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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 3/1/2016 .'I I KENT xset�Q W A S H I N G T O N Kent City Council Workshop Minutes March 1, 2016 The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Council President Boyce. Councilmembers present: Berrios, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph and Thomas. Vegetation Work Plan — Tim LaPorte introduced the City's Vegetation staff, Heather McIntosh, Joe Codiga, Ryan Carroll, and Scott Schroeder. The staff presented the City's Work Plan. Codiga highlighted how the plantings are done throughout the City and discussed several of the improvements the staff is responsible for. Schroeder discussed the maintenance of the islands and noted that once established need minimal maintenance after they are refurbished by the staff. Councilmember Ralph communicated that she appreciates the new format on the way the City does its islands due to limited staff. She added that they look great. Councilmember Berrios inquired about James hill and what it could look like. LaPorte replied that the architects are working on it and it should be ready to bid in the next few weeks. He added that the island on the hill will look different. Schroeder added that the species that will be on James will be similar to the islands and have a very good color spectrum. Councilmember Higgins inquired if the vegetation in the islands will be higher and Schroeder communicated that they will be 1 to 2 feet due to traffic and pedestrian viewing restrictions. Councilmember Budell stated that she is very impressed about the Safeco hard pack and confirmed that some of the plants are native, but they were chosen so they are appealing year round. Discussion continued concerning specific plants. Councilmember Fincher confirmed that the plants used were ordered from a company. Codiga noted that the vegetation crew cuts 130 miles of side road vegetation once or twice a year with the three mowers the City has. He continued and discussed holding pond maintenance and tree removal. He noted that there are over 600 sites with 300 of them being holding ponds. The water holding tanks were reviewed and the removal of vegetation around them. The wetland areas in the City were displayed on a map and the work that is done on Veteran's Drive every year was also discussed. Schroeder replied to Councilmember Berrios that the crew has done some work with volunteer groups and the community on projects concerning vegetation management. He also verified that about 60 people worked on a Green River Resource Area outreach project about a month ago. March 1, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Councilmember Fincher communicated that she attended one of the volunteer events and there were more people there than anticipated. Schroeder communicated that they have an outreach program at the Green River Community College teaching people about the City's program. Councilmember Thomas verified that maintenance on new developments is usually under bond for about five years, then after that period it is the City's responsibility. LaPorte noted that the City can't keep up with the growing grass in the right-of-ways because of a need of a couple mowers and a sweeper. Councilmember Berrios confirmed that a mower costs about $275,000. Council President Boyce thanked Tim and his team for their work and confirmed that there are about 30 vegetation employees with some seasonal staff added. Port of Seattle Economic Development Plan — Dave McFadden, Managing Director at the Port of Seattle communicated the Port's mission. He stated that there are over 1,800 people employed with the Port and reviewed Port operations. He highlighted that the Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle are currently merged and working together under an agreement. He discussed maritime terminals and aviation. He noted that last year the number of total passengers in and out of SeaTac airport since its inception hit 42 million. He stressed a need to increase operations at SeaTac and the possibility of building a second terminal with 35 more gates. He stated that the Port is in the middle of its master plan. He added that concourse C is going to be rebuilt and an international arrivals facility will need to be built due to the number of international travelers coming into the region. Councilmember Thomas confirmed that the Port of Seattle partners with Boeing Field and Paine Field and haven't discussed offloading any passenger travel at either of those airports. He noted that the plan is to increase operations at SeaTac within 15 years to handle the increased traffic. McFadden highlighted that the Economic Development Division is the newest division at the Port. He stated that the division handles property management and real estate decisions, has a business incubator program, and workforce training on aviation, maritime, and construction trades. McFadden communicated that the Port is looking to occupy sites for USDA food production and distribution. He added that they are enhancing tourism opportunities and have grants for businesses and events to co-market their events through the Port to increase tourism in the area. McFadden replied to Council President Boyce and stated that there may be opportunities for grants for the City when it comes to tourism and joint work can be done on business incubators in the City. Councilmember Higgins discussed the grade separations and noted the success the City has had with the legislature. He stated that there are still eleven that are 2 March 1, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes unfunded and inquired about the assistance the Port can give in getting them taken care of. McFadden responded that the Port wants to continue to have the discussions, and freight mobility is very important to them. He stated that the discussion needs to continue because through that dialogue partnerships are born. He suggested going to Olympia as a coalition to continue working for funds. Councilmember Fincher asked about the Port's grant program and McFadden stated that the information is on their website and the application closes in early April. Kurt Hanson, Deputy Director Economic and Community Development communicated that the Port grant should be communicated. He noted that Kent isn't a member of the South Sound Alliance and stated that he would love to see Kent at the table. He noted that the City is very interested in incubators and technological manufacturing. Council President Boyce thanked McFadden for his presentation. Meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m. Ronald F. M re, MI City Cler 3 :'I I KENT KENZ � W A S H I N G T O N Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Boyce, Berrios, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph, and Thomas. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF. Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson recommended adding item 4G, Council President statement on Pinetree Park, remove Item 9A, Asphalt Overlays Project - Award, and add Item 11B, Executive Session for Potential Litigation. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Historical Note from Kent's 125th Anniversary - Craig Allen Reitan, on behalf of the Greater Kent Historical, discussed Howard Leese of the rock band Heart. He discussed Mr. Leese's music career and his time in the City. B. Public Recognition - None. C. Community Events - Council President Boyce highlighted that the Tacoma Stars closed out their season by beating Ontario with a score of 5-4 and will begin the playoffs on March 2. "Peppa Pig Live" will be at the ShoWare Center on March 3 and "You, Me, We" is this weekend. He stated that Ladies Night Out at the ShoWare Center is on May 28. Mayor Cooke announced that she will be giving the State of the City Address on March 9 at the ShoWare Center at 11:30 am. D. Introduction of East Pointe Neighborhood Council - Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Program Coordinator discussed the Neighborhood Program, its newest neighborhood council, East Pointe, and said it consists of ninety-seven homes. E. Economic and Community Development Report - Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director highlighted demographic trends and how they affect development in Kent. He stated that because millennials represent the largest part of the entire workforce in the United States, the need for attached and small lot homes is increasing. In a recent survey, 55 percent of respondents said that they would prefer a smaller lot if there were amenities such as shopping and restaurants close by. He added that 49 percent of millennials are moving into the suburbs and still want the amenities of an urban environment and the market has been responding by providing walkability, density, and smaller lots. He highlighted Kent Station, the Platform, and Dwell and said in the past there would have been retail built on those properties, now, apartments are there. He discussed the new Kent Highline Sound Transit station and highlighted that Blue Origin has grown to 450 employees and they are hiring 300 more with 60 of their employees residing in Kent. Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 F. Intergovernmental Reports — Council President Boyce communicated that the next Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee meeting is on March 9. Councilmember Budell communicated that her first Domestic Violence Initiative meeting is on March 10. Councilmember Higgins stated that the Regional Transit Committee met and the Metro Service Guidelines document was reviewed. He added that there is an issue with equity and non-equity since Seattle has purchased routes for their City. He stated that Metro will not cut those services that are fully funded by other cities which means that Kent routes may be cut because the City doesn't currently fund its routes. He stated that their next meeting will be on March 16. Mayor Cooke stated that she is interested in what the Sound Cities Association will come up with on this and is concerned. Councilmember Berrios stated that he is an alternate on the Economic and Development District Board and their meeting is tomorrow. Councilmember Ralph noted that the Regional Law Justice and Safety Board met and was briefed on a King County policy revision to put more youth in detention centers. The goal, she said, should be to reconnect the youth with services instead of placing them in secure detention. In the second presentation on gangs and gun violence, she said, it was announced that there is a relatively small number of people committing most of the gang violence and communities and cities need to partner to work on the issue. She also attended the Suburban Cities Association meeting and homelessness was discussed. Councilmember Fincher said she attended the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Committee meeting and funding, to include the disproportional funding for South King County. Second, she stated that the King Conservation District has moved their meetings to every other month. Mayor Cooke recognized Assistant Chief John Straus and noted that he is retiring on March 31, 2016. Straus communicated that this is a great City to work for and highlighted the excellent Police staff. He communicated that there are openings in the Police Department and the pay is competitive. G. Council President Statement on Pine Tree Park. Council President Boyce stated that the discussion concerning Pine Tree Park began in 2012 and thanked the residents for their calls, emails, and letters concerning the sale. He stated that there hasn't been any side deals and everything was done out in the open. He announced that the Council will be pausing to reassess options and there will be a workshop on March 15 to discuss the impending sale. PUBLIC HEARING None. 2 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Kristy Herrick, Kent - Herrick thanked the Council for the time they have spent on the issue and hoped the Council reviewed the attorney's letter. The letter, she said, highlights the five reasons the sale shouldn't go through and explained all of them. She added that the community looks forward to a resolution. Councilmember Higgins communicated that there is a funding issue with the Parks system and noted a $60 million deferred maintenance backlog. He inquired with Herrick how the City could fix the problem and Herrick replied that if the City can't maintain the park, the community could. She stated that millennials also want parks and this is an important piece of property that isn't costing the City much to maintain. 2. Carrie Stark, Kent - Stark stated that any funds that come from selling a park have to be reinvested in a park. She stated that she is concerned about the ShoWare Center and suggested selling the ShoWare to fix the parks. She highlighted that Pinetree Park was purchased with Forward Thrust funds and selling it for a housing development is wrong. She stated that Forward Thrust was created to stop urban sprawl from taking over open space and property. 3. Mauree Ludwig, Kent - Ludwig communicated that her family moved to Kent in 1964 and is concerned about how the sale has been handled. She discussed Forward Thrust and the purchase of Pine Tree Park. She expressed concern that the park can be sold without a vote of the residents. 4. All Lynden, Kent - Lynden stated that it is sad that the park is being sold. He said the citizens weren't given the chance to buy it or to get the best value from it. He stated that if the City was interested in obtaining the best value it should have listed the property openly which would have led to the property being sold at its highest value. He wants the Council to stop the sale. Councilmember Higgins asked how the City could address the $60 million deferred maintenance deficit to which Lynden replied that the deficit doesn't have anything to do with this. He stated that the King County Council has said that the funds from the sale of a park can only be used for a park. He noted that if the park is sold any bond issue brought forth by the City in the future won't pass. Councilmember Thomas communicated that all of the Council knows is that any funds derived from the sale of Pine Tree Park need to be invested in another park. 5. Jacob Dreifus, Kent - Dreifus communicated that he is supporting the community and that this is a rotten deal since $2 million isn't going to solve the problem. He stated that the residents are what matters most and noted that he found it interesting that the Council should have considered the repercussions prior to moving forward with the sale of Pine Tree Park. Dreifus replied to Councilmember Higgins and stated that there needs to be a different way to sell property. He added that if the community and the Council work together there can be a solution. 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 6. Logan Evans, Kent - Evans said there needs to be a conversion request for this park and there hasn't been one issued. He noted that this will harm the decision history of the Council. He suggested Pine Tree Park be used as a community garden. 7. Hal O'Brien, Kent - O'Brien thanked the Mayor for his appointment to the Arts Commission. He noted that the language of the Forward Thrust agreement states that it will remain a park in perpetuity and if the contract is broken there will be additional expenses to the City with a risk premium assessed. Councilmember Thomas moved to admit the letter submitted by Kristy Herrick's attorney into the record, seconded by Councilmember Berrios. Motion carried 7-0. Councilmember Berrios communicated that he won't be at the March 15 Council meeting. He said he toured Pine Tree Park two years ago and it was in bad shape. He noted that there are maintenance issues with the parks and the parks levy failed. He stated that the community needs to understand that the Council is trying to do the best that it can, and being called unethical is wrong because there is nothing unethical being done here. He noted that King County informed the City that the park could be sold and the proceeds could be used to improve other parks. He communicated that the sale of Pine Tree Park could be done to acquire other parks, but wondered why the Council would do that when the City can't maintain the current parks inventory. He stated that in light of where we are at, it is clear to him that the Council should do everything it can to save Pine Tree Park. However, the financial obligation to the taxpayers still exists. He appreciated what the Council has done, and noted that the decision to pause in this process was not made because of a letter from an attorney or a King County Councilmember. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Boyce moved to approve Consent Calendar items A through M, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried 7-0. A. Approval of Minutes - Approve. Minutes of the workshop meeting of February 2 and special meetings of February 5 and February 6, 2016 were approved. B. Approval of Bills - Approve. Bills received through January 31 and paid on January 31 after auditing by the Operations Committee on February 16, 2016. C. Consultant Services Agreement with Visual Pavement Rating Services, Inc. for Visual Pavement Condition Survey. The Mayor was authorized to sign a consultant services agreement with Visual Pavement Rating Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $65,000, to perform visual pavement condition surveys for all City of Kent streets, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. D. Consultant Services Agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. for 80t" Avenue S. Pavement Rehabilitation - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign a 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 consultant services agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $46,712.28, for the purpose of providing engineering services for the 80t" Avenue South pavement rehabilitation project, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. E. Emergency Management Performance Grant Memorandum of Understanding - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority regarding the administration of an Emergency Management Performance Grant, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Finance Director and City Attorney. F. Lease Agreement with Scotch and Vine for the Riverbend Golf Complex Restaurant - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign all documents necessary to enter into a lease agreement with RL Kids LLC, d/b/a Scotch and Vine, for the restaurant at Riverbend Golf Complex, subject to terms and conditions acceptable to the Parks Director and the City Attorney. G. 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report - Approve. The council approved the 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and authorized the Mayor to submit the report to HUD. H. Consultant Services Agreement with the Housing Development Consortium for Sub-regional Planning Efforts - Authorize. The council amended the budget to move $20,000 in year-end savings from the 2015 biennium budget to the 2016 biennium budget, authorized the expenditure of those funds, and authorized the Mayor to sign a Consultant Services Agreement with the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle—King County, in an amount not to exceed $20,000, for sub-regional planning efforts, subject to final agreement terms and conditions acceptable to the Parks Director and the City Attorney. I. Consultant Services Agreement with Reid Middleton for the Lake Meridian Dock Replacement Project - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign a consultant services agreement with Reid Middleton Inc., in an amount not to exceed $197,660 for the Lake Meridian Floating Dock Replacement Project, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Parks Director and the City Attorney. 1. Consultant Services Agreement with D.A. Hogan for Synthetic Turf Conversion Project at Hogan Park Field #1 - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign a consultant services agreement with D. A. Hogan & Associates, in an amount not to exceed $136,195.00, for conversion of Field #1 at Hogan Park to synthetic turf, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Parks Director and the City Attorney. K. Recognition of East Pointe Neighborhood Council - Resolution - Adopt. Resolution No. 1921 was adopted, recognizing the East Pointe Neighborhood Council, supporting its community building efforts, and conferring all opportunities offered by the City's Neighborhood Program. 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 L. Leber Homestead Soil Preparation Project - Accept as Complete. The Mayor was authorized to accept the Leber Homestead Soil Preparation project as complete and release retainage to Buckley Nursery Co., upon receipt of standard releases from the state and the release of any liens. M. Hawkesbury Division 2 Final Plat - Approve. The Council approved the final plat mylar for Hawkesbury Division 2 final plat and authorized the Mayor to sign the mylar. OTHER BUSINESS A. Regional Fire Authority Fire Benefit Charge - Resolution in Support - Adopt. Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson communicated the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) basis of the fire benefit charge and noted that the resolution expresses Council support for the ballot proposition. Councilmember Thomas moved to adopt Resolution No. 1922 in support of the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority's April 26, 2016, ballot proposition on the continuation of the RFA's fire benefit charge, seconded by Councilmember Higgins. Councilmember Thomas highlighted that the Kent Fire Department has done a great job and supports them wholeheartedly. A vote was taken on the motion on the table which carried 7-0. BIDS A. Asphalt Overlays Project - Award. This item was removed from the agenda. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. - Council President Boyce highlighted that there were two items at the workshop. First, was a presentation from the Public Works Vegetation Management Team and the second presentation was from the Port of Seattle. B. Mayor. Mayor Cooke discussed her attendance at the Executive Committee for the State Route 167 meeting and the discussion was about the continuation of SR167 to the Port of Tacoma. She highlighted SR 509 and explained that the reasoning to bolster both of these routes is to increase jobs and traffic to both the Port of Seattle and Tacoma. She also attended the King County Economic Development Council and it was noted that there will be a financial dip over the next couple of years. However, she added that this period won't be anything close to what occurred in 2009. She also attended the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) meeting where homelessness was discussed. She announced that Governor Inslee has requested that AWC representatives meet with him this Friday to discuss homelessness. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson noted that his report for March 1 is in the packet and there is an executive session 6 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 tonight for property negotiations concerning the purchase of property with no action scheduled. D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - No report. E. Operations Committee. - Councilmember Ralph stated that the water leak ordinance adjustment was discussed and she reviewed the proposed ordinance. She added that a contract was approved by the Committee for a new City website. Finally, she stated that a contract for Scotch and Vine Restaurant to open on May 1 at the Riverbend Golf Complex was approved. F. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Fincher stated that the Committee said farewell to Victoria Andrews. The Committee received information about an employee who would be shared by the cities in King County to look at homeless services with the title of South King County Regional Planner. G. Public Safety Committee. - Councilmember Berrios noted that the next meeting of the Committee is next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. H. Public Works Committee. - Councilmember Fincher stated that there are six bridges in the City to be inspected. However, she said there are questions regarding how the inspections will be paid for. She added that there was discussion on pavement rehabilitation on 88th Avenue South, the grade separation project on 228th, the James Street improvements, the Green River levees, and the quieter zone. I. Regional Fire Authority. - Councilmember Thomas noted the next meeting is on March 16. RECESS At 8:48 p.m., Mayor Cooke called for a recess of five minutes. The recess was extended for an additional five minutes in order to clear the Council Chamber. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Property Negotiations, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). B. Potential Litigation, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). At 8:58 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would enter into an Executive Session for forty-five minutes to discuss property negotiations as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and potential litigation as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). At 9:43 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for ten minutes. At 9:53 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for five minutes. At 9:58 p.m., Mayor Cooke extended the Executive Session for ten minutes. 7 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 At 10:07 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION No action taken. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m. " 7Ronald F. Mo e, MM City Clerk 8