HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-1999 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 13, 1999 Medina City Hall
7:00 PM 501 Evergreen Point Rd.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Becker called the regular meeting of the Medina City Council to order at 7: 03
p.m. The meeting was recorded on audiotape.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Suzanne Cohen, Paul Demitriades, Jim Lawrence,
Thomas Morgan, Mary Odermat, Steve Preston and Mayor Daniel
Becker.
Staff Present: City Manager Doug Schulze, City Attorney Kirk Wines, Police Chief
Michael Knapp, City Planner Christine Schwamberger, Public Works
Superintendent Carl Burris and City Clerk Kristen Finnigan.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Becker announced that a mitigation agreement with WSDOT would be
discussed to identify the things that the community would like to see regarding SR-520,
should it be expanded. He stated that EIS scoping was currently in progress. He
explained that the model being followed was that which occurred on Mercer Island in
the mid-70's.
The Mayor reported on the Traffic Study Committee meeting of December 9, 1999. He
said that the primary topic had been congestion on 84th, and that three representatives
from WSDOT had attended that meeting. Mayor Becker stated that the possibility of
limiting access during the evening rush hour, to two person carpool, possibly identifying
Points Community residents with a sticker, had been discussed. He explained that
WSDOT was studying the suggestions and would identify a process that they feel
would need to be followed, should these thoughts be carried forward.
Mayor Becker reported that at the Eastside Transportation Partnership Meeting on
December 10, 1999, it was announced that the Sound Transit Board position opening
up would be going to the Mayor of Kenmore. He stated that there had been a great
deal of consternation relative to that appointment, due to the fact that the Mayor of
Kenmore would be representing the Eastside, with Kenmore being a community of
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December 13, 1999
Page 2
14,000 and not on the Eastside, versus the Eastside communities of Bellevue, Kirkland,
Redmond and the Points Communities, with their combined populations of 200,000.
Mayor Becker stated that King County Executive Ron Sims would be notified of this
displeasure of having no representation from the central eastside area.
Mayor Becker also reported that notification had been received from King County
Executive Sims that the plan for 30% in transit cuts was moving forward. He stated that
Councilmember Morgan would be writing a letter to Executive Sims regarding the City's
displeasure in these cuts.
Mayor Becker reported that he had attended the National League of Cities Meeting in
Los Angeles, and that a matter to be considered would be Medina's participation in this
group. He stated that they do have a small cities forum and that most cities in the area
are members.
The Mayor announced that an Executive Session would be held at the end of the
regular city council meeting and that there would not be a vote after that meeting.
Councilmember Demitriades reported on the new Initiative 710 and another, not yet
named, relative to taxes. Mayor Becker commented that the Legislature was due to
convene on January 10, 2000.
City Manager Schulze announced that the gifts from the Giving Tree would be picked
up and distributed to needy children on Friday, December 17th.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Cohen moved to approve the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes from Regular City Council Meeting of November 8, 1999
B. Minutes from City Council Study Session of November 22, 1999
C. Approval of November 1999 Warrants/Treasurer's Report
Regular Warrants - # 13013 - # 13097
Voided #13016, #13051 & Corrected #912991
$ 120, 761.55
Personnel Warrants - # 16950 - # 17004
Voided #16970 & #16987
$ 96,683.99
Councilmember Demitriades provided a second to the motion. All were in favor.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
Following Mayor Becker's introduction of the City's newest Councilmember Mary
Odermat, City Clerk Finnigan administered the Oath of Office.
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December 13, 1999
Page 3
STAFF REPORTS
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Chief Knapp reported that November 1999 had been an active month, with increased
enforcement actions related to traffic. He explained that the Department had made
preparations for possible disruptions due to the World Trade Organizations Meetings as
well as the upcoming Y2K period of time.
Councilmember Cohen noted that malicious mischief appeared to be up from last
year's total. Police Chief Knapp reported that this year's increase was due to mailbox
destruction, most having been run over. Discussion followed regarding the possibility
of locked mailboxes for the City. City Manager Schulze commented that the Public
Safety Committee was examining this issue.
Mark Marcroft, Supervisor for the Marine Unit for the City of Mercer Island and Jeff
Magnin, civilian full-time Marine Patrol technician from the City of Mercer Island were
present to report on the Mercer Island Marine Patrol, providing a synopsis of how the
past season had gone. He commented that the Marine Patrol's number of hours had
increased in Medina waters, due largely to WTO and special events centered around
the holidays and to the fact that a second boat had been added, on week -ends and
holidays. He stated that it had been a relatively quiet year, but that it had run longer
than in the past. When complimented by Councilmember Morgan for their presence in
Fairweather Bay, Marcroft stated that they had actually had some complaints regarding
too much presence. He stated that they had sent informational letters to every
waterfront resident along Fairweather Bay regarding the buoy and speed expections in
the Bay. Mayor Becker suggested that letters be sent to all residents with 98039 zip
code. He noted that a town meeting had been held earlier in the year, for Medina
residents concerned about tour boats being too near the shore and that the tour boat
operators had cooperated in this regard.
Marcroft was not able to establish the dollar amount needed for patrol services at this
time, due to the effect of 1-695 upon the City of Mercer Island. He said that he hoped to
bring those figures to cities before the season begins.
PARK BOARD REPORT
It was announced that the December Park Board Meeting had been canceled.
PLANNING
City Planner Christine Schwamberger reported that results of her outdoor lighting study
had been presented to the Planning Commission and that they had recommended that
no ordinance be passed at this time. She stated that she would begin administering
variance applications, and their presentation to the Board of Adjustment; and
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December 13, 1999
Page 4
substantial development permit applications, steep slope variances, and conditional
use permits, and their presentation to the Planning Commission.
JET NOISE
Dr. Bob Rudolph, 1455 Evergreen Point Road, the District Representative in the Part
150 Process, presented a report on the jet noise issue, relating the history of the east
turn. He explained that it had been put into place in the late 1970's, with restrictions
placed upon it at that time. He stated that the FAA had estimated that, at that time,
only about 20% of planes could meet restrictions and make the east turn, with the rest
going down the Duwamish corridor. Dr. Rudolph said that over the years, the number
of planes meeting the requirements to make the east turn had increased, with
approximately 70% of the planes on a north flow day taking the east turn, versus 30%
down the Duwamish corridor. Through the use of slides, he displayed flight tracks and
their impact on Medina. Rudolph explained that the Part 150 Study was a federally
mandated program that was required of all ports in the country, if they wished to obtain
federal funding for noise abatement issues. He said that examination of flight tracks
was expressly permitted as part of the 150 process. Rudolph further explained that a
split east turn would reduce flights over Medina by one half.
Councilmember Cohen commented that she felt that at the north end of Evergreen Pt.
Road, arrivals appeared to be worse than departures, due to the fact that there are
more south flow days than north flow days. Dr. Rudolph stated that changing of arrival
stream is not on the table but that in the environmental assessment, it is stated that the
arrivals should be on final course at the University of Washington, and that cutting in
over Medina would not be in accordance with this requirement.
In reporting that he had attended a Mercer Island meeting on December 8, 1999, which
had been sponsored by the City and Council of Mercer Island, Dr. Rudolph said that
Mercer Island had said that they would do everything possible to oppose the split turn.
He stated that the Port of Seattle had emphasized that public input would be very
important. Rudolph said that there would be public hearings and a vote in the spring,
relative to the issue. Discussion followed.
PUBLIC WORKS
In the Public Works Report, Public Works Superintendent Carl Burris reported that the
dry weather was speeding up the completion of the work in Medina Park and ponds.
Burris explained that the maple trees on 7th were being cut due to their advanced age.
Councilmember Morgan brought up the possibility of the sale of the wood, and it was
decided that this would be discussed at a later time.
Clean up of the City's right of ways was discussed. Public Works Superintendent
Burris stated that thirty-five letters had been sent out to residents not in compliance and
that a process was being established to bill those who did not comply ultimately.
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December 13, 1999
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AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Coco McDougal, 7857 NE 121h, was in attendance and reported that she had attended
the meeting held at Mercer Island High School relative to the jet noise issue and that it
was well attended. She stated that her impression was that the residents were well
organized, with committees having been formed and that they wanted no planes over
Mercer Island.
PUBLIC HEARING
FISCAL YEAR 2000 BUDGET
City Manager Schulze stated that changes from the November City Council Meeting
had been incorporated into the 2000 budget. He pointed out that this was a reduction
in the capital projects fund of $50,000, directly from the line item for city facilities, to be
added to the general fund, under professional services. Schulze further stated that,
during the November Study Session, it was requested that $10,000 be added to the
parks budget, for special events.
Schulze stated that the Public Safety Committee had met and discussed the addition of
a FTE clerical position in the Police Department. He said that several different options
were being explored regarding coverage, in conjunction with a part-time position.
Following discussion, it was determined that justification for this FTE position would be
discussed at the next Public Safety Committee Meeting.
Mayor Becker requested clarification of the Bellevue Fire Services Contract charges in
the 2000 budget. City Manager Schulze explained that the figures shown had been
provided prior to passage of 1-695, and that he had not had any suggestion that there
would be a change to those figures in the year 2000. He explained that there were so
many unknowns and legal challenges related to 1-695 that it would be difficult to
ascertain changes at this point. Following discussion it was decided that reserves
would be available to cover any additional costs.
City Manager Schulze explained that the 2000 budget was balanced, as required by
law and that it resulted in a decrease to the 1999 tax rate, but the City was anticipating
an increase in actual property taxes to be collected, from an increase in the assessed
valuation of the City, due to new construction & remodels in the community and actual
increases in valuation of properties. City Manager Schulze explained that the 2000 tax
rate would reflect a decrease from 1.20 to 1.13 per thousand of assessed valuation, for
the City's portion.
Public Works Superintendent Burris stated that he felt that an additional $30,000 would
be needed to carry out street programs and maintenance needs. City Manager
Schulze explained that it was certain that 1999 would end with revenue over expenses
and that after unknowns of projects were determined, a budget amendment could be
done.
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December 13, 1999
Page 6
Ordinance No. 680 — AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR
— THE CITY OF MEDINA, WASHINGTON, FOR THE YEAR 2000, AND
SETTING FORTH IN SUMMARY FORM THE TOTALS OF ESTIMATED
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR EACH SEPARATE FUND AND
THE AGGREGATE TOTALS FOR ALL SUCH FUNDS COMBINED
Councilmember Demitriades moved to approve Ordinance No. 680. Seconded by
Councilmember Morgan, all were in favor of adoption of the Budget for the City of
Medina for 2000.
Ordinance No. 681 — AN ORDINANCE CERTIFYING TO THE
GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF KING COUNTY THE ESTIMATES OF
THE AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR THE YEAR 2000
ON THE ESTIMATED ASSESSED VALUATION OF THE PROPERTY
IN THE CITY AS REQUIRED BY R.C.W. 84.52.020
City Manager Schulze explained that budget Ordinances were required by the RCW's
of the State of Washington. He stated that the expenditures would require property tax
revenues of $1,403,263. Councilmember Morgan moved to approve Ordinance No.
681. The second came from Councilmember Cohen. Approval from the Council was
unanimous.
Resolution No. 269 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MEDINA, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE
City Manager Schulze explained that this Resolution was part of Referendum No. 47
requirements, which state that the taxing jurisdiction is required to report any increases
in a dollar amount and a percentage amount, and that this would go to the State
Auditor and King County, to be used for their tax statements. Concern was expressed
by members of the Council as to the language of the Resolution, as written. The City
Manager questioned whether or not Resolution No. 269 had to be adopted, due to the
fact that Referendum No. 47 did not apply to cities with populations under 10,000. It
was determined that the City Attorney would examine this situation further during a
short recess, beginning at 8:58 p.m. The Council returned to their regular meeting at
9:10 p.m., at which time the City Attorney explained that his opinion was that
Resolution No. 269 did not need to be passed.
Ordinance No. 671 — AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS IN THE CITY
OF MEDINA
Chief Knapp explained that the Police Department's recommendation was for passage
of Ordinance No. 671, for several reasons. He stated that these were ease of
compliance by the community, ease of enforcement for the officers and uniformity of
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December 13, 1999
Page 7
signage. Chief Knapp said that although the history of speed hasn't suggested that it
has contributed to accidents in Medina, safety is still an issue.
Henry Paulman, 1415 80th Avenue NE, commented that he would be directly impacted
by the change in the speed limit and that he would be against such a change.
Councilmember Cohen moved to adopt Ordinance No. 671. Seconded by
Councilmember Demitriades, all were in favor and the Ordinance was adopted.
Ordinance No. 677 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 407,
REGULATING SATELLITE RECEIVING SYSTEMS LARGER THAN 39 INCHES IN
ANY DIMENSION
Ordinance No. 678 — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TELEVISION SATELLITE
RECEIVING SYSTEMS LESS THAN 39 INCHES IN ANY DIMENSION
City Manager Schulze introduced Ordinance Nos. 677 and 678, in their revised
versions, explaining that Ordinance No. 677 was drafted to establish regulations for
satellite receiving systems with dimensions greater than 39". He stated that the Council
had expressed a desire to create a less expensive and efficient method for permitting
satellite receiving systems less than 39" in any dimension. Discussion followed
regarding the increase from 21" to 39" from original drafts of Ordinances, after which it
was decided that both Ordinances would return to the Public Safety Committee for
further review.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance No. 682 — AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PENALTY FOR FAILURE
TO RESPOND TO INFRACTIONS
City Manager Schulze explained that this was a housekeeping ordinance as part of the
transition from the Bellevue District Court to the Kirkland Municipal Court. In a review of
the Ordinances, the Kirkland Court Administrator gave Medina input as to changes that
might be made for uniformity between the cities of Kirkland, Clyde Hill and the Towns of
Hunts Point and Yarrow Point and the City of Medina. He further explained that
Ordinance No 682 was to allow for the maximum fine allowed per RCW for establishing
a penalty for failure to respond to infractions. Moved by Councilmember Cohen and
seconded by Councilmember Demitriades, all were in favor and Ordinance No. 682 was
adopted.
Ordinance No. 684 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 664 AND
MEDINA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4.01.120, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL COURT
SERVICES, TO INCREASE THE FILING FEE AND TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL
FEES
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December 13, 1999
Page 8
City Manager Schulze explained that this ordinance was for the purpose of creating a
uniform fee structure for all cities and towns using Kirkland Municipal Court. He
explained that the City of Kirkland, City of Clyde Hill, Town of Hunts Point and Town of
Yarrow Point had adopted ordinances reflecting the same fees for filing cases,
certifying documents on file, probation services, stop payment on checks, returned
checks, vehicle impound hearings, proof of insurance/administrative dismissals,
electronic home detention, work release programs, day detention and failure to
respond. Councilmember Demitriades moved to adopt Ordinance No. 684. Seconded
by Councilmember Odermat, all were in favor and the Ordinance passed.
Resolution No. 270 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MEDINA,
WASHINGTON, REGARDING A MITIGATION AGREEMENT FOR PROPOSED
EXPANSION OF SR-520.
Mayor Becker noted that a page was missing from the copy of Resolution No. 270, and
it was then provided to the Council for discussion. It was determined that a change be
made to Section 1 (e), changing "current' to "best' and "natural'. Moved by
Councilmember Morgan and seconded by Councilmember Preston, Resolution No. 27C
was adopted. It was decided that a letter should be transmitted, along with the
Resolution, to WSDOT and copied to legislators and other Points Cities and Towns.
Mayor Becker indicated that preliminary discussions had already been held with
WSDOT and that they were interested in developing this mitigation agreement but that
negotiations for doing so were a long way off.
DISCUSSION
ETP (Eastside Transportation Program) Interlocal Agreement
A copy of this agreement, relative to multi -jurisdictional transportation planning, was not
available for the meeting. Mayor Becker stated that this agreement could be brought to
the January City Council Meeting.
ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing) Interlocal Agreement
City Manager Schulze explained that at a meeting in the spring of 1999, the City had
been approached by the Executive Director of ARCH, to join the existing communities
as members of ARCH, which would mean participation in funding of their operational or
administrative budget as well as participation in their parity fund, which is actually the
fund used to build affordable housing. He stated that, as a result of the Growth
Management Act, the City of Medina had some goals to meet to create affordable
housing and due to the fact that land is so expensive in the area, it would be difficult to
create affordable housing, other options had to be explored. He said that through
ARCH, the City would be able to get credit for housing created in other communities, as
long as it is within the region. Medina had proposed joining as a separate community
and the executive board of ARCH did come back with a proposal that Medina could do
so, sharing in the administrative budget costs, distributed according to the dollar
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December 13, 1999
Page 9
amount that smaller communities pay. He said that costs of $6,390 would be
distributed among the Points communities. He said that the Councilmember's packets
contained three different items that required action; a) the Interlocal Agreement; b)
the First Amendment to the First Amended Interlocal Agreement; and c) the Second
Amendment to the First Amended Interlocal Agreement. Councilmember Morgan
moved to approve the ARCH Interlocal Agreement. Seconded by Councilmember
Demitriades, all were in favor and the Agreement was adopted.
City Manager Schulze explained that the intent of the second amendment was to allow
two seats on the Executive Board to the Points Community. He said that Jeanne Berry
would fill one seat and he would fill the other.
DISCUSSION REGARDING BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENT
Mayor Becker stated that he had sent out a memo with the application of Miles Adam
as his recommendation for the opening created by Mary Odermat's departure from the
Planning Commission. All were in favor of the appointment.
COMMITTEES
Council Committees were set for the year 2000:
Finance - Cohen, Lawrence, Preston
Personnel - Demitriades, Lawrence, Odermat
Public Safety - Demitriades, Cohen, Morgan
Public Works - Morgan, Preston, Odermat
R-16 - Becker, Morgan, Preston and
(from Planning Commission) Nelson & Nunn
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Becker related that he had talked to AWC in Los Angeles regarding the cellular
issue and he questioned whether the legislation, which was due to be dropped, was
favorable to local zoning. City Attorney Wines stated that overall the language was
unimproved. He indicated that there was a great deal of support from other cities in the
area that are upset that the industry had given up on agreements that had been
reached last year.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 10:12 p.m., and under authority of RCW 42.30.140 4, and RCW 42.30.110,
Mayor Becker announced that the Council would hold an executive session to
discuss personnel issues and matters of potential litigation.
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December 13, 1999
Page 10
REGULAR MEETING
The Council reconvened their regular meeting at 11:26 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned the meeting at 11:26 p.m. by common consent.
Daniel F. Becker, Mayor
Attest:,
risten FinniganXity Clerk