Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-1996 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 12, 1996 Medina City Hall 7:00 PM 501 Evergreen Point Rd. CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Medina City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Taylor. The meeting was tape recorded. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Daniel Becker, Lynn Benz, Ray Cory, Thomas Morgan, Susan Potts, Grahame Ross, and Mayor Dewey Taylor City Staff Present: City Manager Papke, Police Chief Race, Public Works Superintendent Weigle, City Clerk Edvalson, City Engineer Hill, City Attorney Wines MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Councilmember Cory moved the approval of the minutes for the meeting of January 8, 1996. Councilmember Potts seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. ANNOUNCEMENTS City Manager Papke requested that the City Council add an item to the Discussion Section of the meeting to provide an update on the landslide that occurred on 74th PL NE on 2/8/96. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Paul Demetriades, 2254 Evergreen Point Road, addressed the Council referencing a letter addressed to the Mayor and Council dated 1/10/96 concerning the clear -cutting of trees on 24th NE. He noted that he had spoken to Public Works Superintendent Weigle on the issue and asked for an update. Public Works Superintendent Weigle responded that she had reached an agreement with Puget Power that the utility would neither trim nor cut any trees within Medina until authority to cut or trim trees in the right-of-way is resolved. Discussions continue in an effort to establish reasonable standards for allowing Puget Power to maintain their lines without cutting down trees arbitrarily. City Manager Papke noted that the City's ordinance does allow Puget Power to cut and trim trees in the City's right-of-way. Councilmember Morgan commented that he felt the more important issue was that in the instance of the trees on 24th NE, the property owner apparently used Puget Power as a means to circumvent the City's ordinance on tree removal. City Manager Papke voiced a hope that better communications between the City and Puget Power would prevent future occurrences. Bill Hague, 842 84th Avenue NE, addressed the Council concerning a sexual offender living in his neighborhood. He asked that the Council publish specific information and a photograph in the Medina Newsletter so that individual citizens are not forced to disclose their identity to obtain the information. He asked what affirmative steps the Council will take to protect the hundreds of children that live in the neighborhood. Medina City Council Minutes February 12, 1996 Page 2 Mayor Taylor asked City Attorney Wines to comment on legal constraints to the City's actions in publishing information related to sexual offenders. City Attorney Wines outlined some of the history behind the Sexual Predator Statute, which allows for the release of information regarding sexual offenders to be provided to law enforcement agencies. He also reviewed the Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chief's WASPC) policy on community notification. The policy recommends public release of information based on a rating of threat to the community by the offender. City Manager Papke noted that Medina appears to be the first city to release information on an offender who has been given the lowest rating of threat to the community. Steve Hiller, 8431 Ridge Road; John Novick, 405 84th Avenue NE; Laurel Preston, 7640 NE 32nd Street; and Ellen Conklin, 8605 NE 5th, all spoke in favor of publishing the information in the Medina Newsletter. City Manager Papke announced that she would modify the administrative policy requiring identifying information on release of public information. She stated that staff would no longer require completion of a form to obtain available information on registered sexual offenders. After extended discussion by the Council regarding dissemination of information and community education, Police Chief Joe Race informed the Council that action had been taken to include components in the DARE program, bike rodeo, and other youth programs relative to personal safety. He suggested that the police department would be willing to hold a personal safety session at City Hall for all those youth who don't attend Medina Schools or participate in the mentioned programs. Mayor Taylor asked Bill Hague to head a citizen committee to study practical things that can be done as a community to help ensure the safety of children. City Attorney Wines will continue to investigate the legal possibilities for action by the City. Bob Rudolph, 1455 Evergreen Point Road, provided information to the City Council regarding the ongoing efforts by the Port of Seattle to add a third runway to SeaTac airport. He reported on the existence of an independent panel charged with reviewing the Port's,efforts to reduce noise impacts since 1993. He asked the City Council to endorse a letter to the independent panel opposing the addition of the third runway until Medina sees real mitigation of aircraft noise. Councilmember Cory moved that the Council approve the letter. Councilmember Morgan seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. Dr. Steve Guyton, 7404 NE 18th Street, spoke to the Council to provide an update on a situation regarding air pollution in the community. He reported that both he and his wife had undergone procedures to document the occurrence of various metals within their lungs. He stated that those same metals had been found in air samples taken from within their home. He stated that it was very important that the Council adopt legislation to deal with long term construction within Medina. He said that he would share the reports with the Council as soon as copies could be obtained. Dr. Sigrid Guyton, 7404 NE 18th Street, also addressed the Council on the above topic. Kay Mighel, housekeeper and friend to the Guyton's, expressed concern for the Guyton's situation. Thornton Thomas, 3335 Evergreen Point Road, complained of the noise levels from racing boats on the lake. He invited Police Chief Race to use his property which fronts on the lake to monitor noise levels. Police Chief Race encouraged people to call 9-1-1, who would in turn contact the Mercer Island Marine Patrol to respond to noise complaints. Councilmember Morgan asked Mr. Thomas if he was bothered much by personal water craft, or jet skis. Mr. Thomas responded that he is more greatly bothered by the racing boats. Medina City Council Minutes February 12, 1996 Page 3 At the conclusion of the public comments, Councilmembers Ross and Morgan asked questions of the Guyton's to further understand their concerns. DISCUSSION TRAFFIC ENGINEER EVALUATION - 77th AVE. NE Mayor Taylor asked City Manager Papke to summarize the traffic engineer's report. She explained that the report reviewed actions that could be taken to reduce speeds along 77th Ave. NE, but that without further information the engineer was unable to identify a need to implement any of the proposed measures. Walter Scott, 2022 77th Ave. NE, said that the report implies more study is required. He said that the speed problem along the street is not a new problem, it has been complained of for years. The timing of the engineer's evaluation may be at fault for not providing supporting evidence for corrective measures. The residents' concern is that further study will delay action through another summer season of higher speeds. The neighborhood group favors a solution that is the most effective, cost effective and creates the least continuing threat to public safety. Karen Scott, 2022 77th Ave. NE, asked that the Council consider the petition that was previously submitted and do what was asked by implementing speed bumps and signs to help slow down the traffic. Wilma Edmonds, 7721 NE 24th Street, reminded the Council that 77th Ave. NE was designed in such a way that it encourages speeding. She said that the street should not be considered the same as every other street in Medina. The City Council entered into a lengthy discussion of the issue. Walter Scott, Wilma Edmonds and Laurie Breskern, 2102 77th Ave. NE asked questions of the Council and made suggestions for remedies to reduce speeding. Mayor Taylor recommended to the rest of the Council that the City implement a series of the least radical modifications possible and monitor the performance. The initial step would include signage and continued police enforcement of speed limits. The second step, if required, would add narrowing the roadway. Councilmember Cory offered to put an article in the Overlake Country Club newsletter asking club members to avoid using the street or to reduce their speeds to the posted limits. Councilmember Becker suggested that signs indicating enforcement by radar be added to the street. Councilmember Morgan summed up the Council direction. Signs are to read residential street, speed-- radar enforced. The action was accepted by common consent of the Council. Various Councilmembers expressed concern over the quality of the engineering report. It was concluded that Mayor Taylor would speak with the consultant about the Council's concerns. UPDATE ON MUD SLIDE OF FEBRUARY 8, 1996 City Manager Papke provided an overview of the events associated with a mud slide occurring February 8, 1996 on 74th PL NE. She stated that the continuing rains triggered about 120 cubic yards of earth to slide, narrowly missing a passing vehicle. City Engineer Hill provided a brief explanation of the soil mechanics associated with the cause of the slide. He stated that the slide was stabilized and the roadway open. The slide was being monitored for any further movement. He recommended that the City not take corrective action at this point without careful evaluation. He further recommended taking advantage of the drier summer months to begin construction. City Manager Papke noted that staff would be prepared to make recommendations for a course of action at the next Council meeting in March. She also asked the Council if they were in favor of pursing any Federal funds that may become available to assist with Medina City Council Minutes February 12, 1996 Page 4 the costs associated with the mud slide. The Council's consensus was to pursue available funds. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance No. 600 - An ordinance adopting development permit regulations, establishing a time limit for notification regarding permit completeness and establishing a time limit for issuing final permit decisions. Ordinance No. 608 - An ordinance allowing for optional consolidated permit processing, allowing consolidated environmental review with permit processing and providing for open record hearings. Councilmember Cory moved that Ordinances 600 and 608 be tabled to the regular meeting in March. Dan Becker seconded the motion. The motion was approved by common consent. City Manager Papke reminded the Council that postponement of action would require adoption of the ordinances at their March meeting in order to meet the state legislated deadlines of April 1, 1996. FINANCIAL REPORT Councilmember Cory, announced that the Finance Committee had selected Councilmember Morgan as its chairperson. Councilmember Cory continued with a motion to approve the year-end December warrants numbered 9074 through 9099 in the amount of $40,489.31, January warrants 9100 to 9155 in the amount of $410,418.70 and payroll warrants 14538 through 14587 in the amount of $70, 063.74 excluding the ones not used and indicated void. Councilmember Potts seconded the motion. All were in favor. NEW BUSINESS Business Cards and Letterhead for Councilmembers Councilmember Benz noted that she and Councilmember Becker had called on legislators in Olympia. When asked for a card, she had none to offer but her personal card. She asked that the Council approve the printing of City business cards for all Councilmembers. Councilmember Benz also requested that the she be provided with City letterhead to thank the legislators who responded to Council requests for meetings. By common consent, the Council agreed to business cards for all Councilmembers, but refused the use of letterhead by individual Councilmembers. City Manager Papke offered to have staff type the letters and send them out. SR520 Consultant Councilmember Benz asked for an explanation of the reason for City Manager Papke's announcement of a conflict in the selection of the Points Communities SR520 Consultant. City Manager Papke responded that an explanation would be appropriate as a personnel item in executive session. Report for Citizens by SR520 Consultant Mayor Taylor reported that he had spoken with Consultant John Betrozoff about providing City Hall with a report that could be distributed to inquiring citizens detailing the courses of action that were being taken on behalf of the City. Councilmember Becker provided some insight into current events with respect to SR520. Council Visit to SeaTac Control Tower Councilmember Potts reminded the Council that they had been invited to tour the control tower at SeaTac. She felt that a visit by the Council would continue to show interest in current events with the FAA and efforts to reduce jet noise over Medina. Medina City Council Minutes February 12, 1996 Page 5 The Council also set a time frame for a tour of the Gates complex. Eastside Disposal Councilmember Cory asked staff to compare services between Bellevue and Medina. He was concerned that Medina residents may pay more for less service. City Manager Papke indicated that staff would make a comparison of recent rates. Moratorium on Cellular Communication Facilities Councilmember Morgan discussed the possibility of an information session on cellular communication facilities for the Planning Commission and Council. Councilmember Becker suggested that the Council establish a moratorium on cellular sites until the Council could gather information and conduct hearings. He was concerned that with various licenses pending it was important to establish the direction to be taken by the City. Councilmember Cory moved that a moratorium on cellular communication facilities be adopted by resolution for 6 months. Councilmember Becker seconded the motion. All Councilmembers were in favor of the motion. Financial Report Information Councilmember Becker asked why there was a discrepancy between the year end financial report and the budget message in terms of the number of building permits issued last year. City Manager Papke responded that the apparent discrepancy was the result of a difference in reporting procedures. The monthly treasurer's report only counts those permits for which a state fee is collected. The budget message used the figure from the building permit coordinator who tracks not only the permits included in the treasurer's report but many others. Councilmember Becker also asked if the City was subject to a reduction of its mill levy by the collection of building fees in excess of costs to provide the service. City Manager Papke responded that it was not something noted by the State auditor's in their review of Medina. She said the issue had been studied, but did not apply to the City because we do not charge fees in excess of the Uniform Building Code. Public Works Committee Councilmember Becker requested a meeting of the Public Works Committee to better understand the goals of the City's storm water plan. The committee members agreed to select some times and then contact City Manager Papke. EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilmember Cory moved that the Council move into executive session to discuss matters of personnel and potential litigation. Councilmember Ross seconded the motion. With unanimous approval the Council adjourned to executive session at 10:10 PM, anticipating a return to open session at 10:20 PM. ADJOURNMENT The Council reconvened in open session at 10:47 PM. Councilmember Cory moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Ross seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Dewey L. Taylor, Mayor 1,. c yam---- arwood T. Edvalson, City Clerk