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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 2/16/2016 KENT KENT � WASHINGTON Kent City Council Workshop Minutes February 16, 2016 The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by Council President Boyce. Councilmembers present: Berrios, Budell, Fincher and Ralph. 2016 Water & Sewer Rates — Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director highlighted the City's sewer utility. He noted that the Public Works Department doesn't serve all of the sewers in city limits and the other areas are being served by special purpose districts. He communicated that there are almost 212 miles of sanitary sewer pipes in the City, 6,000 manholes, eight sewer pump stations, and thirteen full-time employees who manage the sewer utility. He reviewed each of the sewer pump stations and pipes and displayed where the sewer goes when it leaves the City. He concluded that the sewer goes to the King County Treatment Plant in Renton and the treated water then goes out into the Puget Sound by Alki in West Seattle. Council President Boyce confirmed that there are 212 miles of sewer pipes in Kent and 70 miles needs to be repaired or replaced. Kristen Lykken, Public Works Financial Analyst communicated the sewer rates of other Metro serviced areas and highlighted that the City has the second lowest rates. She also stated that 69 percent of the revenues go to King County Metro and that 46 percent of those funds the City receives goes to the internal utility taxes, 15 percent to salaries, 13 percent to internal services, supplies and services, and 12 percent goes to capital. She communicated that the yearly capital needs for sewer is $5 million with $3.5 million being needed for sewer line replacements and $1.5 million for pump station improvements, replacements, wet well work, system analysis, etc. She noted that there is only $1 million available with the current rates. Councilmember Berrios verified with LaPorte that relining a sewer pipe allows for about 15 years of service. Paul Scott, Public Works Accounting Supervisor communicated that the fund balance for sewer and storm drainage is combined. He noted that an analysis was done and for now there aren't enough funds for sewer to operate on its own and the current structure barely covers the tax and the Metro rate. He communicated that a 15 percent rate increase in the City rate would equal about $1 million in capital. He also communicated that it may makes sense to base rates on the consumer price index each year so the rate covers the increase in expenses for the utility year. Scott also communicated that the City doesn't charge sewer connection fees and discussed the capping of the internal utility tax. Councilmember Budell inquired about the taxing that occurs and LaPorte noted that a significant amount of the funds come from the Sewer Fund and are transferred to the General Fund. February 16, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Councilmember Berrios verified with Scott that the sewer and water rates for residents are tied together and the rates for commercial are not. Scott answered an inquiry from Councilmember Berrios and stated that the City has a policy to revise its rates to match increases. However, the policy has only led to there being about $1 million in revenue each year to address the issues. Further discussion noted that the range to replace the pump stations would be between $1 and $2.5 million for each. Councilmember Berrios also expressed concerns with raising rates. Councilmember Budell confirmed that compost toilets aren't legal if a public sewer is available. LaPorte replied to Councilmember Budell that sewer rates can be flattened, but it is up to Metro because they raise their rates and they are also based on the treatment standards. David Brock, Public Works Operations Manager presented the City of Kent water system. Lykken communicated that there are 280 miles of water piping and 28 different water resources in the City. She noted that there are nine reservoirs with 23.2 million gallons of storage which are maneuvered by six pump stations and 14 generators. She highlighted the City is in the middle when residential rates are compared to neighboring cities and has the third best rate when it comes to commercial rates. Councilmember Ralph verified that multi-family and apartment homes are included in commercial rates. Lykken continued and reviewed the water capital. She noted that there is a $6 million need with $2.5 million needed for water main replacements, $1 million for hydrants, meters, vaults, security, and wellhead capital, $2 million for major projects, and another $500,000 needed for miscellaneous capital. She concluded that there is presently $3 million of capital available in revenues per year. Scott highlighted that the opportunities for increasing capital are restructuring rates, cost of living increases, fire line fees, and capacity fees. LaPorte communicated that the City would prefer having fixed rates because revenues would be more predictable. Councilmember Budell inquired what the preferred restructure of rates would be and Lykken stated that lowering the variable rates and increasing the meter fee is the preferred method. Lykken also confirmed that there is no fire line fee in place right now and all of the local jurisdictions have one except for Auburn. LaPorte communicated that the plan is to discuss this information to Councilmembers individually and then bring a recommendation to the Public Works Committee in a couple of months. Council President Boyce obtained an explanation from Brock on the water situation in Flint, Michigan. 2 February 16, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Councilmember Berrios verified that there is a 13 percent tax on water rates from Metro, significantly less than the sewer taxation. Meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m. 4Ronald F. ore, MIMC City Cler 3 � I RENT WASHINGTON Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2015 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Boyce, Berrios, Budell, Fincher, and Ralph. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Historical Note from Kent's 125th Anniversary — Zachary VanTassel, Executive Director of the Greater Kent Historical Society highlighted the first African American residents in the City of Kent, William and Pauline Scott. He highlighted the lives of the Scotts. B. State of the County: Councilmember Reagan Dunn — King County Councilmember Dunn noted that the King County budget is $44 million short and there will be cuts in healthcare and human services. He noted that the Flood Control District passed the System wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) and they are working on a corridor plan for the entire Green River. He continued with a brief status of regional issues in King County. Council President Boyce thanked Councilmember Dunn for his work in Kent. He spoke about the "Best Starts for Kids" program and highlighted that there should be a youth employment program designed as a part of it. Mayor Cooke thanked Councilmember Dunn for his work on the Green River through the King County Flood Control District. Councilmember Dunn responded to Mayor Cooke concerning a shortage of funding for mental illness and drug dependency and he highlighted that the levy for that is working, and he is inclined to support it. C. Public Recognition — Councilmember Fincher acknowledged the human trafficking presentation that was given in the Chambers and the Roadmap Project that concerns education. D. Proclamation for Dave and Pam Mortenson — Mayor Cooke read and presented a proclamation to Dave and Pam Mortenson for their service and dedication to the City of Kent, its programs, and its residents. Mayor Cooke proclaimed the 20t" Day of January 2016 as "Dave and Pam Mortenson Day" throughout the City of Kent. Dave Mortenson thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers for the proclamation. E. Proclamation for African American History Month — Mayor Cooke read and presented a proclamation to Gwen Allen-Carston and Kendrick Glover for their service Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 and dedication to the City of Kent. Mayor Cooke declared the month of February as "African American History Month" in the City of Kent. Gwen Allen-Carston accepted the proclamation and thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers. Kendrick Glover accepted the proclamation and thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers for the proclamation. Glover communicated what his program does in the City and provided contact information for the public. F. Community Events - Council President Boyce stated that there are 20 events at the ShoWare this month and highlighted a few of them. Councilmember Ralph communicated the next show at the Kent Performance Arts Center called, "A Fiddler's Feast" comprising of world-renown fiddlers. Councilmember Fincher stated there will be a clean-up at Clark Lake Park from 9 - 12 noon to remove invasive blackberry bushes. She also highlighted "You, Me, We" and the kid's art walk throughout downtown Kent. G. Public Safety Report - Police Chief Ken Thomas briefly spoke about an incident on East Hill. He discussed the Women in Law Enforcement Career Fair at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission in Burien last Saturday and announced that next Wednesday the Police Community meeting will occur. He stated that a presentation will be given at the meeting by the Kent Honor Guard. Chief Thomas continued and read the biographies of candidates Matthew Murray, James Sherwood, Sean Goforth, and Corey Chapman who were sworn in as police officers by Mayor Cooke. H. Intergovernmental Reports - Council President Boyce communicated that the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Public Issues Committee discussed a meeting on March 11 in Tukwila to work on building a multidisciplinary focus on homelessness. Councilmember Ralph highlighted that the Transportation Policy Board meeting was last Thursday and there was a presentation on growth. She noted that the Puget Sound region added 63,000 people and 73,000 jobs between 2013 and 2014. She added that there was a conversation about the FAST (Fixing America's Surface Transportation) Act which will bring $3.6 billion of highway dollars to the State of Washington. However, she noted that 66 percent of the funds are slated to go to the State and the rest going to local roads. This is an issue because the State only has 14 percent of the roads and local jurisdictions and counties make up 86 percent of the streets. There is an imbalance in the split concerning these funds, she added, and the Governor has convened a group of stakeholders to discuss this with the end goal to have these federal funds split 50/50. She noted that she attended the South County Area Transportation Board meeting and the main focus of the meeting was the group executed a letter to the Sound Transit Board in support of STIII package which will be on the November ballot. She highlighted the extension of the light rail and the advancements that would be coming with the package. She noted that she attended 2 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 the WRIA-9 meeting and spoke of their work to protect the salmon habitat in the Green River. She added that there was also a presentation given on the SWIF plan. Councilmember Fincher noted that the King Conversation District meeting is tomorrow and that the food system enhancement grants will reopen in April. She noted that the grants are between $10,000 and $100,000. She added that the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Committee will meet on January 25. PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Eric Bernard, Kent - Bernard stated that the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) has cost taxpayers $87 million. He communicated that the City reduced its budget by $10.1 million when it separated from the RFA and ever since then the RFA has taxed the residents. He noted that this year the RFA has cost him over $600 in fees. He added that the RFA has made over $100 million with Covington included. He inquired about the $1 million interest free loan and recommended not approving the RFA contract this year. 2. Leroy Stevenson, Covington - Stevenson communicated that he is paying an incredible amount to the RFA. He stated that the RFA is the highest receiver of funds from his taxes besides education. He communicated that the charge hasn't been equally applied and buildings have been missed. He communicated that the Covington Aquatic Center wasn't paying a charge. He noted that the fee is supposed to go to the RFA for fires and most of it isn't used for that purpose. He urged residents to vote against the fire benefit charge. 3. Gwen Allen-Carston, Kent - Allen-Carston communicated that she doesn't celebrate Black History for one month only. She spoke of an incident that happened in January at a meeting attended by Mayor Cooke. She presented the "Brown Paper Bag Test" and urged everyone to do better and learn more from each other. Mayor Cooke discussed the incident at the meeting she attended and thanked Gwen Allen-Carston for her input. 4. Richard Wilkinson, Kent - Wilkinson commended City employee John Fiskum, Program Coordinator in the Parks Department and stated that John does an amazing job in organizing events for people over 50. S. Kristy Herrick, Kent - Herrick communicated that she is here to save her neighborhood park. She noted that there is an Executive Session concerning RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) on the agenda. She read open government law and stated that the residents are losing control. She urged the Council to preserve their park. She said it is about restoring respect and trust in the government which is supposed to be representing the citizens. 6. Anita Veen, Kent - Veen communicated that the Pine Tree Park issue is about money. She discussed apartments in Kent and the abundance of them. She added that 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 building an apartment there will result in neighborhoods that don't age well and in time will have a negative impact in the community. She questioned what the value of open space is. She asked where the valuable land is and where the group is to increase open land. She stated that Pine Tree Park is a part of Mill Creek Canyon and is not happy with the amount of water over the roadway there. She stated that the City is up against a developer who bulldozes land and builds apartments. 7. Al Lynden, Kent — Lynden communicated that at the next history presentation there should be a lesson on Forward Thrust. He noted that the purpose of Forward Thrust wasn't to take 10 acres and sell it. He said the sale was planned and the residents weren't given the time to communicate how they feel about the parks. He stated that all the minutes were scanned and there were only three times the word "Pine"' came up. He stated that the appraisal was done in September 2013. However, there was an explanation concerning selling a park but there was no communication about selling Pine Tree Park. B. Ingrid Chapman, Kent — Chapman communicated that there were 243 people that have signed a petition concerning not selling the park. She noted that parks are directly related to better health in people. She noted that the most livable cities feature parks and there are deer, gray owls, bald eagles, and other animals that have been viewed in Pine Tree Park. She also noted that development leads to flooding and other issues. She noted that wetlands hold clean water and are very positive for the environment. 9. Ryan Logan Evans, Kent — Evans communicated that the $2 million sale price is a drop in the budget. He also added that selling all the parks isn't going to solve the budget issues because you will run out of parks to sell. There is a protected bird at the park, pheasants, and other animals. He stated that there could be a community garden there. He doesn't want to see another park or wetland sold or destroyed in the City. 10. Sarah Adams, Kent — Adams communicated that areas have been sold and traffic gets worse and worse. She stated that the City has changed due to the sale of parks. She stated that you don't know what the park is without seeing it. She communicated about saving the wetland and the animals that are in the City. She inquired where the $2 million would be reinvested. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Boyce moved to approve Consent Calendar items A through O, seconded by Councilmember Ralph. Motion carried 5-0. A. Approval of Minutes — Approve. Minutes of the regular council meeting of January 5, and the workshop and regular council meeting of January 19, 2016 were approved. B. Approval of Bills — Approve. Bills received through January 15 and paid on January 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on February 2, 2016. 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 C. Excused Absence for Councilmember Higgins - Approve. The council approved an excused absence for Councilmember Higgins as he was unable to attend the City Council meeting of February 16, 2016. D. Excused Absence for Councilmember Thomas - Approve. The council approved an excused absence for Councilmember Thomas as he was unable to attend the City Council meeting of February 16, 2016. E. Goods and Services Agreement with Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) for Recycling Events - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the Consultant Services Agreement with ECOSS for Waste Reduction and Recycling Activities and Programs for 2016 in the amount of $73,525, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and the Public Works Director. F. Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Funding Board Agreement for Downey Farmstead - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) funding board project agreement in the amount of $859,173 for the Downey Farmstead - Frager Road Relocation project, direct staff to accept the grant and establish a budget for the funds to be spent within the Downey Farmstead project, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. G. Interlocal Agreement with the Regional Fire Authority for 72nd Avenue South - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign an interlocal agreement with the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority for 72"a Avenue South Improvements, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. H. Traffic Control Signal System - Accept as Complete. The Mayor was authorized to accept the Traffic Control Signal System project as complete and release retainage to West Coast Signal, Inc. upon receipt of standard releases from the state and the release of any liens. I. Budget Certification for Annexation Sales Tax Credit Resolution - Adopt. Resolution No. 1920 was adopted, certifying the Panther Lake annexation sales tax credit of $4,764,290, for the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. J. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Board Member Expansion Ordinance - Adopt. Ordinance No. 4187 was adopted, clarifying language pertaining to term limits in Chapter 2.54 of the Kent City Code, entitled "Lodging Tax Advisory Committee," to increase the number of committee members from seven to nine. K. Elder Care Facilities Code Amendment - Ordinance - Adopt. Ordinance No. 4188 was adopted, amending Title 15 of the Kent City Code to clarify and amend definitions, use tables and development to establish new land use categories for elder care and independent senior living facilities. L. Emergency Housing Code Amendment - Ordinance - Adopt. Ordinance No. 4189 was adopted, amending the zoning code to allow emergency housing facilities on 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 church property located within the MR-D zone, subject to conditions. As recommended by staff and by the Land Use and Planning Board. M. Sunrise Meadows Final Plat — Approve. The council approved the final plat mylar for Sunrise Meadows and authorized the Mayor to sign the mylar. N. Bandon East Final Plat — Approve. The council approved the final plat mylar for Bandon East and authorized the Mayor to sign the mylar. O. Kent Commons Re-roofing Project — Accept as Complete. The council accepted the re-roofing of the Kent Commons building as complete and release retainage funds of $22,761.10 to the contractor, Wayne's Roofing Inc., upon receipt of standard releases from the state and release of any leins. OTHER BUSINESS A. Ordinance Amending Kent City Code 13.05 — Fireworks — Adopt. Ordinance No. 4190 was adopted, repealing Chapter 13.05, entitled "Fireworks," and enacting a new Chapter 13.05, entitled "Fireworks." City Attorney Tom Brubaker communicated the background of the fireworks legislation in the City of Kent. Brubaker noted that a ban of fireworks was approved by the citizens through an advisory vote that was placed on the ballot. He stated that this Ordinance places a total ban on the sale, possession, or discharge of fireworks in the City. However, a fireworks permit can be applied for and only approved through the Fire Marshal. He noted the fines and penalties involved with being found guilty of this proposed legislation. He pointed out that according to state law the ban wouldn't take effect until July 4, 2017. Councilmember Berrios moved to adopt Ordinance No. 4190 repealing Chapter 13.05, entitled "Fireworks," and enacting a new Chapter 13.05, entitled "Fireworks", seconded by Councilmember Ralph. Councilmember Berrios thanked the Mayor, Councilmembers, and residents for their work and patience on this. A vote was taken on the motion on the table which carried 5-0. Mayor Cooke noted that this was her first proposal back in 2006. She thanked the Council in respecting the vote to ban fireworks in Kent. BIDS A. 72nd Avenue South Extension, S. 196t" Street to S. 200t" Street Project — Award. Public Works Director Tim LaPorte highlighted the project. Councilmember Ralph moved to award the 72"d Avenue South Extension, South 196t" Street to South 200t" Street, project to Scarsella Brothers Inc. in the amount of $2,692,813.01 and authorized the Mayor to sign all necessary 6 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 documents, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director, seconded by Councilmember Fincher. Motion carried 5-0. B. James Street Pump Station - Award. Public Works Director Tim LaPorte communicated the James Street Pump Station project and highlighted previous work done in the area. He added that there is a correction in the bid summary document in the packet and the amount should be $2,329,398.98. Councilmember Ralph moved to award the James Street Pump Station Project to Rodarte Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,329,398.98 and authorized 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 Fincher. Councilmember Ralph communicated that she is very pleased to be making this motion and moving this item forward for a vote of the Council. A vote was taken on the motion on the table which carried 5-0. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. - Council President Boyce stated that there was discussion at the workshop concerning the City's sewer and water system and their rates. He highlighted that there is over 212 miles of sewer lines in the City and that the yearly capital need for the sewer system is $5 million and $6 million for the water system. B. Mayor. - Mayor Cooke noted that the City's Sister City will have a delegation from Yangzhou, China. She also noted that she will be attending a meeting of the State Route 167 Executive Committee which works on the extension of Highway 167 to the Port of Tacoma. She highlighted the City's new Human Resource Director, Marty Fisher and that her State of the City Address will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at the ShoWare Center. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Chief Administrative Officer Matheson noted that the CAO Report is in the packet and there is an Executive Session for 10 minutes concerning a property purchase with action expected. D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - In the minutes. E. Operations Committee. - Councilmember Ralph stated that there was discussion concerning the refunding of Public Facility District (PFD) bonds which will save $8 million. She noted that there will be a special meeting of the PFD to continue moving forward on this item. F. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Fincher stated that there will be a Parks and Open Space Plan presentation to the Council on March 15. She noted that the Human Services grant application process will open on March 4 with several "how to fill a grant out" meetings prior. She stated that "Kid's Arts Day" is 7 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 on March 12, "You, Me, We" is on March 4, and the blackberry destruction party at Clark Lake Park is on March 27. G. Public Safety Committee. - Councilmember Berrios noted that the fireworks ordinance was discussed at the last meeting with the addition of community service for juveniles added to the language. He added that there was discussion about school zone cameras and they are working. In addition, there have been a number of "this is your speed signs" purchased and put in place. He thanked the Police Department and stated that the intent to clear up some safety issues for the children is going well. H. Public Works Committee. - Councilmember Ralph communicated that the next meeting of the Public Works Committee is February 22 at 4pm. Meeting 1/22 at 4pm. I. Regional Fire Authority. - Council President Boyce communicated that the next Regional Fire Authority meeting is February 17 at Spm at Station #78. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Property Negotiations, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). At 9:12 p.m., Mayor Cooke called for an Executive Session. As per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) for a period of ten minutes. At 9:17 p.m., Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director communicated that the motion for the Council to consider is for the purchase of a parcel on the eight acre site called Naden Properties. He stated that the seller is the Senior Housing Action Group (SHAG). He stated that the City will have a free range of options on what to do with the property after the purchase closes. Council President Boyce moved to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents to complete the purchase of the property located at 914 West Meeker in an amount not to exceed $234,269.00, plus reasonable closing costs, subject to approval of final terms and conditions by the City Attorney and the Economic and Community Development Director, seconded by Councilmember Berrios. Motion carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. r Ronald F. ore, ° C City Cle 8