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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 01/21/2020 Approved City Council Workshop Workshop Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020 Date: January 21, 2020 Time: 5:00 p.m. Place: Chambers I. CALL TO ORDER Council President Troutner called the meeting to order. Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Toni Troutner Council President Present Bill Boyce Councilmember Present Brenda Fincher Councilmember Present Satwinder Kaur Councilmember Present Marli Larimer Councilmember Present Zandria Michaud Councilmember Present Les Thomas Councilmember Present Dana Ralph Mayor Present II. PRESENTATIONS 1 Utility Lifeline Program Paula Painter 45 MIN. Finance Director, Paula Painter presented the Utility Lifeline Program that offers utility rate reductions on water, sewer and storm drainage utilities. Applicants are also eligible for a discount on their garbage charges through Republic Services. Painter review eligibility for the program that has been in existence since 1981 and a minor revision was made in 2018. In 2018, all accounts were audited and reviewed. The City notified all customers on the program that they needed to re-apply. More than 400 did not apply and were removed from the program. There are currently just over 500 accounts on the program. This year’s audit will begin in April. Painter advised the 2019 HUD guidelines are used as the guideline for low income limits, very low-income limits, extremely low income and detailed how Kent compares to surrounding cities. Kent uses low income to set its limits. Many surrounding cities use very low income. Painter reviewed allowed household size - maximum persons in family and compared Kent to surrounding jurisdictions. Kent, Renton and Seattle allow up to 8 members in family. City Council Workshop Workshop Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 2 of 3 Painter reviewed the eligibility requirements that include: · Senior = 62 years and older · Senior - Other age · Permanently disabled · Minor with permanent disability · HUD low income limits Painter provided the Council with two handouts that provide complete details of surrounding cities utility discount programs. Kent uses adjusted gross income vs. total income. Painter indicated the Finance Department will be bringing an ordinance to Council that will make administrative clean-ups and that this is the time to modify the program if the Council desires. Residents can apply online on the City of Kent Website - Utility Billing. 2 Rental Housing Inspection Program Katie Whaley 45 MIN. Rental Housing Inspection Program Coordinator, Katie Whaley presented an update on the Rental Housing Inspection Program. The purpose of the program is to protect the health and safety of renters, prevent the deterioration of housing stock and better understand the rental housing sector. The City is divided into 3 segments. 20% of units are inspected every 3 years, apartments, townhouse, 4-plexes, triplexes, duplexes and landlords hire private inspectors. Whaley reviewed how the City has been divided for inspections in 2019, 2020, 2021. In 2019 the northeast hill of Kent was inspected: · 68 Properties · 65 Completed initial inspection · 14 Extensions requested until 3/1 · 3 were not responsive and will go through the code enforcement process. Whale reviewed common issues: · Smoke detectors/Co2/Fire extinguishers · Water heaters · Electrical · Decks, handrails, guardrails - not in compliance City Council Workshop Workshop Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020 Kent, Washington Page 3 of 3 Whaley reviewed what was not anticipated. Property owners asked for pre- inspections to identify repairs, many landlords choose to repair 100% of units and multiple landlord inquiries to prepare for future inspections. In 2020, the West Hill and Valley will be inspected. The inspection checklist will be revised and will be based on inspector feedback. Councilmembers were excited over the positive results. Whaley indicated that when tenants call with issues, action is taken immediately. Troutner indicated she is hopeful this program will provide a higher of quality of living for Kent residents. Meeting ended at 5:35 p.m. Kimberley A. Komoto City Clerk The City of Kent offers utility rate reductions on water, sewer and storm drainage utilities. Applicants are also eligible for a discount on their garbage charges through Republic Services. • Age 62 or older or • Persons who are unable to work due to a total and permanent disability or a • Parent or guardian of a minor with a total and permanent disability. • Age 62 or older or • Persons who are unable to work due to a total and permanent disability or a • Parent or guardian of a minor with a total and permanent disability. and • Total household income shall not exceed the limits set annually by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) • Applicant must be responsible for payment of utility bills and living at the address receiving services. •Resolution 934 was adopted in 1981 by the City Council. •Resolution 934 was adopted in 1981 by the City Council. •Minor edits have been made since the original resolution. The last update was in 2018. •Resolution 934 was adopted in 1981 by the City Council. •Minor edits have been made since the original resolution. The last update was in 2018. •An audit of all the accounts on the program was conducted in late 2018. The 757 accounts that were on the program were individually reviewed. A letter was sent to all customers on the program that notified them they would need to re-apply. •Resolution 934 was adopted in 1981 by the City Council. •Minor edits have been made since the original resolution. The last update was in 2018. •An audit of all the accounts on the program was conducted in late 2018. The 757 accounts that were on the program were individually reviewed. A letter was sent to all customers on the program that notified them they would need to re-apply. •In early 2019, an additional letter and new application was sent to all customers on the program. More than 400 accounts did not re-apply and were removed from the program. •Resolution 934 was adopted in 1981 by the City Council. •Minor edits have been made since the original resolution. The last update was in 2018. •An audit of all the accounts on the program was conducted in late 2018. The 757 accounts that were on the program were individually reviewed. A letter was sent to all customers on the program that notified them they would need to re-apply. •In early 2019, an additional letter and new application was sent to all customers on the program. More than 400 accounts did not re-apply and were removed from the program. •We currently have just over 500 accounts on the program. This years audit process will begin in April. 2019 HUD Guidelines Median Family Income $108,600 Persons in Family Extremely Low Income Very Low Income Limits (50%) Low Income Limits (80%) 1 $23,250.00 $38,750.00 $61,800.00 2 $26,600.00 $44,300.00 $70,600.00 3 $29,900.00 $49,850.00 $79,450.00 4 $33,200.00 $55,350.00 $88,250.00 5 $35,900.00 $59,800.00 $95,350.00 6 $38,550.00 $64,250.00 $102,400.00 7 $41,200.00 $68,650.00 $109,450.00 8 $43,850.00 $73,100.00 $116,500.00 2019 HUD Guidelines Median Family Income $108,600 Persons in Family Extremely Low Income Very Low Income Limits (50%) Low Income Limits (80%) 1 $23,250.00 $38,750.00 $61,800.00 2 $26,600.00 $44,300.00 $70,600.00 3 $29,900.00 $49,850.00 $79,450.00 4 $33,200.00 $55,350.00 $88,250.00 5 $35,900.00 $59,800.00 $95,350.00 6 $38,550.00 $64,250.00 $102,400.00 7 $41,200.00 $68,650.00 $109,450.00 8 $43,850.00 $73,100.00 $116,500.00 $- $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $30,000.00 $40,000.00 $50,000.00 $60,000.00 $70,000.00 Income Limit -HUD Guidelines* *Based on a one person household 8 1 5 8 2 5 8 6 2 2 maximum persons in family Eligibility Kent Soos Creek Auburn Renton Covington Redmond Seattle Bellevue Issaquah Kirkland Senior 62 and older √√√√√√√ Senior –Other Age*√√ Permanently disabled √√√√√√√√ Minor with Permanent Disability √ All Low Income Customers* √ HUD Low Income Limits √ HUD Very Low Income Limits √√√√√√√ Other Income Limits*√√ 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Kent Soos Creek Auburn Renton Covington Redmond Seattle Bellevue Issaquah Kirkland discount applied Water*Sewer Storm *Based on 2019 information *Kent water is based on a 1in meter and 8 units of water usage. *If the resident is eligible for rate reduction, Covington waives the meter access charge, they only pay for their water usage. ./ Age 62 or Older and/or permanently disabled,/ The current yearly income limit is $3g,750 per year for one resident and $44,300 f or 2 or more residents../ Require proof of residency and eligibility,/ Renew annually Residents on the discount are only billed for their water consumption. f%uinaffi^ -WATERADISTRTcT Age 61 or Older and/or permanently disabled The current yearly income limit is $35,000 per year for one resident and an additional $5,000 per year for each additional resident Require proof of residency, age and eligibility Renew every Wvo years Discount is 50Vo off City Services; King County Sewer is exempt. ,/ 'Age 62 or Older and/or permanently disabled and/or a Veteran with a VA determined, 1000/0 service_ connected disability,/ The current yearly income limit is $38,750 per year for one resident and an additional $5,550 per year for each additional resident. Up to 5 members.,/ Require proof of residency and eligibility,/ Renew annually, in May. Discount is 500/o off the utility bill. re CityofRedmond oai ,/ Age 62 or Older and/or permanently disabled,/ The current yearly income limit is $3g,750 per year for one resident and an additional $5,550 per year for each additional resident. Up to 5 members. / Require proof of residency and eligibility,/ Renew every two years Discount is 50% off the utility bill sh City of Seattle ,/ Low lncome utility customers./ The current yearly income limit is $35,592 per year for one resident and an additional $10,956 per year for each additional resident. Based monthly.,/ Require proof of residency and eligibility Discount is 50% off the utility bill / Age 65 or Older and/or Permanently disabled./ The current household income limit is $37,45A./ Require proof of residency and eligibility/ Renew annually Discount is 3070 off water and/or sewer; King County Sewer & actual water consumption are exempt r' Senior Program - Age 62 or Older./ The current yearly income limit is $58,400 per household / Require proof of residency and eligibility/ Do not require renewal. Audit accounts regularly. Discount is75Vo off the water and sewer services & 100% off of the stormwater fee. *4*u^ T"Ms JA u L of Klatca A-ie?+*r-.+ l'* OtFfr- l*\*r.d.i- e r' Age 62 or Older and/or Permanently disabled{ The current yearly income limit is $38,750 per year for one resident and an additional $5,550 per year for each additional resident. Up to 6 members.{ ldentification for all household members required/ Renew annually Discount is 70% offwater, wastewater and drainage services. / Age 62 or Older and/or Permanently disabled and/or the Parent or Guardian of a Permanently disabled minor../ The current yearly income limit is $61,800 per year for one resident and an additional $8,800 per year for each additional resident./ Require proof of residency and eligibility/ Renew annually Discount ranges between approx. 50% - 93% off City Services; King County Sewer is exempt. KENT r' Age 52 years or older, blind, disabled, or on home kidn:y dialysis r' The current yearly income limit is $38,750 per year for a single resident and $44,300 per year for mar-ied households/ Require proof of residency and eligibility/ Renew annually DiscDunt is 75% off basic sewer charges & 50Yo off water access charges; water consumption is exempt. n$*rr**4 o 50.e2$12.81 RESIDENTIAT RATES {watuR* Monthly Meter Access Fees Monthly Dedicated Fire Line Fees - Rate 52.8e 53.37 Size <3tf'. 1u Base Rate 524.28 $38.01 Metersize 5'3l4' 1 Lsurrrn Monthly Sewer Rates Lifeline*Ea{ {E LITELINE.RATE REDUCTION To qualify, you must be: . 62 yean ofage or older or permanently disabled . The owner or tenant receiving the bill and living at the address AilD . Total household income is less than fuderal HUD guidelines fiM sronu DRAINAGf, Monthly Fee Lifeline* Kent customers ou8ide 0fthe Kent water and sewer service area are billed quarterly fur storm drainage To find out if you qualify for a Lifeline {reduced) rate, call 153-856-5201. 1 Water Usage per 1 00 Cubic Feet or 748 gallons Lifulim*Water Rater are.6l per lfl!cu. ft. lb stz.to / 545.33 558.03 525.01 545.33 570.34 City of Kent fee King County fee Total Per Month 52.5!Mcu.ft. / 54.96/100 cu. ft. tr800 cu. ft 800+ cu. ft. Ihe meter aaegs fee is $l I .l 0 {WATER** Monthly Meter Access Fees Monthly Dedicated Fire Line Fees Rate 52.89 53.37 s5.05 56.73 s10.77 526.92 553.82 5107.65 5181.67 5269.14 Size 5314" 1' 1"1t4 1.s', T 30 ti 60 8" 10" Base Rate 530.52 544.2s 578.59 $1 19.80 5 r88.48 s284.63 5422.00 ss59.36 56%.73 Metersize s3/4" 1" 11t4" 1.5" 2" 3" 4" 6" 8" 10" $2.5211@ cu.ft. 54.%/100CI.ft. G8fficu.ft 800+ cu. ft @ sronu DRATNAeE Fees are calculated based on impervious surfaces. Call 253-856-5500 for more details. **Most water meten in the city are read bimonthly and the water usage charge is added every other month. All utility accounts will incur a 51 technology fee to support systems that provide convenience and efficient service delivery. Accounts with a backflow assembly will be billed 5106.71 per device in January. Ihis fee is for the costs incuned by the city to implement a backflow prevention program that includes inspection, documentation and reporting as required by the Washington State Department of Health. Lssnrnn (ommercial and multi-family sewer rates are based on water consumption. 59.38 570.34 Water consumption/1 00 cu. ft. Minimum cfiarge (indudes fint 750 cu. ft) COT,[MERCIAt AND MULTI-FAMILY RATES Water Usage per 100 Cubic Feet or Z4{t gallons Rental Housing Inspection Program •Protect the health and safety of renters •Prevent the deterioration of housing stock •Better understand the rental housing sector PURPOSE PROGRAM STRUCTURE •Divide city in 3 segments •20% of units inspected every 3 years •Apartments, townhomes, 4- plexes, triplexes, duplexes •Landlords hire private inspectors 2019: NE Hill •68 properties •65 completed initial inspection •14 extensions to March 1st •3 non-responsive Common Issues •Smoke Detectors/Co2/Fire Extinguishers •Water heaters •Electrical •Decks, Handrails, Guardrails •Plumbing Program Benefits •Pre-inspections to identify repairs. •Many landlords choose to repair 100% of units. •Landlord inquiries to prepare for future inspection. Moving Forward: 2020 •West Hill and Valley •Checklist Revisions based on inspector feedback. •Different issues, new challenges.