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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 7/19/2016 • KENT WASH INGTON Kent City Council Workshop Minutes July 19, 2016 The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:16 p.m. by Council President Boyce. Councilmembers present: Berrios, Boyce, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, and Ralph. King County Assessor - John A. Wilson King County Assessor had three things to put on the table: 1) Senior Exemption Program; 2) Affordable Housing; 3) Modernize Tax System. Reach out to people 61 and older with an income of $40,000 or less with a sliding scale exemption. Seniors who find taxes tough, many seniors even though they own their own homes find paying the taxes tough, some of the property taxes are now as much as they originally paid for the home mortgage. Look at how we can preserve older apartment buildings, can homes with basements be finished as alternative affordable housing, perhaps offer tax incentives to people who rent out rooms or basements. There was discussion on how Kent is doing, we are in good shape we are unique, there is a 1% cap on property tax, increases altered by Legislation index to inflation would reduce the threshold of Junior and smaller taxing groups. Councilmembers questioned incentives for affordable housing, make better place to live. Senior exemption for taxes, City provide outreach programs to identify eligible seniors. Naden Avenue Properties Surplus Consideration - The 7.5 acres made up of 19 parcels had been part of a potential aquatic park in 2006. In 2008 the project was set aside, pursuing Morrow Meadows Park in cooperation with the YMCA, since that time the property has been sitting as it is today. Propose a Resolution to Council under the new Surplus Property Policy. The process to begin building on the site is anticipated at 2-5 years, possible buildings of medical/hospitality. There was much discussion with residents if the city is interested in buying other properties around this location. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Sue Hanson Interim City Clerk • KENT WASH IN G T O N Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Berrios, Boyce, Budell, Fincher, Higgins, and Ralph. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson noted that the public hearing for the crosswalk policy was originally scheduled for July 19, 2016, but did not make it onto the agenda. Matheson will present a motion to set the public hearing on this topic for August 16, 2016. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Cooke took a moment of silence to reflect on the recent tragedies occurring all over the world, specifically Baton Rouge, LA. She also spoke about an upcoming community meeting where the Kent Police Department will be present to answer questions and listen to the residents of Kent discuss their concerns and fears. �- A. Public Recognition — None. B. Recognition of Jeff Watling — Council President Boyce recognized Jeff Watling for his exceptional dedication to the Kent Parks Department while serving as Director and presented him with a plaque. Each Councilmember, CAO Matheson and Mayor Cooke briefly spoke about Watling's exceptional work, integrity and leadership and thanked him for his ten years of service. Watling thanked Council and staff for the recognition and their well wishes. C. Appointments to the Cultural Communities Board — Mayor Cooke introduced 16 of the 18 members to the Kent Cultural Communities Board. This former Mayor's advisory team has now developed into an advisory group to the Mayor and City Council. This board represents communities within our community. D. Proclamation for National Night Out — Mayor Cooke introduced John Pagel from Kent Police Department who spoke about National Night Out on August 2, 2016. Departments from across the City visit various neighborhoods and talk with community members and have a great time. E. Community Events — Council President Boyce highlighted various events coming to Showare center in the next few weeks. He also noted the Thunderbirds home opener on October 1, 2016 and Disney on Ice coming in the winter, both highly anticipated. Council Member Ralph reminded everyone of the Kent Summer Concert Series during the week at various locations around the City running through August 18, 2016. Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 Councilmember Berrios took the opportunity to express his excitement about the Cultural Communities Board. He expects a lot of great things to come from the development of this committee. He encouraged the members to attend the upcoming community meeting in which the Police department will be present to gain insight into the questions and concerns of the residents of Kent. F. Public Safety Report - Assistant Chief Kammerzell presented the Public Safety Report. He re-capped the recent 4th of July holiday and the Police Departments coverage during that weekend. There were 371 fireworks calls generated to 911, and a good portion of these calls were duplicate calls for same event. Three criminal citations were issued, three infractions were given and 50 calls were cleared with warnings. Assistant Chief Kammerzell then spoke again about the upcoming community meeting. He said the purpose of the meeting is to allow the police to listen and hear concerns from Kent residents and engage in a conversation about those feelings and what we can do to work together. Finally, Mayor Cooke swore in three new officers to the Kent Police Department; Officer Joshua Bava, Officer Gregory Cox and Officer Clayton Grubb. G. Intergovernmental Reports - Council President Boyce serving on Public Issues Committee, wanted to bring awareness to Council that King County currently in their biennial budget cycle. He wanted to bring light to a few things that may have an impact on the City of Kent, the closure of the Kent Regional Justice Center for booking, and the stoppage of work release. Councilmember Budell serving on Domestic Violence Initiate Committee noted that the next meeting will be September 8, 2016 at Seattle Pacific University - update following that meeting. Councilmember Higgins serving on King County Regional Transit Committee stated the meeting scheduled for July 20th had been cancelled; the next meeting is slated for the middle of August. Councilmember Berrios serving on Puget Sound Regional Council Economic Development Committee will not be meeting until September. The committee is currently working on a regional economic strategy and Councilmember Berrios has been working with Ben Wolters, Director of Economic and Community Development here in Kent to figure out how to better represent the City on the regional scale. Councilmember Ralph had two reports. Serving on the Transportation Policy Board, she noted that at their recent meeting they approved the recommended list of projects for federal funding that comes through Puget Sound Regional Council. The list will move on for further approval. Serving on the South County Area Transportation Board, she spoke about tolling on 405 and the changes and improvements there. There is concern from WSDOT that there are people paying to use the toll lanes and not experiencing the relief that they are looking for. Councilmember Fincher sitting on the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Committee will be meeting in the coming week. Serving on the King Conservation District, she 2 i Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 reported there will be a meeting on the 20t" and they will be discussing their 5 year work plan. PUBLIC HEARING — None. PUBLIC COMMENT Louis I.P. spoke about medical marijuana and specifically the positive things that it does for individuals who use it. He advocated for medical marijuana. Gini Beck from Crisis Clinic thanked the City for their support over the years. She noted that Kent is the 2nd highest user of the 211 phone number to help connect people to both social and mental health resources. The Crisis Clinic has touched 14,000 Kent residents over the past year and thanked the City for their support. Kristy Herrick touched on the B&O tax and the Council's use of this tax. She does not believe that the B&O tax should be used for anything other than what it was originally intended for, streets. She also mentioned medical and recreational marijuana and spoke about the will of the voters. She also requested that the money from the school zone cameras be used for something that does not require continued spending, such as improved safety measures outside schools. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Boyce moved to approve Consent Calendar items A through M, seconded by Councilmember Ralph. Motion carried 6-0. A. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Workshops — Approve. The minutes of the workshop and regular council meeting of June 7, 2016 were approved. B. Approval of Bills. Bills received through June 15 and paid on May 31 and June 15 after auditing by the Operations Committee on June 21 and July 5, 2016 were approved. Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 5/31/2016 Wire Transfers 6685 - 6701 $1,622,131.10 5/31/2016 Regular Checks 703823 - 704324 $6,420,520.64 Void Checks ($28.47) 5/31/2016 Use Tax Payable $1,193.97 $8,043,817.24 Approval of checks issued for payroll for May 16 through May 31 and paid on June 3, 2016: ( Date Check Numbers Amount 6/3/2016 Checks $0.00 Voids and Reissues 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 6/3/2016 Advices 367687 - 368578 $1,466,073.69 $1,466,073.69 Approval of checks issued for vouchers: Date Check Numbers Amount 6/15/2016 Wire Transfers 6702 - 6723 $3,162,866.01 6/15/2016 Regular Checks 704325 - 704710 $2,254,967.66 Void Checks 6/15/2016 Use Tax Payable $4,730.68 $5,422,564.35 Approval of checks issued for payroll for June 1 through June 15 and paid on June 20, 2016: Date Check Numbers Amount 6/20/2016 Checks $0.00 Voids and Reissues 6/20/2016 Advices 368579 - 369451 $1,501,663.71 $1,501,663.71 C. Excused Absence for Les Thomas — Approve. Council approved excused absence for Councilmember Thomas as he is unable to attend the City Council meeting of July 19, 2016. D. Appointments to the Cultural Communities Board — Confirm. Council confirmed the appointment of 17 members to the Kent Cultural Communities Board. E. Surplus of Utility Equipment and Materials — Resolution — Adopt. Resolution No. 1929 was adopted, determining that certain public utility equipment is surplus to the City's needs, providing for the sale thereof, stating the consideration to be paid for the equipment, and authorizing the director of public works to enter into a sales agreement. F. CenturyLink Loyal Advantage Agreement for Telecommunications Support and Services — Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign CenturyLink's Loyal Advantage Agreement, in the amount not to exceed $140,000.00, for communications hardware and services, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Information Technology Director and City Attorney. G. DLT — Oracle — JDE Database and OneWorld ERP Maintenance Renewal — Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign the DLT Oracle DB Enterprise and Oracle JDE OneWorld Maintenance Renewal Agreements, in the amount not to exceed $59,345.00 and $126,520.45, respectively, for existing Oracle software and support, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the Information Technology Director and City Attorney. H. School Zone Traffic Safety Camera Program Fund Expenditures — Authorize. Council approved the expenditure of funds from the School Zone Traffic 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 Safety Camera fund to (1) relocate and set-up the East Hill police substation, in the approximate amount of $35,000, and install (2) ballistic barriers on portions of the Centennial Center Garage in the approximate amount of $115,000; amend the budget; and authorized the Mayor to sign all documents necessary to complete these projects, subject to final terms acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney. I. K2 Police Substation Lease - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to enter into a lease agreement with Kent Hill, LLC, for an initial 5-year term with one 5-year option to renew to relocate the police substation to the Kent East Hill Shopping Center, subject to final lease terms and conditions acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney. J. Interlocal Agreement with Yakima County for Housing of Inmates - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign an interlocal agreement with Yakima County to house Kent inmates on an as-needed basis, during 2016, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Police Chief. K. Tree Preservation - Ordinance - Adopt. Ordinance No. 4209 was adopted, amending Chapter 15.02 and Chapter 15.08 of the Kent City Code pertaining to the preservation of trees. L. Landscape Easement, Dwell at Kent Station - Approve. Council approved "Grant of Non-Exclusive Easement for Maintenance of Landscaping within Public Right- Of-Way" for the Dwell at Kent Station project. M. IT Long-Term Staffing Plan - 2016 FTE Request - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to add a Senior Systems Analyst, Systems & Integration Development Manager, Project Manager/Business Analyst and Trainer position in the Information Technology Department and add those positions to the City's approved classification/position list at the salary range to be determined by the Human Resource and Information Technology Directors within established IT budgets. OTHER BUSINESS - None. BIDS - None. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. - Council President Boyce spoke about the workshop with John Arthur Wilson, the King County Assessor. He presented items about a need for affordable housing, more senior housing and modernizing the tax system. Council was interested in brining Wilson back to go more in depth about these items that were presented. Council President Boyce then spoke about the mini retreat the City of Kent City Council had the previous weekend focusing mostly on the strategic plan. He stated that this was a highly participated meeting and is excited about things to come. The second portion of that retreat will be held on August 13th and will also include a discussion about homeless policy and tenant rights. 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 B. Mayor• - Mayor Cooke discusses a memo that she sent to Council regarding her stance on the ordinance regarding medical marijuana patient cooperatives. In sum, she allowed the ordinance to go through without her signature as opposed to vetoing it. This is because the City has a permissive zoning code, so if a use is not allowed it is prohibited. Patient cooperatives are a newly established land use created by State legislature and does not appear in City code as a regulated land use. The Council will discuss both medical and recreational marijuana in the coming year, and what Kent's position will be in the future. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Councilmember Higgins moved to reset a public hearing to August 16, 2016 to receive public comment on the City's proposed guidelines for installing and maintaining marked crosswalks, seconded by Councilmember Ralph. Motion carried 6-0. Matheson then spoke about some vacant leadership positions and updated the Council. City Clerk position is being advertised and applications will be accepted through the first week of August. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director position will be defined by Mayor, Matheson and HR Director. The Strategy and Performance Analyst position was offered to a gentleman in Colorado and he will be starting on August 29tn f D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - Council President Boyce stated they are in the minutes. E. Operations Committee. - Councilmember Ralph noted that the committee did not meet, and the next scheduled meeting will be August 2, 2016. F. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Fincher had no report. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday July 21, 2016. G. Public Safety Committee. - Councilmember Berrios noted that the report is in the minutes. H. Public Works Committee. - Councilmember Higgins noted two significant items working through the legislative process. One item working its way to full council is a utility rate adjustment for sewer and water. He encouraged Council to learn more about what is being discussed. The other item making its way to Council is the 2017- 2018 B&O project list coupled with the residential asphalt overlay through solid waste utility tax. I. Regional Fire Authority. - Councilmember Higgins stated the next meeting will be tomorrow July 20, 2016 at station #78. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Property Negotiations, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(c). 6 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 19, 2016 ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION — None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m. Sue Hanson Interim City Clerk f _ 7