HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 07/17/2018Kent City Council Workshop
Minutes
July L7, 2018
Kent, Washington
Date:
Time:
Place:
Attending:
Approved August 7, ZOLB
July L7, 2018
5 p.m.
Council Chambers East/West
Mayor Dana Ralph
Bill Boyce, Council President
Brenda Fincher, Councilmember
Satwinder Kaur, Councilmember
Marli Larimer, Councilmember
Dennis Higgins, Councilmember
Toni Troutner, Councilmember
Council President Boyce opened the meeting at 5:11 p.m
Agenda:
King County Assessor
John Wilson, King County Assessor, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the council
that was titled, "A Time for Caution Amid Boom Times."
Wilson advised that the region is booming - setting records; there is $10.2 billion in
new construction and Wilson compared King County to San Francisco and Vancouver
housing markets.
Wilson advised that some of the last affordable housing in King County is in Kent and
provided extensive details on the rising property taxes and how the taxes are
allocated.
Wilson reviewed the Legislature's McCleary property tax fix to fund schools.
Beyond rising taxes, Wilson advised of the other problems that include:o Low income seniors have not been exempted from special levies.. Property taxes are finite - capped by construction. We can't rely on voter
approved levies.. Using special levies to pay for basic services like schools, human services, and
parks is risky, inequitable and unstable.. What happens when the voters say no.. The Lo/o cap is forcing cuts by small counties and King County of services not
funded with a special levy, especially criminal justice.. Rising property taxes adds to our housing affordability problem.
Wilson reviewed the impacts of the federal tax law change capping state and local
taxes at $10,000 and indicated that King County wants cities to be a part of the
discussion regarding how to fix the tax system.
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Kent City Council Workshop
Minutes
July t7, 2018
Kent, Washington
Approved August 7, 2OLB
Port of Seattle Commissioner
Courtney Gregoire, Port of Seattle Commission President, presented information on
the Port of Seattle's economic impact through Sea-Tac airport, maritime international
trade, Cruise Seattle, and the Port's direct and indirect jobs and transportation
investments.
Gregoire advised that B.7olo of employees at the Sea-Tac airport live in Kent, and
that that port provided a $65,000 development grant in 2Ot7 to the City.
Gregoire provided information regarding the Port's economic development
partnership with Kent, the effects of tariffs on local imports and exports, and the
clean truck program.
Gregoire advised that the Port strives to be the best gateway by sea through the
Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Maritime Industrial and Marinas, the Homeport of
the North Pacific Fishing Fleet, and the largest Cruise Port on the U.S. West Coast.
Also, the Port strives to be the best by air through the mega projects under way at
Sea-Tac airport.
Gregoire indicated the Port wants quality jobs with future opportunities and will
continue to invest in environmental sustainability.
Council advised that it depends on partnerships with the Port, State, and King County
to help sustain the City's warehouse industrial area and asked the Port to lobby the
State on the City's behalf.
Gregoire conveyed that she is glad to continue being a good partner and will educate
other commissioners on the need to convey to the State, a change in streamline sales
tax.
The meeting concluded at 6:5 p.m.
û
Kimberley
City Clerk
Komoto
July L7, 2018
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