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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 2/2/2016 xENT,KENT WASHINGTON Kent City Council Workshop Minutes February 2, 2016 The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by Council President Boyce. Councilmembers present: Berrios, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph and Thomas Quiet Zone —City Engineer Chad Bieren discussed quiet zones in the City of Kent. He communicated that in the past the estimate for a quiet zone was $2 to $4 million and now, based on a determination of the railroads having better equipment, the estimation will be less than $2 million. The railroads, he said, would like to add some safety items such as fencing to the length of the downtown core, but the question is who is going to pay for it. He reviewed the process of implementing a quiet zone and the application process with the Federal Railway Administration (FRA) and the site visit the City did with Burlington Northern. Councilmember Budell highlighted that people still illegally cross at the fence between James and Smith Streets. Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director mentioned that LED lighting is proposed to be installed at the Willis Street railroad intersection. Bieren continued and stated that the Titus intersection causes an issue because there is a driveway west of the crossing which causes problems. He noted that based on the diagnostic study no horn is needed and only a medium treatment is necessary at this intersection. LaPorte added that once a month, when a locomotive delivers to the business at that intersection it is required that it sound its horn. Bieren added that medium treatments would be needed at Gowe and Meeker Streets and pedestrian gates are needed at Smith Street. Councilmember Berrios verified that treating the Smith Street crossing will cost about $250,000 to $300,000. Bieren communicated the revisions that would be done on James Street including crossing arms needing to be 4 feet longer. He confirmed with Councilmember Budell that a fence needs to be put up in order to keep pedestrians on Smith Street and Central Avenue and discussed the Union Pacific line at Willis Street and stated that they have installed a constant warning system on their main line tracks. He also noted that there are few treatments on Meeker Street and the City will get a very good credit for the 228t" project. Council President Boyce stated that this is about safety for the residents February 2, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Councilmember Thomas communicated that there used to be $1 million available for this and LaPorte noted that funds were set aside years ago. However, because of the recession the money was used for other purposes. Councilmember Ralph stated that the horn will go away in 90 percent of the cases. She added that there is a large amount of support for this from downtown and from Scenic Hill. She highlighted the draft diagnostic report process and concluded that it should be done in April or May 2016. Councilmember Higgins noted that the train noise has affected commercial development and apartment rentals at the Kent Station Apartments. Councilmember Berrios noted that safety is an issue and his concern is paying for it. Councilmember Thomas confirmed that the total cost to upgrade the ten crossings should be less than $2 million. Bond Financing Update - Aaron BeMiller, Finance Director highlighted the potential 2016 bond refunding. He described what a bond refunding is, why it is done, and when organizations normally refund bonds. He explained what advanced refunding was and that it can only be done once. He noted that this process lowers the interest rate which lowers the amount the City has to pay back on the bond. He reviewed the bonds that the City can refund at the present time and the items the Council would have to consider when addressing these bond refundings. He also reviewed what the Public Facilities District Board would have to do for the refunding of the Public Facilities District Special Events Center Sales Tax Bonds, 2008 and recommended applying the savings to the 2020 debt service. Councilmember Budell verified with BeMiller that the City would still be paying on the principal of the ShoWare Center in 2026. Councilmember Berrios thanked BeMiller and his team for helping the Council to prepare for some tough times in the future. Councilmember Higgins also thanked BeMiller and his staff for this report. He inquired if the numbers from the refunding would be better next year and BeMiller stated that he was unsure as things do change. Council President Boyce thanked BeMiller for the report and said he and his staff did a great job with this. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Ronald F. re, M C City Clerk 2 1 1 KENT WASH 1 N O T O N Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2015 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Boyce, Berrios, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph and Thomas. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Historical Note from Kent's 125th Anniversary — Dennis Higgins presented the history of Van Doren's Landing. B. Public Recognition — None. C. Reappointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee — Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director introduced and recommended Andrew Hutchinson and Barbara Smith as reappointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. D. Appointment to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board — Mayor Cooke introduced Brandon Swanson who she recommended for appointment to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board. E. Community Events — Council President Boyce highlighted the events at the ShoWare Center to include a high school basketball tournament Thursday and the Tacoma Stars, Seattle Thunderbirds, and the Harlem Globetrotters games this weekend. He added that the Kent "You, Me, We" event is coming up on March 12. Finally, he announced that the ShoWare Center had over 220 events in 2015 and one- third of their concerts were sold out. He encouraged the public to attend an event at the ShoWare Center. Councilmember Ralph noted that the next Kent-Meridian Performance Arts Showcase event is called "Sneaker Suites" which features an urban media hip-hop group. F. Economic and Community Development Report — Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director stated that the 4th quarter of last year was a busy permitting quarter. He said that the Riverbend Gateway project request for qualifications went out last week and responses are due by February 27. He stated that the City will be working with an advisory panel to shortlist the proposals by March 22 and have those finalists come back with more detailed proposal by April 26. He communicated that the Panther Lake Shopping Center has been purchased by US Realty Partners of Westlake Village, California. He added that Grocery Outlet is moving to the vacant Albertsons at 26100 Pacific Highway South and Macrina Bakery is moving to Kent and being encouraged to open a cafe as a part of the City's "Make in Back, Sell in Front" philosophy. He discussed the Sound Transit Kent-Highline College Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016 Station planning and displayed a map of the area with a new street. He also added that Sound Transit wants to begin working on the Kent-Star Lake Station and its funding would be a part of the Sound Transit III package that is scheduled to go to voters this year. The City is in the middle of the design phase, he explained, and is working on a development agreement to determine how this project will proceed within the City. Continuing, he stated that Sound Transit is also interested in working with the City on plans for a second parking garage for Sounder commuters by Kent Station and that this should go to construction in the next two to three years. G. Intergovernmental Reports — Council President Boyce noted that the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee did not meet and the next meeting is February 10. Councilmember Higgins noted that he attended the Puget Sound Regional Executive Board as the Mayor's alternate at which the City's Comprehensive Plan was officially approved. He also attended the Regional Transit Committee meeting and the Sound Transit 2nd parking garage was approved for Sound Transit 2. He noted that he also attended the Regional Transit Committee (RTC) meeting two weeks ago and the work plan for 2016 was set. Additionally, there is a RTC workshop tomorrow and the King County Metro Service Guideline Task Force recommendations and the long range plan will be discussed. Councilmember Budell communicated that the Regional Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence Committee meeting is March 9. Councilmember Ralph attended the Regional Law Safety and Justice meeting which focused on sex based crimes and sexual assault. She added that there has been a shift to increase the punishments. She also stated that there was a presentation concerning the assistance victims have at their disposal. Additionally, she attended the Sound Cities Association Board Retreat and homelessness is at the top of their agenda in 2016. She added that they are going to Olympia to discuss affordable housing and homelessness with the legislature. Continuing, she stated that the Sound Cities Association Orientation for Regional Boards and Committees is tomorrow night. Councilmember Fincher stated that she attended the first Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Committee meeting and it focused on defining goals and the budget. She also attended the King Conservation District (KCD) meeting and the election of a new supervisor was discussed. Additionally, KCD still has food grants from $10,000 to $100,000 available to fund entities with proposals to bolster the food economy and distribution in King County. Council President Boyce thanked Michelle Wilmot for her work in keeping the Council informed with the legislature. Councilmember Fincher announced that Victoria Andrews has retired and thanked her for all her work at the King Conservation District. PUBLIC HEARING 2 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016 No public hearing. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Kristy Herrick, Kent - Herrick displayed a map of Pine Tree Park. She communicated that there is no problem with access to the park. She stated that the City should be able to allow for access to the park through the school property and the area around the property is rural and this is why the Forward Thrust funds were used for it. She stated that the park can function as a neighborhood park. She stated that the City needs the funds to repair other parks and wondered why it can't sell the parks that need to be repaired. 2. Ric Herrick, Kent - Herrick inquired how the public knows if there will be action after an executive session. Mayor Cooke noted that the Chief Administrative Officer announces it in the beginning of the meeting and Mayor announces it just before the executive session begins whether or not there will be action taken after the executive session. 3. Sandi Lynden, Kent - Lynden stated that in an executive session in September the Council sold the property. She noted that four months later the Herrick's found out. She quoted a column in the Seattle Times and a letter to the editor on Monday. She said the City did a bad job communicating the sale of the park and wondered how many invitations were sent. She wondered if any transparency was considered by any of the Council in the executive session and asked that the Council revokes the sale. 4. Al Lynden, Kent - Lynden communicated that this park is what Forward Thrust is for. He stated that in five years the park will be gone, the money will be gone, and the depreciation will have occurred. He said if the sale is terminated 10 years from now families that live there will thank you for this action and the $2 million will be irrelevant. He encouraged the Council to rescind this action and not sell the park. Council President Boyce stated that from a communications point the Council dropped the ball and should have gotten the community more involved in the process. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Boyce moved to approve Consent Calendar items A through G, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried 7-0. A. Approval of Bills - Approve. Bills received through December 31 and paid on December 31 after auditing by the Operations Committee on January 19, 2016. B. Assistant City Attorney - Limited Term - Authorize. The Council authorized to hiring of a limited-term, full-time, benefitted assistant city attorney position. C. Interlocal Agreement with King County Directors Association for Cooperative Purchasing - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign an Interlocal Agreement with the King County Directors' Association to cooperatively 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016 purchase and procure supplies, equipment, and other goods and services, and ratify all acts consistent with the Interlocal Agreement. D. Reappointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - Approve. The council approved the re-appointments of Barbara Smith and Andrew Hutchison to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. E. Appointment to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board - Confirm. The council confirmed the Mayor's appointment of Brandon Swanson to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board for a two year term. F. Recreation and Conservation Office Grant Agreement for Lake Meridian Dock - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the Grant Agreement with the Recreation and Conservation Office for $500,000.00 to fund the replacement of the Lake Meridian Floating Dock. G. 2015 Fourth Quarter Fee-in-Lieu Funds - Accept. The Council accepted $18,600.00 of Fee-in-lieu funds, amend the Community Parks Reinvestment Program budget, and authorize the future expenditure of these funds for capital improvements at Springwood Park. OTHER BUSINESS BIDS REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. - Council President Boyce noted that a "quiet zone" from railroad noise was discussed in the workshop. He highlighted that the streets that border the railroad tracks were discussed with the end goal to greatly reduce the horns, have LED lights on the crossings, improve the sidewalks, and have more fencing to block pedestrians from crossing the tracks. Additionally, Finance Director Aaron BeMiller highlighted the refinancing of the City's bonds for better interest rates to save taxpayer dollars at today's workshop. B. Mayor. - Mayor Cooke announced that Marta Gonzalez is the City's Employee of the Month for February. She said she attended the King County Aerospace Alliance meeting and it is an organization that unites jurisdictions to accomplish the growth and global competitiveness of Washington's aerospace industry. This past week she also attended the Association of Washington Cities Action Days and attended a session on home rule of cities. She added that she attended meetings with legislators and one with the Governor. Mayor Cooke stated that she just completed the Metro Service Guidelines Task Force which looked at efficiencies and the coverage of King County Metro services and routes. She highlighted that the minimum target service level was changed to be no more than a 60 minute wait for passengers and that the availability of having alternative services for non-peak hours is something she is very interested in. She stated that maybe employers can get together to determine peak times when their employees need transportation services, such as a van pool or something like it. Mayor Cooke also attended the Regional Policy Committee meeting and they discussed 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016 the juvenile justice system, with a report coming out soon. She added that she has volunteered to be a part of the Highway 167 Committee to study expanding Highway 167 to the Port of Tacoma. However, she stated that this doesn't include the opening up of more lanes as you travel south on 167 at Highway 18. Mayor Cooke applauded the FIRST Robotics group and stated the event at the ShoWare Center went well. She noted that she spoke at the Latter Day Saints conference last weekend and this Saturday from 11 - 1 p.m. the Iraqi community is having an event open to the public at the Senior Center. She noted that the South King County Coalition Against Trafficking will meet in the Council Chambers on March 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. She continued and expressed concerns with having the Cornucopia Days carnival at the ShoWare Center and asked the public for their assistance in determining a location. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson communicated that the City Council Retreat is Friday and Saturday. He noted that the CAO Report is in the packet. He announced the three executive sessions for property negotiations, collective bargaining, and potential litigation are expected to last 25 minutes with action occurring when the Council reconvenes the regular meeting. D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - No report. E. Operations Committee. - Councilmember Ralph communicated that the Committee recommended Council approval of the Panther Lake Annexation sales tax credit resolution and the $5 million in funds will go away in 2020 causing a gap in the City's budget. She stated that there was also a discussion about business licensing and how to ensure compliance by February 28. F. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Fincher noted that an $18,600 fee-in-lieu of which will be going to the Parks Department for capital improvements. She added that the Lake Meridian Floating Dock grant was accepted and there will be work done on it. She added that Pine Tree Park was also a point of conversation. She added that Councilmember Budell, Boyce and Fincher have visited the park. She stated that the Council doesn't want to get rid of land and when the levy failed three years ago something needed to be done. She explained that it is difficult to get to the park and that in order to be fiscally responsible the best option was to sell it. She added that it is best to save parks that serve more residents. She noted that Victoria Andrews will be missed and highlighted some of her accomplishments with the City. She thanked her for her service to the City. G. Public Safety Committee. - Councilmember Berrios noted that the meeting is next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and discussion is on the amendments to the fireworks ban. H. Public Works Committee. - Councilmember Higgins noted that there will be no Public Works meeting on the 15t", but a special meeting on February 22 at 4 p.m. I. Regional Fire Authority. - Councilmember Thomas stated there is no meeting tomorrow night and the next meeting is on February 17 at Station 78. EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016 A. Property Negotiations, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). B. Collective Bargaining, as per RCW 42.30.140(4). C. Potential Litigation, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). At 8:27 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would recess into an Executive Session for twenty-five minutes to discuss property negotiations, per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b), collective bargaining, per RCW 42.30.140(4), and potential litigation, per RCW 42.30.1 10(l)(i). At 8:52 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for five minutes. At 8:56 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilmember Higgins moved to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents to complete the purchase of the vacant property located at 17929 SE 272"d Street, Covington, WA 98042, in an amount not to exceed $350,000.00, plus reasonable closing costs, and commission fees, if any, subject to approval of the final terms and conditions by the City Attorney and Public Works Director, seconded by Councilmember Budell. Councilmember Higgins communicated that this is a property adjacent to the City's Armstrong Railhead and it is a necessary purchase to protect the water source for the City. A vote was taken on the motion on the table to sign all necessary documents to complete the purchase of the vacant property located at 17929 SE 272"d Street, Covington, WA 98042, in an amount not to exceed $350,000.00, plus reasonable closing costs, and commission fees, if any, subject to approval of the final terms and conditions by the City Attorney and Public Works Director. Motion carried 7-0. Councilmember Berrios moved to authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary documents to approve the 2016 - 2018 Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement approved and accepted by the Police Officers and Sergeants, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Councilmember Berrios communicated that this signals the end of the negotiations between the negotiations team and the police officers. A vote was taken on the motion on the table to authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary documents to approve the 2016 - 2018 Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement approved and accepted by the Police Officers and Sergeants. Motion carried 7-0. 6 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Ronald F.,, 'oor MMC City Cleric 7