios King County did not impose the full tax rate by September 30, 2020, meaning that any city legislative authority within King County may either: a)Submit an authorizing proposition to city voters at a special or general election and if the proposition is approved by the majority of voters, impose the whole or remainder of the sales and use tax rate. b)Impose councilmanically, without a proposition approved by a majority of voters, the whole or remainder of the sales and use tax rate. If King County does impose the full tax rate but it is after a city has imposed the tax, then the county must provide a credit against its tax for the full amount of tax imposed by a city. King County’s Plan King County proposed imposing the 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax as part of Executive Constantine’s 2021 budget package. Primary interest is to house 2,000 King County chronically homeless individuals by October 2022 through purchasing single-room setting buildings like hotels while economic conditions are favorable. The 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax could raise up to $80 million per year in King County and could generate as much as $400 million with bonding. The County has indicated they plan to use an equity and social justice impact review process and consult with cities in which capital projects will be located. Prioritizes 2021 proceeds for sites/services within a city that submits a written statement of support. Plans to spend at least 30% of funds collected in cities with over 60,000 residents in the community that generated those funds (consistent with RCW 82.14.530). Considerations for Kent King County did not meet the September 30th deadline to retain exclusive rights over the tax. King County has indicated they WILL move forward and impose the tax. Kent could impose the tax and retain 100 percent of the proceeds generated in Kent for affordable housing investments. Proceeds of $2.8 million a year could be used for projects serving Kent residents versus as little as $840,000 per year for Kent projects that would ultimately be approved by King County. There are differences in key policy objectives. King County has been very clear about using the imposed tax to secure up to 2,000 PSH units for those experiencing chronic homelessness. Kent’s priority areas are broader and more varied. Considerations for Kent Enacting the tax locally allows the City, rather than King County, to direct the use of the funds generated inside the City limits. The City could choose to pool funds with South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership (SKHHP) and focus on subregional projects. The City could consider entering into an ILA with King County that would allow us to allocate our funds for the County to distribute. The cities of Covington, Issaquah, Renton and Snoqualmie voted to impose the tax last night. King County Council Committee of the Whole considered legislation this afternoon and it will go to Council for a vote on October 13th. Award 10/6/2020 DRIVING RANGE GRE DEVELOPMENT