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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Regular Minutes - 10/06/2015 .'I I KENT RENT�� WASHINGTON Kent City Council Workshop Minutes October 6, 2015 The workshop meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m. by Council President Ralph. Councilmembers present: Ralph, Boyce, Fincher, Higgins, and Thomas. Budget Baseline Discussion — Finance Director Aaron BeMiller discussed the Questions/Requests log and confirmed that the Council had a copy of the Capital Improvement Fund. BeMiller reviewed the specific baseline budget adjustments to the 2016 Adopted Budget. Council President Ralph noted that a conversation concerning the 2018 Cadillac Tax will be on a future Council workshop agenda. Councilmember Boyce confirmed with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jeff Watling that the City needs to notify the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) that the City has a local match on the Lake Meridian Park project and when the project is completed. Councilmember Thomas confirmed that if the $0.50 fire benefit charge was to fail, the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) governance board could put a measure to the voters to levy additional funds, thus reducing the City's property tax share. Council President Ralph communicated that the Council noted that the Street Fund has been paying the debt service on the 2008 bonds. However, Parks would now be paying about $50,000 per year for ten years into the Street Fund. Council President Ralph confirmed with BeMiller that there would be about $2.5 million in reserves at the end of 2016 which would address any emergency needs. Public Works Director, Tim LaPorte communicated the City's Capital budget additions which included a quieter zone study, Meeker Street design, a Public Works Asset Management System (street portion), the Naden/Willis intersection, fiber conduit on South Central Avenue, and 132"d Avenue pedestrian improvements. Councilmember Higgins verified that the conduit may increase the ability to install the flashing yellow lights in the downtown core. He also confirmed with LaPorte that the widening of 277th along Central Avenue is scheduled for next year in Auburn. Watling reviewed the 2008 bond proceeds that are being reallocated to Parks and noted that this involves $1 million going to the Lake Meridian dock project. He discussed the use of the REET2 fund balance for the Hogan Park at Russell Road Park field conversion and the YMCA/Morrill Meadows expansion project. Kent City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Information Technology Director Mike Carrington highlighted the funding for IT capital projects, the document routing system, and the website content management system. He specifically discussed which software systems the City needs to update or replace. BeMiller reviewed, in detail, the Capital Improvement Fund, to include general capital and Parks REET2 capital. "Meet Me on Meeker" Project — Hayley Bonsteel, Long Range Planner/GIS Coordinator communicated the results of the project and highlighted what properties were included in the scope. She noted that staff interviewed all businesses located along Meeker and what the consensus was amongst them. She noted that there were workshops conducted, and highlighted some of the potential impactful options for redesign along Meeker. She reviewed the conclusions that resulted from the workshops and how the City could proceed in the future. She noted that the City owns 40 acres along Meeker Street and it is an exciting opportunity for the City. Councilmember Fincher added that lighting among Meeker is a concern, to which Bonsteel verified that pedestrian scale lighting is not located along most of Meeker. Councilmember Ranniger verified with Economic and Community Development Director Ben Wolters that $150,000 is budgeted for the design and that $500,000 is budgeted for any match grant funds. Wolters also noted that the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) has grant funds and funds under "Complete Streets" that are available. He added that there are funds through the Puget Sound Regional Council and grant opportunities concerning bicycling. Councilmember Boyce encouraged the other Councilmembers to walk Meeker Street from the golf course to downtown Kent. He stated that he is encouraged by this and is excited for the future. Councilmember Higgins encouraged more short term work such as keeping the overpass on Meeker clean, increase litter patrols, etc. Councilmember Thomas reviewed parking concerns, lighting, and pedestrians. He said the Kent Downtown Partnership is working on a plan for the Meeker overpass. Council President Ralph said she walked Meeker and noted that the workshop went well. She added that there are some low cost things that can be done now to improve Meeker Street and is looking forward to this in the future. Meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m. .p Ronald F oo e IMC City Clem 2 1 1 40 KENT XENI�� WASH 1 N O T O N Kent City Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 2015 The regular meeting of the Kent City Council was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Cooke. Councilmembers present: Ralph, Fincher, Higgins, Ranniger and Thomas. Councilmembers Berrios and Boyce were excused. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA FROM COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OR STAFF. Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson stated that agenda item 7C is an excused absence for Councilmember Higgins for the September 29 special Council meeting. He also suggested adding item 70, an excused absence for Councilmember Boyce for tonight's meeting and an Executive Session regarding litigation. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS A. Historical Note from Kent's 125th Anniversary - Dennis Higgins, Kent Councilmember and Board of Trustees member for the Greater Kent Historical Society presented "Meridian", highlighting the former community that was located on East Hill in the late 1800's. B. Public Recognition - Councilmember Fincher thanked the Greater Kent Historical Society for the presentation that occurred at their annual fundraising dinner last weekend concerning "Military Road." Mayor Cooke announced that the City of Kent Employee of the Month for the month of October was Mark Hendrickson from the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. She highlighted the many events that Mark is responsible for in the City. C. Proclamation for Re Leaf 2015 at Clark Lake Park - Mayor Cooke presented the Re Leaf 2015 at Clark Lake Park proclamation to Victoria Andrews, Special Programs Manager, Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Andrews noted that the event is on October 10, 2015 and it involves removing invasive species from the park and planting acceptable vegetation. D. Proclamation for Arbor Day 2015 - Mayor Cooke presented the Arbor Day 2015 proclamation to Victoria Andrews who noted that the City's Arbor Day event will be held on October 17, 2015 at Riverview Park where 125 trees will be planted. E. Proclamation for World Homeless Day - Mayor Cooke read and presented the World Homeless Day proclamation to Patricia Gray, Chair of the KentHOPE Board and Rhonda Tilbert. Mayor Cooke proclaimed October 10, 2015 as World Homeless Day in the City of Kent. F. Appointment of Members to the Bicycle Advisory Board - Mayor Cooke announced her appointments to the Bicycle Advisory Board. She introduced proposed members Scott Taylor, Kyle Applebury, Andrew Sobczyk, Christopher Varo and Steven Kent City Council Meeting Minutes Plank. Each of the appointees introduced themselves and communicated why they were interested in being on the Bicycle Advisory Board. G. Community Events - Council President Ralph highlighted the Spotlight Series including the artists that will be performing and when. She announced that the Thunderbirds won last Saturday and that tickets are available on the ShoWare Center website, with the next home game being October 10. She noted the Tacoma Stars indoor soccer team has their first game on Friday, November 6. There are limited tickets available for Disney on Ice's "Frozen", and the radio station The WOLF's "Hometown Country Christmas" will also be at the ShoWare Center. H. Economic and Community Development Report - Economic and Community Development Director Ben Wolters presented his report. He highlighted a ranking from WalletHub.com which reported that the City of Kent is the 7t" Fastest Growing Mid-Size City in the United States. He communicated the metrics that were used and stated that they rated the industrial market in the City as "very hot." He noted that Big League Edge, The Great American Bagel, Brook Furniture Rental, Provail, and Seattle's Favorite Gourmet Cookies and Dessert Company are companies that have moved into Kent just recently. He noted that the Washington Technology Industry is having their small business event at CenterPointe on October 20. Additionally, he stated that they are working on the "Made in Kent" campaign with Green River College marketing students. He discussed the Chateau Meridian development and the rising home values. Councilmember Thomas noted that Renton was sixth in the small city category. I. Intergovernmental Reports - Council President Ralph communicated that there was a Regional Law Safety and Justice Committee meeting that took place at ValleyCom. Technology in the courtroom and a way to streamline the ticketing process in King County were both discussed. There was also an update on the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network. Councilmember Higgins noted that the Regional Transportation Committee met in September and looked at the King County Metro Strategic Plan, including what alternative services could be available here in Kent and South King County. He noted that there were also discussions around the opening of the Husky Stadium Link Station. He said he inquired as to why something like this couldn't be done in the Midway or Highline area in South King County to provide better service in the neighborhoods. He noted that the Sound Cities Association is meeting on the October 21 with a networking dinner occurring on October 28. Councilmember Fincher stated that she attended a meeting with the President of Liberia where they discussed Ebola and their efforts on working with the United States on economic development in Liberia. Mayor Cooke added that the Ambassador of Liberia has requested follow-up with the Liberian community and the City of Kent to see if there is a partnership that can be made. 2 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Toni Troutner, Kent - Troutner expressed concerns about homelessness. She noted that she is involved in the Kent Severe Weather Shelter and discussed the specifics of the facility. 2. Gwen Allen-Carston, Kent - Allen-Carston thanked the Mayor for her service and her willingness to meet with her. She thanked Senator Joe Fain for his assistance in obtaining funds for the YMCA, and the Code Enforcement staff and for their help in the past. She thanked Police Chief Thomas for the Community Task Force and having it available to the residents. She thanked Councilmember Higgins for his assistance on the repairs on 109t" Street and inquired about future work on the retention pond there. CONSENT CALENDAR Council President Ralph moved to approve Consent Calendar items A through O, seconded by Councilmember Thomas. Motion carried 5-0. A. Approval of the Minutes - Approve. The minutes of the workshop and regular council meeting of September 15, 2015 were approved. B. Excused Absence for Councilmember Jim Berrios - Approve. The Council approved an excused absence for Councilmember Berrios as he is unable to attend the City Council meeting of October 6, 2015. C. Excused Absence for Councilmember Higgins - Approve. The Council approved an excused absence for Councilmember Higgins as he was unable to attend the special meeting of September 29, 2015. D. 2015 Paint Line Striping - Accept as Complete. The Mayor was authorized to accept the 2015 Paint Line Striping project as complete and release retainage to Apply-A-Line, Inc. upon receipt of standard releases from the state and the release of any liens. E. 2015 Vehicle Detector Loops - Accept as Complete. The Mayor was authorized to accept the 2015 Vehicle Detector Loops project as complete and release retainage to Pioneer Cable Contractors, Inc. upon receipt of standard releases from the state and the release of any liens. F. James Street Bicycle Path (Green River Trail to Interurban Trail) Grant - Authorize. The Public Works Director was authorized to return to the Puget Sound Regional Council the $221,750 grant for the James Street Bicycle Corridor project subject. G. 2016 Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment - Set Second Public Hearing Date. (No action required) 3 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes H. 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan - Set Second Public Hearing Date. (No action required) I. Comprehensive Plan/Capital Facilities Element Amendment and Update to Kent City Code Chapter 12.13 School Impact Fees - Set Public Hearing Date. (No action required) J. 2015 Tax Levy for 2016 Budget - Set Public Hearing Date. (No action required) K. Appointment of Members to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board - Approve. The Council confirmed the appointments of Scott Taylor, Kyle Applebury, Andrew Sobczyk, Christopher Varo and Steven Plank to the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board for two year terms. L. Resolution Adopting Countywide Planning Policy Amendments, School Siting Process - Adopt. Resolution No. 1915 was adopted, ratifying the amendments to the King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) to outline a process for school districts and jurisdictions to work together to identify future school sites within the Urban Growth Area. M. Ordinance Adopting the International Property Maintenance Code - Adopt. Ordinance No. 4170 was adopted, amending title 14 of the Kent City Code to adopt the 2012 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code together with the City's local amendments. N. Re-lamping Project at Kent Memorial Park and Hogan Fields - Accept as Complete. The Mayor was authorized to accept as complete, the re-lamping projects at Kent Memorial Park and Hogan Fields with Eastside Electrical. OTHER BUSINESS BIDS REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES, STAFF AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES A. Council President. - Council President Ralph noted that the workshop discussion was on the 2016 Biennial Budget. She added that the second topic was on "Meet Me on Meeker" which looks at the development possibilities available on Meeker Street from the golf course through downtown Kent. She said that they discussed parking, walking conditions, lighting, and funding. B. Mayor. - Mayor Cooke communicated that some of the City staff and Councilmember Berrios attended a Public Innovators Lab Guide which provided a tool kit on how to better engage with the community. She noted that the staff who attended the presentation have briefed her and want to incorporate it into the City's policies. Mayor Cooke also communicated that in the proposed budget there is an item to utilize the banked property tax. This means a homeowner with a house valued at 4 Kent City Council Meeting Minutes $300,000 would pay $20.00 per year, not per month. Additionally, if your property is valued at less than $300,000 the assessment would be lower. C. Chief Administrative Officer. - Chief Administrative Officer Derek Matheson noted that there is a large amount of public property on Meeker Street and he noted that the B&O funds have been used to pave asphalt paths for pedestrians. This, he said, saves trees and allows for safer conditions when vehicles are travelling 40 miles per hour on Meeker. He added that the CAO report is in the packet and there is an executive session for ten minutes concerning pending litigation, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)(c). D. Economic & Community Development Committee. - No report. E. Operations Committee. - No report. J. Parks and Human Services Committee. - Councilmember Ranniger communicated that the next meeting is Thursday, October 22 at 5 p.m. G. Public Safety Committee. - Council President Ralph stated that the next meeting is Tuesday, October 13 at 4:30 p.m. H. Public Works Committee. - In the minutes. I. Regional Fire Authority. - Councilmember Thomas highlighted that the next meeting tomorrow night at Station #38 at 5:30 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Pending Litigation, as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)(c). At 8:13 p.m., Mayor Cooke announced that the Council would enter into an Executive Session for ten minutes to discuss pending litigation as per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)(c). At 8:23 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Cooke reconvened the regular meeting. ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION No action. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. � d ®Ronald F. bore, C e 5