HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 5/2/2017Kent City Council Workshop
Minutes
May 2,2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
Date: May 2,20t7
Time: 5 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers East/West
Attending: Bill Boyce, Council President
Tina Budell, Councilmember
Brenda Fincher, Councilmember
Dennis Higgins, Councilmember
Dana Ralph, Councilmember
Les Thomas, Councilmember
Council President Boyce opened the meeting at 5:04 p.m
Aoenda:
1, Whv Parks? Investing in Kent's Quality of Life
Julie Parascondola, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided
an overall view of the Parks programs and services that contribute to economic
viability, foster health and community wellness, steward and protect public lands,
create social equity and connection.
Hope Gibson, Parks Planning and Development Manager, provided information
regarding how the City approaches park planning. Hope reviewed the Parks and
Open Space Plan that has four core themes: Quality Public Spaces, Performance-
Based Approach, Transformation through Reinvestment, and Sustainable Funding.
Hope reviewed the Parks asset analysis that included a review of declining quality
public spaces, and failure of park assets/amenities
Brian Levenhagen, Parks Planning and Development Senior Park Planner provided
information regarding a performance-based approach
The Parks Department's assessment of the recreational value of parks vs. a
performance based approach, Brian presented information regarding the City's
planning for the future of parks with transformation through reinvestment. Brian
gave an overall view of strategic projects by regions.
Brian presented information regarding current investment vs. future investment,
and financial needs. Details regarding the 2017-2018 reinvestment projects were
provided in addition to a review of assets being addressed. Brian indicated a
recreational value project sheet is being utilized for each project. Brian provided a
review of recreational values being added to various parks.
Page 1 of 2
Kent City Council Workshop
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
Julie indicated the next step is to ask the question: "How much are we, as a city
and community, willing to re-invest in the livability?"
Council President Boyce suggested reaching out to the community.
Councilmember Higgins suggested Parks have conversations regarding raising the
baseline budget in addition to seeking voter approval.
Julie advised that she will work on educating the public to create excitement and
provide information so that the public will understand the backlog of work to be
done in the parks in addition to coming up with sustainable funding that will help
make strides, including working towards accreditation.
Councilmember Higgins indicated that through the recession, the Parks Department
was impacted by cuts more than any other department and that we need to make a
conscious effort to fix Kent's parks.
Councilmember Fincher requested the Parks Department come up with financial
benefits to home values.
Councilmember Berrios requested the Parks Department come up with options for
the future.
Council President recessed the workshop at 5:45 p.m.
Councíl President reconvened the workshop at 5:54 p.m. and advised that the
presentation by Sound Transit is cancelled.
Council President adjourned the workshop at 5:55 p.m.
a
Kimberley
City Clerk
May 2, 2OL7
Komoto
Page 2 of 2
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Date:
Time:
Place:
Attending:
Approved May 16, 20L7
May 2, 2Ot7
7 p.m.
Council Chambers East/West
Suzette Cooke, Mayor
Bill Boyce, Council President
Tina Budell, Councilmember
Jim Berrios, Councilmember
Brenda Fincher, Councilmember
Dennis Higgins, Councilmember
Dana Ralph, Councilmember
Les Thomas, Councilmember
Agenda:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.ñ., with Mayor Cooke presiding.
2. Roll Call
All present.
3. Changes to the Agenda
Chief Administrative Officer, Derek Matheson added an item to Other Business for
the North Park Sound Wall and removed item 98.2Ot7 Plastic Markings
4. PublicCommunications
A. Public Recognition:
The Mayor recognized the Thunderbirds for their recent win.
Mayor Cooke recognized David Hammond as employee of the month for May and
thanked him for his service to the City.
B. Proclamation for Affordable Housing Week:
Jo Cherland, Division Director with Catholic Community Services accepted the
Affordable Housing Week Proclamation.
C. Proclamation for Kent Healthy Eating Day:
Shamso Issak, Executive Director of Living Well Kent, along with other committee
members, accepted the Proclamation for Kent Healthy Eating Day.
D. Artwork Donation from Pierce Estate
Ronda Billerbeck, Parks Cultural Program Manager presented information regarding
donations of artwork from the Pierce Estate. Ronda presented a brief history of
Page 1 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2,20L7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
Danny Pierce and his past donations of artwork to the City. The Pierce family
donated 10 pieces of art valued at nearly $40,000. The artwork is currently on
display on the third floor of the Centennial Center.
Mayor Cooke suggested the Greater Kent Historical Society prepare brief histories
that would be displayed next to each of the pieces of art.
E. Reappointment to Bicycle Advisory Board
Mayor Cooke expressed her appreciation for Mel Roberts dedication toward making
Kent a bicycle friendly community and recommended his reappointment.
Tim Clark thanked the council for their support of the Greater Kent Historical
Museum and introduced Tessa Yeaman, the newly appointed Director of the
Museum. Tessa indicated she is looking forward to fostering and creating new
relationships with the community.
F, Community Events:
Council President Boyce provided details regarding upcoming events at the
ShoWare Center, including the Thunderbirds WHL championship games May 9-11,
and encouraged all to attend. Additional events include: Kent Chamber of
Commerce Business Gala May 5th @ 5p.m; Seattle Mist, May 2O; Jr Roller Derby
May 25-28; 9tn International Festival; and June 3; R&B legend Maxwell.
Council President Boyce indicated that the Kent Black Action Commission will host
their 6th annual Junteenth on June L7, from lO-dusk at Morrill Meadows Park.
Councilmember Fincher advised that youth baseball kicks off this Saturday, and the
Junior Olympics will be held on May 13th from 9 - 4 p.m. at Kent Meridian High
School. Upcoming Green Kent events will be on May 6th, 9-noon at Clark Lake Park
for Habitat Improvement, and Morrill Meadows Mulching on May 20th from 9-noon.
Councilmember Fincher indicated that the Spring/Summer Parks guides are
available at Kentwa.gov/parks.
Councilmember Ralph advised that Relay for Life Kent will be held on June 2nd at
Kent Meridian High School and that the Kent Downtown Partnership will host their
annual dinner and auction at the ShoWare Center on June gth. Details were also
provided regarding the next Team Up 2 Clean Up event on May 13th at Kherson
Park, located at Second and Gowe.
Page 2 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
G. Economic and Community Development Update:
Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director, presented
information regarding economic development in the City, including: the Amazon
Fresh fulfillment center being relocated to Kent, and Classic Accessories
announcement regarding their relocation into a larger facility currently under
construction in South Kent. Wolters updated the Council on recent discussions with
Dick's Drive-In and with the property owners of the potential site. Ben credited
Julie Pulliam with the idea to use the Thunderbird's Coolbird mascot for promoting
Kent to Dick's Drive-In.
H, Intergovernmental Reports:
Council President Boyce serves on the Sound Cities Association Committee - No
report. The next meeting is scheduled for May 1Oth.
Councilmember Budell serves on the Sound Cities Association Domestic Violence
Initiative. No report. The next meeting is scheduled for May 18th.
Councilmember Higgins serves on the King County Regional Transit Committee.
During the April 18th meeting, the committee discussed alternative services in
additional to revamping the metro fare structure. The committee continues its
work on Metro connects 2025-2040 long range plan. During July, the committee will
begin to review the capital project list with dates and dollar amounts.
Councilmember Berrios serves on the Puget Sound Regional Council Economic
Development Board. The next meeting is scheduled for May 3,2OL7, and the
Board will be discussing the implementation of economic strategy.
Councilmember Ralph serves on the Sound Cities Association Executive Board. The
Board recently discussed upcoming County levies and the potential effects on cities,
Councilmember Ralph announced that the King Conservation Distríct recently
appointed Councilmember Fincher to the Equity and Social justice advisory
committee.
Councilmember Ralph serves on the King County Depaftment of Transportation
South County Area Transportation Board and they will meet next week.
Councilmember Ralph serves on the King County Regional Law Safety & Justice
Committee. No report.
Page 3 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
Date
3/Ls/20L7
3/ts/20L7
Wire Transfers
Regular Checks
Check Numbers
7028 - 7048
711989 - 7L2405
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Amount
çL,982,397.23
$1,198,059.74
Approved May 16, 2OL7
Councilmember Fincher serves on the King County Mental Illness and Drug
Dependency (MIDD) Advisory Committee. The Committee is working to determine
how to assess the programs to determine how to align with best starts for kids,
veterans, and human services.
Councilmember Fincher serves on the King Conservation District Advisory
Committee. Councilmember Fincher extended an invitation to the public to
participate in the community garden project that will be held at the Hillside Church
at 930 E. James Street on May 24rh,from 6-8:30 pm. Hillside Church has partnered
with World Relief Seattle for this project.
5.
None
Public Hearing
6. Public Comment
Reverend Herbert Carey provided public comment and requested the City donate
abandon propefty for his Rights of Passage mentoring program for African American
boys ages t2-t9.
Ty Whitfield, provided public comment and expressed her appreciation for the
assistance from City staff in helping to addressing concerns from senior citizen
residents at the area SHAG facilities.
7 Consent Calendar
Council President Boyce moved to approve the Consent Calendar items A
through L, seconded by Councilmember Thomas.
The motion passed unanimously with a vote ol 7-O.
A. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Workshops - Approve
The minutes of the workshop and regular council meeting of April L8, 2OL7, were
approved.
B. Approval of Bills
Bills received through Mar. 3L, 20L7 and paid on Mar. 15 and Mar. 31, 20L6 after
auditing by the Operations Committee on April 18, 20L7 were approved.
Approval of checks issued for vouchers
Page 4 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
3/Ls/2OL7
Approved May 16, 20L7
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
$55,845.47
($0.00)
s4 .9L3.22
Amount
$0.00
Amount
$0.00
ç3,24L,2L5.66
Approval of checks issued for payroll for Mar.l through Mar. 15 and paid on
Mar. 20, 2OL7:
3/rs/20t7
Date
3/20/20L7
Date
3/3L/20L7
3/3L/2OL7
3/3t/2017
Date
4/s/20L7
Payment Plus
Void Checks
Use Tax Payable
Wire Transfers
Regular Checks
Payment +
Void Checks
Use Tax Payable
Check Numbers
7049 - 7067
7t2406 - 7L3048
Check Numbers
Checks 0
Voids and Reissues
Advices 383863 - 3847L93/20/20L7 $L,537,844.38
$L,537,844.38
Approval of checks issued for vouchers
3/3L/2Ot7
Amount
$t,930,369.24
$4,907,596.93
$61,193.84
($7,132.00)
9t.327.54
$6,893,355.55
Approval of checks issued for payroll for Mar. 16 through Mar. 31 and paid on
Apr.5,2Ot7:
Check Numbers
Checks
Voids and Reissues
Advices 384720 - 3855824/s/2017 $1.533.518.79
$1,533,518.79
C. Reappointment of Mel Roberts to the Bicycle Advisory Board - Confirm
Council confirmed the reappointment of Mel Roberts to the Kent Bicycle Advisory
Board for an additional two-year term.
D. Ordinance Amending Kent City Code Chapters 3.28 and 3.29 Relating
to Business and Occupation Tax - Adopt
Page 5 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2Ot7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2Ot7
Ordinance No.4242 was adopted, amending the business and occupation tax code
to create threshold, create a non-reporting status and a non-registration status,
allow the cancellation of penalties, create a voluntary disclosure program, create a
tax credit, and amend the administrative appeal process.
E. Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.41 KCC - Add Valley Narcotics
Enforcement Team Revolving Funds - Adopt
Ordinance No. 4243 was adopted, authorizing creation of a petty cash fund, a flash
money fund and an investigative buy fund for VNET operations, increasing the
dollar limit of the Police Department Investigative Buy Fund, and making certain
other administrative changes to Chapter 3.4L of the Kent City Code.
F. Cooperative Purchas¡ng Agreement with Hewlett Packard / WSCA-NASPO
for HP Desktop Refresh - Authorize
The Mayor was authorized to purchase equipment, software, and services through the
cooperative purchasing agreement between HP, Inc. and NASP ValuePoint Cooperative
Purchasing Organization, and under Washington State's participation agreement, and to
make such purchases within established budgets and through March 3L,2O2O, or such
later date as the cooperative may extend.
G. Advanced Broadcast Solutions Chambers Technology & Kent TV21
Upgrades - Authorize
The Mayor was authorized to execute all documents necessary to enter into a contract
with Advanced Broadcast Solutions, LLC, in the amount of $140,660.05, for
replacement of the chamber audio and video system, and to ratify all acts consistent
with this motion, subject to final contract terms and conditions acceptable to the IT
Director and City Attorney.
H. Comprehensive Plan Amendments - 2015 Dockets - Ordinance - Adopt
Ordinance No. 4244 was adopted, amending the City's 2015 Comprehensive Plan, Land
Use Plan Map and Zoning Districts Map as recommended by the Economic and
Community Development Committee.
I. 2Ot7 l"t Quarter Fee-in-lieu Funds - Authorize
Council accepted $43,200.00 of fee-in-lieu funds, amend the Community Parks
Reinvestment Program budget and authorize the future expenditure of these funds for
capital improvements at Chestnut Ridge Park and Canterbury Park.
J. Consultant Services Agreement with Gray & Osborn, Inc., for Cambridge
Reservoir Improvements - Authorize
The Mayor was authorized to sign a Consultant Services Agreement with Gray &
Osborn, Inc. to produce bid documents for the Cambridge Reservoir Improvement
Project in the amount of $43,4O0, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to
the City Attorney and Public Works Director,
Page 6 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 20t7
K. S. 212th Way Overlay - Additional Funding - Authorize
Council authorized the addition of $1.4 million out of 2OL7 B&O revenues for the 212th
Street & 72"d Avenue Intersection repair and the South 2L2rh Way Overlay Project
easterly of SR 167 to be utilized this year.
L. Schedule 74 Design Agreement with Puget Sound Energy for
Undergrounding S. 218th Street Project - Authorize
The Mayor was authorized to sign a Design Agreement with Puget Sound Energy to
develop plans for the under-grounding of electrical lines and services along S 218th
Street, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public
Works Director.
8. Other Business
A. Sound Wall - North Park Neighborhood
Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director provided information regarding the potential to
build a continuous noise wall - roughly 24' high from James Street, North to Hwy
167, that would cost approx. $3 million.
Tim LaPorte advised that it would be up to the council to decide if Quiet Zone funds
could be used to help pay for the wall.
Budell indicated the best solution is to request that Burlington Norther use either
the Tukwila or Auburn station for staging.
B. Marquee on Meeker/Riverbend Golf Complex - Info Only
Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director, provided information in
support of the proposed purchase and sale of the par 3 property now known as
Marquee on Meeker. Ben Wolters recapped the timeline of activities, provided
information on the advisory committee and scoring criteria for project concept, price
and contract terms, and firm and team capabilities. Ben Wolters reviewed the goals
and objectives for the project that included generating parks funding for capital
investment, establishing a high-quality development, in addition to meeting various
City objectives. The details of the winning proposal were provided. Ben introduced the
development team that included representatives from FNW, Landmark Development
Group, LLC and HAL. Examples of project qualities were provided in addition to public
space and park connections.
Ben Wolters reviewed major milestones of planning review and development
engineering in preparation for a purchase and sale and development agreement.
John McKenna, Landmark Development Group/FNW, Inc., CEO conveyed his vision for
the project and advised that the tax savings received have been reinvested into the
Page 7 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2,20L7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2Ot7
project. McKenna indicated that the project provides walkability and connectivity, which
is what the City asked for,
Charles Strazzara, Studio Meg Strazzara/Principle-in-Charge, Project Architect,
provided extensive details regarding the project that included: responding to the want
of connectivity, walkability - creating pedestrian environment, reviewed project plan
and quality of materials, and detailed the development concept plan that offers public
amenities. Mr. Strazzara reviewed the 200' buffer of open space, tree retention plan,
lifestyle plaza and promenade connection to the pathway, urbanism - move to the
core, hardwood resilient flooring & solid service counters throughout, under mount
sinks, and full stainless-steel appliances. There will be common, hotel-like corridors -
all offset doors, open space and parking for residents, guests, and the public.
9. Bids
A. 2OL7 Asphalt Grinding - Award
Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director gave a brief overview of the proposed project.
Councilmember Higgins moved to Award the 2OL7 Asphalt Grinding to
Statewide Parking Lot Services, Inc. in the amount ol $62,7OO.OO 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 Councilmember Ralph.
The motion passed unanimously with a vote oÍ 7-O.
10. Reoorts from Standinq Committees, Council and Staff
Mayor - Mayor Cooke presented information regarding the next police community
meeting to be held May 10th at the police/fire training center at 7 p.m., located at
116th Ave S.E. and S.E. 248th Street, and that there will be a special presentation
on firearms training simulator and crime fighting strategies.
Council President - Council President Boyce provided details regarding today's
workshop topics that included a Parks Department presentation entitled "Why
Parks? Investing in Kent's Quality of Life." Parks Director, Julie Parascondola will
make today's presentation available on the City's website.
Administration - Derek Matheson, Chief Administrative Officer, advised that his
written report in the packet and that there is an executive session to discuss
property negotiation that is expected to last 30 minutes with action following the
session.
Page 8 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 20t7
Economic and Community Development - Council President Boyce indicated he
hopes Dick's Drive-In select Kent as their next location.
Operations Councilmember Ralph provided information regarding the
Committee's discussions regarding expanding the S. 2OB/2L2th project, in addition
to discussing a $25 million-dollar budget adjustment that includes the receipt of
$20 million dollars of grant funds for projects. The Committee also discussed the
need to update the financial policies, including the debt management policy.
Parks and Human Services - Councilmember Fincher indicated the Committee
discussed the wiffle ball filed at Kent Memorial park in addition to discussing a
tobacco-free policy for parks.
Public Safety - Councilmember Berrios advised next meeting is scheduled for May
gth.
Public Works - Councilmember Higgins indicated the Committee heard an update
on the "Meet Me on Meeker" project. The Committee reviewed the Six -Year
Transportation Improvement Plan's list of projects for the next 6 years. Five
projects were removed from the plan since they have been completed or nearly
complete. A few new projects were added to firm up the Naden site as the City
prepares to surplus the site.
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority - Councilmember Thomas indicated the
posting for fire chief went out today. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, May 17th at Station 78.
At 9115 p.m., the Council went into executive sess¡on.
At 9:45 p.ffi., executive sess¡on was extended for 1O additional minutes.
At 9:58 p.ffi., the Council reconvened
11. Executive Session and Action after Executive SessionA. Property Negotiations, as per RCW 42.3O.ltO(1)(c); to consider the
price at which real estate will be offered for sale
City Attorney, Tom Brubaker provided a review of the proposed purchase and sale
agreement for the area of the Riverbend golf complex existing par 3 course. The
purchaser is FNW. The proposed project, "Marquee on Meeker," will consist of 2L
quad unit apartments and two six-story podiums. The sale price is $10.5 million
and it will be sold in two phases. The eastern half phase one is for $5.25 million,
the purchaser will obtain a lease with an option to purchase the western half for
$5.25 million. There are conditions required prior to closing.
Council President Boyce moved to authorize the Mayor to sign all
documents necessary to complete the purchase and sale agreement to sell
Page 9 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2017
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 20L7
the Riverbend Par 3 property for the Marquee on Meeker project, subject to
approval of final terms and conditions by the City Attorney.
Councilmember Berrios seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Council President Boyce indicated that since 20L2 the Council has discussed options
to sustain the golf course. There was no prior solid plan in place. Council President
Boyce indicated that elected officials make tough decisions and reflected on the
history of the Kent Station and ShoWare Center developments. He thanked prior
councilmembers for making tough decisions. He indicated that he has no doubt
that this is the right project for Kent and that he strongly believes we have the right
team to put a solid plan/building in place to make a livable, connected city where
people want to live - it's all about economic development and that we need to grow
the city and generate revenue through taxes or projects. Council President Boyce
advised that he will support the motion.
Councilmember Higgins expressed that this is a beautiful proposal and project that
will be a tremendous asset to the City. He indicated that if we must develop the
site, he likes the way this plan preserves public access and public space, He
thanked the team and City staff, including Tom Brubaker, Ben Wolters and Kurt
Hanson. Councilmember Higgins reviewed his April L, 20L4, Kent Reporter quote
regarding being heartsick about surplussing the site and that he voted to surplus
the property. He attempted to find other open space advocates to help keep the
parcel in open space, but failed. Over the past two weeks King County, the Flood
Control District, WRIA 9, and other open space advocates put together solution to
keep the property in open space. Since there appears to be a path to keep this
property in open space, he cannot vote in support of the purchase and sale
agreement.
Councilmember Ralph, indicated that the project presented is the best of all the
projects submitted. The developer is committed to building a quality project.
Councilmember Ralph indicated that the Council has been through a very long
process and that something needs to be done to make the golf course sustainable
where the only viable option would be a large, multi-family complex. She indicated
there is a viable option presented in the 11th hour from regional partners that will
preserve the habitat. She expressed her concern over developing the open space
and covering the ground, making it impossible to convert the property back to open
space. Councilmember Ralph conveyed her desire to inform the public that there
was a viable option to have this property remain in open space and that the
legislative body refused to consider that option.
Page 1O of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2Ot7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OI7
Councilmember Ralph expressed her concerns over the purchase and sale
agreement and the lack of a final development agreement. Councilmember Ralph
indicated she has concerns over the unresolved fire flow issues, impacts to traffic
that have not been fully addressed, and impacts to the school district. There is no
business plan to make the 18-hole golf course sustainable. Councilmember Ralph is
hopeful that this project is the spark to redevelop the entire Meeker corridor.
Councilmember Ralph indicated she would not support the purchase and sale
agreement,
Councilmember Fincher spoke in support of the purchase and sale agreement, She
indicated that she does not want to get rid of land, but this appears to be the only
viable option. Councilmember Fincher advised of her discussion with a King County
councilmember who advised that obtaining 100o/o funding would be a heavy lift,
even if everyone is rowing in the same direction. She expressed her concern with
maintaining the property if it were to be kept in open space. She expressed her
appreciation of the wonderful job.the selection team did in coming up with a well-
planned project with quality amenities.
Councilmember Budell indicated she struggled with losing open land, but knows
that the Council must be fiscally responsible, Councilmember Budell indicated that
the Council did not adopt a $20 car tab fee to balance the budget, in addition to
speaking regarding the impact of the loss of $5 million in streamline sales tax in
2018, Councilmember Budell expressed her concern over the need to increase the
City's tax base through B&O taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes.
Councilmember Budell indicated a one-time sale to a conservatory will not solve the
City's financial issues. Councilmember Budell detailed the potential issues with
keeping the property in open space. Councilmember Budell supports the
development, loves the amenities, open space, access to river, and that the
developer is from Kent and is passionate about the project. Councilmember Budell
fully-supports the purchase and sale agreement.
Councilmember Berrios expressed that he is comfortable with the purchase and sale
agreement, including the provisions in dealing with the development agreement.
Councilmember Berrios expressed his concern that the Council is now being
presented with a new proposal without including him. He indicated that there is no
certainty with this new proposal or where the funding would come from.
Councilmember Berrios expressed his concern that King County is not present at
tonight's meeting since they knew this discussion would be taking place.
Councilmember Berrios indicated that Kent is changing and that we need to keep
Page 11 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 20t7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
up. He advised that that developer has made every effort to work with us to meet
the City's needs and is comfortable with this developer. Councilmember Berrios
indicated he will support the purchase and sale agreement.
Councilmember Thomas reviewed some of the benefits to parks that were
presented during today's Council workshop. He indicated that when the ShoWare
Center and Kent Station were developed, the ball fields that were lost during
development were to be replaced, but they were not. Councilmember Thomas
indicated that he likes the developer and the quality of the project. Councilmember
Thomas indicated that he would not vote in support of the purchase and sale
agreement.
Councilmember Fincher clarified that the King County councilmember she spoke
with had ideas on where to obtain funding, but indicated he did not see it possible
to obtain King County Council votes to get it passed.
Councilmember Higgins indicated that he failed to reach out to Councilmember
Berrios and inform him on a new proposal. He conveyed that Councilmember
Upthegrove did not want to get in between the council and mayor, since the Mayor
was not in favor of this proposal. Councilmember Higgins indicated that after
speaking with Councilmember Upthegrove that we would not be successful in
pursuing the alternate option.
Councilmember Berrios expressed his concern with this new proposal and whether
King County would take responsibility for resolving issues on the property that may
include crimes and maintenance.
Mayor Cooke indicated that it is important for Councilmembers to understand that
funds from the Flood Control District would require removing some of the existing
levy and increasing the height of the levy. Funds from the Conservation Futures
require extremely limiting access and also requiring that the property be left in its
natural habitat state.
Council President Boyce indicated that this is a tough decision. He indicated that if
King County was to give the City money for the property, he does not believe it
would create economic sustainability.
Councilmember Ralph clarified that since the Council was not allowed to proceed
with pursuing this option, the details of the project could not be provided.
Councilmember Thomas indicated that since this is the only viable option, he will be
changing his vote in favor of the purchase and sale agreement.
Page 12 of 13
Kent City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
Councilmember Fincher conveyed her support of maintaining green space and the
benefits to parks, but that she does not see any other viable option for this parcel.
Councilmember Thomas called for the quest¡on.
Councilmember Thomas requested a roll call.
Councilmember Berrios voted yes
Council President Boyce voted yes
Councilmember Budell voted yes
Councilmember Fincher voted yes
Councilmember Higgins voted no
Councilmember Ralph voted no
Councilmember Thomas voted yes
The motion passed with a 5-2 vote.
12. Adjournment
At 10:40 p.m., Mayor Cooke adjourned the meeting.
o ti^¡b
Kimberley A
City Clerk
May 2, 2017
moto
Page 13 of 13