The Jan. 21, 2025, Kent City Council Meeting and Committee of the Whole saw several key developments for the city, including unanimous approval of a 10-year fiber internet agreement with Ezee Fiber Texas, and plans for a 565-unit development called The Suton.
Public Works secured grants for sidewalk improvements, and Logan Todd was recognized as Employee of the Month.
The council also emphasized youth development, honoring National Mentoring Month and promoting the city’s foreign exchange program.
In the Public Safety Report, Chief Rafael Padilla announced a 5-year low in crime rates for 2024.
Fiber Internet Agreement Approved
Council gave unanimous approval to a 10-year fiber franchise agreement with a Texas company, Ezee Fiber. Ezee Fiber plans to build out a fiber optic network throughout the south Puget Sound region. The company would also build local offices in Kent.
Mayor Dana Ralph said having another option for internet service would be welcome in the community, particularly after a recent Comcast outage. She said the Comcast station experienced some vandalism the previous evening, but that they would likely restore service imminently.
Market Rate Development Approved
Council also unanimously approved plans for a 565-unit development on 12.5 acres. This development, called The Suton, is located ¼ mile from the light rail station, and will offer amenities to residents that include a gym and pool.
To round out the new housing offerings, Council will be reviewing a large affordable housing project built by Mercy Housing at a coming meeting.
Grants Awarded For Sidewalk Completion
Public Works got approval to accept two grants for sidewalk completion. These projects will close existing gaps to allow pedestrians safer passage. The projects are on 83rd Ave S. and 132nd Ave SE, and have been granted $625,000 and $490,000, respectively.
Employee Of The Month
Logan Todd was selected by his peers as January Employee of the Month. Todd was hired by the law department in 2022 as assistant city attorney. He is described as hardworking, managing a diverse workload with grace and efficiency. He is diligent and voluntarily takes on additional projects without hesitation. He has a tireless work ethic and is a true team player.
National Mentoring Month
Mayor Dana Ralph read a proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month, and the executive director of Mentor Washington spoke about her organization. She said mentoring youth promotes wellbeing and sets youth up to thrive. The organization is always looking for mentors. Mayor Ralph encouraged mentoring, adding that “Wisdom coming from someone other than mom and dad makes all the difference.”
Kent Sister Cities
Mayor Ralph mentioned another program that can help young people, high school foreign exchange. Kent has three active foreign exchange sister cities, located in Japan, Norway, and China. Teens who want to be involved can fill out an application on the city’s website. Mayor Ralph said they are always looking for participants.
Public Safety Report; Crime Stats Down
Chief Rafael Padilla presented five new officers who were sworn in. Three of them are corrections officers, and two are police officers–one of which was a lateral transfer from Kansas. Chief Padilla explained that department staffing is still holding stable; they had four retirements at the end of 2024 but will quickly be back to fully staffed.
With the final crime data in from 2024, Padilla was able to report that there was a five-year low in all categories. In 2023, there were 16 homicides and in 2024 that number was reduced to 11. Padilla did recognize that 11 is still too high, especially considering that several of these homicides involved youth, both as victims and perpetrators.
Chief Padilla reported that over 80% of these homicides have been solved, with another two still under investigation but likely to be solved. He said, for comparison, the national average for solving homicides is only 57.8%. This, he said, is an indicator of the effectiveness of both Kent detectives and local crime-fighting technology, such as Flock cameras. He added that solving these homicides also provides essential closure for families of the victims.
Of the homicides, one case was determined to be self-defense. Others were found to be domestic violence, bar fights, assaults, drug trafficking-related, and gang-related robbery. Eight of the 11 were committed by firearms. The youngest victim was just 13.
Padilla said that Kent Police will be working to reduce these numbers further in 2025, by being even more present and proactive in the community.
Chief Padilla also mentioned that Kent PD will be featured on a few episodes of season 2 of the docuseries “Police 24/7,” soon to be released. These episodes will be shared by the department on social media, and can be viewed on CWTV.com.
Chief Padilla introduced new Kent Police Officers & Corrections Officers @ council last night & Mayor Ralph swore into duty.
— Kent Police (@kentpd) January 22, 2025
L-R Corrections Officers Dimitroff, Gomez & Moore, Police Officers Curtis & Thompson
Learn more about our new hires:https://t.co/6fEHBzBqaZ pic.twitter.com/OfqiXptXlx