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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-2005 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES August 8, 2005 Medina City Hall 7:00 pm 501 Evergreen Point Road CALL TO ORDER Mayor Odermat called the August 8, 2005, Medina City Council meeting to order at 7:08 pm. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Mary Odermat, Deputy Mayor Todd Nunn Councilmembers Miles Adam, Drew Blazey, Katie Phelps, Bob Rudolph, and Pete Vall-Spinosa City Staff Present: Douglas Schulze, City Manager; Wayne Tanaka, City Attorney, Ogden Murphy Wallace; Jeff Chen, Chief of Police; Joseph Gellings, Director of Development Services; Joe Willis, Director of Public Works; and Rachel Baker, Administrative Assistant Consultant, Bruce Brown, Director of Research, PRR, Incorporated, was also in attendance, MEETING AGENDA RUDOLPH MOTION, BLAZEY SECOND TO APPROVE MEETING AGENDA, MOTION PASSED 7-0, 7:09 PM. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor (7: 09 pm) Odermat announced: • Medina Days begins Tuesday, August 9t" and continues through Saturday, August 13t"; schedules are posted at city entries, online and in the city newsletter. Fiftieth anniversary celebration gala dinner will be held Saturday evening, August 201" at the Overlake Golf and Country Club, and space is still available. Contact City Hall or The Green Door Events for reservation information. • Eastside Transportation Partnership will meet Friday, August 12t", 7:30 am, at Unigard. • The Hearing Examiner is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16t" and the agenda includes an appeal of the administrative permit decision for the Green Store. • September Planning Commission meeting was rescheduled from Tuesday, September 6t" to Wednesday, September 7t", due to Labor Day holiday. • Filing for November election is complete and four seats of the Medina City Council will be contested. Council No announcements. Staff No announcements. CONSENT AGENDA Phelps requested, and Council unanimously agreed, to modify Notice of Decision, specifying approval of compacted sand field included under -drainage and an irrigation system. MOTION RUDOLPH, SECOND NUNN TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: • Minutes from July 11, 2005 Council Meeting • Minutes from July 25, 2005 Study Session • Approval of July 2005 Checks/Finance Officer's Report • Approval of modified Notice of Decision for Special Use Permit Number 248; Bellevue School District. MOTION PASSED 7-0, 7:13 PM. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (Non -agenda items, three -minutes per person) Wilma Edmonds, 7721 Northeast 24th Street, Medina (7:14 pm) Ms. Edmonds expressed concern about an appearance of impartiality on behalf of the City Council and Park Board since April 2005, in respect to police canine unit budget and playground equipment. She requested council and park board members solicit their own opinions from their own constituents and vote accordingly. REPORTS Police Department (7:17 pm) Chief Chen summarized a forced residential burglary, which occurred over Seafair weekend in Medina and indicated the department is conducting an investigation into the matter and also noted there was an estimated 2500 visitors to the city during Seafair. City{ Council Minutes August 8, 2005 Page 2 Responding to Blazey's inquiry regarding the lifeguard program, Chen projected lifeguard staffing would continue through August 28 th, however, if weather remains nice, he would request additional funds to extend the program beyond that date. Chen introduced and Council welcomed officer Ismael Ramirez, who recently graduated from the Academy. Chen said the department recently hired Susan Lewis and she will enter the Academy August 301h for four and one-half months; following her graduation, the department will be at full staff. Chen said the mobile command coach would be retrieved September 6th from Salt Lake City. Development Services (7:26 pm) Gellings said the Washington State Court of Appeals decision period closed for the land use component of the Medina Store Wednesday, August 3d and indicated the permit has seemed to run its course. The Hearing Examiner will hear an appeal of the administrative permit decision for the Green Store, Tuesday, August 16th. Public Works Department (7:27pm) Willis said there was nothing to add to the report included in the packet and there was no further discussion. Phelps commended Willis for bench installation at City Hall and Blazey acknowledged Public Works for Seafair parking preparations. Emergency Management Committee (7:28 pm) The committee was not represented, however, the Mayor suggested Cy Humphreys should be recognized for volunteer services establishing the amateur radio communications system. Park Board (7:28 pm) Connie Gerlitz, Park Board Chair, represented the Park Board, and there was no discussion. City Manager (7:29 pm) Schulze said there was nothing to add to the report and there was no further discussion. Schulze indicated he would send an email to councilmembers with status regarding the bollards at Viewpoint Park. City Council Minutes August 8, 2005 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS Citizen Survey Preliminary Data (7:29 pm) Bruce Brown summarized preliminary survey results for questions 4, 5, 16, 17 and 19 and responded to council inquiries. Mayor opened floor to audience participation, 7:52 pm. Margaret Maxwell, 8040 Northeast Eighth Street, Medina (7:54 pm) Mrs. Maxwell stated she received four surveys, two at residence and two at post office box, and inquired if survey responses were tracked to determine which surveys were completed and returned. Mrs. Maxwell indicated the survey was flawed if surveys were mailed to post office boxes. Ron Santi, 7842 Northeast Eighth Street, Medina (7:55 pm) Mr. Santi questioned final results versus number of respondents and adjusted data. Mr. Santi remarked he would prefer raw data for analysis rather than inflated or deflated numbers. Thomas Bacher, 918 Sunset Way, Bellevue (7:57 pm) Mr. Bacher distributed and described handout pertaining to survey and expressed support for survey results that affect dog owners. Lucius H. Biglow, Jr., 2425 Evergreen Point Road, Medina (8:04 pm) Mr. Biglow said he was concerned because the public was not asked to participate with formulation of survey questions. Mr. Biglow conveyed question 19 was biased and the answers would not be fair, as he believed some Medina residents are not familiar with park issues. Mr. Biglow stated he would like as many people as possible to enjoy Medina Park. Lyn Grinstein, 647 Evergreen Point Road, Medina (8:06 pm) Ms. Grinstein represented Medina resident, Jill Ruckelshaus, and read letter authored by Ms. Ruckelshaus. Ms. Ruckelshaus wrote in support of continuing to allow multiple park uses for all park users and offered suggestions for ordinance modifications. Mayor asked council to consider Grinstein's participation during discussion for Medina Park off -leash dog rules, rather than during citizen survey preliminary data discussion. Council and Brown addressed concerns raised during public participation. Brown indicated he would obtain number of surveys mailed to post office boxes and also conveyed he would be able to identify which results were received from such surveys for validity purposes. Medina Park Off -Leash Dog Rules (8:21 pm) Schulze provided background information on discussion item and introduced Alley Rutzel, Chair of Citizens for Off -Leash Areas (COLA). City Council Minutes August 8, 2005 Page 4 Rutzel provided history and information regarding the city of Seattle's off -leash areas and answered councilmember inquires. Mayor opened floor to public comment, 8:48 pm. Lucius Biglow, 2425 Evergreen Point Road, Medina (8:48 pm) Mr. Biglow said dividing the park has made the easterly part more of a dog park than it was before, and that dogs should be off leash throughout the park year round, except when they are close to picnickers, children, and others whose enjoyment they are likely to disturb. Then, and only then, dogs should be leashed, whatever the time of year. Earl Quinn, 1041— 84th Avenue Northeast, Medina (8:52 pm) Mr. Quinn said there have been many discussions regarding Medina Park and dogs, and there are no new ideas currently. Mr. Quinn expressed the City Council should keep the current ordinance, as it reflects a compromise and a good decision. Conie Blake, 211— Third Street South #C, Kirkland, (8:54 pm) Ms. Blake was representing Sarah Williamson, a Medina resident. Ms. Blake stated she is a dog walker and happy with current park rules, however, based on Ms. Rutzel's presentation would support modifying off -leash hours and times of year, based on park use and weather conditions; such as allowing dogs off -leash before 10:00 am and adjusting the season to May 15t" through September 15t" Donna Schuman, 8633 Lake Washington Boulevard, Medina (8:57 pm) Ms. Schuman expressed the Council should discuss issue after all survey results become available and are understood. Ms. Schuman said comparisons between Magnuson Park in Seattle and Medina Park should not be made, as the parks are completely different, and perhaps a park more similar to Medina Park should be used for comparisons. Margaret Maxwell, 8040 Northeast Eighth Street, Medina (8:59 pm) Ms. Maxwell said she is currently not a dog owner, but does enjoy walking in the park often, and sometimes with someone that has a disability. She appreciates having an area in the park where dogs are not allowed and encouraged two separate areas in the park, especially during the summer. Ms. Maxwell expressed concern about dog handlers/owners not respecting on -leash areas in the evening and has experienced negativity when she has approached them. Lowell Eschbach, 8247 Overlake Drive West, Medina (9:01 pm) Mr. Eschbach said common sense should rule and there should be no reason for a dog to be on -leash when no one else is in the park. Mr. Eschbach supported dogs on -leash after 10:00 am between June 15t" and September 1 St Mark Nelson, 1233 Evergreen Point Road, Medina (9:03 pm) Mr. Nelson confirmed he was speaking as a citizen and not as a member of the Planning Commission and conveyed support for those that say Medina Park is a people park and should be enjoyed by all. Nelson read from Ordinance 774 pertaining to City Council Minutes August S, 2005 Page 5 domesticated pets and suggested rewording ordinance to include wild animals, which reside in the park. Matt Roberts, 2221 Evergreen Point Road, Medina (9:04 pm) Mr. Roberts stated there was a lack of data during last year's ordinance process, but appreciates Council's recent effort to conduct a citizen survey. Mr. Roberts supported rule modifications, such as opening park to off -leash and voice command before 9:00 am during late spring and until children return to school. Mr. Roberts further supported maintaining the natural park feel and likes trees planted in the park during the last few years. Allyson Jackson, 7633 Northeast 14t" Street, Medina (9:07 pm) Ms. Jackson suggested taking existing seasonal rule and allowing users to move through west side of park, no matter the season, with dogs off -leash if no other users are present. She also proposed moving the romping and fetching activities to the east end of park away from picnickers and walkers, and recommended utilizing a formal tracking method for City Council and Park Board to obtain factual data regarding park use. Ms. Jackson said park users would more regularly obey rules if a small volunteer group gently reminded users in non-compliance and, if necessary, issue tickets. Karen Sparks, 853 — 83rd Avenue Northeast (9:12 pm) Ms. Sparks stated she owns a dog and is in the park nearly every day, which allowed her to meet others and develop a support network. Ms. Sparks said changes to the ordinance caused an outcry from daily users, as they liked park the way it was and were unaware of complaints until last year's City Council meeting. Ms. Sparks read comments gathered from park users and urged Council to consider information gathered regarding park use when ordinance is reviewed and to take advantage of citizens that have offered to monitor park. Pamela Young, 7979 Northeast 28t" Street, Medina (9:15 pm) Ms. Young enjoys living in Medina, because she can walk her dog in Medina Park and socialize with others, but would be upset with more restrictions in the park. She said there is peer pressure in the park to clean up after dogs, but not elsewhere, such as on Evergreen Point Road. Ms. Young suggested installing trash receptacles along Evergreen Point Road and modifying off -leash requirements in Medina Park from June 15t" through September 1" Connie Gerlitz, 2415 — 78t" Avenue Northeast, Medina (9:19 pm) Ms. Gerlitz spoke as both Park Board Chair and Medina resident and invited everyone to attend Park Board meetings to listen to issues and discussions regarding Medina's parks. Ms Gerlitz stated the ordinance reflects a compromise for all park users. Nancy Biglow, 2425 Evergreen Point Road, Medina (9:22 pm) Ms. Biglow said Medina Park is a community -gathering place and should be welcome to all people, and the children's area should be off limits to dogs with a sign displayed on the main path. Mayor closed floor to public participation, 9:24 pm. City Council Minutes August 8, 2005 Page 6 Council discussed the following ordinance modifications for possible incorporation into draft document: • Declare the north pond off-limits to dogs year round. • Require dogs to be on -leash year round in children's play areas. • Prohibit dogs from tennis court. • Proceed with landscaping to create off -leash area boundaries. • Install suggestion boxes throughout Medina Park. • Consider changing dog limit per handler from two to three dogs; continue to require one leash per dog. • Explore changing seasonal on -leash area requirements from May 1 St to September 30th, and after 9:00 am, on west end of park. • Consider off -leash area access from 80th Avenue Northeast and make south pond ramp wider and more accessible to dog owners. • Add water fountain amenity to east side of park. • Consider citizen volunteer group use to monitor and enforce park rules, after additional information regarding concept can be obtained. MOTION AND SECOND TO EXTEND MEETING THIRTY MINUTES, MOTION PASSED, 7-0 AT 10:04 PM. Mayor called for a five-minute break at 10:04 pm, and called the meeting back to order at 10:15 pm. Administrative Variance Ordinance (10:15 pm) Gellings summarized Staff Report and Planning Commission recommendation. Discussion followed. MOTION RUDOLPH AND SECOND PHELPS TO APPROVE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 14.08.020(A) OF THE MEDINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY THE CATEGORY OF VARIANCES THAT MAY BE GRANTED ADMINISTRATIVELY, MOTION FAILED 2-4-1; ADAM, BLAZEY, NUNN, ODERMAT OPPOSED AND VALL-SPINOSA ABSTAINED, 10:35 PM. MOTION PHELPS AND SECOND RUDOLPH TO EXTEND MEETING THIRTY MINUTES, MOTION PASSED 6-1, NUNN OPPOSED, 10:36 PM. Medina Park Playground Equipment (10:36 pm) Playground Committee members, Jodi Major and Marianne Mowat, presented updated Medina Park playground improvement information. Major announced Timberform was City Council Minutes August S, 2005 Page 7 i selected as product manufacturer for two play areas; one designated for ages two through five and a second for ages five through twelve. Major described equipment and design plans; Mowat defined possible future enhancements and voluntary community funding ideas. Mowat conveyed she and Major would stage a playground enhancement display during Medina Days and be available to answer questions. Councilmembers expressed approval for enhancements, but stressed City budget would remain at $30,000, although additional funding could be obtained through community contributions. 2005 Mid -Year Financial Report (90:57 pm) Schulze summarized information included in the meeting packet. Council Agenda Calendar (91 03 pm) Discussion followed. A r% ■A■ ■l70,1R■!-\1T MOTION ADAM AND SECOND NUNN, TO ADJOURN AUGUST 8, 2005 REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEDINA CITY COUNCIL, MOTION PASSED WITH ALL IN FAVOR, 11:06 PM. The August 8, 2005, Regular Meeting of the Medina City Council adjourned, 11:06 pm. The City Council Study Session will be held, Monday, August 22, 2005, 7:00 pm. Rac el Baker, Administrative Assistant City Council Minutes Page 8