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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 8, 2014RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting December 8, 2014 Council Chambers Monday, 7:00 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Denis Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF DON PERSSON, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; GREG COUNCILMEMBERS TAYLOR; ARMONDO PAVONE; ED PRINCE. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; JASON SETH, City Clerk; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; JENNIFER HENNING, Planning Director; CLIFF LONG, Economic Development Director; ROCALE TIMMONS, Senior Planner; COMMANDER KATIE MCCLINCY, Police Department. NOMINATIONS FOR VACANT Mayor Law announced that Council will nominate and appoint one of the 13 COUNCIL POSITION #6 candidates interviewed on December 2, 2014 to vacant Council Position #6. Discussion ensued regarding the nominating and balloting process, procedures in the event a stalemate is declared, and the impressive qualities of all of the candidates who submitted application packets for the vacant position. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL OPEN NOMINATIONS FOR VACANT COUNCIL POSITION #6. CARRIED. PERSSON: Ruth Perez; PALMER: Beth Asher; CORMAN: KB VanHorn; TAYLOR: Beth Asher; PAVONE: Carol Ann Witschi; PRINCE: Mike Snow. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR VACANT COUNCIL POSITION #6. CARRIED. Council President Persson explained that he nominated Ruth Perez because he believes it is important to maintain gender-balance on the Council, and the Council has made a commitment to support the City's minority populations. He added that these are not the only reasons he nominated Ms. Perez, explaining that she is intelligent, educated, compassionate, and displayed the ability to listen to people and make decisions based on facts. Councilmember Palmer explained that she nominated Beth Asher because she believes Ms. Asher fully understand the responsibilities of the position. She remarked that Ms. Asher also has an impressive resume of getting involved with the community. Ms. Palmer explained that she admires Ms. Asher's ability to take the public's pulse on controversial issues. She added that Ms. Asher has run for office in the past, and is a very hard worker that catches on to new ideas and concepts quickly. Councilmember Corman explained that he nominated KB VanHorn because he too is interested in working on the gender-balance issue. He stated that Ms. VanHorn's community experience was impressive, and he admired her idea of the stone soup concept when working with the community. Mr. Corman December 8, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 367 remarked that Ms. VanHorn has figured out the formula for making the community a better place during a time when resources are limited. He added that Ruth Perez was also high on his list of candidates. Councilmember Taylor explained that he nominated Beth Asher for many of the same reasons that Ms. Palmer did, and added that Ms. Asher is very gifted in researching and finding out things she wants to know. He remarked that she demonstrated the ability to lead several years ago when she galvanized the community around the library relocation issue. He stated that Ms. Asher is creative, independent, and a critical thinker that is well qualified for the position. Mr. Taylor added that he also considered nominating Ms. VanHorn and Ms. Perez for the position. Councilmember Pavone explained that he nominated Carol Ann Witschi because of her impressive background. He added that she was number two of the thirteen candidates interviewed, yet her answers stuck with him throughout the night. Councilmember Prince explained that he too was concerned about gender equality on the Council, but in good conscious had to nominate Mike Snow. He remarked the Mr. Snow's community activism and qualifications really resonated with him. He stated that Mr. Snow would be a good asset to the Council. He added that he was also impressed with KB VanHorn, Carol Witschi, and Ruth Perez. Mayor Law began the balloting: 1st round: PERSSON: Perez; PALMER: Asher; CORMAN: Perez; TAYLOR: Asher; PAVONE: Witschi; PRINCE: Witschi. 2nd round: PERSSON: Perez; PALMER: Asher; CORMAN: KB Vanhorn; TAYLOR: Asher; PAVONE: Perez; PRINCE: Witschi 3rd round: PERSSON: Perez; PALMER: Perez; CORMAN: Perez; TAYLOR: Asher; PAVONE: Perez; PRINCE: Perez Mayor Law announced that it is his honor and pleasure to declare Ruth Perez the newly appointed member ofthe City Council. He stated that she will be sworn-in at the next regular Council meeting on January 5, 2015. Councilmember Corman remarked that he was really impressed with the qualifications of the group of candidates. He remarked that he did not vote against anyone, he voted for the most qualified candidate. Councilmember Palmer encouraged the candidates to strongly consider running during the next election cycle. She thanked everyone for participating in the appointment process. Councilmember Taylor thanked the candidates for applying for the position, and encouraged them to keep their interest in joining Council brewing. He also encouraged everyone to continue their community activism. December 8, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 368 PUBLIC HEARING This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in CED: Sunset Master Plan EIS accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to consider adopting the amended Sunset Area Planned Action ordinance. Senior Planner Rocale Timmons reported that the Sunset Area is approximately 269 acres and is located near the City center. She stated that it contains 3,000 duplexes on 240 acres, and is near major employment, shopping, transit, and entertainment opportunities. She added that the vision for this area is to have it be a destination place where neighbors and businesses are engaged, the area is walkable and interconnected, and feels safe and secure. Ms. Timmons reported that planning efforts were initiated in 1999, and in 2007 and 2008 those efforts were formalized into two task forces. In 2009 the efforts of the task forces culminated in the Sunset Area Community Investment Strategy. She explained that from this strategy an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Planned Action was created in 2010. She remarked that since 2010 there have been several projects completed in the area, including the construction of townhome projects, the beginning of the construction of the new Highlands Library, and the completion ofthe Sunset Park Master Plan. Ms. Timmons reported that staff recently conducted a re-evaluation ofthe EIS that was completed in 2010. She explained that the new evaluation includes approximately 90 more housing units focused on Sunset Boulevard, increased building heights by ten feet, a larger park, and reclassification ofthe local streets that serve the Sunset Area. She further explained that the amendments to the 2010 EIS and Planned Action are not substantive changes from the original record of decision. She added that the proposed changes require all future multi-family buildings along Sunset Boulevard to comply with specific design criteria related to building proportions and roof profiles. Concluding, Ms. Timmons recommended that Council adopt the amended Sunset Area Planned Action that reflects the proposed changes. There being no public comment, it was MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. (See pages 369 and 371 for further information on this topic.) ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed a written administrative report summarizing the City's recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2014 and beyond. Items noted were: ¥ You're invited to attend the annual Specialized Recreation Drama Club performance of "Frosty the Snowman" on Thursday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. This event at Carco Theatre, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, is free. ¥ On Sunday, December 14, enjoy the Renton Youth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert, 3 p.m., at Carco Theatre. Tickets will be available at the door; $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students. # Renton City Concert Band will perform their holiday concert on Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m. at the Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center. Tickets will be available at the door; $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students. December 8, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 369 CONSENT AGENDA Council: 11/24/2014 Council Meeting Minutes Council: 12/1/2014 Council Meeting Minutes Council: 12/2/2014 Special Meeting/Committee ofthe Whole Minutes Court Case: DeLaTorre, CRT- 14-012 CED: Medical Marijuana, Moratorium Extension Human Resources: Change from WCIA to Self Insured UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole CED: Sunset Master Plan EIS Police: Car Thefts # Enjoy Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., through January 1, 2015. & Start your new year off with a quick dip in the icy waters of Lake Washington at the Annual Polar Bear Dip, 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. No registration in required and a life guard will be on duty. Mayor Law thanked Community Relations & Event Coordinator Sonja Mejlaender for coordinating the Clam Lights event. He also thanked everyone in the Community Services and Public Works Departments for their hard work making City events enjoyable for all residents. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Mayor Law removed Consent Agenda Item 7.f. from consideration. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 11/24/2014. Council concur. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 12/1/2014. Council concur. Approval of Special Meeting/Committee of the Whole minutes of 12/2/2014. Council concur. Court case filed by Melinda De La Torre v. City of Renton, et al. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. Community and Economic Development Department recommended adoption of a resolution extending the moratorium on accepting applications for business licenses or permits for medical marijuana businesses. Council concur. (See page 371 for resolution.) Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval to change insurance covorago from Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) to self insured, and to incroaso tho proporty self insured retention lovol to $100,000 per occurrence. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEM 7.f. CARRIED. Council President Persson presented a Committee ofthe Whole report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt the Amended Sunset Area Planned Action, and recommended authorization of first and second reading and adoption ofthe amended Sunset Area Planned Action Ordinance on 12/8/2014. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. (See page 372 for ordinance.) Council President Persson remarked that the Police Department presented an anti-auto theft video to Council a few weeks ago. He noted that Detective Onishi reported that eight cars were stolen between November 28 and December 1, 2014. He stated that four of the eight cars were left running in the cold weather. He reminded everyone to turn off their vehicles and lock them up. December 8, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 370 Transportation (Aviation) Committee Lease: Amendment #1, Landing Gear Works LLC Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Planning & Development Committee CED: Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #10B Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve an amendment to the lease with Landing Gear Works, LLC increasing annual revenue to $19,000.95 per year, for an increase of leased area by 1,878 square feet (old control tower), and to extend the term of the lease for an additional 18 months, from 2/28/2015 to 8/31/2016. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign Amendment 1-14 to LAG-13-005. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PAVONE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. Finance Committee Vice-Chair Palmer presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 334288 - 334563, three wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $5,040,613.71 and payroll vouchers including 730 direct deposits and 56 payroll checks totaling $1,605,533.03. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Planning and Development Committee Chair Prince presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff and Planning Commission recommendations to adopt the following items on the 2014 Title IV Docket: D-101 Applicability for Modification in Design Districts: Amending code so that exterior modifications must comply with the relevant district requirements. D-104 Lot Area, Building Coverage, Impervious Surface Area: Increasing the minimum lot size in the R-4 zone, implementing one lot size in the R-8, and establishing minimum lot sizes in the R-10 and R-14 zones. Other standards are also amended, such as minimum lot width and setbacks in all residential zones. Maximum impervious surface area is decreased in all residential zones. Finally, the standards for a new R-6 zone are established. D-105 Utilities, Open Space, and Critical Areas in Tracts: The proposed text amendments would require utilities, such as stormwater structures, open space, and critical areas, such as wetlands and their buffers and protected slopes, to be located in tracts, which would be designated as tracts on final plats upon recording. Incorporation of Homeowners' Associations (HOA) would be required for all subdivisions having such dedicated tracts, regardless ofthe size ofthe subdivision and/or number of lots. D-106 Telecommunications: Introducing new and revised standards for wireless communication facilities (e.g., materials, visual mitigation, location, height limitations, etc.). Exceptions for certain collocations/modifications to existing wireless communication towers are proposed. D-108 Retaining Walls: Introduce standards for retaining walls, such as: allowed materials, height limitations, setbacks, terracing design, grading above retaining walls, landscaping, and fences upon or adjacent to retaining walls. D-109 Tree Removal: Proposed revised quantities and frequencies of tree removal from property, priorities for retention of certain trees, increasing the percentage of trees to retain on-site for residential zoning districts with a density greater than R-8 and for all other zones, and establishing a provision to December 8, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 371 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4236 CED: Medical Marijuana, Moratorium Extension CED: Sunset Master Plan EIS ORDINANCE #5740 CED: Sunset Master Plan EIS ORDINANCE #5741 Attorney: Amend RMC 1-3-l.B. ORDINANCE #5742 Attorney: Amend RMC 6-28- 6.C. NEW BUSINESS Council: Local Progress, Conference Attendance pay a fee in lieu of replacing trees when it is determined by the Administrator that site constraints preclude the planting of replacement trees. Fees would go to the City's Urban Forestry Program. D-112 Administrative Code Interpretations: Sixteen interpretations, which have already been in effect, are proposed to have their related code language updated. The Committee recommended that the ordinances regarding D-101, D-104, D- 105, D-106, D-108, D-109, and D-112 be presented for first reading on 1/5/2015. MOVED PRINCE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read declaring a moratorium on accepting applications for business licenses or permits for medical marijuana businesses and establishments involved in the sale, manufacture, distribution or use of medical marijuana; and establishing a termination date for the moratorium. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and advanced to second and final reading and adoption: An ordinance was read establishing a planned action for the Sunset Area pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR ADVANCEMENT TO SECOND AND FINAL READING. CARRIED. After second and final reading of the above-referenced ordinance, it was MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption: An ordinance was read amending Subsection 1-3-l.B. of Chapter 3, Remedies and Penalties, of Title I (Administrative), of City Code, allowing for the City's use of the South Correctional Entity Regional Jail or another appropriate facility for the imposition of jail time. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Subsection 6-28-6.C. of Chapter 28, Race Attendance, of Title VI (Police Regulations), of City Code, updating the penalties for violating a Stay Out of Areas of Racing ("SOAR") Order to be consistent with RMC 1-3-1. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. Councilmember Taylor reported that he recently attended the Local Progress convening in New York City. He remarked that Local Progress is a policy network of progressive-minded local elected officials from across the country, united in the commitments of shared prosperity, equal justice under the law, livable cities, and good government that serves the public's interests. December 8, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 372 Mr. Taylor stated that New York Mayor Bill De Blasio was the event's keynote speaker. He remarked that attendees discussed building progressive cities, fighting for economic justice and worker rights, dealing with winning real police and criminal justice reform, and other topics. He noted that a policy change in New York will reduce the number of "stop and frisk" police interactions from 700,000 to less than 50,000. Mr. Taylor stated that this change will have a significant impact on the police force, and will allow them to focus on real criminals. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIMET7:47 p.m. O ../ Jason Seth, Recorder December 8, 2014 Jasc^n A. Seth,jEMC, City Clerk // (y Council Committee Meeting Calendar December 8, 2014 December 15, 2014 Monday Council Holiday - No Meetings, Chair Persson December 22, 2014 Monday Council Holiday - No Meetings, Chair Persson December 25, 2014 Thursday City Holiday -No Meetings, Chair Persson December 26, 2014 Friday City Holiday -No Meetings, Chair Persson December 29, 2014 Monday Fifth Monday - No Meetings, Chair Persson January 1, 2015 Thursday City Holiday -No Meetings, Chair Persson January 5, 2015 Monday 5:00 PM Public Safety Committee, Chair Corman - Council Conference Room 1. City's Public Notification System - briefing 2. Hazard Mitigation Plan - briefing 5:30 PM Finance Committee, Vice Chair Palmer - Council Conference Room 1. Vouchers 6:00 PM Committee of the Whole, Chair Persson -- Council Chambers 1. Economic Development Update (includes Update on Main Street Program)