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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council - Regular Minutes - 07/20/2021 Pending Approval Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Date: July 20, 2021 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE Mayor Ralph called the meeting to order. 2. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Dana Ralph Mayor Present Toni Troutner Council President Present Bill Boyce Councilmember Present Brenda Fincher Councilmember Present Satwinder Kaur Councilmember Present Marli Larimer Councilmember Present Les Thomas Councilmember Present Zandria Michaud Councilmember Present 3. AGENDA APPROVAL Chief Administrative Officer, Derek Matheson added item 11.A "Executive Session to review the performance of a public employee pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)." A. I move to approve the agenda as amended. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Toni Troutner, Council President SECONDER: Les Thomas, Councilmember AYES: Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud 4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Public Recognition Mayor Ralph expressed her pride in Blue Origin's historic space trip today and expressed appreciation for the work they do in the community, especially their participation in the STEM program. 1. Proclamation for National Night Out Mayor Ralph presented the proclamation for National Night Out to Police Community Education Coordinators, Sara Wood and Stacy Judd. Judd indicated that National Night Out encourages neighbors to get together Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Kent, Washington Page 2 of 7 to get to know each other and it contributes to preventing crime. Wood advised that there are already 30 events registered and she invited the public to register up until July 28th. Visit Kentwa.gov/nno. B. Community Events Council President Troutner invited the public to attend upcoming concerts at Morrill Meadows Park, the Kent Station and Lake Meridian Park. The Kent market at Kent Station runs Wednesdays from 4-8:30 p.m. July 27th there will be a Coffee with the Chief at Naya’s Café starting at 8 a.m. C. Public Safety Report Chief Rafael Padilla presented the public safety report that included the recent swearing in of Corrections Officer Fabiano Landi. Chief Padilla presented Fred Meyer Asset Protection Manager, Michael Haffner with the Chief's Citizen Commendation Award for his intervention to help officers get a suspect quickly and safely under arrest. Chief Padilla proudly announced the promotions of Scott Rankin to Commander and Corey Eaton to Sergeant. For the recent Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief's State accreditation, Corrections came through the onsite inspection without any deficiencies. Chief acknowledged the work of Assistant Chief Kasner, Commander McCuistion and Sergeant Armstrong for leading the process. Chief Padilla reviewed the Fourth of July incident details and advised of the continued decreased each year since 2017 - the first year the Fireworks ban was effective. Chief Padilla talked about challenges the department is facing relating to hiring and retention of officers and went into the amount of time it takes the recruiting office to conduct background investigations on potential recruits. The Police Department is working on removing barriers and are seeing an increase in diverse candidates. Chief Padilla reviewed the current staffing levels and compared them locally and nationally. Chief Padilla responded to council’s questions about the possible impact the co-response models would have on policing. Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Kent, Washington Page 3 of 7 Chief Padilla discussed issues with retention than include officers voluntarily leaving the state and retirements. 30% of Kent’s patrol officer staffing is leaving this year. Chief Padilla indicated inadequate staffing will lead to: • Significantly longer response times • High amounts of mandated overtime • Less and less proactive and preventative community policing • Increase in crime Chief Padilla provided examples of what he is hearing from officers during their exit interview on why they are leaving. Chief Padilla plans on continuing to show new recruits that Kent is the place to be and will focus on supporting the officers that decide to stay in Kent. Chief Padilla reviewed the statewide crime report by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and compared Kent’s crime numbers 2019 vs. 2020. New laws - what you need to know Chief Padilla welcomed the public to view the four videos he and Mayor Ralph recorded discussing the new laws relating to policing and what you need to know. Visit Kentwa.gov/police and click on the Kent PD way link. Chief Padilla closed by extending an invitation to join him during the Coffee with the Chief on July 27th at 8 a.m. at Naya’s Café - 20038 68th Avenue South, Kent 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL AND STAFF A. Mayor Ralph's Report Mayor Ralph serves as the Chair of the Transportation Policy Board that recently heard a presentation on transit safety targets required by the federal government and discussed revenue forecasts and budgeting for infrastructure and regional projects. The Project Selection Task Force is researching criteria used to select regional projects for grant funding and continuing to discuss ensuring equity is built into the process. Mayor Ralph serves on the South County Area Transportation Board that received an update on Sound Transit projects that were also covered by Kelly Peterson during today’s workshop. Mayor Ralph serves as the vice-chair on the King County Flood Control District Board that recently discussed budget and funding for levy projects. The Board discussed the Flood Control District seeking opportunities for Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Kent, Washington Page 4 of 7 multi-modal projects. On July 23rd, the mass vaccination site at the accesso ShoWare Center will close. The site was open for six months and administered 118,000 doses. Mayor Ralph is proud of the partnership with King County and the Department of Health. B. Chief Administrative Officer's Report Matheson announced that on July 19th, the Kent Commons, Kent Senior Activity Center and ground floors of City buildings reopened to the public. Matheson thanked staff for all of their work to ensure a smooth reopening. Matheson's report is included in today's agenda packet and there is an executive session that is expected to last 30 minutes with no action when the Council reconvenes. C. Councilmembers' Reports Council President Trounter provided a brief recap of today's workshop presentations: Quarterly update on Sound Transit - Federal Way Link Extension project and downtown Sounder garage and Public Records Requests 101. Councilmember Michaud serves on the Kent Human Services Commission that recently discussed the equitable grant making report from the consultant that came up with six pillars, recommendations and strategies to ensure the grant making process is more equitable: 1. Develop a shorter, more access, easier to understand application 2. Build a Human Services Strategic Plan that is easier to read. 3. Encourage authentic engagement that builds trust and spreads awareness 4. Culturally-relevant participate based technical assistance 5. Culturally dynamic application process 6. Reboot of City’s website Michaud expressed her pride in the Human Services staff and commission and the work they are doing to ensure funds are distributed in an equitable way. Councilmember Kaur serves as the Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council that heard a presentation on wildfires and suggested people visit Map.ps.cleanair.org for information on current air quality. Kaur attended the K4C Curriculum Design Lab that focused on climate change, civic engagement and equity. Attendees included middle and high school students and staff. The group wants to engage their peers into civic Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Kent, Washington Page 5 of 7 engagement, climate change and sustainability. Councilmember Larimer serves on the King County Ageing and Disability committee that discussed the Long Term Care Trust Act and also considered next steps and signing a letter of support. The Committee also discussed the Area Plan for 2020-2023 for South King County. This is a federal plan with four pillars that drive how ageing and disability services are funded and the programmatic distribution of services throughout the region. The plan is updated every two years. This year, there will be a fifth pillar in response to Covid and the pandemics. The current plan includes supporting healthy ageing, enhanced well-being during ageing, maximizing independence and partnering with native tribes. Councilmember Boyce serves as the Vice Chair of the Public Issues Committee that is working to ensure all members have a voice in the conversation. Councilmember Thomas serves on the PSRFA Governance Board that will hold an Open House at station 74 on July 24th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 253- 856-4300 for details on the upcoming board meeting on July 21 st at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Fincher serves as the Chair of the King Conservation District that is in the process of interviewing for the executive director position. Board will make hiring decision next week. Fincher serves on the Kent Arts Commission and advised the finalists for the traffic signal boxes presented their artwork that was approved. Fincher advised the art gallery in the City Hall Centennial Center is open to the public. Fincher invited the public to attend the upcoming summer concerts on Wednesdays. 6. PUBLIC HEARING None 7. PUBLIC COMMENT T.J. Peterson, a resident of Kent requested the Council enact tenant protections. Cliff Cawthon, resident of Kent conveyed concerns about public safety and encouraged the Council to adopt King County’s tenant protections. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Kent, Washington Page 6 of 7 I move to approve Consent Items A-E. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Toni Troutner, Council President SECONDER: Les Thomas, Councilmember AYES: Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud A. Approval of Minutes 1. Council Workshop - Workshop Regular Meeting - Jul 6, 2021 5:00 PM 2. City Council Meeting - City Council Regular Meeting - Jul 6, 2021 7:00 PM 3. Committee of the Whole - Committee of the Whole - Regular Meeting - Jul 13, 2021 4:00 PM B. Payment of Bills - Authorize MOTION: I move to authorize the payment of bills received through 6/30/21 and paid on 6/30/21 and authorize the checks issued for payroll 6/16/21-6/30/21 and paid on 7/2/21, all audited by the Committee of the Whole on 7/13/21. C. Franchise Ordinance with Olympic Pipeline Company - Adopt MOTION: I move to adopt Ordinance No. 4407, granting a non- exclusive 10-year franchise agreement with Olympic Pipe Line Company to construct, operate, maintain, remove, replace, and repair their pipeline facilities. D. Ordinance Repealing Chapter 8.02 KCC - "Single-Use Plastic and Carryout Bags" - Adopt MOTION: I move to adopt Ordinance No. 4408, repealing chapter 8.02 KCC entitled “Single-Use Plastic and Carryout Bags” which is now preempted by chapter 70A.530 RCW. E. Resolution Ratifying Council Action Taken During COVID-19- Related Suspension of Portions of OPMA - Adopt MOTION: I move to adopt Resolution No 2029, ratifying all actions taken by the city council during remote meetings scheduled and held in good faith compliance with the governor’s various emergency orders that suspended portions of Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. 9. OTHER BUSINESS None. 10. BIDS Kent City Council City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 20, 2021 Kent, Washington Page 7 of 7 A. Fourth Avenue and Willis Street Landscape Bid - Award Parks Planning and Development Manager, Terry Jungman provided an overview of the Fourth Avenue and Willis Street Landscape Bid and recommended award to OMA Construction. MOTION: I move to award the Fourth Avenue and Willis Street Landscape project to OMA Construction in the amount of $1,230,999.47 (including Washington State Sales Tax), and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents, subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the City Attorney and Park Director. RESULT: AWARD [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Satwinder Kaur, Councilmember SECONDER: Marli Larimer, Councilmember AYES: Troutner, Boyce, Fincher, Kaur, Larimer, Thomas, Michaud 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:25 p.m., Council went into executive session At 8:55 p.m., executive session was extended for an additional 30 minutes At 9:25 p.m., Council reconvened into regular session 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ralph adjourned the meeting. Meeting ended at 9:25 p.m. Kimberley A. Komoto City Clerk CITY OF KENTPOLICE DEPARTMENT Aggressively Fighting Crime while Serving with Compassion NEW CORRECTIONS OFFICERCorrections Officer Fabiano Landi CITIZEN COMMENDATOINFred Meyer Asset Protection Manager Michael Haffner Commander Scott RankinPROMOTION Sergeant Corey EatonPROMOTION JAIL ACCREDITATIONState Accreditation 4TH OF JULY 4thof July Year to Year Increase/Decrease: 2021 = 358 Fireworks Incidents = 6.5% decrease from prior year 2020 = 383 Fireworks Incidents = 56% increase from prior year 2019 = 245 Fireworks Incidents = 17.5% decrease from prior year 2018 = 297 Fireworks Incidents = 31% decrease from prior year 2017 = 430 Fireworks Incidents –First year the Fireworks Ban was effective (Prior years unavailable –information no longer held in CAD) 911 CALLS –4THOF JULY Hiring / RetentionHiring and Retention APPLICATIONSPolice Candidate Applications 2018 -Current APPLICATIONS/BACKGROUNDS/HIRES •We are trending to be 37% below last year and 52% below 2019 •Entry Level Background Investigation = 55 hours on average •Lateral Level Background Investigation = 60 hours on average Applications vs. Backgrounds vs. Hires YEAR NUMBER OF CANDIDATES BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS OFFICERS HIRED RATIO OF BACKGROUND TO HIRE 2018 496 327 27 1 in 12 2019 636 317 15 1 in 21 2020 478 310 7 1 in 44 2021 to date 152 102 6 1 in 17 CURRENT STAFFINGCURRENT STAFFING LEVELS •153 Officers on duty now (minus those on injury/medical leave, academy, or FTO) out of 160 Officers allotted •195 Officers allotted to be average of comparable cities •Current staffing = 1.15 Officers per 1000 residents •State average = 1.19, down from 1.24 last year •2.4 Officers per 1000 residents is the national average. (Source: FBI Police Employee Data 2019) •Washington State ranks 51st –last in the nation for per capita staffing levels •Kent Officers continue to handle the highest amount of emergency calls per officer in the region RENTENTION ISSUESRetention Issues •8 officers are retiring in 2021 (average less than 3 in prior years •13 officers are known to be voluntarily leaving the state (average less than 1 in prior years) •Represents 30% of our patrol officer staffing is leaving this year •Police Executive Research Forum National Trend -5% decrease in police applications -18% increase in voluntary resignations -45% increase in retirements IMPACTSImpacts •Significantly longer response times •High amounts of mandated overtime •Less and less proactive and preventative community policing •Increase in crime WHY?Why are Officers Leaving? •Frustration with the lack of accountability for violent and repeat offenders •They got in this profession to help people and stop criminals •New state laws strongly discourages preventative community policing and exposes officers to unreasonable risk and liability •They can easily move to other states and not have these issues that negatively impact them and their families •Not a KPD thing WASPCStatewide Crime Report The full report can be found at waspc.org/crime-statistics-reports STATE TRNEDSStatewide Trends 2019 vs 2020 •Overall crimes against persons was down 4.7% (DV) •Murder up 47% •Manslaughter up 100% •Fraud up 131% (Unemployment Fraud) •Assaults on LE up 6.2% •Hate crimes down 16.3% KENT NUMBERSKent Crime Numbers 2019 vs 2020 •Murder is up 200% •Aggravated Assault is up 37.6% (includes shootings) •Simple Assault down 11.6% (includes DV) •Human Trafficking Offenses up 137% •Robbery down 24% •Burglary up 43.8% •Vehicle Theft up 19% NEW LAWS New Laws –What you need to Know www.kentwa.gov/police and click on The Kent PD Way link COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF QUESTIONS?