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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2000 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES September 11, 2000 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 7:00 p.m. The meeting was recorded on audiotape. ROLL CALL Present: Council Members Paul Demitriades, Jim Lawrence, Thomas Morgan, Steve Preston and Mayor Daniel Becker Absent: Council Members Suzanne Cohen and Mary Odermat Staff Present: City Manager Doug Schulze, City Attorney Kirk Wines, Police Chief Michael Knapp, Public Works Superintendent Carl Burris, City Planning Director Jenny Schultz, and Interim City Clerk Caroll Wedlund. ANNOUNCEMENTS On behalf of the City Council, Council Member Morgan presented former City Clerk Kris Finnigan with a gift as a gesture of their appreciation for her services. Mayor Becker announced that the City had received notification that the Seattle Port Commission had asked Federal Aviation Administration representatives to review greater use of the Duwamish corridor, and that this study was to be completed within 90 days. He suggested that a letter be sent from the City Manager expressing concern, as a study of this nature could not reasonably be completed in less than a year. City Manager Schulze noted that the Trans -lake Washington ProjectTechnical Committee would meet on Wednesday, September 13, 2000 at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. Mayor Becker added that the Executive Committee meeting would be held on September 28, 2000. Council Member Demitriades indicated that Will Stelle, Northwest Regional Administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), had tendered his resignation and would join a law firm on October 2, 2000. He also reported possession of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which had been combined with a draft Environmental Impact Statement. Council Member Demitriades noted that responses were due by October 20, 2000, and that the City of Medina should comment, as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan was an important planning document. Council Member Demitriades added that he would have comments to include in the City's response regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. He indicated that citizens were welcome to read the two -volume Plan and to submit comments as well. Council Member Morgan declared that Council Member Cohen had requested that he relay during her absence at tonight's meeting, her concerns about the difficult traffic situation in Medina. He suggested that the three school principals be contacted, in an effort to reduce the impact of traffic at 84'h Avenue NE and NE 121h Street. Mayor Becker added that construction activities were also blocking traffic on Evergreen Point Road. Council Member Lawrence agreed that traffic congestion had become a lot worse. City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 2 Council Member Lawrence pointed out that the Medina Grocery property looked quite over -crowded with all of the vehicles parked on it. City Manager Schulze stated that the Medina Grocery property was an agenda item for the Public Safety meeting to be held on Thursday, September 14, 2000. DISCUSSION City Manager Schulze indicated that City Planning Director Schultz would contact the Medina Grocery property owner about the vehicles parked on that parcel. He added that installation of 30-minute parking signs might help to address the construction parking on the City right-of-way surrounding the Medina Grocery and in front of the post office. City Manager Schulze noted that nothing else had occurred since his meeting with the Medina Grocery property owner a week earlier, adding that she was thinking of operating the store, but was also investigating costs associated with conducting such a business. Council Member Lawrence mentioned that the Medina Grocery dumpsters were still being used, even though it was no longer in operation and that there was an old tire on the property. Planning Director Schultz pointed out that removing the vehicles on that property might help to alleviate the trash problem, but she would also discuss this issue with the property owner. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Morgan moved, seconded by Council Member Demitriades, to approve the consent agenda. All were in favor. A. Minutes from Regular City Council Meeting of August 14, 2000 B. Approval of July, 2000 Warrants/Treasurer's Report Regular Warrants - #14050 - 14171 $380,100.31 Personnel Warrants - #17466 - 17531 $141,621,36 STAFF REPORTS PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT Police Chief Knapp reported that a resident's home had been invaded recently, and cautioned those present that residences should be locked and the alarm activated. He emphasized that home invasion was the worst kind of burglary, and that it was very dangerous. Chief Knapp suggested that the alarm should always be turned on during the evenings as well. Chief Knapp noted that the opening of school had increased the traffic flow in Medina. He continued that thanks to state and federal grants, police officers were on duty for an hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Chief Knapp emphasized that the officers were doing their best to quell the traffic congestion. He noted that moving large objects of art exacerbated the situation, pointing out that the Department had had as many as three officers assisting with moving the wide load from its demarcation point at the Medina Elementary School to the home. Chief Knapp added that the property owner for this art project had received a bill for over $1,400.00 for the police officers' time. City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 3 Chief Knapp related that the City had tried on an ad -hoc basis to handle the parking situation in Medina. He added that the City Manager had proposed some solutions to alleviate the parking problem at the Medina Store and at the post office. Chief Knapp emphasized that the Police Department had increased speeding enforcement during August. He mentioned that the new vehicle speed -reader board had been placed on NE 12th Street west of St. Thomas, on NE 8th Street in front of Medina Elementary School, and on Evergreen Point Road. Turning to the issue of identity theft, Chief Knapp pointed out that it was the fastest growing crime in the nation, and suggested that all personal mail and identification should be shredded. Chief Knapp informed the Council and the audience that the Police Department was currently working on an identity theft case that would involve search warrants. He cautioned that once a person's credit was lost, it sometimes took years to regain it. Chief Knapp warned that residents' vehicles parked in the street made them a target for vehicle prowls. He suggested that personal vehicles be kept locked and in the residents' driveways or their garages. Council Member Demitriades mentioned that the home invasion resident was concerned about the police response, as the 911 operator had not perceived that it was a crime in progress. Chief Knapp responded that the officer had arrived in less than two minutes from the time the call was made, and that the initial information he had received was that it was a standard burglary. However, before the transmission was completed, the 911 operator did state that it was a burglary in progress, so the officer waited for back up, per department procedure. Chief Knapp relayed that the area had been sealed off, and three state officers and a K-9 were called into the case. Council Member Morgan queried whether 911 calls went to Bellevue first, or if they went directly to Kirkland Police Dispatch. Both Mayor Becker and Council Member Morgan asked Chief Knapp to check on the police telephone dispatch trunks. With regard to the truck parked in front of Council Member Demitriades' driveway for a half hour, Chief Knapp indicated that the Kirkland Police Dispatch operator had forgotten to relay the call to a Medina officer. Council Member Demitriades indicated that a neighbor had handed him a letter requesting that a police officer be present at 12th Avenue NE and NE 84th during both morning and afternoon school commute times. Chief Knapp responded that during the afternoon before tonight's Council meeting, the officer had been diverted to another call. As soon as he became aware of the diversion, Chief Knapp indicated that he had dispatched two officers to the intersection. Chief Knapp added that the Department paid officers overtime for the traffic flagging duty, and that they were supposed to be present at 7:30 a.m. to observe and to determine at what point intervention was needed. He noted that officer presence was intended to be a moderating influence between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., and again between 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Council Member Preston reported that traffic flow was a problem at that intersection after 3:00 p.m. as well. Chief Knapp responded that he would place officers there from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT Public Works Superintendent Carl Burris gave the Council an update, and relayed that a large barge had swamped a ten-year old child this summer, and that a boy had stepped on a nail. He indicated City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 4 that the lifeguards' last day had been August 25, 2000. Public Works Superintendent Burris continued that the summer help had accomplished quite a bit of work. PLANNING REPORT Planning Director Jenny Schultz discussed the construction site coverage interpretation as of September 6, 2000 by Building Official Lowell Erickson. She noted that his analysis was a strict application of the zoning code that was already in place, and that this interpretation would apply to any application that was submitted after that date. Planning Director Schultz indicted that applications already in the works would be grand fathered, but that future ones would be non- conforming. She indicated that there had been a sharp increase in projects designed to cover entire building sites, and that further, the Building Official had interpreted the Medina Municipal Code exactly as it was written. Planning Director Schultz recommended revising the existing code to resolve this trend. She continued that swimming pools, spas, walls, retaining walls and fences would now be included in the lot coverage, and that this interpretation would have an impact on future permits that were processed. Planning Director Schultz predicted a substantial increase in variance applications or appeals of decisions as a result of this interpretation. City Manager Schulze added that Building Official Erickson's interpretation was appropriate for the way the ordinance was presently written. Council Member Morgan requested written clarification from Planning Director Schultz and Building Official Erickson regarding impervious surface and structural lot coverage. Council Member Lawrence asked if impervious surfaces and driveways were presently included as part of lot coverage. Planning Director Schultz responded negatively. City Manager Schulze stated that the real issue Building Official Erickson had faced was fences and columns being built as part of fences, which in reality added to the lot coverage. Planning Director Schultz offered to draft definitions of all structures, as well as a recommendation. Council Member Morgan suggested that the Chairpersons of both the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment should be present at the meeting when this presentation was given. The Council decided to move further discussion of this issue to another session. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Becker opened the meeting to the audience for non -agenda items. Janet Ashley, Medina, 2404 — 79'h Avenue NE, was of the opinion that the City was being strangled with construction traffic. She indicated that her normal daily bike ride with her dog had been disrupted by the construction traffic to the point of no longer doing it. Ms. Ashley indicated that there were between 20 and 25 construction vehicles on the Shirley property on any given day, that a lot of them left for lunch, and that at quitting time, all of them departed. She suggested that the owners bus the workers to the construction site, in order to reduce the traffic congestion. Ms. Ashley also emphasized that the Medina Grocery property was a visual blight as a result of the construction parking on that site, and that residents should "take back their neighborhood". Michael Larkin, 632 Evergreen Point Road, echoed Ms. Ashley's comments, and emphasized that construction should not start before 7:00 a.m., and that he had been awakened at 6:30 a.m. by a truck entering the Greinstein property. He requested that the Police Department enforce the construction rules, because trucks were not supposed to be in Medina at 6:30 a.m. Mr. Larkin related that on Thursday, September 7, 2000, 40 trucks had been parked on the Medina Grocery property. City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 5 Mr. Larkin also indicated that he had been a Medina resident for 20 years, and was of the opinion that the store could only be used for that purpose. He asked if the grocery store could be utilized as a parking lot, according to the rules. Mr. Larkin also added that the resident survey had not asked some questions of that were of concern to citizens. City Manager Schulze responded that construction was permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. He added that the Medina Grocery property owner would be notified that using the store as a parking lot was not permitted. City Manager Schulze announced that the Medina Grocery property use had reverted back to R-16 zone utilization. He emphasized that the homeowner would be given notice to cease the parking lot activity, and that he was confidant of her cooperation. Planning Director Schultz added that using the Medina Grocery as a parking lot was commercial use of an R-16 zone. She explained that the parking was a clear violation, that City personnel would work with the property owner to ensure compliance, and that lack of conformity within 10 days after receipt of a violation notice could potentially result in a fine. Mayor Becker promised that the Council would investigate the issue and obtain resolution. City Attorney Wines explained that there was no maximum number of allowed vehicles on R-16 sites, but that enforcement could be obtained by installing 30-minute parking signs for the right-of-way parking surrounding the Medina Grocery property. Council Member Morgan emphasized that the Council was very concerned about the issue of parking, and that they would be very shortly taking action toward mitigation measures. Council Member Lawrence added that the City had leverage with the Medina Grocery owner because she wanted a conditional use permit. He noted that the City also had leverage with the Greinstein project, unless relief had previously been requested from the mitigation plan. Henry Paulman, 1415 — 80th Avenue NE, recalled that he had asked the Council to hold a public hearing for Ordinance No. 659, regarding all decisions from the Planning Commission automatically progressing to Superior Court, rather than going to the Council. Mr. Paulman indicated that he had previously requested that this be done, and was not aware of a response. Wilma Edmonds, 7721 NE 24th Street, thanked the Council for closing the road on which she lived. She asked the Council how much property the City would allow the Bellevue School District to use on the Three Points Elementary site. Ms. Edmonds pointed out that site coverage additions had been made this year to Three Points Elementary School, which to her meant that the enrollment had increased. Ms. Edmonds emphasized that an increased enrollment would have an environmental impact upon the neighborhood. She added that St. Thomas School would be faced with the same situation. Ms. Edmonds requested that the Council investigate and determine how much larger they would allow the schools to be, because of the environmental impact upon the community. She indicated that Bellevue Christian School impacted a very large area, that parents picking up and dropping off their children were transversing through a residential area, and that they did not car pool. She continued that the school had installed two more portables this last summer. Ms. Edmonds emphasized that the Council should resolve how much site coverage was allowed for each school, to determine whether or not there was a violation. Council Member Morgan queried whether or not the City had received a permit application for the portables. City Manager Schulze recalled that last fall, the Planning Commission had reviewed permit applications for the portables, but he would follow up and report back to the Council. Council Member Lawrence added that there was an additional impact upon the City in the form of extra vehicle trips. Ms. Edmonds commented that the school was designed to hold 340 children. Council Member Morgan reported that the school now housed 365 students. Mayor Becker explained that schools were required to file an environmental impact statement, and that the Council would refer this City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 6 matter for follow up to the Public Safety Committee. Council Member Morgan indicated that the Planning Commission initially heard such requests, and that this matter should also be referred to that entity. Mayor Becker asked Planning Director Schultz at what point an environmental impact statement could be triggered. Planning Director Schultz responded that any addition beyond 4,000 square feet would trigger a State Environmental Checklist. JET NOISE Alison Jackson, 7633 NE 141h Street, reminded the Council that she had requested in July that they appoint a person to be a liaison with regard to diverting over flights to the Duwamish corridor. She recalled that at the time, Council Member Morgan had referred to a legal matter in which the City was involved, and urged the Council to take a forceful stand regarding the jet noise issue. Ms. Jackson emphasized that time was short, and that a decision would be made in November regarding the use of the Duwamish corridor. She urged that a letter be sent rejecting jet noise over Medina, adding that the citizens needed the Council to act strongly and forcefully regarding this issue. Dr. Bob Rudolph, 1455 Evergreen Point Road, gave the Council an update on the status of the jet noise issue. He seconded Ms. Jackson's comments, adding there had been an article in the Sunday Times a week prior regarding expansion of jet traffic. Dr. Rudolph referred to the reply from Dan Boyle which he had included in the weekly Council packets, noting that a response had been promised within 90 days. He continued that the Port of Seattle needed approval in order to obtain further funding, adding that their conclusions did not reflect the citizen input Part 150 data. Dr. Rudolph reminded those present that the FAA had remanded Part 150 back to the Port for further study. He urged the Council to request that FAA officials designate the Duwamish corridor as the flight path for all north departure flights. Council Member Morgan asked what advantage there would be to writing to the FAA, whose considerations would be made on technical issues? He emphasized that the position of the City was well known. Council Member Demitriades asked about the reaction of the Review Committee. Dr. Rudolph responded that Review Committee members were not pleased about the Port staff's rejection, adding that now was the time to take action regarding this issue. The Council requested that City Attorney Wines write a letter to the FAA regarding the faulty process used by the Port in the Part 150 Study. DISCUSSION In response to Mayor Becker and Council Member Morgan's earlier inquires regarding police telephone dispatch trunks, Chief Knapp indicated that the trunk lines terminated with the Kirkland Police Department. He further explained that through the technology of caller identification, all 911 calls went directly to the Kirkland Police Department. WATERSHED RESOURCE INTERLOCAL AREA (WRIA) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT Public Works Superintendent Burris relayed that he, City Attorney Kirk Wines and Ms. Pam Henderson, of Roth Hill, were collaborating on the WRIA Interlocal Agreement. Council Member Demitriades reported that 59 percent of the voting was controlled by King County and the City of Seattle. He added that the monetary distribution and the amount of the City's contribution were miniscule. Council Member Demitriades noted that not signing the document could result in a third party law suit indicating that the City was not part of the agreement, and that our signature would provide the City with some protection. Debbie Eddy, of Suburban Cities Association, commented that WRIA was a state boundary designation, and that the Department of Ecology used it to award planning dollars. She indicated that City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 7 one of the reasons it would be helpful to obtain the participation of as many eligible cities as possible was that Puget Sound was presently unable to tap into available state money for planning. Ms. Eddy continued that everyone was receiving this state money except the Puget Sound Watersheds. She explained that the largest city in each WRIA must apply for the money, and that Seattle Mayor Paul Schell and that King County Executive Ron Sims had declined to participate. Council Member Demitriades did not think joining the Tri County framework would help the City of Medina. Ms. Eddy cautioned that if the National Marine Fisheries Service approved the program, each of the involved cities would have to conduct an individual assessment anyway, which could result in an increase in third party suits against the City of Medina. Ms. Eddy referred to the response continuum information that she had earlier distributed. She predicted that fish would die, and that the City had a federal mandate to protect them. Ms. Eddy suggested that there was a specific course of action that would still allow Medina to get together as peers around the table with the other general-purpose jurisdictions. Council Member Morgan was concerned about the degrees of freedom to act in the City's best interest. He asked if there were any elements of that plan which would result in the City having to pay money or give up authority of the City without a vote of the Council. Ms. Eddy responded negatively, adding that supporting the WRIA Interlocal Agreement would return control to the cities. She indicated that one of the things the Suburban Cities Association was trying to accomplish within the work program of the WRIA forum was that everyone's issues would be tossed into the hopper and prioritized. Ms. Eddy explained that participating cities were allowed to share and to prioritize federal and state funding, and that as a result, the City of Medina could refunnel it through the WRIA forum in order to resolve some of the issues. Ms. Eddy proposed that some cities within Snohomish County that were part of WRIA 8 should also participate. Council Member Demitriades queried when the conservation plan would be completed. Ms. Eddy responded that it was supposed to be finished within two years. Council Member Morgan suggested that the Council adopt option three as well. Council Member Demitriades requested that technical conditions be incorporated, and Ms. Eddy agreed to include these suggested changes. Council Member Demitriades moved, seconded by Council Member Morgan, to support and sign the WRIA Interlocal Agreement and to approve the terms and conditions with the identified modifications. ORDINANCES Ordinance No. 672 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE TO REFLECT THE TRUE COST OF CONSTRUCTION Council Member Preston moved, seconded by Council Member Demitriades, to approve Ordinance No. 672. Council Member Preston asked on behalf of Council Member Cohen, who could not be present during tonight's meeting, if 1.5 was an adequate number. He was of the opinion that 1.5 was generous. Council Member Morgan added that the average cost of construction was $154.35 per square foot, if steel and concrete buildings were excluded. He referred to his earlier e-mail that indicated a mean index times 1.5 would generate a cost per square foot of $190. Council Member Preston predicted that over 90 percent of the reconstructions could be covered without a variance; however, reconstruction would not ever be totally variance -free. He indicated that the 1.5 factor would peg it to Medina, and that it was updated annually. Council Member Morgan added that this ordinance was intended to cover the average, run -of -the mill luxury home. The Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 672. Ordinance No. 687 --AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO STRUCTURES AND OBJECTS IN UNIMPROVED PORTIONS OF PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY, PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION AND REMOVAL AT THE ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNER'S EXPENSE City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 8 City Manager Schulze announced that at the last meeting, the Council had reviewed Ordinance No. 687 and had requested some changes, which were incorporated into the present version of this ordinance. Council Member Demitriades added that the Public Safety Committee had recommended approval of Ordinance No. 687. Council Member Morgan moved, seconded by Council Member Demitriades, to adopt Ordinance No. 687. City Manager Schulze reported that the City did not have the resources to apply Ordinance No. 687 retroactively, and that the intent was to use the criteria in the future when permits were issued for structures in the rights -of -way. Council Member Lawrence suggested that citizens be notified in the Medina Newsletter about the passage of Ordinance No. 687. Council Member Demitriades noted that this ordinance contained a civil penalty. City Manager Schulze offered to include a summary of Ordinance No. 687 in the Medina Newsletter explaining what the criteria meant and the changes that would be required. A woman from the audience asked if the City in the past had attempted to obtain compliance from citizens with overhanging vegetation. City Manager Schulze replied that the City had in the past had sent letters to homeowners requesting them to trim vegetation. He added that this issue was covered in another section of the Code, but it was also addressed in Ordinance No. 687 as well. The vote was unanimous to pass Ordinance No. 687. DISCUSSION Discussion to Consider Rescinding Ordinance No. 677 — Emergency Moratorium on Demolition of Buildings City Manager Schulze announced that Ordinance No. 677 required a public hearing within 60 days of adoption, which would fall on September 22, 2000. He noted that the next Council meeting was set for September 25, 2000. City Manager Schulze continued that if the Council wished to continue with the moratorium, notices must be published for the required public hearing. City Manager Schulze predicted that with the street improvements projects nearing completion, coupled with the City of Clyde Hill vehicle length limit, the construction traffic issues would lessen. With regard to structural demolition, he noted that one permit was waiting for the moratorium to be lifted, and at least two other applicants were waiting for it to be rescinded. City Manager Schulze relayed that two upset residents had called, but when he explained the time frame to them, they realized it would not have an impact upon their projects. He requested direction from the Council whether or not to continue with the moratorium, adding that the situation with the Medina Grocery owner was not an issue. With regard to the street construction project on NE 24th Street, City Manager Schulze explained that the construction crews were presently working on curbs and sidewalks, and they would begin curb and asphalt grinding after that. He added that there were still pockets to complete with the sidewalk connections. City Manager Schulze indicated that he had talked with Roth Hill liaison Roger Curtis about reopening the detour route on to the lower end of NE 24'h Street, and that Mr. Curtis would discuss the timing with the contractor. Council Member Morgan emphasized that the difficulty was with the road -paving time frame, and that the sidewalk construction could be completed later. Greg Hill, of Roth Hill Engineering, indicated that the biggest issue was scheduling the paving contractors. He explained that the intent was to have the road construction on Overlake Drive completed next week. City Manager Schulze added that the sidewalk was already framed, and that the curbs and gutters would be poured next. He reported that there was also curing time for the curbs and gutters before the crushed rock could be laid. Council Member Demitriades declared that a realistic completion date would be the end of September. City Manager Schulze again reminded Council Members that maintaining the moratorium would require a public hearing. Council Member Morgan suggested allowing the moratorium to expire on September 22, 2000 and reinstitute it at the Council Study Session on September 25, 2000. City Attorney Wines City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 9 explained that the moratorium would automatically expire on September 22, 2000. Council Member Preston suggested that if a significant amount of trucking was involved, it might be better to wait until NE 24th Street was reopened before the moratorium was lifted. City Manager Schulze reminded Council members that there was a permit waiting for the moratorium to be lifted. Council Member Morgan asked about the address for this permit. Planning Director Schultz checked the building permit log and stated that the owners lived at 7773 Overlake Drive West, and that the review was not yet complete. POINT OF ORDER Mayor Becker announced that there would be an executive session this evening to review pending litigation. DISCUSSION TRAFFIC CONGESTION Mayor Becker stressed that the situation at NE 24th Street and Evergreen Point Road was unacceptable, and asked what options were available. He reported that a major construction project on Evergreen Point Road had closed down that street for 15 minutes in order to maneuver a crane onto the owner's property. City Manager Schulze indicated that he would discuss the situation with Chief Knapp, and that the contractor would be given notice that such a situation was intolerable, especially with NE 24th Street closed. Council Member Morgan suggested that the property owner be asked to defer construction until NE 24th Street was open, and if that person was not agreeable to this suggestion, the City could hold a public hearing. Mayor Becker indicated that he knew the property owner involved, and that he would talk with that person. Council Member Morgan asked if the City was going to allow the traffic from Bellevue Christian School to use the detour. City Manager Schulze suggested that the City could advertise that the detour was not open except to Medina residents. Council Member Morgan queried whether or not anyone from the City had requested of the school principal that parents car pool. Council Member Preston announced that more buses had been added. Council Member Lawrence explained that the back up was due to east bound traffic leaving Medina, and suggested that traffic be allowed to travel eastbound on NE 24th Street. City Manager Schulze predicted that the Wells Medina Nursery owner would object to this arrangement. He added that he heard from residents every day regarding this situation, and so certainly understood the level of frustration. Public Works Superintendent Burris suggested that the one way on 83' Avenue NE be switched to go through NE 101h Street rather than 82nd Avenue NE. Council Member Demitriades cautioned that a flagger would be needed if this were to occur. Council Member Preston emphasized that the traffic situation at the intersection of 84th Avenue NE and NE 12th Street should be the top priority. Council Member Morgan added that the problem was the eastbound traffic on NE 12th Street out of Medina. City Manager Schulze indicated that he would emphasize the assignment of officer presence at the staff meeting. Council Member Preston suggested that people driving into the Wells Medina Nursery were an "accident waiting to happen". He emphasized that if NE 24th Street was a two-way street, it should be so delineated. City Manager Schulze responded that he had talked with Roger Curtis the Friday before the September Council meeting about this, and that Mr. Curtis was going to discuss the situation with the contractor today. He suggested that if paving could be done over the next weekend, it would help to speed up the time frame for projected completion; however, there would have to be an agreement with Bellevue to cover the overtime costs. City Manager Schulze indicated that he would investigate this issue. Mayor Becker suggested opening the street in the morning until 8:00 a.m. and closing it during the workday until 5:00 p.m. Council Member Morgan emphasized that the three schools and the trucks had an impact upon traffic from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. City Council Meeting September 11, 2000 Page 10 CONSTRUCTION PARKING ON AND AROUND THE MEDINA GROCERY PROPERTY City Manager Schulze stated that he would talk to the Medina Grocery property owner about the grocery and about the construction parking issue. Council Member Demitriades suggested handing the property owner a notice to stop the construction parking. He also recommended that the City notify the construction site owners by letter that they were contributing to traffic congestion. Mayor Becker was of the opinion that using the Christian Science church as a parking site and bussing the construction workers to the job site would be helpful. City Manager Schulze announced that construction vehicle drivers had informed officers who had issued tickets that they would pass the parking tickets along to the site owner. Mayor Becker interjected that City personnel should review the mitigation plan. Council Member Morgan asked about the Kemper contract, which had expired on approximately September 8, 2000. City Manager Schulze explained that Mr. Kemper had sent Roth Hill a four to five page letter outlining different delays that had been encountered with the project, ranging from Puget Sound Energy moving the gas lines around, to poor soil conditions. He continued that the delays had not been detailed clearly enough so that City personnel could establish a reasonable extension time frame, but as soon as that information was received, they would determine the actual allowable contract parameters. Greg Hill interjected that an extension was warranted for the project, but not to the degree that had been requested. BOAT STORAGE Council Member Morgan announced that citizen Jim Phillips had requested the Council several months prior to take action regarding boats parked in front yards, adding that this had been an agenda item at the last Public Safety Committee meeting. On behalf of the Public Safety Committee, Council Member Morgan requested feedback from Council Members Lawrence, Becker and Preston. He continued that Mr. Phillips lived on a cul-de-sac with three to four boats parked in front of neighboring homes. Council Member Morgan stated that Mr. Phillips wanted the Council to regulate long-term parking of trailers and boats in the front yard setbacks. Both Council Members Lawrence and Preston were of the opinion that it was an important issue, but at the present, the Council had even more important matters with which to deal. The consensus of the Council was that recreational vehicle and boat parking were not a high priority at this time. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 10:02 p.m. and under authority of RCW 42.30.140 4 (b), an Executive Session was held for the purpose of discussion of pending litigation. By unanimous consensus, Council members closed the Executive Session at 11:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT At 11:00 p.m., the Council reconvened the Regular Session. Council Member Lawrence moved to adjourn the August Regular City Council meeting, seconded by Council Member Demitriades. All were in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. Daniel . Becker, Mayor Attest: 0 all LLV Jr Caroll P. Wedlund, Interim City Clerk