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Kent City Council Workshop Minutes
June 16, 2015
The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:02 pm by Council President Ralph.
Councilmembers present: Ralph, Berrios, Fincher, Higgins, and Thomas.
Bond Refunding) Opportunities — Aaron BeMiller highlighted what bond refunding is
and explained the reasons why it occurs. He noted that the main reason bonds are
refunded is to save money, and then he presented an example of a bond that has
been refunded. He explained how the process works. He added that this will be
brought to the Council in the coming weeks and discussed the specifics of each of the
City's current bonds.
Councilmember Ranniger arrived at 5:10 p.m.
BeMiller stated that the bonds would be discussed in the coming years and presented
the bond refunding timeline. He also stated that Finance is working on the statement
and ordinance. He stated that the proposed legislation will be brought to Operations
on July 21 and to the Council on August 4.
Code Enforcement — Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director
introduced Doug Garrett, Code Enforcement Officer. Garrett reviewed code
enforcement procedures in the City of Kent.
Victoria Robbin, Assistant City Attorney explained the steps involved with the
Voluntary Correction Agreement and noted that it is an agreement between the City
and the violato. She highlighted the entire enforcement process including what would
occur if the violator attempts to ignore the City. She noted that the court system can
be utilized by the City to solve difficult code enforcement cases. She then noted that if
the property owner continues to defy the legal system, the City can sue to place the
home in foreclosure and take possession of the property. She communicated that the
City cannot enter someone's property unless granted permission by the owner or with
a warrant from the courts. She highlighted that there are also issues with prioritizing
which cases to move forward with.
Council President Ralph verified that if a new owner purchases a foreclosed property
they would need to go through the eviction process to remove tenants.
Robbins communicated that when a code enforcement case turns into a criminal case
the police are brought up to speed and a criminal investigation is started by the
officer assigned to the case.
Councilmember Thomas confirmed that the Department of Public Health is not notified
of garbage service or active biological matter piling up.
Kent City Council Workshop Minutes
Pat Fitzpatrick communicated that in previous cases when the Department of Public
Health has been notified they have pushed the problem back onto the City.
Councilmember Berrios inquired if the City is ever going to be able to be in the first
position on liens. He said the City has no leverage when it comes to liens and Robbins
replied that RCW 35.80 allows the City to, through the adoption of a City ordinance,
recoup funds from violators that don't adhere to code enforcement through the sale or
foreclosure of the property.
Wolters stated that if the Council adopts this legislation the City will be able to obtain
funds from the sale or foreclosure of non-compliant properties.
Councilmember Fincher thanked Doug and Matt for their work. She noted examples of
code enforcement cases and stated that applying some extra pressure to get owners
to sell their property or begin the foreclosure process is important.
Wolters noted that the City averages one property clean up per year and there is only
$22,000 in the abatement fund, which is a limited amount to do the work.
Councilmember Berrios noted that the Council has a duty to the residents of Kent to
do everything it can on this. He asked if there was a way to educate the citizens on
the municipal code. He noted that some of them are unaware of the simple codes. He
added that there should be friendly code reminders attached to the bills.
Wolters introduced Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Programs Coordinator who
communicated that she established an interdepartmental difficult properties group
that discusses properties with code enforcement issues. She discussed specific cases
and how the City is working to dissolve departmental silos in order to solve some of
these problems. She added that Robbins was brought to Neighborhood Council
meetings to present code enforcement issues and that the communities should be
better educated.
Wolters added that it comes down to community education and discussing the
municipal code in the neighborhood meetings.
Councilmember Thomas inquired if the word "unhealthy" could be added to the
language of the proposed ordinance and Robbins responded that it couldn't and the
correct terms should be "unfit for human habitation".
Wolters reviewed a slide of the cases that have been opened and closed over a six
month period. He noted that code enforcement handles 1,200 cases per year and the
abatement fund has been increased to about $100,000 for 2015. He added that there
are discussions to change it into a revolving fund with the adoption of the proposed
ordinance.
Council President Ralph inquired if the City has any liability on abandoned properties
and Fitzpatrick confirmed that it didn't.
2
Kent City Council Workshop Minutes
Wolters communicated that the department is also looking at adopting portions of the
international property maintenance code because it explains the notification letter and
strengthens the City's stance. Finally, he noted that there could be a Rental Housing
Inspection Program run by the City. It will allow the City to inspect rental properties
for public safety and health issues. He added that it would help the City maintain a
common community standard and become familiar with the property owners. He
noted that the inspection can be done by the City or the property owner can hire an
inspector.
Councilmember Fincher noted that the Rental Housing Inspection Program sounds like
a good idea. Garrett replied to Councilmember Fincher and stated that the
international property maintenance code makes the rules simple to understand.
Councilmember Thomas inquired if there is an expectation on how long a property
owner can take to build a house. Garrett replied that there aren't any codes that
address that.
Councilmember Higgins asked if the City is doing a responsible job with the number of
staff in the code enforcement department. He said he would like to know what the
budget and code enforcement department staff sizes are of peer cities. He added that
he would like to also see a financial amount determined when it comes to the
education piece.
Councilmember Berrios communicated that he doesn't know all the codes, but he can
look at something and know when it's wrong. He concurred with the staffing piece
brought up by Councilmember Higgins and suggested investigating other cities to see
what is working when it comes to code enforcement.
Meeting adjourned at 6:33 pm.
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Tenants Union of Washington State
5425 B Rainier Avenue South•Seattle,WA 98118
Admin:206-722-6848• Fax: 206-725-3527
10 www.tenantsunion.org•Tenant Hotline: 206-723-0500
What is Just Cause and the ASK for potential community members and organizations.
Outside of the Seattle city limits, there is no `Just Cause' protection for tenants, and landlords
can ask tenants on a month to month tenancy to vacate with only 20 days written notice. The
Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (JCEO) requires a landlord to have just cause reasons to
terminate tenancy or evict month-to-month or other periodic tenants (tenants who pay rent
weekly or twice a month). There are no protections for tenants whose tenancy ends when the
lease ends unless otherwise stated in the lease, it would be imperative to add a supporting
clause to add term lease tenants to those protected with JCEO as well.
A Just Cause Eviction Ordinance would still permit landlords to evict tenants who fail to pay rent
or violate their lease and would clearly define for both landlords and tenants about what other
"causes" are allowable to evict. As a public policy tool `Just Cause' promotes fair housing
practices, improves health and safety by protecting tenants who seek building improvements,
and prevent homelessness by limiting arbitrary terminations.
Carol Anne Maiers a tenant from the city of Kent, contacted the Tenants Union of Washington in
late 2014 regarding this very issue, she was looking for some guidance and information
regarding the current laws on evictions and notices to terminate tenancies, along with ways to
increase tenant protections for folks living outside the city of Seattle. In her work she has able to
connect a handful of supporting members who believe in the same mission including; a handful
of other tenants from her building, Jose Camacho from the Tenants Union, Rory O'Sullivan from
the King County Bar Association, City of Kent Council Members Brenda Fincher and Dennis
Higgins and Kent Community Leaders including Reverend Jimmy James.
Today, I am asking if you would like to join us in our discussions about the adoption of a Just
Cause Eviction Ordinance in the City of Kent and adding vital tenant protections for those within
our community. We are currently in the beginning stages and are evaluating what resources we
have within the community. To date, we have been meeting on a bi-weekly basis and have had
about 4 meetings; those who are interested in working towards this goal have been reaching out
to other community organizations much like yours to gather tenant data and stories to help
illustrate the need for the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.
This movement has steamed from current tenant leaders who face this very issue of no cause
evictions and will be continue to be a tenant led initiative, we believe that empowerment-based
education will allow for tenants to learn their rights and take action to resolve housing problems.
IF YES: What date works best for you? Monday June 29th or Tuesday June 30th.
What time works best for you? 3PM -4PM - 5PM
The location will be determined in the following days, but will most likely be near Kent City Hall.
For more information contact Jose Camacho of the Tenants Union at josec@tenantsunion.org
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: This document and any attachments are for the sole use of the
intended recipient(s). This communication and attachments may contain privileged or confidential
information. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of this communication by someone other than
the intended recipient is prohibited.
ECONOMIC and COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
PLANNING DIVISION
Charlene Anderson, AICP, Planning Manager
KENT KENS��
Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
A Project Permit Application has been filed with City of Kent Planning Services on
March 5, 2015 (SEPA checklist received June 9, 2015). Following is a description of
the application and the process for review. The application and listed studies may
be reviewed at the offices of Kent Planning Services, 400 W. Gowe Street, Kent,
WA.
DATE OF NOTICE OF APPLICATION: June 19, 2015
APPLICATION NUMBER: SP-2015-2/KIVA #RPSS-2150619
ENV-2015-3 / KIVA #RPSW-2151959
APPLICATION NAME: MULTANI SHORT PLAT
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The applicant proposes to subdivide a 1.39 acre parcel into 6 single family
residential lots. The existing single family house, detached garage and barn will be
demolished. All lots will take access from a new private road connecting directly to
132nd Avenue Southeast. There is a stream located in the southwest corner of the
property that will be placed in a sensitive area tract for protection.
ZONING: SR-4.5, Single Family Residential
PROJECT LOCATION: 25303 132"d Ave SE
King County parcel number 2122059127
PERMIT APPLICATION DATE: March 5, 2015
(SEPA checklist received June 9, 2015)
COMPLETENESS DATE: March 5, 2015
STUDIES SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATON:
Preliminary Technical Information Report prepared by CG Engineering Inc., dated
March 4, 2015; and Critical Area Report prepared by Sewall Wetland Consulting
Inc., dated November 5, 2014.
OTHER PERMITS AND PLANS WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED:
Civil Construction Permit, Final Short Plat, building permits for the new homes
Notice of Application
Multani Short Plat
SP-2015-2, KIVA #RPSS-2150619
ENV-2015-3, KIVA #RPSW-2151959
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: June 19, 2015 to July 6, 2015
All persons may comment on this application. Comments must be in writing and
received in Kent Planning Services by 4:30 P.M., Monday, July 6, 2015 at 220 4tn
Avenue South, Kent WA 98032. For questions regarding this project, please contact
Erin George, Senior Planner, at (253) 856-5454. Any person wishing to become a
party of record shall include in their comments that they wish to receive notice of
and participate in any hearings and request a copy of decisions once made. A party
of record may appeal the decision on this application by filing a complete appeal
application within 14 calendar days of the date of decision. Any person requiring a
disability accommodation should contact the City in advance for more information.
For TDD relay service, call 1-800-833-6388 (hearing impaired) or 1-800-833-6385
(Braille) or the City of Kent at 253-856-5725.
TENTATIVE MEETING:
A public meeting is tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6,
2015. This public meeting will be held in the Planning Services Conference Room at
400 West Gowe Street, Kent, WA 98032. Please be advised this meeting date is
subject to change. Please call to verify time and date at least a week
before the scheduled meeting. If you have any questions, please call Erin
George, Kent Planning Services, at 253-856-5454.
STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY AND LIST OF APPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS:
This project is subject to and shall be consistent with the Kent City Code, Zoning
Code, Kent Design and Construction Standards, Surface Water Design Manual,
International Building Code and International Fire Code.
APPLICANT NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
Paul Multani, 9524 S. 2371h Pl., Kent, WA 98031 (206) 501-6467
EG\al \S:\Permit\Plan\NOA\2015\2150619noa.doc
Page 2 of 2
SE 132nd STREET
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MULTANI CUSTOM HOMES LLC (206.501.6467) DATE 03/03/15 SHE
9524 S 237th Place PROJECT N0. 15021.20
ENGINEERING KENT, WA 98031 PARCEL NO. 212205-9127 SCALE
250 4TH AVE.5., SURE 200 TITLE DRAWN BY ZOS ®c EDMONDS,WASHINGiON 98020 MULTANI SHORT PLAT CHECKED BY TLS
PHONE (425) 778-850O
FAX(425)7-/8-5536 SIMPLIFIED DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVED BY TLS
PLOT DATE 3 4 15 FILE WME C0.5