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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - July 14, 2014RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting July 14, 2014 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION Judge Gerard M. Shellan Day- July 14, 2014 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Mayor Denis Law called the meeting ofthe Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Don Persson, Council President; ED PRINCE; TERRI BRIERE; ARMONDO PAVONE; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE PALMER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; ZANETTA FONTES, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Goif Course Director; JENNIFER HENNING, Planning Director; and COMMANDER PAUL CLINE, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring July 14, 2014 to be "Judge Gerard M. Shellan Day" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in this special celebration. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Mayor Law thanked Judge Shellan for his 27 years of devoted service to the City as City Attorney (1950-1977) and to King County citizens thereafter, and presented him the proclamation and a Key to the City. Judge Shellan introduced members of his family who were in attendance, and noted that his wife's father, Joe E. Baxter, was Mayor of Renton from 1950 to 1960. Judge Shellan added that July 14 holds special meaning to him because it was on this day in 1944, while serving in German-occupied France during World War II, a local villager told him about Bastille Day, a national holiday celebrating the French revolution of 1789. He noted that a few weeks later he marched into Paris when it was liberated on August 24,1944. Concluding, Judge Shellan shared two experiences he fondly remembered from his 27 years serving as Renton City Attorney. He recalled the time he won a contentious court battle against a large oil company that wanted to construct a tank farm in Renton, and the time he was instrumental in the acquisition ofthe initial 20 acres of land that would eventually become Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Judge Shellan thanked City officials and staff for honoring his 27 years of service to the City. Mayor Law remarked that because of Judge Shellan's accomplishments Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is one ofthe finest parks in King County. Chief Administrative Officer Covington added that at last count over one million people each year visit the park. 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: July 14. 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 213 * Liberty Ridge Homeowners' Association will hold their annual picnic this Wednesday, July 16, in their common area, located on NE 1st St. They will be hosting a fundraiser for school supplies for Communities in Schools of Renton (CISR). LaCrosse Homeowners' Association will have their annual picnic this Thursday, July 17, in their neighborhood common area, located at the corner of 35th and Monterey Ct. NE. The Association will hold a community raffle to raise money for CISR. Renton Hill Neighborhood Association will have their annual picnic Wednesday, July 23, at Philip Arnold Park, located at 720 Jones Ave. S. Earlier in the year, they funded an Easter Egg Hunt to bring Renton Hill residents and their families together. Residents are encouraged to bring their favorite potluck dish and attend their picnic to get to know their immediate and surrounding neighbors, and meet City representatives. # Demolition and removal ofthe Riverview Park Bridge will commence the week of July 21, and continue until mid-September 2014. The bridge, built in the 1960s with pilings in the center of the Cedar River, has been rated in poor condition since a structural assessment in 2012. The parking lot along the Maple Valley Highway will be closed to the public for this period. Access to Riverview Park will be from the Cedar River Trail, via Maplewood Roadside Park to the east or the NARCO property to the west. A new single span bridge will be installed next summer opening in September of 2015. The restroom at Riverview Park will be closed during this period with an accessible port-a-potty placed on the trail nearby. Funding for this work is from a direct appropriation from the 2013 legislature. The Cedar River gabion repair will begin on July 28, 2014 along the lower Cedar River Trail, between Bronson Way N. and Logan Ave. N. to repair the rock-filled gabions between the river and trail that were damaged in a January 2009 flood. The City has secured approval and funding from FEMA. The trail will be closed from July 28, 2014 until mid-September 2014. Visitors will be able to walk along N. Riverside Dr. and the upper Cedar River Trail portion just east of the Renton Senior Activity Center. Council has been briefed on several occasions about the services the City is participating in with other community service organizations, faith groups, and individuals to assist the homeless population with housing, clothing, and meals. Recently, Council heard comments and concerns regarding alleged illegal activities along the Cedar River Trail, and inappropriate activity, some of which is attributable to some homeless individuals. The following is an update on various actions the City has taken to address the inappropriate activity. With the combination of annual warmer weather, the Cedar River library construction impacts to Liberty Park, and the relocation ofthe homeless meal coalition to the Salvation Army kitchen on Williams Ave. N. it is possible that there may be increased homeless activity along the Cedar River, and some of that activity may be inappropriate or illegal. Here are the steps the City has taken during the past year with additional actions recently implemented: July 14, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 214 • Park/trail lighting from Branson to Senior Center has been cleared of obstructions to allow better lighting along the trail. • Trail lights, including under bridge lighting, are programmed to come on before sunset and remain on until 11:00 p.m. The City is not able to leave the lights on all night due to impacts on saimon in the river and the negative effect to adjacent neighborhoods. • Signage has been placed along the trail indicating trail hours of operation and encouraging calls to 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity. The City continues to update and replace these signs as needed to ensure the best visibility. • Police bicycle and other area patrols regularly patrol the area. ® Parks crews will patrol from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m. The following are additional actions steps that will be implemented: • The City will be reviewing an ordinance on homeless enforcement for Arlington, Washington, to determine if there are elements from their plan that could be incorporated here. • The Community Services Department will investigate placing barriers on benches to discourage the use of benches as beds. • Community Services Department will work with the Police Department (Sergeant Radke) to install cameras that will show potential illegal actions. • Police will place additional emphasis on the Cedar River through bike and other patrols, or other proactive patrols. • Community Services Department will coordinate with REACH regarding their efforts and outreach to encourage sheltering with the homeless individuals, and ways in which they may assist in discouraging inappropriate activity by homeless individuals. • Community Services Department will research different types of irrigation systems that could be programmed to turn on sporadically during the hours the trail is closed to deter unwanted activity. Mr. Covington remarked that it is always a balance between helping the majority of homeless who are just trying to live their lives by providing them with shelter, food and clothing; and citing individuals, homeless or not, who are conducting inappropriate or illegal activity. He encouraged everyone to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1. AUDIENCE COMMENT Carl Norton (Renton) remarked that food stamps are just a supplement for low- Citizen Comment: Norton - income individuals. He stated that the Salvation Army, along with almost every Homeless Population church in Renton, has come together to provide meals and a safe environment to eat the meals, for homeless individuals. He added that he believes the police department is fully capable of addressing the few troublemakers in the community. Mayor Law stated that the City recognizes that there are illegal activities occurring on the Cedar River Trail. He emphasized that he does not want people to have the sense that these problems are primarily due to homelessness. July 14. 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 215 Citizen Comment: Lattin - Homeless Population Citizen Comment: Smith - Homeless Population Citizen Comment: McOmber- Homeless Population Citizen Comment: Randolf - Nestora Salgado Citizen Comment: Rodriguez- Nestora Salgado Greg Lattin (Renton) stated that he has been homeless for a couple of years. He thanked the Salvation Army and area churches for providing meals to the homeless population. Fortress Smith (Renton) thanked City officials and staff, the Salvation Army, and area churches for assisting homeless persons. Howard McOmber (Renton) thanked the three prior speakers for having the courage to come to City Hall and speak to Council about homelessness. He remarked that volunteers not only serve meals to the homeless, they also sit down and enjoy each other's company as guests. He stated that volunteers work to make the community a happier, kinder, and better place to live. Mr. McOmber invited everyone to attend a fundraising event scheduled for October 2, 2014 at the Renton Pavilion Center, 233 Burnett Ave. S. Councilmember Taylor thanked Mr. McOmber for bringing the gentleman to the Council meeting. He stated that people at home can see the faces of some of the people who are struggling right now, and can learn how to support and help them change their lives. Kenneth Randolf (Seattle) stated that he is a member of the committee to free Nestora Salgado. He explained that Ms. Salgado is a Renton resident and United States citizen who is currently confined in a maximum security prison in Mexico. He remarked that she has been detained since August 21, 2013. Mr. Randolf quoted Mexican officials as stating that Ms. Salgado is a political prisoner receiving harsh treatment under inhumane conditions amounting to psychological torture. Continuing, Mr. Randolf explained the circumstances surrounding Ms. Salgado's arrest. He stated that Ms. Salgado began returning to her hometown in Mexico, and in 2008 the town developed a problem with drug related crimes. He stated that Ms. Salgado was elected to run an indigenous police force that ran afoul ofthe local and municipal governments after arresting a corrupt official. He added that Ms. Salgado was arrested by the Mexican military a few days after that arrest was made. Additionally, Mr. Randolf stated that Ms. Salgado has not been able to see a lawyer, has gone without basic access to decent food and nutrition, and has been in solitary confinement for the past ten months. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ALLOW MR. RANDOLF ADDITIONAL TIME TO WRAP-UP HIS COMMENTS. CARRIED. Concluding, Mr. Randolf stated that his purpose tonight is to urge Council to consider adopting a resolution acknowledging Ms. Salgado as a Renton resident and United States citizen, and calling for her immediate release from the Mexican government. He presented material to Council and noted that within the packet there are several similar resolutions adopted by local, non-legislative bodies. Crisel Rodriguez (Renton) stated that Nestora Salgado is her mother, and she believes social and political pressure can help bring her mother home. She remarked that her mother is being held under horrible conditions, she has lost 30 pounds, and has yet to see an attorney. July 14. 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 216 Citizen Comment: Dobson - Homeless Population CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 7/7/2014 Appointment: Library Advisory Board CAG: 14-090, SW 7th St./Naches Ave. SW Storm System Improvement Project- Phase I, Road Construction Northwest Human Resources: 2013-2015 Local 864 Firefighters Labor Agreement Human Resources: Section 457(b) Plan, TIAA-CREF Separate Consideration Items 6.d, 6.e. & 6.f. Community Services: C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Event, Fee Waiver Request Ms. Rodriguez also stated that Ms. Salgado has been denied her medications, clean water, and social contact. She urged Council to help her bring her mother home. Councilmember Taylor stated that he and Councilmember Pavone met earlier with Ms. Salgado's family, and have requested that packets regarding this issue be distributed to all members of Council. He remarked that Mr. Randolf and Ms. Rodriguez are reaching out to the City because Ms. Salgado is from Renton. He also pointed out that they have also been successful in garnering support from Congressman Adam Smith. Mr. Taylor asked that Council review the material, and stated that he will entertain a motion calling for the adoption of a resolution urging Ms. Salgado's release from prison. Diane Dobson (Renton) stated that she spoke to Council last week about homelessness issues along the Cedar River Trail. She made a differentiation between homeless individuals and vagrants, but remarked that the line becomes less distinct when homeless people are interacting with vagrants. She also indicated that she believes there may be communication issues between the Community Services Department and the Police Department. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of Councilmember Briere, Consent Agenda Items 6.d., 6.e. and 6.f. were removed for separate consideration. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 7/7/2014. Council concur. Mayor Law reappointed Lynne King to the Library Advisory Board for a term expiring 9/1/2019. Council concur. City Clerk reported bid opening on 7/8/2014 for CAG-14-090, SW 7th St./Naches Ave. SW Storm System Improvement Project - Phase I; six bids; engineer's estimate $2,310,946; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Road Construction Northwest, Inc., in the amount of $1,975,032. Council concur. Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval ofthe IAFF Local 864 Firefighters labor agreement for 2013-2015. Refer to Finance Committee. Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of actions taken to acquire and consolidate a new custodian of assets/record- keeper, TIAA-CREF, for the City's (Plan Sponsor's) Section 457(b) Plan. Council concur. (See page 217 for resolution.) MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEMS 6.d., 6.e. AND 6.f. CARRIED. Community Services Department requested approval to waive boat launch and other related fees in the amount of $500 for the 2014 C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Event scheduled for 9/6/2014. Refer to Finance Committee. Council concur. July 14, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 217 Community Services: Take a Warrior Fishing Event, Fee Waiver Request Community Services: RYAC Fundraising Event, Fee Waiver Request UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Community Services: Riverview Park Bridge Demolition, Imperial Demolition RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4221 Human Resources: Section 457(b) Plan, TIAA-CREF ORDINANCE #5719 Annexation: Alpine Nursery, 160th Ave SE & SE 146th PI Community Services Department requested approval to waive boat launch and other related fees in the amount of $500 for the 2014 Take a Warrior Fishing Event scheduled for 9/20/2014. Refer to Finance Committee. Council concur. Community Services Department requested approval to waive the $250 Senior Activity Center Banquet Room fee for Renton Youth Advocacy Center's 10/4/2014 fundraising event. Refer to Finance Committee. Council concur. Councilmember Briere remarked that these three fee waiver requests are typically approved by Council every year. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 6.d, 6.e. AND 6.f. AS COUNCIL CONCUR. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 330285 - 330610, three wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $4,343,993.17 and payroll vouchers including 725 direct deposits and 83 payroll checks totaling $1,592,928.80. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to award the construction contract for the Riverview Park Bridge Demolition project, as solicited through the small public works roster process, to Imperial Demolition and Earthworks, in the amount of $192,030.15. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the contract. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read ratifying and confirming: 1) The City's Request for Proposal process and retention of a 457(b) plan consultant; 2) Termination of The Hartford and ICMA-Retirement Corporation as the City's 457(b) recordkeepers and plan asset custodians; 3) Selection of TIAA-CREF as the City's 457(b) plan recordkeeper and plan asset custodian; 4) the execution ofthe 457(b) contracts by Nancy A. Carlson, HRRM Administrator; 5) Transfer of the City's 457(b) plan assets to TIAA-CREF; 6) All actions taken and all contracts executed by City employees in this process; and 7) Authorizing annual reports by the Plan's Investment Committee for further review and ratification each year by the City. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was second and final reading: An ordinance was read annexing certain unincorporated territory, approximately 17.1 acres, of which the northern and a portion ofthe eastern boundaries are coterminous with existing City limits. The area is bordered to the south by parcel lines located near SE 146th PL, by 161st Ave. SE and parcel lines to the east, parcel lines in proximity to SE 142nd PI. to the north, and by 160th Ave. SE to the west; Alpine Nursery. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. July 14. 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 218 NEW BUSINESS Homelessness on the Cedar River Trail ADJOURNMENT Jason Seth, Recorder July 14, 2014 Mayor Law remarked that the City is taking Ms. Dobson's comments very seriously. He stated that the administration is reviewing the interactions with staff members that she has reported, and is actively checking with employees to verify whether comments being made are truthful or not. He stated that the Community Services Department and the Police Department are working closely together with all issues throughout the City, not just the two-block stretch ofthe Cedar River trail near Ms. Dobson's home. Additionally, Mayor Law stated that the City will address any criminal activity as aggressively as possible without infringing on the constitutional rights ofthe people to be in public spaces. He stated that most importantly City departments are communicating on a regular basis, and the administration will keep Council apprised of all information as thing progress. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIME: 8:10 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 14, 2014 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE OFTHE WHOLE (Persson) DATE/TIME MON., 7/21 MON., 7/28 MON., 8/4 5:30 p.m. AGENDA NO MEETINGS (Council Holiday) NO MEETINGS (Council Holiday) McOmber Request (Affordable Housing); Emerging Issues in Community and Economic Development COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) MON., 8/4 CANCELED FINANCE (Briere) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) THURS., 7/24 CANCELED PUBLIC SAFETY (Corman) MON., 8/4 CANCELED TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) THURS., 7/24 CANCELED UTILITIES (Pavone) MON., 8/4 CANCELED 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 ~