HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 3/15/2016 :'I I
KENT
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WASHINGTON
Kent City Council Workshop Minutes
March 15, 2016
The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Council President Boyce.
Councilmembers present: Budell, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph and Thomas. Berrios
excused.
Parks and Open Space Plan Update -
Parks Director Jeff Watling gave a 30 minute presentation on Parks & Open Space
Update 2016.
Update on Four Core Themes:
Quality Public Spaces: Provide a high quality park system that promotes Kent as a
livable city.
Performance-based Approach: Plan and maintain the system with the help of a
performance-based set of assessment tools.
Transformation through Reinvestment: Reinvest in the existing system to
successfully transform it into a vibrant, relevant and usable urban park system.
Sustainable Funding: Implement a funding model which adequately supports a level
of service that reflects the community's priorities.
2012 - 32% of 240 park assets at or near end of useful life.
2015 - 41% of 240 park assets at or near end of useful life.
Assets addressed since 2011 - 11 total.
Aging park system, updated in 2015 of the 11 assets more are failing. Overall quality
continues to diminish throughout Kent's park system. Using the performance based
approach to level of service: list of 45 strategic projects, park corridors, anchors and
connects the system, think of connectivity. The anchors have both active and passive
use important diversity of park system.
Traditional level of service (L.O.S.) = Defined number of acres divided by the
population = resulting emphasis reinvest; maintain; develop; acquire.
The new performance based L.O.S. = The recreational value of a park and the quality
of the number of amenities = reinvest; maintain; develop; acquire.
Performance-based approach: Plan and maintain the system with the help of a
performance-based set of assessment tools.
Transformation through reinvestment: Reinvest in the existing system to successfully
transform the park system into a vibrant and relevant urban park system.
March 15, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
Sustainable funding level of investment is connected to system performance. Make
connection with level of investment and performance of park system. What would
objective do in 10 years and what would objective do in 20 years?
Questions by:
Council President Boyce: Why only focus on 45 projects, are there to many projects or
is it too big to swallow, are we looking at entire parks system? Inquired as to how we
will accomplish these first 45 projects with costs of $120 million.
Councilmember Higgins: Designated 45 projects were identified in 2012 by Citizens
Task Force; Parks Commission, staff work and community outreach we have asked for
feedback on priorities. Next Parks Committee needs to identify new funding for
projects.
Pine Tree Park -
Council President Boyce introduced Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson who
will discuss the background, cost, pros, cons and the process of each of the three Pine
Tree Park options.
The City has a binding purchase and sale agreement with Oakpointe, as of December
3, 2014, amended to January 2016. Each party has contingencies, scheduled to close
on June 15, 2016 or final engineering approval. Kent has a legal obligation to honor
the binding agreement; Oakpointe can sue for lost profits as well as development
expenses. The City will continue to process permit applications for this project.
Although Council President Boyce had asked for a pause in the sale of Pine Tree Park,
we have a legal obligation to continue to process permit applications.
Option 1 -
Proceed with current transaction and close on June 15, 2016 or upon engineering
approval. The financial impact is $2 million dollars to the positive. The plan was to
surplus Pine Tree Park and reinvest money in to Clark Lake Park for better recreation.
The purchase and sale were not going to align for the reinvestment towards owned city
parks, at the time of purchase and sale we had a strong impression we could invest in
another park. The City was notified from Natural Resources & Parks and the King
County Attorney, understood needed to invest in land purchase. If we proceed with
Option 1 there are other properties the City is interested in developing.
Option 2 -
Enter into settlement negotiations with Oakpointe Holdings to terminate the sale of
Pine Tree Park. Oakpointe is entitled to ask for lost profit and expenses to date. their
opening numbers are $2.4-$3.4 million dollars, expenditure of $2.5 to $3.5 million
dollars, and the City won't realize $2 million dollar from selling Pine Tree Park.
Advantage of Option 2 addresses the community concerns about the sale of Pine Tree.
The disadvantage from a budget perspective is where to find the money we would
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March 15, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
need. Another disadvantage would be the Kent School District losing out on the
proceeds from the sale of four acres, as Oakpointe will cancel that purchase. This
option may not make other members of the community happy. Finally, we may not be
able to reach a mutual agreement with Oakpointe Holdings and we would be back to
Option 1. For Option 2 if Council directs us to proceed we will proceed in earnest once
an agreement is made, we will place the item on the Council Agenda and advertise
publicly.
Option 3 -
More complex option would be to enter into settlement agreement with Oakpointe to
terminate Pine Tree Park transaction and negotiate a sale to the East Hill Shops site to
Oakpointe, as a residential development. This is a 20 acre site south of 248th Place
near Clark Lake Park.
Oakpointe would not seek lost profits, but would want to recoup what they have
actually invested in the developing Pine Tree Park; opening number is a negotiated
$850,000. Impact would be $850,000 plus the value of the East Hills Shop site which
had been valued at $5 million in 2013. The pros of this option address the issues of
Pine Tree Park. Disadvantages would be lost opportunity to put East Hill Shops site on
the market and the Parks Department having to move to another temporary site while
the Russell Road shops are redone.
Council President Boyce said the Council will now begin their conversations regarding
this matter, he mentioned there would be no public comment during this workshop.
Councilmember Thomas spoke: Option 3 - If we were to sell shop site to Oakpointe
instead of Pine Tree Park, we would go through a parallel process to surplus the shop
site.
Councilmember Fincher spoke: $5 million dollar appraisal done in 2013, in process of
getting updated with 2016 figures. Shop sites occupy 20 acres and would need to
move equipment to a temporary site and rebuild Russell Road shops.
Councilmember Ralph: Walked through figures on site purchased for $2.8 million
where we end up with sale of shop. Finance Director Aaron BeMiller responded shop
site was purchased in 1999 for $2 million, money spent to this point for improvements
$19.91 - $21.2 million bonds sold.
Council Member Higgins asked a question regarding the shops, he would like to know if
cost of the water utility improvements would be saved if we sell the shops property.
Water improvement costs $1.9 million most improvements associated with future shop
build out, not the cost of water tank. All the improvements would be taken out at the
shop site because it would become residential property. Plan B for Shops - How soon
will we know what the plan looks like and cost. Parks Director Watling rough estimate
interim placement 1.5-2 acres of space used by park take a month to get figures.
Council President Boyce asked question: Shops land already appraised in 2013
currently getting update - Oakpointe would do same as part of negotiation.
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March 15, 2016 Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Higgins spoke about other cost associated with Option 2 & 3 such as
access to Pine Tree Park and other various improvements. Parks Director Watling
responded; manage the site as natural area open space access through Pine Tree
Elementary School, vehicle access not something we have money for we would need to
purchase an easement(s).
Council President Boyce directed Jeff Watling: Go ahead with above for cost of
easements for access.
Councilmember Ralph - Clarifying question Option 2 or 3 nothing about this site
changes, still limited access same position that started this conversation.
Council President Boyce inquired to Parks Director Watling about the number of emails
the City has received regarding Pine Tree Park safety. Park safety is a concern within
the park system in general.
Pretty clear what Option 1 is. Option 2 - In Boyce opinion very costly option to the
City want to be good steward of taxpayer's money. However, don't know what the cost
to city will be with Option 3. Would like to request staff to determine the dollar
amount to settle with Oakpointe, staff will bring back more data by March 18th which is
when public comment time ends. Staff will move forward however can't give a specific
date.
Councilmember Higgins agreed with Council President Boyce that we need to have the
full cost spelled out clearly to make an informed decision. Need to ask ourselves what
has changed since last September when Council unanimously voted to surplus this
property. Open public meeting process not enough - 20 years of open discussion on
subject we need a better process going forward to have good solid notification process.
Wants to know what the cost is for the entire 124,000 residents, not ready to commit
to Option 3 tonight. If Kent is to keep property, need to make more accessible to more
people, factor in the cost of making the park more accessible as a part of the
calculation.
Councilmember Thomas recommends seeing the cost of new shop in a high level
overview. Please include some type of figure, would have no idea of cost of land just
the cost of shop itself.
Councilmember Ralph would like to respond to what Councilmember Higgins
mentioned, that it is important to look at the cost to the entire City. All real money
needs to be a process, what is cost to change selling purchase land accessible to the
entire city. Rules have changed with what the city was told they could do with the
money from the sale of this property, what County told us, most of discussions of
reinvestment were done verbally rather than by email. In September the Council
understood the money could be used for reinvestment now only use for purchase of
land. This is why we are here tonight discussing this issue.
Council President Boyce summarized:
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End of the day we would like to understand the cost associated with each option, and
what the process will be for shops to move if that is the option selected. At the end of
day it is all about the dollars, no matter how you look at it, we want least impact to
City and need to make responsible decisions for all residents.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Jw-
Sue Hanson
Acting City Clerk
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KENT
XENt�Q
WASH IN G T O N
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2016
The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
Mayor Cooke.
Councilmembers present: Boyce, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, Ralph, and Thomas.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF.
NONE
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
A. Historical Note from Kent's 125th Anniversary — Mayor Cooke noted that this
will be presented under the Public Safety Report this evening.
B. Public Recognition — Councilmember Thomas congratulated Kentwood boy's
basketball.
Councilmember Ralph gave a shout out to the Kentridge Robotics Club, they won two
awards the first time they entered. The club provides engineering inspiration,
community outreach and inspiration for younger kids.
C. Appointment to the Public Facilities District Board — Carmen Goers was
appointed to Public Facilities District Board.
D. Community Events — Mayor Cooke announced the Thunderbirds won first game of
playoffs. Council President Boyce announced the T-Birds having won 14 out of the last
15 games. The first round of playoffs games begin March 25th. March 28th is Ladies
Night Out at Showare. Councilmember Ralph communicated two upcoming Spotlight
Series shows.
E. Public Safety Report — Police Chief Ken Thomas gave some background on the
early Police Department. Chief Thomas Presented Mayor Cooke with the Badge of
Honor mounted to a vase in recognition of the 125th Anniversary. The Police
Department is voluntarily purchasing and wearing these badges to honor the 125th
Anniversary.
Chief Thomas introduced the following: Officer of the Year Wayne Brow, Corrections
Officer of the Year Chris Ward, Civilian Officer of the Year Andrew Rosenthal, Chief
Thomas recognized Assistant Chief Jon Straus for 31 years of service with the Kent
Police Department, Jon will retire on March 31, 2016.
Councilmember Ralph thanked Jon for his service.
F. Intergovernmental Reports — Council President Boyce will be attending the next
Sound City Association (SCA) meeting where they will be discussing a Methanol Plant
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 15, 2016
in Tacoma. Federal Way does not want the Methanol Plant to be placed in Tacoma and
he discussed his concerns about supporting one side or the other on this matter.
Councilmember Budell, Higgins, Ralph, Thomas and Fincher all agree with Council
President Boyce in not choosing sides in the matter.
Councilmember Budell attended the King County Domestic Violence initiative meeting
in which there was a speaker from Best Starts program. The speaker discussed how
the two will work together to build a strong foundation in communities. Budell
discussed the update on weapons surrender as well. The next meeting will be held on
June 9th at Bellevue City Hall.
Councilmember Higgins will attend the Regional Transit meeting tomorrow in the King
County courthouse. Commented that Metro will not prioritize in keeping service going
when partner funding ends. The concern was centered on Seattle's Levy expiring and
whether Metro's changes would be at the expense of the City of Kent or not.
Councilmember Ralph discussed the Transportation Policy Board and the state of roads
and bridges in Snohomish, Kitsap, Pierce and King Counties. There are 773 bridges in
the four previously mentioned counties and of those 773, 68 are deficient and 48 are
functionally obsolete. Discussion was centered on this and where the money should
come from for repairs.
Councilmember Ralph also discussed updates on South County Area Transportation
Board. She discussed Bertha having to stop tunneling, and this stop was planned for
the next 30 days. This tunneling project is a $3.1 billion dollar project and is
anticipating an opening in late spring or early summer of 2018. Councilmember Ralph
discussed presentations that were made by Federal Way, Renton and Tukwila in
seeking federal funding for various street projects.
Councilmember Fincher will attend the King Conservation District meeting tomorrow.
She discussed the Urban Agricultural Workshop scheduled for April 7th in Renton that is
a no charge event. There is $700,000 in food system grants available for ways to
improve our food system. Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Advisory Group will
meet next week.
Councilmember Thomas had no report.
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Bill Doolittle, Kent - Doolittle discussed legalizing medical and recreational
marijuana in Kent as an answer to alternate sources of financing.
2. Jacob Dreifus, Kent - Dreifus discussed the workshop regarding Pine Tree Park
and it being a waste of time. He mentioned Oakpointe filing a lawsuit against Kent if
the City was to back out of the deal, and how the Kent Reporter notes that Oakpointe
views the City as a `good partner".
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 15, 2016
3. Renee Gersdorf-Duncan, Kent - Gersdorf-Duncan attended Pine Tree
Elementary school and spoke with the principal there. She is sad about the potential
loss of the park for the children in the area.
4. Sierra Gersdorf-Duncan, Kent - Gersdorf-Duncan discussed the importance of
the park for the community and the environment. She stated that she is glad that
people are standing up for what they feel is right.
5. Anita Veen, Kent - Veen discussed Save Pine Tree Park level of conversations
with the City and County regarding open space, trails, wetland and retention pond.
6. Al Lynden, Kent - Lynden discussed Pine Tree Park. Lynden discussed his belief
that the public has been given selective information by City. Lynden discussed what he
believes to be another option for the park, a lawsuit by the residents.
7. Ryan Logan Evans, Kent - Evans spoke about the systemic issues with the parks,
and feels it is a community issue. He also discussed his personal resolves for some of
the issues such as parking for Pine Tree Park and maintaining the park.
8. Kristy Herrick, Kent - Herrick discussed the Capital needs and the $60 million
deficit. She compared the budgets and Parks Departments of Kent, Kirkland and
Auburn.
9. Sandi Lynden, Kent - Lynden spoke about Pine Tree Park and what they see as
inaccuracies in the entire process.
10.Derek Narringa, Kent - Narringa discussed the sale price of Pine Tree park and
open space needs in Kent.
11.Bridgette Rey Wagner, Kent - Wagner spoke about the walking trails in Pine
Tree Park and the proximity to the Green River Trail for recreation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council President Boyce moved to approve Consent Calendar items A through
3, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried 6-0.
A. Approval of Minutes - Approve. Minutes of the regular council meeting of
February 2 and workshop meeting of February 16, 2016 were approved.
B. Approval of Bills - Approve. Bills received through February 15 and paid on
February 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on March 1, 2016.
C. Excused Absence for Councilmember Berrios - Approve. The council
approved an excused absence for Councilmember Berrios as he is unable to attend
the City Council meeting of March 15, 2016.
D. Hawley Road Levee Improvements Phase 2 - Accept as Complete. The
Mayor was authorized to accept the Hawley Road Levee Improvements Phase 2 project
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 15, 2016
as complete and release retainage to SCI Infrastructure, LLC, upon receipt of standard
releases from the state and the release of any liens.
E. Grandview Water Easement with Highline Water District - Approve. The
Mayor was authorized to execute all necessary documents to grant a water easement
with Highline Water District on City property to serve the Grandview Apartments,
subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works
Director.
F. Water Leak Adjustment Code Amendment — Ordinance — Adopt. Ordinance
No. 4191 was adopted, amending Chapter 7.02 of the Kent City Code, entitled
"Water," pertaining to the process through which an owner may request an adjustment
to a water utility bill, and to reconcile current inconsistencies in the City Code.
G. Acireement with Vision Internet for Content Management System
Replacement - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign all necessary
documents to enter into a contract with Vision Internet to replace the City's Content
Management System (website) and to develop and implement a new website.
H. School Zone Traffic Safety Camera Program Fund Expenditures —
Authorize. The council approved the expenditure of $329,000 from the School Zone
Traffic Safety Camera fund to include $50,000 for matching funds for the traffic safety
grant program, and $279,000 to replace seven of the Police Department's aging police
vehicles, and authorize the mayor to sign all necessary documents, subject to the
approval of the Police Chief and City Attorney.
I. Appointment to the Public Facilities District Board - Approve. The council
approved the appointment of Carmen Goers to the Kent Special Events Center Public
Facilities District Board for a term of two years.
J. Riverview Park Trail Relocation Project — Accept as Complete. The council
accepted the Riverview Park Trail Relocation Project as complete and release retainage
funds in the amount of $7,274.75 to the contractor, R.W. Scott Construction Company,
upon receipt of all approvals from Washington State.
OTHER BUSINESS
A. Kent School District Bond Issue — Resolution in Support - Adopt. Chief
Administrative Officer Derek Matheson discussed the Kent School Districts ballot
proposition for the April 26, 2016 special election in which the City is in support of.
Councilmember Higgins, Seconded by Councilmember Boyce. Resolution No.
1923 was adopted, in support of the Kent School District No. 415's April 26,
2016, ballot proposition for the issuance of unlimited tax general obligation
bonds.
A vote was taken on the motion on the table to adopt Resolution No. 1923, to
support the Kent School District No. 415's April 26, 2016, ballot proposition
for the issuance of unlimited tax general obligation bonds. Motion carried 6-0.
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 15, 2016
BIDS
A. James Street Improvements Watermain and Landscaping - Woodford Ave.
N. to 102"d Ave. S. - Award.
Councilmember Higgins, Seconded by Councilmember Ralph, moved to award
the James Street Improvements Watermain and Landscaping - Woodford
Ave. N. to 102"d Ave. S. project to the lowest responsive bid and responsible
bidder, R.L. Alia Company in the amount of $2,070,001.30 and authorize the
Mayor to sign all necessary documents, subject to final terms and conditions
acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director.
B. 2016 Asphalt Overlay Project - Award.
Councilmember Higgins, Seconded by Councilmember Fincher, moved to
award the 2016 Asphalt Overlay contract to the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder, ICON Materials, in the amount of $3,489,528.50 including
the overlay of Mountain View Place neighborhood (aka Hycroft) and South
236t" Street between Lakeside Blvd East and 64t" Avenue South, subject to
final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works
Director.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Council President. - Council President Boyce discussed the workshop including
the park and open space plan update presented by Parks Director Jeff Watling. The
four key areas discussed were the quality of public space, a performance based
approach, transformation through reinvestment and sustainable funding. The second
topic during workshop was a Pine Tree Park update in which Chief Administrative
Officer Derek Matheson discussed what the initial plan was, and what the plan is
moving forward and the options available.
B. Mayor. - Please refer to KentWA.gov for the State of the City.
C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Announced there is no executive session tonight
and report is in the packet.
D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - In the minutes.
E. Operations Committee. - Councilmember Ralph discussed the agreement with
Arc Architects for phase II of the space efficiency plan to accommodate the growing
Police Department. The second item discussed was the expenditure of the school zone
traffic safety camera monies. $50,000to go as matching funds to Safe Routes to
Schools grant and $279,000 to go toward replacing aging police vehicles.
F. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Fincher noted that at
the last meeting they reviewed the Parks and Open Space Plan.
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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes March 15, 2016
G. Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Ralph communicated that the
presentation was essentially the same as what was presented to Operations regarding
the expenditure of the school zone traffic safety camera monies.
H. Public Works Committee. - Councilmember Higgins discussed bids awards and
the extra $700,000 because of the low bids. He also noted that they discussed and
prioritized the grants they would like to see the City go after.
I. Regional Fire Authority. - Councilmember Thomas noted that the next meeting
will be at Station 74 March 16t" at 5:00 p.m. and will be attending the conference in
Ocean Shores.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No Executive Session.
ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
{ '
Sue Hanson
Acting City Clerk
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