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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Minutes - 07/15/2014WASHINOTON Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2014 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Ralph, Berrios, Boyce, Fincher, Higgins, Ranniger, and Thomas. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA A. From Council Administration Staff. No changes. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Public Recognition —Council President Ralph congratulated the Lions Club and City staff for the work done at Kent Cornucopia Days, B. Community Events -Council President Ralph communicated that tryouts for the Seattle Impact Soccer Team will be held this Saturday. C. Proclamation for National Night Out -Mayor Cooke read the National Night Out proclamation and proclaimed August 5 as National Night Out in the City of Kent. Stacy Judd, Police Department Community Education Coordinator introduced John Kagel, Community Education Coordinator and accepted the proclamation. D. Proclamation for Experience Historical Kent Day -Mayor Cooke read the Experience Historical Kent Day proclamation and proclaimed August 16 as "Experience Historical Kent Day". She announced the locations and businesses participating in the historical tour. Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Program Coordinator accepted the proclamation. Councilmember Thomas communicated that the Kent Historical Museum dinner auction is on October 4. E. Introduction of Olympic Skyline Condominiums Neiahborhood Council -Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Program Coordinator highlighted the Neighborhood Program. She displayed a map showing where Olympic Skyline Condominiums is located and said they are the 26th neighborhood council registered with the City. F. Public Safety Report -Acting Police C hief Kammerzell noted that the City is doing well with vehicle thefts with a 15 percent decrease and six arrests. He noted that one of the people arrested was wanted in 11 jurisdictions. Vehicle prowls have reduced 18 percent since May and there were eight arrests by the Neighborhood Response Team. He noted that one arrest cleared six cases. There was an increase in residential burglaries, but the number reflects a 30 percent decrease overall compared to last year. He stated that many of the burglaries were open garage door burglaries. He warned people to close their windows and doors even though it is hotter outside. He added that there were three commercial burglary arrests and a 47 percent decrease in robberies since May. He attributed some of the success to bicycle patrols and extra Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2014 police patrols. He discussed the 4th of July and fireworks. He stated that there were 341 incidents and 144 calls made to the police department concerning fireworks. He noted that there were seven arrests for fireworks this year. Kammerzell also discussed Kent Cornucopia and said there weren't any significant events. He noted that there were 30 gang detectives working undercover and in uniform who prevented gang - affiliated persons from entering the festival and fair. Deborah Nellins, State Farm Insurance communicated that last year a grant was given to the Police Department in the amount of $3,000 for illegal racing. She noted that as a business owner she knows about the existence of the problem in Kent and presented the Kent Police Department with a check for $15,000 for illegal street racing enforcement. G. Intergovernmental Reports -Council President Ralph attended the South County Area Board meeting and reported on the Washington State Department of Transportation 2014-2017 Strategic Plan. She stated that the bottom line is there isn't enough transportation money to go around and there are deliberate decisions to be made on what needs to be maintained. She noted that the gas tax implemented years back is not stretching enough to keep transportation maintained. She added that the next presentation was from the Washington State Planning Board and they are working on prioritizing existing infrastructure and not focusing on new projects. Concluding, she noted that the final presentation was on the light rail project and the environmental impact studies and having the project move from Angle Lake and 200th into Kent. Councilmember Higgins noted that the Sound Cities Association Board of Directors and the Regional Transit Committee meets tomorrow.. He said there will be discussion on the 2015 Metro Service reductions. He stated that it seems that the DART bus route on East Hill will continue. There will be a list of revenue questions from Sound Cities Association, he said, concerning increased sales tax revenue and why they aren't in line with the revenues that have been received. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 2015-2020 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Resolution —Adopt. -Monica Whitman, Senior Transportation Planner highlighted the City's transportation improvement program (TIP) for the next six years. She said it is a short-range planning document which is adopted annually. She noted that it can be revised at any time as long as a public hearing is held. As far as grants, State agencies require that every project that is submitted on a grant application be included in a city's adopted Six -Year TIP. Whitman noted that there are 47 projects in the plan and that those in the first three years are the ones that the City is more likely to fund. She communicated that the TIP isn't a wish list it is a planning document that the City wants to accomplish. She noted that the total amount of the TIP is $347 million. Mayor Cooke opened the public hearing. 1. Randall C. Smith, Kent -Smith communicated that he would like the Council to take item #24 off of the TIP and he is planning to build a 50 unit apartment complex on Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 1512014 that site. He stated he would like to start the due diligence process and begin the project. Council President Ralph moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried 7-0. The public hearing was closed. Councilmember Higgins communicated that the Public Works Committee received a cost benefit analysis concerning project #24. Whitman responded that the estimated cost for the project is between $5 - $10 million and the estimated benefit is $4 million. She stated it would take two to three years before the benefits would outweigh the costs. She also stated that there is a significant amount of congestion at this site and limited options as to what the City can do to alleviate it. Chad Bieren added that the purchasing of the houses was included in the estimate. Councilmember Higgins noted that if it was pulled from the TIP it would still be in the Master Plan. Bieren communicated that this is an area that the City wants to build to take care of the issues there. Councilmember Higgins communicated that the study isn't persuading him and asked Oat would having this go back to the Public Works Committee to take a closer look do. Beiren responded that although the State wanted the TIP adopted by July 1, it can go back to the committee. Mayor Cooke confirmed that this could be adopted without the item and it could be added at a later date. Council President Ralph expressed concerns with this and stated this deserves additional consideration. Councilmember Boyce suggested removing item #24 from the TIP and having it reviewed again by the Public Works Committee. Beiren communicated that 116th could be looked at and benefit costs would be determined for each alternative. Councilmember Ranniger concurred with the rest of the Council. Councilmember Fincher communicated that she hasn't had time to review the cost - benefit analysis and would like to have more time. Councilmember Thomas noted that this would move the congestion from the "Y" into another area, but concurred with the rest of the Council. Councilmember Higgins moved to adopt Resolution Number #1893 approving the 2015-2020 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) striking Project 4F24, seconded by Council President Ralph. Motion carried 7-0. 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes PUBLIC COMMENT July 15, 2014 1. Mary Personette, Kent -Personette expressed concerns with fireworks and urged the Council to ban fireworks in Kent. She read a letter she sent to the Kent Reporter and noted the intensity of the fireworks this year. She added that she had to have the items cleaned from the roof of her home and that many local jurisdictions, to include Federal Way, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila ban fireworks. 2. Sharon Gehring, Kent -Gehring communicated that there are out of control fireworks in her neighborhood and there are large items being shot off. She asked for a ban of fireworks in Kent. 3. Sally Board, Kent -Board requested a ban of fireworks in Kent. She said she is tired of being afraid of being at home and not able to go out that night. She indicated that fireworks aren't fun anymore. 4. Patricia Roemmich, Kent -Roemmich communicated that fireworks used to be fun and she used to enjoy them, but she doesn't any longer. She said she is afraid to leave her house on July 4th and a bush on her property caught fire last year. She said she wants them banned in Kent. She stated that illegal fireworks are being lit in her cul- de-sac and noticed a burnt spot on her roof. She said she is terrified and has to protect her house. Additionally, she said 38th Avenue faces the back of her house and it is a tradition to light fireworks at her neighbor's house behind her and it is very dangerous. Councilmember Thomas communicated that he empathizes with the four speakers and stated that our neighboring cities, Auburn, Renton, and rederal Way have the same issue. He said items that go up in the air are illegal. He inquired whether the speakers called 911 and Sally Board replied that 911 was called. She stated that she was stunned by a M80 and broke her toe due to falling over from the noise. Mayor Cooke stated that she wants to communicate with each of the speakers after the meeting. She added that it was one of her first issues she took on when she was elected Mayor in 2006. She stated that she isn't calling for a ban for all fireworks, but it takes a vote of the Council to restrict or ban fireworks. Councilmember Thomas called for a point of order. Councilmember Thomas noted that legislation has been brought forth and it hasn't been adopted. Councilmember Berrios communicated that as a new Councilmember he appreciates the communication to the Council concerning fireworks. He noted that the Council has also received emails and there were fireworks going off illegally last night. He felt this needs to be revisited and looked at so it is fair to the entire community and the police and fire departments. He highlighted that there were 144 incidents with only two arrests and four infractions. Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2014 Councilmember Ranniger communicated that the program she brought forth was called "Education, Amnesty, and Awareness" when she was chair of the Public Safety Committee. She expressed what the program entailed and communicated that there are five Councilmembers that are new to the Council. She also felt this item should be revisited by the full Council. Council President Ralph stated that this is one of those topics that comes up every year and is great concern and frustration to her as a Councilmember. She noted that the City is close to one of the biggest firework selling machines around and even with a ban they wouldn't stop. She said there are tools in place for the police department for enforcement. However, maybe this is a budgeting issue and there needs to be an all hands on deck" notice put out and overtime paid. She communicated that she felt it needs to go back to the Public Safety Committee to determine what other tools the City has. She stated that an all-out ban wouldn't help because fireworks are banned in the surrounding jurisdictions and they are still being purchased and shot off. She said she is supportive of the discussion and thanked the residents for coming out and speaking. Councilmember Boyce communicated that the City has to be able to identify what problem is being solved. He said he is open to have a conversation because the Council hasn't discussed the item and the community, Police, and Fire Department should be involved. Councilmember Fincher thanked the residents for calling and said police and fire were out looking and listening for fireworks. She noted that some of the cases involve children and you can't arrest children. However, the fireworks were confiscated. She noted that the Council will talk about it and it is an important issue. She urged residents to call when they hear fireworks that are illegal. She noted that the police were citing individuals and taking fireworks away. Mayor Cooke discussed the possibility of having a fine for possession of illegal fireworks. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Ralph moved to approve Consent Calendar Items A through �, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. A. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Workshops —Approve. The minutes of the workshop and regular Council meeting of July 1, 2014 were approved. B. Olvmpic Skvline Condominiums Nei4hborhood Council Desi4nation Resolution -Adopt. The Mayor moved to adopt Resolution No. 1894 recognizing the Olympic Skyline Condominiums Neighborhood Council, supporting its community building efforts, and conferring on it all opportunities offered by the City's neighborhood program. C. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Grant -Accept. The Mayor was authorized to accept the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 5 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 151 2014 grant in an annual amount of $48,258, amend the budget, and authorize expenditure of the funds in accordance with the grant terms, and the Mayor was authorized to sign all necessary grant documents with final terms and conditions acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney. D. Resolution Amendin4 City Council Rules & Procedures -Adopt. The Mayor moved to adopt Resolution No. 1895, relating to the rules and procedures for the Kent City Council, City Council meetings, and Council Committee meetings. E. Budget Request for Electronic Monitoring Equipment Leasing Payment — Approve. The Mayor was authorized to approve expenditure in the amount not to exceed $237,535 and amend the budget to pay for electronic home monitoring equipment leased by the Police Department. F. Economic and Community Development Budget Adjustment —Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to make a mid -year adjustment to the 2014 budget in the amount of $169,064.68 in the Economic & Community Development Department, G. Neighborhood Council Matching Grant Communication Budget Adjustment — Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to approve an amount of $5,800 for the Neighborhood Program Matching Grant Communication Budget for 2014 to support recognized Neighborhood Councils in their communication efforts. H. Public Works Staffing Budget Adjustment —Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to accept Public Works Department's proposal to hire term -limited employees in three areas; one term -limited, full-time inspector for a period of two years or less to be funded out of permit revenue allocated to Public Works and establishing the budget for same% four term -limited maintenance workers to work on sidewalk or walking patch projects; and one term -limited commute trip reduction coordinator position to be paid for out of grant funds allocated for this purpose. I. Consultant Service Agreement with Shannon &Associates for the Green River Natural Resource Area —Pump Station Mitigation Plan Agreement — Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign a consultant services agreement with Shannon & Wilson Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $23,616 to prepare a wetland mitigation plan and biological assessment for the Green River Natural Resources Area Pump Station project, subject to terms and final conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director. J. S. 228t" & 212 Street Railroad Grade Separations Local Improvement District Study Contract —Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to approve Public Works Department to execute a contract in an amount not to exceed $100,000 with Foster Pepper PLLC to conduct a preliminary local improvement district special benefit study for the S. 228th Street and S. 212 Street Railroad Grade Separation Projects, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and the Public Works Director. Kent City Council Meeting Minutes OTHER BUSINESS None. BIDS July 15, 2014 A. SR 516 to S. 231st Way Levee Improvements Russell Road Upper Levee - South Reach James Street/Russell Road Realignment Project - Accept. Councilmember Higgins moved to approve an award to SCI Infrastructure LLC in the amount of $2,176,334.02 for the SR 516 to S. 231st Way Levee Improvements Russell Road Upper Levee -South Reach James Street/Russell Road Realignment Project, seconded by Councilmember Fincher. Motion carried 7-0. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. Council President Ralph discussed the workshop. She noted the three topics were; residential marijuana zoning, the City's internal debt, and railroad grade separation projects in the valley. B. Mayor. Mayor Cooke communicated that there is a group from the City's Sister City in Norway visiting. She discussed the link light rail and stated that it is important for Kent residents and the business community to know what the options are. She encouraged residents to get their neighbors involved and informed. She noted that the staff is busy working on the second biennial budget. She discussed the environmental restoration project along 212t" and the work going on with the US Army Corps of Engineers. She stated that Council President Ralph is attending the Flood Control District meeting with her and that the new Finance Director, Aaron BeMiller begins on July 23. She added that the new Chief Administrative Officer begins on August 11. C. Administration. No report. However, there will be aten-minute executive session as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b)a D. Economic &Community Development Committee. In the minutes. E. Operations Committee. In the minutes. F. Parks and Human Services Committee, Councilmember Ranniger announced that the next Parks and Human Services Meeting would be on July 24 at 5 p.m. G. Public Safety Committee. Council President Ralph communicated that the school resource officer contract was approved unanimously and a grant was accepted to continue the work with the community concerning substance abuse. H. Public Works Committee. In the minutes. I. Regional Fire Authority_ Councilmember Thomas communicated that the next meeting of the Regional Fire Authority is August 6 at Fire Station #78. 7 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2014 Councilmember Fincher reported that meetings on the Kent portion of the light rail will be held on Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m., at Mark Twain Elementary School and 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, at Sacajawea Elementary School. Councilmember Berrios communicated that he is impressed with Tom and he has done a great job filling in as the City's chief administrative officer. He added that Pat Fitzpatrick and Paula Barry have done a great job, too. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:46 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would recess into an Executive Session for ten minutes to discuss property acquisition as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). At 8:50 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Property Acquisition, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). David Galazin, Acting City Attorney discussed a motion to acquire a parcel of property in the Clark Springs area. Councilmember Higgins moved to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents to complete the purchase of property owned by Thomas M. and Kim A. Moore consisting of 2.09 acres in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for the purpose of source protection and the habitat near Clark Springs, subject to the approval of the final terms and conditions by the City Attorney, Public Works Director, and the Parks Director, Ralph seconded. Motion carried 7-0. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. m Ronald F.00i City Clerk