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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 13, 2014RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting January 13, 2014 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Community Services: Renton Rotary Support of Meadow Crest Playground Community Services: Renton Community Foundation Grants to Fire & Emergency Services & Senior Activity Center Mayor Denis Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. DON PERSSON, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; GREG TAYLOR; ARMONDO PAVONE; TERRI BRIERE; ED PRINCE. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; MARK BARBER, Senior Assistant City Attorney; JASON SETH, Deputy City Clerk; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON and DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER TRACY WILKINSON, Police Department. Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama introduced Renton Rotary board members John Baumann, Sally Rochelle, and Andee Jorgenson; and Dr. Merri Rieger, Renton School District Superintendent. Mr. Baumann presented a check in the amount of $127,000 to the City for the Meadow Crest Inclusive Playground. He remarked that the new playground will be enjoyed by local and regional residents. Dr. Rieger expressed appreciation for the City's leadership, and for partnering with the Renton School District on behalf of the children in the community. She remarked that the new playground will be a wonderful place for students and families, and will bring joy to anyone who uses it. She noted that the playground will be open to the public in April. Additionally, Dr. Rieger invited everyone to attend an Open House for the newly constructed Meadow Crest Early Learning Center, 1800 Index Ave. NE. She stated that the festivities are scheduled for Friday, January 31, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. She also thanked neighborhood residents, noting that no complaints were filed during construction. Rich Wagner, President of the Renton Community Foundation, shared the foundation's history and stated that two grants had been made to the City. He reported that $2,442 was granted to pay for the Renton Senior Activity Center's volunteer recognition dinner. He also reported that $4,900 was granted to the Fire & Emergency Services Department to support the annual Renton Heart Month Campaign. Fire & Emergency Services Administrator Mark Peterson remarked that February is the time of year when the department concentrates on providing blood pressure and blood sugar health screenings to the community. He stated that this year the department will focus on Renton's younger population by going to all 22 public schools. Chief Peterson remarked that early intervention will help parents recognize issues that can be presented to their healthcare providers. He thanked Mr. Wagner for supporting the campaign. January 13,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 13 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Avery - Council Meeting Frequency Citizen Comment: McOmber - Council Meeting Frequency & Affordable Housing Citizen Comment: Ouellette - Council Meeting Frequency & Cedar River Library Budget Audit Results Citizen Comment: Peterson- The Landing Parking Garage Agreements Citizen Comment: Asher- Council Meeting Frequency Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed an administrative report summarizing the City's recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2014 and beyond. Item noted was: ¥ The Administration has scheduled the annual work retreat this week, and will be back before week's end to finish up any outstanding City business. Mayor Law thanked all of the City employees who worked hard to pull off the rally for the Seattle Seahawks last Friday. He stated that it is a big undertaking involving many different departments, and it is estimated that over 1,000 people attended the event. Stuart Avery (Renton) stated that he was encouraged by the discussion at today's Committee of the Whole meeting regarding Council meeting frequency. He remarked that Council should be looking at ways to improve communications with citizens, not creating ways to reduce accountability. He also suggested that if there were to be a quality-of-life bond, some of the funds should be made available to non-profit groups as grants that could be used to service specific community needs. Howard McOmber (Renton) remarked that he also attended today's Committee of the Whole meeting and was encouraged by the discussion regarding Council meeting frequency. He emphasized that Council should be adding more opportunities to involve the public, and to have this involvement occur earlier in the decision making process. Mr. McOmber also advocated for more affordable housing options in the Renton Highlands. Paul Ouellette (Renton) stated that he also attended today's Committee of the Whole meeting and commended Council for the frank discussions regarding Council meeting frequency. He advocated for allowing public testimony during Committee of the Whole meetings, and suggested televising the meetings. Additionally, Mr. Ouellette requested information regarding the selected firm, and the results, of the Cedar River Library budget audit. Inez Peterson (Renton) asked why the merchants of The Landing are not paying for the operation and maintenance costs of the parking garage; and why there is a $400,000 expense for a new clock tower and fireplace. She also questioned why the City's building code was changed to be more unambiguous. Additionally, Ms. Peterson stated that it is time for the Highlands Community Association to be placed back on the preferred neighborhoods list. Mayor Law clarified that no City funds are being used to operate and maintain the parking garage at The Landing; and the $400,000 in proposed renovations are being paid for by owners of The Landing. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL EXTEND THE AUDIENCE COMMENT PERIOD TO ALLOW ALL PERSONS WHO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK. CARRIED. Beth Asher (Renton) stated that Renton is ahead of the curve because Council holds four meetings a month, and that should not be changed. She suggested changing the format for two of the meetings per month to a Town Hall style to allow for public testimony. Additionally, Ms. Asher suggested embedding a language translator in the City's website to assist with community outreach. Citizen Comment: Ossenkop • Council Meeting Frequency Citizen Comment: Adams- Council Meeting Frequency Citizen Comment: Farmin - Council Meeting Frequency Citizen Comment: Forister- Council Meeting Frequency Citizen Comment: Beedon- Council Meeting Frequency CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 1/6/2013 Finance: Conduit Use Agreement, Zayo Group Court Case: Small Claims for Property Damage, Cummings CRT-14-001 Kathy Ossenkop (Renton) expressed concern about the proposed reduction in Council meetings. She remarked that library advocates spoke to Council weekly for almost two years before a change in direction was made. She also remarked that contacting Council by phone or email is a private matter, while speaking in public allows residents to hear what others have to say. Audrey Adams (Renton) remarked that she appreciates the opportunity to listen to Council and the community every week, and opposes the proposed reduction in Council meetings. Melissa Farmin (Renton) remarked that she finds it offensive to hear that people who speak to Council are dismissed as a vocal minority. She stated that it is difficult for many people to attend Council meetings because of work and family obligations; and the alleged vocal minority may actually be the voice of three quarters of the population. Ms. Farmin added that many residents would not keep saying the same things over and over again if they felt they were being heard. Phyllis Forister (Renton) remarked that residents underwrite City government as taxpayers and therefore have a right to be heard by Council. She stated that the proposed reduction of meeting frequency is not likely due to lack of work. Dave Beedon (Renton) remarked that he attended today's Committee of the Whole meeting and was encouraged by Council's dialogue regarding meeting frequency. He stated that he believes there is value in allowing public testimony at Committee of the Whole meetings, and acknowledged that finding the right time to hold the meetings can be a challenge. Additionally, Mr. Beedon suggested that the City's email system could be altered to send emails to both Council and the administration in order to alleviate communication issues. Councilmember Corman shared why the issue of reducing meeting frequency had been brought up in the past, what prompted Council to revisit the issue now, and also pointed out that a decision to change had not been made. He added that it is his hope that citizen input can be received earlier, when new ideas or projects are being formulated. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 1/6/2013. Council concur. Administrative Services Department recommended approval of a 20-year Conduit Use Agreement with Zayo Group, LLC to allow the company to utilize City-owned conduits in exchange for fiber optic extensions, wiring, and termination at six intersections, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, the Long Lift Station, and provision of six strands of fiber from Tukwila to Seattle for City use. Refer to Finance Committee. Court Case filed by Raymond Cummings in King County District Court (Small Claim #642-1000) vs. City of Renton, regarding a rejected Claim of Damages (CL- 12-002) for tree-related property damages. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. January 13, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 15 Annexation: Alpine Nursery, 160th Ave SE & SE 146th PI CAG: 12-024, Friends of the Cedar River Watershed Collaboration Knotweed Control, King Conservation District Grant Fire: Fire Resource Mobilization Plan Reimbursement, WA State Patrol Human Resources: Reclassifications, 2 Community Services & 1 Public Works CAG-13-118, Eastside GA Apron Rehabilitation, ICON Materials Transportation: Logan Ave. N. Improvement, WATIB Grant UNFINISHED BUSINESS Planning & Development Committee CED: Legalized Marijuana Work Program RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Community and Economic Development Department submitted 60% Petition to Annex for the proposed Alpine Nursery Annexation and recommended a public hearing be set on 1/27/2014 to consider the petition and zoning; 17.1 acres bordered by Renton City limits at the north and west, by parcel lines and 160th Ave. SE to the west, and parcels lines in proximity of SE 146th PI. to the south. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of Amendment III to the Landowner Collaboration for Knotweed Control on the Cedar River Project agreement with King Conservation District to accept $100,026 in grant funds and extend the agreement through 12/31/2016; and authorize the project budget adjustment. Refer to Finance Committee. Fire & Emergency Services Department recommended approval of an interagency agreement with the Washington State Patrol regarding reimbursement of certain costs associated with the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan. Council concur. (See page 16 for resolution.) Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of the reclassification of two positions in the Community Services Department (Golf Course Supervisor, m21 to m22; and Golf Professional, m20 to m22) retroactive to 1/1/2013 with salary grade increases covered by the 404 Golf Course Enterprise Fund; and one position in the Public Works Department (Capital Project Coordinator to Civil Engineer III, a25 to a28) effective 1/1/2014 with salary grade increase covered by departmental budget. Refer to Finance Committee. Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-13-118, Eastside GA Apron Rehabilitation project; and requested approval of the project, final pay estimate in the amount of $186,814.40, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retainage in the amount of $8,938.73 to ICON Materials, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board to accept $4,618,248 for the Logan Ave. N. (Cedar River Bridge to N. 6th St.) Improvement project. City match is $1,154,562. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE CONSENT AGENDA. CARRIED. Planning and Development Committee Chair Prince presented a report recommending that work on Renton's regulations regarding legalized marijuana be initiated with the Planning Commission. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: January 13, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 16 RESOLUTION # A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an Fire: Fire Resource interlocal agreement with the Washington State Patrol regarding the Mobilization Plan reimbursement of certain costs associated with the Washington State Fire Reimbursement, WA State Services Resource Mobilization Plan. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY Patrol TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. AUDIENCE COMMENT Mayor Law remarked that City policy states that the second audience comment period is reserved for citizens who were unable to comment before the 30- minute time limit ran out for the first audience comment period. He also noted that, like tonight, Council routinely extends the time limit for the first audience comment period to allow all persons who have signed-up to speak. Mayor Law stated that there is legal opinion that if the City allows one person to speak a second time, then the comment period must be opened up to everyone. Councilmember Taylor remarked that he believes residents should be allowed to communicate with Council as often as possible. He stated that people have been allowed to speak to Council multiple times in the past, and he does not want to be restrictive. Councilmember Corman remarked that he tends to agree with Mr. Taylor, but would ask residents to keep their second set of comments brief. He clarified that he does not object to residents speaking a second time; he would encourage people not to repeat exactly what they had said during the first comment period. Mr. Taylor stated that he objects to this way of trying to determine what a person can say. He added that Council meetings are shorter under the current administration, and rarely last past 9 p.m. He stated that he is here to listen, and would like to keep that opportunity for engagement open for residents. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ALLOW MS. PETERSON TO ADDRESS COUNCIL A SECOND TIME. CARRIED. Citizen Comment: Peterson - Inez Peterson (Renton) suggested limiting the second comment period to two Council Meeting Frequency & or three minutes per speaker. She also suggested recording and televising all Piazza Park Expansion Council Committee meetings. Additionally, Ms. Peterson suggested expanding Piazza Park into the space where the Big 5 building was located in downtown Renton. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIME: 8:07 p.m. Jason Seth, Recorder January 13, 2014 Jason Seth, CMC) Deputy City Clerk