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Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2014
The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by
Mayor Cooke.
Councilmembers present: Ralph, Berrios, Boyce, Fincher, Higgins, Ranniger, and
Thomas.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL, ADMINISTRATION, OR STAFF
Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson suggested adding Item 8C, Limited
Release of Covenants pertaining to Kent Station. Mayor Cooke suggested adding Item
4C2, Proclamation for Trinity Community Church Day.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
A. Public Recognition -Councilmember Ranniger asked for a moment of silence to
recognize and honor Michael Brown who lost his life in Ferguson, Missouri. She said Mr.
Brown deserved to have a life and what happened in Ferguson is a flashpoint in this
country. This incident communicates to her that people have much work to do around
the issues of racism and prejudice. This should serve as a painful and tragic reminder
to all of us how critically important it is to embrace and make a top priority the
strategic goal we all set for ourselves of foster inclusiveness. It is really important to
create connections, embrace the community we live in, and get to know our neighbors.
It is also important to make an effort to reach out to each other and build the
community together.
Councilmember Thomas stated that it is premature to make statements like that. He
stated that normally a moment of silence is given to those who have great honor such
as a Nobel Prize winner dying, president, governor, even the mayor. Councilmember
Thomas said he finds it difficult giving honor to an 18 year -old thief especially in light
of some of the statements that were made today by witnesses who actually saw that
the police officer was more correct than some of the other statements that were made.
He said he wouldn't mind joining Councilmember Ranniger, some of the statements
she made were really well done. However, he felt this isn't the correct time or place for
the Council to be taking sides or making this a race issue. It would not have mattered
if it was a Black or Asian officer who had shot Mr. Brown. He stated that there was a
theft of a nearby convenience store and tragically things happened. The real victims
right now are the officer and his family who can't go outside and have to be protected
and moved to a different location, said Councilmember Thomas. He said he can't stand
silently as requested and said he would be walking towards the door if anybody wants
to join him because he finds it difficult to pay tribute in this format.
Councilmember Boyce replied that you can call Mr. Brown a thief or a liar, whatever,
but he has a hard time listening to Councilmember Thomas talk about someone's life
like it's not worth anything. He added that he cannot judge what the police officer has
done, but the jury is still out. A life is a life and to belittle that life regardless of what a
person may have done is not right. People deserve to live, he said, and there are
consequences to all things that happen. He added that he is very shocked and
surprised that Councilmember Thomas would go in that direction.
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes August 19, 2014
Councilmember Fincher said she feels the same as Councilmember Boyce. She stated
that there are two different issues and felt that race does have something to do with
this. She said a number of things have come out, but not everything has come out and
we do have to wait. Whether he stole something or not in that situation does not mean
that he should automatically die. That's why there is a justice system and that's why
we have jails for people who steal things and other crimes. The penalty shouldn't be
death. Mr. Brown was one of three young black men killed in police actions this week,
she noted. We are a country that race is still an issue and whether you realize it or not
things from the past still affect us today. He was somebody's child; he was a person,
added Fincher.
Councilmember Ranniger said that is why she brought this up. It points out that we
still have work to do, we are all responsible and need to work together to work
through the issues that still plague our country, she said.
Councilmember Thomas said he apologizes if Councilmember Boyce or Councilmember
Fincher felt as if he was making light of someone's life. That is the furthest thing from
my mind, he said. He stated that this is very premature and we have only seen one
side of the scale so far. He said he would join Councilmember Ranniger if at some
point in time this young man is found out to be innocent. He felt the whole story needs
to be revealed and felt the Council is premature in honoring someone before the whole
truth is discovered. He added that if Mr. Brown is proven innocent after the stories are
investigated he will gladly honor him.
Councilmember Higgins commented that it is troubling to see what has been
happening in Missouri and the full story hasn't been revealed. He said he has been
thinking about what can be done here in Kent to have wider open doors and encourage
communications. He noted that Councilmember Ranniger spoke very well about that
and he wants to be a part of that. He added that the Kent Police Department cares
about the community and they are invested in it. He said what he sees in Missouri is
L80 degrees different than what he sees here in the Kent Police Department. He said
he hopes everyone reaches out and talks to one another going forward.
Councilmember Ranniger stated that the issue is not the whole story, but that there is
work still to be done. She stated that there has been some good work done here in
Kent, but there is a lot more to do and it involves all of us. It will take reaching out to
this richly diverse community and making sure all of us feel safe.
Mayor Cooke stated that the issue relating to Mr. Brown parallels to an event that
occurred in our own community. She communicated that we are in a day and age
where the world has come to Kent. She stated that those that were born and raised in
this City have a whole new City and it behooves each of us, no matter what age,
profession, or beliefs to have respectful conversations with our neighbors of different
races, religions, ethnicities, and orientations. Our future dearly relies on these types of
conversations to learn from each other. She stated that this Michael Brown case
involves the police and our Kent Department trains on understand those differences.
She communicated that Missouri is a far away in miles and in many ways far away
from Kent in mindset. She noted that Kent has come much further in these types of
conversations thanks to the leadership of the Council and those in the community
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2014
willing to have them. She asked everyone to be conscious of their actions, not rush Co
judgment towards others, and be courageous in future conversations with our
neighbors.
Mayor Cooke led the Council in a moment of silence to encourage open conversations
with our neighbors.
Councilmember Higgins recognized three Kent residents who have made an impact in
our community. He noted that one has moved to the Spokane area and the other two
are moving to West Seattle shortly. He noted that Tom Hinkle has been very active in
the Green Kent program and appreciated all of his work to make Kent parks better. He
also thanked and bid farewell to Paul and Holly Seim who lived in the Mill Creek
neighborhood who have been very active in procuring a quiet zone in downtown Kent.
Councilmember Ranniger departed the meeting at 7:24 p.m.
B. Community Events -Council President Ralph reminded everyone that school
starts next week and asked drivers to watch out for children on their way to school.
Councilmember Fincher discussed the Experience Historical Kent event last week and
stated it went well. She thanked the Mill Creek homes that opened for everyone.
Mayor Cooke invited the public to the Wilson Playfields Turf Replacement Celebration
which is scheduled for September 6 at 10 a.m.
C. Proclamation for Gay Pride Day -Mayor Cooke presented the Gay Pride Day
proclamation to Wade Schwartz and proclaimed September 14 as Gay Pride Day in the
City of Kent.
C2. Proclamation for Trinity Community Church -Mayor Cooke stated that Trinity
Community Church is celebrating over 50 years of reaching out to the community and
are having their first ever evangelical conference this week.
D. Public Safety Report -Police Chief Ken Thomas noted that this past month there
have been some very serious events that surrounded police actions. He stated that
four of the five officers that were involved in the Kent shooting have made it back to
work and the final officer is still healing. He communicated that the Kent Police
Department takes all issues in policing seriously. He added that he has read a lessons
learned document which communicates what could be done better or differently. He
said whenever there is a loss of life it is a tragedy. He discussed diversity in the
community and at their Friday trainings every one of his officers gets refreshers on
how to work in this diverse community. He noted that he shared the main points of a
national executive research forum lessons learned document with his staff. He noted
these main points consisted of before the major incident occurs, have a previous
relationship with the community and transparent communication. He noted that in
Missouri there was no information released for five days and when protests occurred it
was met with force.
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August 191 2014
Chief Thomas highlighted crime statistics stated that the number of vehicle thefts in
Kent hasn't increased or decreased. He reported that residential burglaries have
declined. Specifically, noted there was one person arrested who committed four
different types of burglaries. Commercial burglaries are also trending down, so are
vehicle prowls, he said. He noted that robberies have increased and it may be
attributed to kids robbing from each other. Based on this, he said the numbers may
not sufficiently represent the activity in the City. He announced that the City of Kent
Police Department will be highlighted in a documentary for its community policing by
the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Additionally, he stated that all seven
of the defendants from the La Raza Kent Car Show shooting in 2011 have been
convicted. He concluded and discussed the City's partnership with the Seattle
Seahawks for the Alive and Free Grant program.
E. Intergovernmental Reports -Council President Ralph thanked Police Chief Ken
Thomas, the Police Department, and the community for the communication and
relationship building that occurs here in Kent, which will be instrumental in allowing us
to find the truth should a bad situation occur. She noted that anytime anything
negative happens there tends to be a rush to judgment, which is not fair to anyone.
The facts need to be uncovered first, she explained. She said she attended the
Watershed Ecosystem Forum on Thursday at Renton City Hall. There was discussion
about ecosystem restoration projects, specifically the Boeing Levee and ongoing
discussions with the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) and U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers on the design of that project, including the integration of flood control
and recreation. There also was discussion about salmon habitat and the
recommendations the watershed forum is making to the KCFCD as a part of the
System wide Improvement Framework which looks at the Green River as a whole.
Additionally, there was a presentation given by the King Conservation District
concerning what they are doing about food resources, salmon habitat, and farms in
this community. The next meeting of the forum is in November.
Councilmember Higgins reported on the Sound Cities Association Board of Directors
and said there hasn't been a meeting since his last Council meeting. He communicated
that there is a Regional Transit Ad Hoc Committee meeting on August 28 and they
have been pointing out the need for better data from King County Metro and the
failure of the Metro proposition. He noted that the committee feels the reason it failed
is because people don't trust the data they are receiving from Metro. He noted that
they will be coming up with recommendations at their next meeting on Thursday.
Councilmember Higgins also gave a report on the Association of Washington Cities
(AWC) Ad Hoc Rail Committee and announced they are meeting in Olympia on August
29.
Councilmember Boyce noted that Sound Cities Association took August off and will be
meeting in September.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC COMMENT
August 19, 2014
1. Michael Keyes, Auburn - Keyes discussed short plat expirations. He stated that he
has had a short plat in place in Kent and during the economic downturn the
engineering firm he hired for the short plat went out of business. Based on this, he
stated he had to get the engineering documents recreated and the plat term has run
out. He asked the Council to extend short plat limits to fall in line with King County and
state.
2. Kim Chapman, Kent -Chapman communicated that she called 911 on July 31 for a
ride to her doctor's office. She said she is speaking for equality and diversity. She
communicated that there should be an option for the police or fire department to take
people to doctor appointments. She noted that she will be boycotting cities when
things aren't right.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council President Ralph moved to approve Consent Calendar Items A through
M, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried &0.
A. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Workshops -Approve. The minutes of the
workshop and regular Council meeting of August 5, 2014 were approved.
B. Payment of Bills -Approve. Payment of the bills received through June 30 and
paid on June 30 after auditing by the Operations Committee on August 5, 2014.
Checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
6/30/14 Wire Transfers 5909 - 5922 $1,636,905.59
6/30/14 Regular Checks 683949 - 684351 $5,115,074.28
Void Checks $0.00
5/30/14 Use Tax Payable $708.52
$617521688.39
Payment of the bills received through July 15 and paid on July 15 after auditing by the
Operations Committee on August 5, 2014.
Checks issued for vouchers:
Date Check Numbers Amount
7/15/14 Wire Transfers 5923 - 5939
7/15/14 Regular Checks 684352 - 684725
Void Checks
7/15/14 Use Tax Payable
$1,997,153.09
$3,095,008.96
$0.00
$1,835.51
$51093,997.56
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Checks issued for payroll for June 16 through June 30 and paid on July 3, 2014.
Date Check Numbers Amount
7/3/2014 Checks 335796 - 335953 $90,379.73
Voids and Reissues
7/3/2014 Advices 331007 - 331656 $1,270,271.18
$113601650.91
Checks issued for payroll for July 1 through July 15 and paid on July 18, 2014:
Date Check Numbers Amount
7/18/2014 Checks 335954 - 336118 $99,880.60
Voids and Reissues
7/18/2014 Advices 331657 - 332317 $1,285,744.30
$1,385,624.90
C. Kina County Sheriff's Office Reaistered Sex Offender Grant -Accept. The
Mayor was authorized to accept the 2014-2015 Registered Sex Offender Grant from
the King County Sheriffs Office in the amount of $54,567.88 for officer overtime costs
associated with registered sex offenders, amend the budget, authorize expenditures in
accordance with the grant terms, and execute any required documents, subject to fina
terms and conditions acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney.
D. Consolidating Budget Adjustment Ordinance for Second Quarter 2014 —
Adopt. The Mayor moved to Adopt Ordinance No. 4119, approving the consolidating
budget adjustment ordinance for adjustments made between April 1, 2014 and June
30, 2014, reflecting an overall budget increase of $1,670,964.
E. Latecomer Sewer Connection Charge Agreement -Authorize. The Mayor
moved to authorize the Public Works Department to establish a sanitary sewer
connection charge for property along the west side of 124t" Avenue SE between SE
248t" St. and SE 252"d Street subject to terms and conditions approved by the City
Attorney and Public Works Director.
F. Public Works Aareement with Dunkin &Bush, Inc. for Cleaning Water Tank
Exterior -Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign a Public Works Agreement
with Dunkin &Bush, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $28,470.00 for exterior tank
cleaning at the 3.5 million gallon reservoir, subject to final terms and conditions
acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director.
G. Consultant Services Aareement with Environmental Science Associates -
Approve. The Mayor was authorized to sign a Consultant Services Agreement with
Environmental Science Associates in an amount not to exceed $45,200 for
environmental services needed to update the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) subject to
final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Public Works Director.
H. Consultant Services Agreement with GeoEngineers, Inc. for Geological
hazard Areas -Approve. The Mayor was authorized to sign a consultant services
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August 19, 2014
agreement with GeoEngineers, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $19,901 for
environmental services needed to update the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), subject
to terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and the Public Works Director,
I. Interagency Agreement with Washington Department %R Enterprise Services
for LED Street Light Replacement Grant — Authorize. The Mayor was authorized
to sign a an interagency agreement for up to $64,000 with Washington Department of
Enterprise Services (DES) and select and Energy Services Company from the DES list
to complete an investment grade audit and assist with the application of an Energy
Efficiency and Solar Grant, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City
Attorney and Public Works Director.
J. Local Option Capital Asset Lending Program for LED Street Light
Replacement - Authorize. The Mayor was authorized to sign all applicable
documents to apply for a Washington State Local Option Capital Asset Lending loan,
not to exceed $3,000,000, for the purpose of replacing City -owned high pressure
sodium street lights with LED lights, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to
the City Attorney and Public Works Director.
K. Consultant Services Agreement with GeoEngineers, Inc. for Kentview
Sanitary Sewer Interceptor — Approve. The Mayor was authorized to sign a
consultant services agreement with GeoEngineers, Inc. in an amount not to exceed
$57,843 for materials testing and inspection services related to the Kentview Sanitary
Sewer Interceptor project, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City
Attorney and Public Works Director.
L. Kent Valley Loop Trails Master Plan Resolution -Adopt. The Mayor was
authorized to Adopt Resolution No. ].897, approving the Kent Valley Loop Trails Master
Plan.
M. Green River Corridor District Zoning Code Amendment, Ordinance -Adopt.
The Mayor was authorized to adopt Ordinance No. 4120 amending the zoning code to
eliminate the Green River Corridor District height restriction and add G&MU to the
building length exception as recommended by the Land Use and Planning Board,
OTHER BUSINESS
A. Economic Development Plan, Resolution —Approve. Ben Wolters, Economic
and Community Development Director discussed the Economic Development Plan. He
stated that the plan was created to foster the growth of the City. He noted that the
purpose of the plan is to serve as a comprehensive playbook of strategies for economic
growth for the next five to ten years. He noted that the first phase of this began in
2011 when Community Attributes utilized a variety of quantitative and qualitative
methods to develop a baseline and analyze retail, employment, demographic, real
estate and industry trends. Phase II draws from and expands upon the themes, goals
and priorities outlined in Phase I of Kent's Economic Development Plan to articulate a
robust playbook of specific strategies and action steps which are supported by case
studies and examples across the country for economic growth in Kent, he said. Wolters
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August 19, 2014
gave a brief overview of the 112 action steps, each of the six strategies, and the plan
implementation and coordination section of the Plan.
Councillilember Boyce moved to adopt Resolution No. 1896, the final
Economic Development Plan for the City of Kent as prepared by Community
Attributes International, seconded by Councilmember Berrios.
Councilmember Boyce communicated that the Council has spent countless hours
looking at this and it is a road map with a lot of good data. He highlighted the City's
growth over the last 124 years and said this document will continue to showcase Kent.
He thanked the team for this and stated that this is a lot of work. This is an awesome
job with metrics and checkpoints to ensure progress is made every six months, he
said, concluding that it is the best plan he has seen in a long time.
Councilmember Higgins agreed with Councilmember Boyce's comments. He noted that
each item is discreet and easily understandable. He appreciated all the work of the
staff, community, and business community.
A vote was taken on the motion on the table. Motion carried 6-0.
B. Riverbend Surplus Property Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendments,
Ordinances — Adopt. Erin George, Senior Planner discussed the two ordinances. She
noted that the Economic and Community Development Committee recommended the
ordinance to the Council by a unanimous vote of 3-0 for the area to be rezoned to
General Commercial Mixed Use and the City staff also recommends approval of this for
this area. If these ordinances are adopted, she highlighted that the site will allow for a
variety of retail and office and multi -family residential with five percent commercial.
She stated that the next step is to issue a request for proposal and this will lead to a
development agreement for the Council to consider.
Councilmember Boyce moved to adopt Ordinance Nos. 4121 and 4122,
approving a Comprehensive Plan land use map designation of MU, Mixed Use
and a zoning designation of GC -MU, General Commercial Mixed Use for the
Riverbend Surplus Property as recommended by the Land Use and Planning
Board, seconded by Councilmember Higgins.
Councilmember Boyce discussed the motion and noted that the Council is still open to
suggestions and ideas for the property. However, the City has to address the debt and
as the City moves forward, if a proposal comes out which covers the debt the City will
be open to it.
A vote was taken on the motion on the table. Motion carried 6-0.
C. Kent Station Release -Approve. Tom Brubaker, City Attorney communicated
that ten years ago the City approved all the documents for the Kent Station Project
and there were four phases. He noted that Kent Station LLC (through its parent
company is in the process of refinancing two of the three developed phases on the four
phase Kent Station site. This removes the memorandum from the County's property
records, as it applies to the three completed phases on the Kent Station development.
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
August 191 2014
He further explained that the memorandum is simply a document that communicates
that the agreements exist.
Councilmember Berrios inquired if there was any risk in doing this and Brubaker
replied that he checked with outside counsel and the Planning Department which
doesn't feel there will be any risk. Brubaker explained that this only releases City and
Kent Station from the memorandum that was recorded with King County, not from the
agreements.
Councilmember Higgins asked why memorandums are placed with the agreements and
Brubaker communicated that there were concerns and this provided some checks and
balances. He concluded that Kent Station has executed on their promises.
Councilmember Higgins inquired about the phase that isn't complete and Brubaker
replied that this provides notice to banks they wish to borrow from or any party that
may take interest in the development in its final phase.
Councilmember Boyce moved to authorize the Mayor to sign a release relating
to the purchase agreement and the development agreement for the
completed phase of the Kent Station Project, subject to terms and conditions
acceptable to the City Attorney, seconded by Councilmember Berrios. Motion
carried 6=0.
BIDS
None.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Council President. Council President Ralph noted that the King Conservation
District (KCD) presented their 2015 Program of Work to the Council at the workshop.
She highlighted KCD's six priorities. She also announced that there was a reception for
the City's new Finance Director Aaron BeMiller and Chief Administrative Officer Derek
Matheson.
B. Mayor• Mayor Cooke discussed working on the 2015 - 2016 Budget and on
reaching an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concerning the
environmental restoration project on the Boeing Levee. She noted that the City
responded to the Corps on Friday and continues to try to weave in the City's obligation
to the public in having received that property along the Green River to make certain it
is maintained for public recreation use. She stated it is difficult to blend habitat
restoration with public recreation. Mayor Cooke announced that "The Platform"
apartment complex is open and there are 176 units to lease with a large waiting list.
Mayor Cooke also highlighted the Sister Cities from Norway and Japan visited Kent this
past month. She spoke about the exchange program and recommended it to the
public. She announced the sale of the Grandview property on Veterans Drive and
stated the revenues from the sale will be applied towards the City's unstructured debt.
Kent City Council Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2014
C. Administration, Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson thanked the City for
the reception and noted that he has a great first week. There will be a ten-minute
executive session as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b).
D. Economic &Community Development Committee. Councilmember Boyce
communicated that the report is in the minutes. He added that Wilson Playfields was
renovated under budget. He welcomed CAO Matheson and his wife.
E. Operations Committee. No report.
F. Parks and Human Services Committee. Councilmember Higgins communicated
that the August meeting is cancelled.
G. Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Berrios thanked the Police Chief for
what they are doing and being recognized nationally. He said the Mayor, Council, and
City staff is doing a great job reaching out to the community. He noted that outreach
is important.
H. Public Works Committee. Councilmember Higgins noted that the report was in
the minutes.
I. Regional Fire Authority No report.
RECESS
At 8:41 p.m. Mayor Cooke called for a three minute recess.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:44 p.m., Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting and 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. Pro erty Acquisition, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(bZ
Jeff Watling, Parks and Human Service Director discussed the surplusing of "Old Fire
Station" located on West Hill and undeveloped 9,000 square foot parcel. The property
was appraised at $72,000 and put on the market at that price. Sound Built Homes has
given the City a full price offer.
Councilmember Fincher moved to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary
documents to complete the sale of the Old Fire Station" property located at
3536 South 252"d Street to Sound Build Northwest, LLC for $72,000 subject to
the approval of the final terms and conditions by the City Attorney and the
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August 19, 2014
Parks and Human Services Director, seconded by Counciimember Higgins.
Motion carried 6=0.
Mayor Cooke clared that there was never a physical fire station on this property. It
was just what the property has been called over the years, she said.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Ronald F.'
City Clerk
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