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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 24, 2014RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 24, 2014 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tern Ed Prince called the meeting ofthe Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ED PRINCE, Mayor Pro Tern; TERRI BRIERE; ARMONDO PAVONE; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT DON PERSSON AND COUNCILMEMBER GREG TAYLOR. CARRIED. JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; JASON SETH, Deputy City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; CLIFF LONG, Community and Economic Development Director; CAPTAIN MARK SEAVER, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring April 2, 2014 to be "National Walking Day" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to show their support for walking and the fight against heart disease and commemorate this day by taking time to walk. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Mayor Pro Tern Prince presented the proclamation to Cherish Hart, Senior Community Health Director for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. She stated that Renton is an amazing place to walk, and thanked City officials for supporting this initiative. Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman reported that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is proposing to upgrade their transmission system on the eastside of Lake Washington by installing a new 230 kilovolt (kV) line between the Talbot Hill substation in Renton and the Sammamish substation in Redmond. Mr. Zimmerman reported that PSE has identified two possible routes through Renton, an existing route dubbed the M Route that runs along Monroe Ave NE in the Highlands, and a new route dubbed the L Route that runs along Lake Washington adjacent to the former Burlington Northern railroad tracks. He noted that residents are invited to attend a project workshop on Thursday, March 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Renton Technical College, Building I, Robert C. Roberts Campus, Central Cafeteria, 3000 NE 4th St in Renton. He introduced Andy Wappler, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, and Leann Kostek, Project Manager, for Puget Sound Energy's Energize Eastside project. Mr. Wappler reviewed the historical growth patterns for the cities of Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond. He remarked that the 1-405 corridor has become substantially more urbanized in the last 50 years. He also remarked that although energy efficiency and conservation are important, building new infrastructure is vital to meeting growing energy demands. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION National Walking Day- April 2, 2014 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Utility: Puget Sound Energy's Energize Eastside Project March 24, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 81 Mr. Wappler displayed photos of lattice-work style transmission line towers, and remarked that this project will be using single poles with three to six hanging wires. He also displayed charts depicting how energy demands will exceed system capacity by 2017. He pointed out that this does not mean that there will be widespread blackouts in 2017, only that the system may begin to experience reliability issues if ran at or above capacity for long periods of time. He added that the last time facilities in Renton were upgraded was in the 1950s and 1960s. Mr. Wappler reported that PSE provides approximately $100 million in grants and rebates for customers every year. He explained that some of these grants are provided directly to customers in the form of light bulb giveaways, and some are grants provided to cities for energy efficiency projects. He also noted that in 2006 voters approved 1-937 that mandated certain amounts of energy must come from renewable energy sources, but also mandated energy efficiency. Mr. Wappler displayed maps depicting current transmission corridors running through the eastside. He indicated that there is a 230kV line running north through Issaquah to the Sammamish substation in Redmond, but pointed out that it is too far east to serve the projected growth along the 1-405 corridor. He remarked that Renton's 115kV line needs to be upgraded to 230kV to meet the projected demand. He added that PSE does not have a preferred route, but has the right to make the final decision. Continuing, Mr. Wappler remarked that only about one-half of one percent of America's power lines are underground, and undergrounding is done mostly in dense urban areas. He stated that the main reason PSE is not considering undergrounding the lines is cost. He explained that the cost to underground lines is approximately $20-28 million per mile compared to $3-4 million per mile for hanging lines overhead. Mr. Wappler also explained that regular system upgrade costs are spread-out to all their customers, however; undergrounding lines is deemed aesthetic in Washington State and is paid for by the affected community. Mr. Wappler remarked that PSE acknowledges that this proposed project impacts neighborhoods throughout the region and wants to hear from all their customers. He stated that in addition to residents serving on the Community Advisory Groups, there are public meetings that all residents are invited to attend. He reiterated that the next meeting in Renton occurs this Thursday, March 27, at the Renton Technical College. He also noted that 2014 will be a year of public process, explaining that permits will not be filed for the project until sometime in 2015, with construction projected to be completed in 2017 or 2018. Concluding, Mr. Wappler reported that PSE chose the proposed routes through Renton because they maximize the use of existing right-of-ways. He also remarked that PSE investigated sharing Seattle City Light's existing corridor, but noted that they too need their excess capacity for future demand. March 24, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 82 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Petersen- Growth Management Act Citizen Comment: McOmber- DeMastus Service & PSE Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: Miller - PSE Energize Eastside Proposal Councilmember Corman pointed out that much of the new demand appears to be concentrated north of Renton, and asked if PSE had considered running a 230kV line from the existing high-voltage substation in Issaquah along the 1-90 corridor to Bellevue. He remarked that it was not obvious to him that the new transmission line needed to come from the Talbot Hill substation. Mr. Wappler responded that doing this would not provide redundancy to the area, and may leave Renton vulnerable if something happened to the system. He also remarked that there may not be enough capacity to serve Renton's future demands if lines were routed from the east to Bellevue. 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: Three Special Olympics basketball teams from the Renton Specialized Recreation Program qualified for the state tournament, which was held February 28 through March 2 in Wenatchee. During the state tournament, the Masters 3 Division, Renton Wizards, beat the number one seed to win the gold medal; the Masters 6 Division, Renton Wildcats, came in third place; and the Skills Team, Renton Rebounders, came in fourth place with their all-time best score in competition. Congratulations to all three teams and players who worked so hard! Kris Sorenson, Assistant Planner in the Community and Economic Development Department, was honored with the 2014 Leadership in Green Building and Climate Collaboration award from the King County Green Tools program. This multi-jurisdictional group provides technical assistance, grants, and hands-on training throughout the county. Kris has been representing the City of Renton for several years, and is working hard to implement the City's Clean Economy Strategy. Congratulations to Kris! Inez Petersen (Renton) read a portion of a lawsuit regarding limiting public participation in policy decisions that affect local communities. She also quoted several portions ofthe Revised Code of Washington (RCW) regarding the adoption of regulations to protect critical areas. She then displayed a photo depicting a pipe diverting water from a construction site to the City street. Ms. Petersen asked if this was an adequate way to protect nearby May Creek. Howard McOmber (Renton) noted the passing of volunteer and community activist Sandel DeMastus. He remarked that there will be a celebration of life event held on April 6, between 3 and 5 p.m. at the Highlands Community Center, 800 Edmonds Ave NE. Additionally, Mr. McOmber remarked that he agrees that there are alternatives to the transmission line routes proposed by Puget Sound Energy. Don Miller (Bellevue), representing the Lake Lanes Neighborhood Association, explained where his neighborhood is located and the various projects affecting his community. He expressed opposition to Puget Sound Energy's proposed L Route, and suggested that undergrounding the transmission lines is a viable option. He stated that he believes that costs for undergrounding the lines should be shared by all customers. Mr. Miller also noted that many State and local officials were not aware ofthe project. March 24, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 83 Citizen Comment: McCray - PSE Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: Simpson - PSE Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: Pianteneda - PSE Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: Ouellette • PSE Energize Eastside CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 3/17/2014 CAG: 14-006, Highlands to Landing Pedestrian Connection, RL Alia Company Attorney: Amend RMC 1-3-2, Definition of Administrator Sally McCray (Renton) stated that Puget Sound Energy's proposal indicates that the power poles will be on the same horizontal plane as people's front doors and garages. She also expressed concern about electromagnetic fields (EMF), noting that it may be difficult to obtain mortgages for properties located near high-voltage transmission lines. Additionally, Ms. McCray remarked that if PSE stopped their $100 million a year grant program they would generate enough revenue in four years to construct 20 miles of underground lines. Ann Simpson (Renton) remarked that installing power poles along the L Route will put a scar along the shores of Lake Washington from Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park to 1-90 and beyond. She stated that this would also allow PSE to remove thousands of trees and install towers at each ofthe four parks along the route. Ms. Simpson added that the City's Shoreline Management Program is in place to protect Renton's shoreline, and this project will trash it. She noted that the Department of Ecology was also unaware of this proposal. Greg Pianteneda (King County) remarked that Renton's legacy of protecting and providing a wonderful waterfront experience is being jeopardized by this proposal. He also stated that EMFs may be regulated at some point, and by allowing transmission lines along the L Route, the City may be undermining its ability to construct light rail there in the future. Paul Ouellette (Renton) remarked that he lives within two blocks ofthe Talbot Hill substation, and expressed opposition to the proposed L Route. He remarked that most ofthe growth is occurring north of Renton, and asked why the power could not be brought in from a different area. He also expressed concern that more members of Council had not asked PSE questions about the proposal. Councilmember Briere and Palmer both noted that they had been briefed by PSE in separate one-on-one meetings. Both Councilmembers pointed out that they had asked questions and voiced their concerns during these meetings. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL EXTEND THE AUDIENCE COMMENT PERIOD IN ORDER TO ALLOW ALL SPEAKERS WHO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK. CARRIED. (The last speaker decided not to speak.) Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/17/2014. Council concur. City Clerk reported bid opening on 2/19/2014 for CAG-14-006, Highlands to Landing Pedestrian Connection project; seven bids; engineer's estimate (preference 2) $1,404,251.87; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, R.L. Alia Company, in the amount of $1,259,980.91. Council concur. City Attorney Department recommended amending RMC 1-3-2, Code Enforcement and Penalties, by amending the definition of "Administrator" to include all City department administrators. Refer to Public Safety Committee. March 24, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 84 Attorney: Establish Prosecuting Attorney Position; Covert Legal Assistant to Paralegal Position Annexation: Maertins-SE Renton Issaquah Rd & NE 16th St Community Services: Kenyon- Dobson Property Donation Transportation: NE Sunset Blvd (SR 900) Corridor Improvements, STP/CMAQ Grant Utility: Lower Cedar River Restoration Assessment, SRFB & RCO Grant Utility: Maplewood Creek Outfall Improvements, BHC Consultants UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Fire: Conversion of Assistant Fire Marshal to Fire Marshal Utility: Puget Sound Energy's Energize Eastside Proposal City Attorney Department requested authorization to create and fill a new position of Prosecuting Attorney; convert an existing Legal Assistant position to a Paralegal position; and approve the associated 2014 budget increase in the amount of $138,325.73. Refer to Finance Committee. Community and Economic Development Department submitted King County Boundary Review Board Closing Letter regarding the proposed Maertins Annexation and recommended setting a public hearing on 4/14/2014 to consider approving the annexation and the proposed zoning for the site; 4.2 acres bordered by Renton City limits at the north and west, by parcel lines in proximity of SE Renton Issaquah Rd. to the south, and NE 16th St. to the north. Council concur; set public hearing on 4/14/2014. Community Services Department recommended adopting an ordinance accepting the gift and device of real property for a public park under the expressed terms and conditions set forth in the Last Will & Testament of Arthur R. Kenyon, deceased; and adjust the budget as required. Council concur. (See page 85 for ordinance.) Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the obligation of a $1,313,935 Surface Transportation Planning/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (STP/CMAQ) grant for the NE Sunset Boulevard (SR 900) Corridor Improvements project. City's share is $1,086,065. Council concur. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration Project Agreement to accept non-matching grant funds in the amount of $150,000 from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) and the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for the Lower Cedar River Restoration Assessment project. Refer to Utilities Committee. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract with BHC Consultants, LLC in the amount of $133,418 for the Maplewood Creek Outfall Improvements project. Refer to Utilities Committee. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the conversion ofthe Assistant Fire Marshal position (m26) to a Fire Marshal position (m38) position effective 4/1/2014, with the cost increase absorbed in the current Fire & Emergency Services Department budget. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Responding to inquiries from Councilmember Corman regarding Puget Sound Energy's proposal, Mr. Zimmerman stated that Renton has the ability to attend the Community Advisory Group meetings and make recommendations regarding routes, and has mitigation and permitting authority. He also remarked that PSE does retain the right, by tariff, to ask a local community or jurisdiction to pay for the undergrounding ofthe transmission lines. Mr. Zimmerman added that Renton does not have the authority to reject the project. March 24. 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 85 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Community Services: Kenyon- Dobson Property Donation ORDINANCE #5706 Attorney: Amend RMC 4-8- 110.E.12.C - Hearing Examiner Decisions ORDINANCE #5707 CED: Marijuana Regulations, Recreational Marijuana AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Ouellette • Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: Petersen - Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: DeMund Energize Eastside Proposal City Attorney Larry Warren added that Renton has asked to be the lead agency for the Renton area of the project, but the actual decision as to which route is chosen rests with PSE. He noted that their governing authority is the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission. Mr. Warren also confirmed that Tariff 80, which is regarding undergrounding of transmission lines, allows PSE to charge local communities for undergrounding because this option is deemed aesthetic by the State. Mr. Corman remarked that he is curious to know if other municipalities have had to pay for undergrounding. He stated that he would not want to be told that the City had to pay for undergrounding the lines only to find out later that was not the case. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the 4/7/2014 Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read accepting the gift and device of certain real property in the Last Will & Testament of Arthur R. Kenyon, deceased, upon the conditions stated therein. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/7/2014. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Section 4-8-110 of Chapter 8, Permits - General and Appeals, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by changing the period of time in which the Hearing Examiner shall render a final decision to be consistent with state law. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCILADOPTTHE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALLAYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, Sections 4-2-060 and 4-2-080 of Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards, and Sections 4-11-090 and 4-11-130 of Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by adding regulations and definitions related to the use, production, processing, and sales of recreational marijuana. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCILADOPTTHE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALLAYES. CARRIED. Paul Ouellette (Renton) suggested undergrounding portions ofthe PSE project to save costs. He added that Renton's permitting authority could be used to get some of the lines placed underground. Inez Petersen (Renton) shared how meetings for the Highlands Subarea Committee were run, and cautioned PSE not to use that format. She explained that they were not conducive to raising awareness and solving issues. She also remarked that City planners used the Delphi Technique to control meetings, and stated that she believes use of that technique is also inappropriate. Jean DeMund (Renton) questioned Puget Sound Energy's impartiality to which route is chosen. She remarked that she thought PSE was a public agency and it is not. She also remarked that PSE has pointed out that they will have a public process, but ultimately will decide which route is chosen. Ms. DeMund also questioned the methodology for coming to consensus that PSE uses in their meetings. Lastly, she urged Council to use their influence to make PSE and Seattle City Light share their resources for the greater good ofthe community. March 24. 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 86 Citizen Comment: Siegmund Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: McOmber- Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: Miller- Energize Eastside Proposal Citizen Comment: McCray- Energize Eastside Proposal ADJOURNMENT Paul Siegmund (Renton) objected to the L Route because it will destroy trees and ruin the aesthetics ofthe waterfront. He also pointed out that there is no way a decision regarding the use of the Burlington Northern railroad for future light rail, heavy rail, or recreational use will be determined by the end of 2014. He urged Council to pass a resolution objecting to the proposed L Route for this project. Howard McOmber (Renton) remarked that Puget Sound Energy's statements regarding electromagnetic fields (EMF) reminds him ofthe old cigarette advertisements. He stated that Council's number one priority is to protect the residents of Renton. He added that PSE should hold real meetings, not psychologically engineered meetings. Bryan Miller (Renton) remarked that Renton could use its permitting authority to mitigate Puget Sound Energy's proposal. He stated that with today's technology PSE should be able to find a way to transfer energy without having to stick wires on poles. He also remarked that he favors undergrounding the transmission lines and all customers should bear the costs. Sally McCray (Renton) challenged Council to find out how Mercer Island residents were able to force the State into providing a cap over 1-90. She stated that this same type of pressure from residents could be used to force PSE into mitigating the impact of this project in Renton. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIME: 8:43 p.m. Jason Seth, Recorder March 24, 2014 Jason A. Seth, CMC, Deputy City Clerk / RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 24, 2014 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Persson) MON., 3/31 MON., 4/7 4:30 p.m. NO MEETINGS (Fifth Monday) Renton Airport Issues (RNP, Capital Improvements, Tower/FAA) Update; Central Sound Aerospace Training Center Update; King County METRO RapidRide F-Line Update; Major Maintenance Projects Update; Follow-up to 2/26/2014 Financial Sustainability Discussion (briefing); Veteran's Memorial Park Update COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) MON., 4/7 CANCELED FINANCE (Briere) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) THURS., 3/27 3:30 p.m. 2012 Building and Fire Codes Adoption PUBLIC SAFETY (Corman) MON., 4/7 4 p.m. Amend RMC 1-3-2 - Definition of Administrator; 2012 Building and Fire Codes Adoption (briefing) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) THURS., 3/27 Airport Lease Addendum with BHC, Inc.; 4 p.m. Airport Lease Addendum with Bosair, LLC; Airport Consultant Agreement with URS Corporation; Emerging Issues (Regional Grant Process Update, Airport 820 Building Demolition Update, Airport Blast Fence Replacement Update, Update on Control Tower, 1-405 Direct Connector Project Update) (briefing) UTILITIES MON., 4/7 (Pavone) 3:30 p.m. Lower Cedar River Restoration Assessment Grant Agreement with Salmon Recovery Funding Board & WA Recreation and Conservation; Maplewood Creek Stormwater Outfall Improvements Contract with BHC Consultants, LLC NOTE: Committee ofthe 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.