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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 27, 2014RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting January 27, 2014 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PUBLIC HEARING Annexation: Alpine Nursery, 160th Ave SE & SE 146th PI, A- 13-003 Mayor Denis Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and invited Zone 3 Fire Explorers to present the state and national colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Deputy Fire Chief Erik Wallgren shared the history of the Zone 3 Fire Explorers, and stated that there are currently 25 young men and women enrolled in the program. He remarked that these cadets may one day become firefighters, and introduced cadet Brandon Landeros. Mr. Landeros stated that he has been in the Explorers program for almost five years, and what he has learned and experienced will prepare him to be a professional firefighter. He thanked the City of Renton for supporting the program. Deputy Chief Wallgren added that the cadets also receive Emergency Medical Services training, and have responded to actual incidents in Renton. He remarked that this program can be a future recruiting tool, and noted that three Explorers are currently attending Lindbergh High School. DON PERSSON, Council President; ED PRINCE; TERRI BRIERE; ARMONDO PAVONE; GREG TAYLOR; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; GARMON NEWSOM, Assistant City Attorney; JASON SETH, Deputy City Clerk; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; ROCALE TIMMONS, Senior Planner; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to consider the 60% Direct Petition to Annex and zoning for the proposed Alpine Nursery Annexation; approximately 17.1 acres bordered by Renton City limits at the north and west, by parcel lines and 160th Ave. SE to the west, and parcel lines in proximity of SE 146th PI. to the south. Community and Economic Development Administrator Chip Vincent introduced Senior Planner Rocale Timmons. Ms. Timmons reported that the proposed Alpine Nursery annexation site is within Renton's East Plateau potential annexation area (PAA), and contains single-family homes and vacant land. She stated that there are no streams or wetlands in the area, and public services are currently provided by Fire District #25, Water District #90, Renton sewer utility, and the Issaquah School District. January 27, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 22 Reviewing the site's zoning, Ms. Timmons stated that the area is designated in King County's Comprehensive Plan as Urban Residential Medium (four to twelve dwelling units per gross acre) with R-4 zoning (four dwelling units per acre). She reported that the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Residential Low Density, and it was pre-zoned as R-4 zoning (four dwelling units per net acre), which will become effective upon annexation. Ms. Timmons reported that estimated revenues are $32,403, and costs are $29,992 annually to the City's Operating Fund if annexed. She stated that this could change to $65,064 in revenues and $58,231 in costs if the potential 25 additional dwelling units are built over the next ten years. Concluding, Ms. Timmons stated that the proposed annexation is generally consistent with City annexation policies and Boundary Review Board objectives, and the City's best interests and general welfare would be served by this annexation. Correspondence was entered into the record from Mr. Sugiura (King County) who does not object to the annexation; however, he is concerned with potential traffic impacts on 144th Ave. SE. Public comment was invited. Maria Lindberg (King County) stated that she could not tell if the proposed annexation area includes 160th Ave. SE, a private road that serves as access to ten homes adjacent to the annexation site. She also expressed concern about the impact any potential development would have on the private well serving seven of those ten homes. Additionally, Ms. Lindberg remarked that the ten homeowners are not in a position to pay to hook up to city sewer and water services. Mayor Law stated that adjacent homeowners are not required to hook up to City sewer, but could have an opportunity to hook-up if their septic systems failed. He also noted that the City had not yet received a development proposal for the site. Mr. Vincent explained that the annexation process only changes governance of the area, and that City regulations would apply to any new development. He affirmed that the City had not received an application for development, and that nearby homeowners are not required to hook-up to City water and sewer services. Mr. Vincent stated that if the annexation is approved, and if an application for development is received, then an environmental review process would be initiated. He remarked that if an application is received all property owners within 300 feet of the development will be notified, and will be provided an opportunity to comment on the project. Mr. Vincent also explained that a private road is the responsibility of the homeowners' association for which the road was created, and would continue to be the responsibility of the properties that use it for ingress and egress purposes. Mayor Law remarked that he wanted Ms. Lindberg to have confidence knowing that the City will notify nearby homeowners when an application for development is received, and they will have an opportunity at that time to voice their concerns. January 27, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 23 MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE 60% DIRECT PETITION TO ANNEX FOR THE ALPINE NURSERY ANNEXATION AND AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO FORWARD THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD. CARRIED. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 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 One Night Count of the Homeless occurred early Friday morning (1/24/2014). There were 64 volunteers that helped count, prepare breakfast, and oversee the operation. A number of City employees volunteered their time, including many senior staff members of the Police Department. There were also representatives from Communities In Schools of Renton, the Compass Center, the Salvation Army, Valley Cities Counseling, Vision House, and the Way Back Inn. On a special note, former Governor Mike Lowry, who has participated since 1998, was there again. 96 homeless people were counted in Renton, an increase of 13 individuals from last year. County-wide there were 3,123, an increase of approximately 14%. No children were counted in Renton this year. The administration is working with these raw numbers and will be meeting with the King County Committee to End Homelessness to discuss ways to reduce homelessness in our community. AUDIENCE COMMENT Inez Petersen (Renton) stated that she has created a blog that will focus on Citizen Comment: Petersen - things she believes are law-related that might be of interest to Council and the Municipal Code citizens of Renton. She read a portion of a blog entry regarding building Interpretations regulations (RMC 4-3-100.C), and stated that she thinks that particular section of code may be void for vagueness if tested in court. She also remarked that she opposes the term creative design alternatives, because it favors big developers and may not work well for individual citizens. Citizen Comment: McOmber - Howard McOmber (Renton) advocated for owner-occupied affordable housing Affordable Housing in the Renton Highlands. He stated that there are plenty of upscale neighborhoods in Renton, but there is need for more homes for people that are less affluent. He also advocated for public/private partnerships, and noted that the Renton Housing Authority is doing a great job in the Highlands providing homes for people on the very bottom of the economic scale. Mayor Law remarked that the City is listening to his concerns, and also believes that affordable housing is an important issue. He stated that great strives are being made, especially in the Sunset Area, where a new development plan is currently underway. He explained that 100 new high-quality units are being constructed to replace the current substandard housing, and an additional 164 units are being added by the Renton Housing Authority. He noted that that is two and half times more units for low income and affordable housing in that neighborhood alone. January 27,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 24 Citizen Comment: Adams - Homelessness Citizen Comment: Asher- Homelessness CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 1/13/2013 Finance: Utility Bill Adjustment, Pillar Northwest Real Estate Fire: 2014-2019 Basic Life Support Services, King County CAG: 12-175, FBO Parking Lot & Storm Drainage Repair, RL Alia Company Audrey Adams (Renton) advocated on behalf of a homeless man, who she believes is also developmentally disabled, who begs for change near the Talbot exit off 1-405. She stated that she believes he has a developmental disability because his signs reads "hungry 1C," and most people would not be asking for one penny. She asked if there was something the City could do to help this man, and expressed relief that no homeless children were counted in Renton. Mr. Covington clarified that although there were no children counted, that does not mean there are no homeless children in Renton. Mayor Law remarked that there are in fact homeless children in Renton. Councilmember Taylor stated that there are legal restrictions in terms of what the City can do for this man, noting that a person has to self-check into a program. He remarked that there are a lot of people in the Human Services field that are constantly trying to help these individuals, but they cannot round them up and take them to mental health facilities. He remarked that with Valley Cities Counseling moving to Renton, there will be additional opportunities to provide mental health assistance to homeless individuals. He added that he believes there is a direct correlation between the growing income gap and the increase in number of homeless people. Beth Asher (Renton) remarked that she volunteered at the One Night Count of the Homeless, and reported that there was a ten percent increase from last year in the area she covered. She stated that all of the homeless people she counted were men, and suggested using space at the old City Hall, 200 Mill BIdg., for a men's shelter. She also suggested leasing some of the unused space at the 200 Mill BIdg. to community groups like the YWCA. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 1/13/2013. Council concur. Administrative Services Department submitted a request from Pillar Northwest Real Estate for a utility bill adjustment due to a water leak and recommended granting the adjustment in the amount of $5,580.66. Refer to Finance Committee. Fire &. Emergency Services Department recommended approval of the 2014- 2019 King County Basic Life Support (BLS) contract accepting $1,212,395 annually from King County for basic life support services to be divided amongst the City - $901,567, King County Fire District #25 - $104,972, and King County Fire District #40 - $205,856. Council concur. (See page 26 for resolution.) Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-12-175, FBO Parking Lot and Storm Drain Repair project; and requested approval of the project, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retainage in the amount of $17,329.38 to R.L. Alia Company, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. January 27, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 25 CAG: 13-114, Renton Hill Alley Sewer Replacement 2013, RL Alia Company CAG: 13-143, NE 10th St & Anacortes Ave NE Detention Pond Retrofit, CCT Construction UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Human Resources: Reclassifications, 2 Community Services & 1 Public Works CAG: 12-024, Friends of the Cedar River Watershed Collaboration Knotweed Control, King Conservation District Grant Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-13-114, Renton Hill Alley Sewer Replacement 2013 project; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $10,130.07, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retainage in the amount of $9,694.77 to R.L Alia Company, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-13-143, NE 10th St. and Anacortes Ave. NE Detention Pond Retrofit project; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $6,822.62, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retainage in the amount of $6,764.53 to CCT Construction, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE CONSENT AGENDA. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 326339 - 326992, five wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $7,283,225.85, and payroll vouchers including 704 direct deposits and 40 payroll checks totaling $1,551,760.88. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the reclassification and salary adjustments for three current employees. The Community Services employees (Golf Course Supervisor and Golf Professional) salary grade adjustment will be retroactive to 1/1/2013. The Public Works employee reclassification (Capital Project Coordinator, reclassed to Civil Engineer III) will be effective 1/1/2014. The cost of the 2014 reclassification is $11,820, excluding salary related benefits. The cost of the 2013 retroactive salary grade increases is $5,616. The total cost, including the 2013 retroactive increases, is $17,436. The salary increases due to reclassifications and salary adjustments will be absorbed by the departments in the 2014 budget. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve Amendment III to the 2011 Agreement for the "Landowner Collaboration for Knotweed Control on the Cedar River Project," between the City of Renton and the King Conservation District in the amount of $100,026. The King Conservation District grant will provide the City with $189,280 ($89,254 was awarded during 2012) to leverage costs of this partnership-project with the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, a not-for- profit organization. The City of Renton in-kind contributions for staff and volunteer labor, equipment and materials is $74,150. The three-year project is expected to begin during late summer of 2014 and to be completed by the end of 2016. A separate agreement for services will be executed between the City of Renton and the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed in February of 2014. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the amendment. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. January 27,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 26 Finance: Conduit Use Agreement, Zayo Group Transportation (Aviation) Committee Transportation: Logan Ave N (Cedar River Bridge to N 6th St) Improvement Project, WA TIB Grant RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4208 Fire: 2014-2019 Basic Life Support Services, King County NEW BUSINESS Council: Joint Meeting with Renton Technical College & Renton School District AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McOmber- Boy Scouts of America Citizen Comment: Petersen - Sunset Area Redevelopment Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the Zayo Conduit Use Agreement with the Zayo Group, LLC to share City underground conduit in exchange for fiber optic cabling within and outside City limits. The Committee also recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an agreement with the State of Washington Transportation Improvement Board for the obligation of grant funding in the amount of $4,618,248, and all subsequent agreements necessary to accomplish construction of this project. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with King County regarding funding for basic life support services for the Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department for 2014-2019. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Council President Persson announced that there will be a joint meeting with the Renton Technical College and Renton School District on Tuesday, February 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Culinaire Room at the Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th St. He remarked that agenda will include a time to socialize; and an opportunity to share current initiatives, discuss opportunities for future collaborations, and identify next steps. Mayor Law remarked that a great example of this type of collaboration is the new Meadow Crest Inclusive Playground. He stated that there are a lot of things that need to be accomplished for the youth of the City, and they will be accomplished through these types of partnerships. He added that this meeting will be a great opportunity to network. Howard McOmber (Renton) remarked that the Zone 3 Fire Explorers is an extension of the Boy Scouts of America. He stated that the Boy Scouts are currently conducting a Friends for Scouting drive where they are asking for contributions for the organization. He explained that there a lot of costs to run the organization, and asked citizens to give generously if they are contacted by the Boy Scouts. Inez Petersen (Renton) stated that she supports the new development occurring in the Renton Highlands Sunset Area. She remarked that she opposed the last approach of declaring the entire area blighted. Ms. Peterson also noted that statistically there are about 12,000 households living below the poverty level in Renton. She asked what the current level of affordable housing is in Renton, explaining that knowing this number will help determine how much more is needed in the community. January 27,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 27 ADJOURNMENT Jason Seth, Recorder January 27, 2014 Mayor Law remarked that all of the statistical data can be found in the City's Human Services Division in the Community Services Department. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIME:^?§8 p.m. Jason/^eth, CMC, Deputy City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 27, 2014 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MON., 2/3 Legislative Update (briefing) (Persson) 6 p.m. TUES., 2/4 Joint Meeting with Renton Technical 5:30 - 7 p.m. College & Renton School District for: a. Organizations to Share Current Initiatives; b. Discuss Opportunities for Collaboration; and c. Identify Next Steps •Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th St.* COMMUNITYSERVICES MON., 2/3 CANCELED (Taylor) FINANCE (Briere) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) PUBLIC SAFETY MON., 2/3 CANCELED (Corman) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) UTILITIES MON., 2/3 CANCELED (Pavone) NOTE: Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted All other committee meetings are held in the Council Conference Room unless otherwise noted.