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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmi060809RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting June 8, 2009 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS RANDY CORMAN, Council President; GREG TAYLOR, RICH ZWICKER, TERRI BRIERE, KING PARKER, DON PERSSON, MARCIE PALMER. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Services Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director; JERRY RERECICH, Recreation Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; KELLY BEYMER, Golf Course Manager; STEPHEN MEYERS, Golf Course Supervisor; NORMA MCQUILLER, Neighborhood Coordinator; WENDY KIRCHNER, Neighborhood Program Assistant; DEPUTY CHIEF BILL FLORA, Fire Department; COMMANDER CLARK WILCOX, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Community Services: Audubon Award of Excellence Golf Course Manager Kelly Beymer introduced Golf Course Supervisor Stephen Meyers. Mr. Meyers reported that the Maplewood Golf Course achieved certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary from Audubon International on 5/20/2009. He explained that the golf course is the 12th course in the state, and only the second municipal course, to achieve this certification. He reported that the five key elements to achieving certification are: 1) Wildlife and Habitat Management, 2) Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, 3) Water Conservation, 4) Water Quality Management, and 5) Outreach and Education. Mr. Meyers reported that natural areas are allowed to grow around the golf course. He stated that these areas are low-maintained areas that provide food, cover, and corridors for the wildlife inhabiting the course. He reported that little or no herbicides and fungicides are used in the low-maintenance areas and that soil tests are completed annually to determine the types and amounts of chemicals that are needed to maintain healthy turf. Mr. Meyers reported that little to no water is used in the natural areas and that weather and soil conditions are monitored daily to determine irrigation needs. He also stated that a central computer to control irrigation was installed that has increased the efficiency of the irrigation system. Mr. Meyers reported that bi-annual water testing is conducted and that to date there has not been a detection of chemical products in the Maplewood Creek or any of the ponds located within the golf course. He reported that presentations have been made to the Cedar River Council, the Parks Commission, and the Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs in an effort to educate citizens about the Audubon program. Parks Director Leslie Betlach presented a certificate recognizing the Maplewood Golf Course as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary to Mr. Meyers and Ms. Beymer on behalf of Ronald G. Dodson, President of Audubon International. June 8, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 167 CED: 2009 Neighborhood Program Awards Neighborhood Program Coordinator Norma McQuiller announced that the City received two awards at the 5/20/2009 Neighborhoods USA conference. She reported that the neighborhood program was created to establish a dialogue between residents and City officials and staff. She stated that a pilot program was started in 1997 and was later expanded to include the picnic program. Ms. McQuiller remarked that picnic season is a time for food, fun, friends, and games and noted that the picnic trailer houses the games, tables, chairs, and other items needed to conduct successful neighborhood picnics. She noted that Councilmember Parker has announced a goal of serving 5,000 cups of lemonade this year. Neighborhood Program Assistant Wendy Kirchner reported that the Liberty Ridge Neighborhood is a unique neighborhood consisting of over 500 homes that are located on two levels. She stated that the neighbors living within the two levels set a goal to unify the neighborhood and create a common area where kids could play, and residents could socialize. She reported that a group was formed, a project coordinator was elected, a plan to build a playground area was formalized, a vendor was selected, and an application for a Neighborhood Program grant was submitted. Ms. Kirchner reported that the total project amount was $46,000, of which the City funded $23,000, the residents of Liberty Ridge provided $6,900 worth of labor and $4,100 in donations, and the Liberty Ridge Homeowners’ Association provided the remaining $12,000. Mayor Law presented Project Coordinator Veronica Smith-Casem a check from Neighborhoods USA in the amount of $200. Ms. Smith-Casem expressed appreciation for the City’s Neighborhood Program and remarked that the project could not have been completed if it were not for the grant funds received from the City. Mayor Law announced that the first picnic of the year is for the South Renton Neighborhood Association and will be held at Burnett Linear Park on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Daniels - North Renton & Kennydale Neighborhoods George Daniels (Renton) read a portion of City of Renton Resolution #2708 regarding the preservation of the North Renton and Kennydale neighborhoods from deterioration due to traffic. He remarked that in 1988 Council determined that the highest and best use of the area was to have it remain single-family residential in character. Responding to Council President Corman’s inquiry, Mr. Daniels remarked that a hodge-podge of development could occur if a focus on planning for the area is not initiated. Citizen Comment: Klepach - Tall Grass on Morris Ave S Property Fran Klepach (Renton) expressed concern regarding an unoccupied home at on Morris Ave. S. She stated that the grass is nearly three feet high and the backyard is extremely dry and may be a fire hazard. She explained that after contacting the City’s Code Enforcement Office she was told that there is discrepancy over who owns the home and that the City could do nothing until that was resolved. She displayed photographs depicting the tall grass and conditions of the property and requested that Council take action that would allow the City to mow the lawn and bill the homeowner, placing a lien on the property if necessary. Discussion ensued regarding the City’s ability to enter private property if a fire hazard or other type of emergency is perceived, the City’s ability to lien property for costs associated with clearing a potential hazard, and resolving the home’s ownership issue. Mayor Law stated that the issue will be investigated. June 8, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 168 CONSENT AGENDA Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of 6/1/2009 Approval of Council Meeting minutes of 6/1/2009. Council concur. Appointment: Planning Commission Mayor Law reappointed Nancy Osborn to the Planning Commission for a three- year term expiring 6/30/2012. Council concur. Appointment: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Community and Economic Development Department recommended the appointment of Brent Cammon, General Manager of Marriott Spring Hill and Marriott Towne Place, to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to fill the vacancy left by Rick Meinig and to ratify the existing membership of the Lodging Tax Committee as follows: City of Renton Councilmember King Parker; Bill Taylor, President and CEO of the Renton Chamber of Commerce; Preeti Shridhar, City of Renton Communications Director; and Kathy Madison, Hilton Garden Inn. Council concur. Finance: eGov Alliance Partnership Agreement Finance and Information Services Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $19,500 per year with eGov Alliance Partnership to extend full partnership rights to the City of Renton for 2009 through 2018. Concil concur. (See later this page for resolution.) Finance: GIS Enterprise License Agreement, ESRI Finance and Information Services Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $50,000 per year with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for a three-year enterprise license agreement to allow additional access to the citywide Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Council concur. SAD: Central Plateau Interceptor Phase II Utility Systems Division requested authorization to establish the Central Plateau Interceptor Phase II Special Assessment District in the amount of $2,207,591.54 to ensure that project costs are equitably distributed to those who benefit. Refer to Utilities Committee. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Utilities Committee SAD: Baxter Lift Station Replacement Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to waive the requirement for preliminary approval and preliminary notice for special assessment district, and that the Baxter Lift Station Replacement Special Assessment District No. 0043 be approved. The Special Assessment District No. 0043 will establish new connection charges in the amount of $166,421 for this parcel. In addition, simple interest will accrue at a rate of 5.30 percent for a period of ten (10) years. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance finalizing the Baxter Lift Station Replacement Special Assessment District be presented for first reading. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 169 for ordinance.) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: RESOLUTION #4007 Finance: eGov Alliance Partnership Agreement A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement establishing the City of Renton as an eCityGov Alliance Partner City. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. June 8, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 169 The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 6/15/2009 for second and final reading: SAD: Baxter Lift Station Replacement An ordinance was read establishing a special assessment district for sanitary sewer service for properties benefitting from the Baxter Lift Station Replacement and establishing the amount of the charge upon connection to the facilities. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 6/15/2009. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption: ORDINANCE #5461 Legal: Automated Traffic Safety Camera Signage An ordinance was read amending Chapter 12, Traffic Code, of Title X (Traffic) of City Code, to add a new subsection requiring the placement of signs where a driver is entering a zone where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. ORDINANCE #5462 SAD: Highlands Water Main Improvements An ordinance was read establishing a special assessment district for the Highlands Water Main Improvements project and providing for the collection of special assessments upon certain properties receiving benefits from the improvements. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Community Event: Duvall Ave NE Closure Street Party Councilmember Briere invited the public to attend a street party being held on Duvall Ave. NE (on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.). She encouraged citizens and business owners affected by the long street closure to attend and stated that there will be chalk art in the streets, music playing, and that the City will be providing hot dogs. CED: Public Art at Carco Theatre Councilmember Palmer commented that the plastic flowers located in the display case at Carco Theatre look tacky and should be removed. She requested that the Municipal Arts Commission find a replacement piece of art for the display case, noting that the Chihuly glass piece that previously occupied the case has been moved to another location. Mayor Law indicated that the issue will be reviewed. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES TO DISCUSS PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS (RCW 42.30.110.1.b.) WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 7:44 p.m. Executive session was conducted. In addition to Councilmembers and Mayor, persons in attendance included City Attorney Warren, Chief Administrative Officer Covington, and Community and Economic Development Administrator Pietsch. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder June 8, 2009