Councilmembers present: Donald MacGilvra, Carolyn Armanini, Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog (7:42 p.m.)

Staff present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Douglas Jacobson, City Administrator; Michael Ruark, City Attorney (8:10 p.m.); Evelyn Jahed, Deputy City Clerk

Others present: Peter Folkins, New Ventures Group

• CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Hutchinson called the special meeting to order at 7:23 p.m.

• EXECUTIVE SESSION • Real Estate Matters

The meeting was recessed to executive session at 7:23 p.m. for discussion of real estate matters for approximately one hour. Those not required to remain for the executive session exited the Council chambers at this time.

The meeting was resumed at 8:43 p.m.

Cmbr. Thompson moved as follows:

1. Authorize the mayor to counter the offer in the letters of intent according to specifications detailed in executive session.

2. If the offer is accepted, then the council will hold a public meeting regarding the city hall project within four weeks, and a description and documents related to the proposed project shall be available within two weeks of the mutual acceptance of the letter of intent.

Cmbr. MacGilvra seconded.

In response to a question from City Attorney Ruark, Thompson explained which documents would be available for the public to review.

Ruark suggested that council schedule the public meeting after documents have been received. Discussion followed regarding scheduling of and the format for the meeting.

Cmbr. Goss expressed concern regarding holding a public meeting when a transaction is still pending.

Cmbr. Herzog said that citizens should be told that the meeting is intended to provide information regarding the real estate transaction. Public comments will not be solicited.

Goss said the purchase price of the property should not be published prior to closing.

Ruark suggested that citizens can be informed that the city has made an offer on real estate, and that some contingencies are attached to that offer. He noted that the pending purchase and sale agreement is not a public document.

Armanini movedto amend the motion as follows:

2. If the offer is accepted, then the council will hold a public meeting regarding the city hall project within four weeks, and a description and documents related to the proposed project shall be available within two weeks of the mutual acceptance of the letter of intent

Herzog seconded.

Armanini said the mayor and the administration are aware of the council's wishes regarding scheduling a public meeting on this topic.

Herzog agreed with Armanini's motion to amend and felt that the two issues should be separated.

Thompson disagreed with the motion to amend and noted the importance of ensuring public involvement by identifying public involvement opportunities in the project timeline. He stressed the need to inform the public that if this voter approved bond does not pass, the city will have to go into funds for services, library, or etc.

Armanini said she agreed with Thompson's remarks, and her amendment simply gives the mayor the responsibility to schedule the meeting.

Goss concurred with Cmbr. Armanini's remarks.

The motion to amend carried 4-1 (Aye-MacGilvra, Armanini, Goss, Herzog; Nay-Thompson).

The motion as amended carried unanimously.

Herzog moved the following:

" When the purchase and sale agreement are accepted, the council shall within four (4) weeks hold an informational public meeting with regard to the future of the city hall project."

Armanini seconded.

Thompson expressed his interest in establishing a timeline for this process and adhering to it.

Armanini suggested that a display ad in the Lake Forest Park Enterprise might be less expensive and more effective than a mailing.

Goss expressed her concern regarding scheduling the meeting while the transaction is pending. She noted that the vote on I-695 may have an impact on city hall financing.

Armanini said that optional methods of financing could be proposed regardless of the outcome of Initiative 695.

The motion carried unanimously..

• Human Resources Issues

City Administrator Jacobson shared information on job openings for dispatchers in the city of Redmond. He discussed the potential impact of Initiative 695 and the dispatching study.

Armanini expressed concerns regarding the timing of this discussion, and Jacobson said that no decisions would be made prior to completion of the city's 2000 budget process and the outcome of the vote on I-695.

Goss said she appreciates giving employees adequate advance notice if changes are required due to I-695.

Thompson expressed his concerns regarding this process and the potential for an unnecessary loss of employees.

• ADOURNMENT

There being no objection, the special meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

APPROVED:

Special Council Meeting
October 4, 1999

|Return to the City Council Minutes page |
|Home|  |City|  |Community|  |Kiosk|  |Search|  |News|  |About This Site|