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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - May 19, 2014May 19,2014 Monday,7 p.m. CALLTO ORDER ROLLCALLOF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATION Transportation:WSDOT — ”Changes to SR 167 HOT Lanes this Summer” ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT RENTON CITYCOUNCIL Regular Meeting Council Chambers M I N UTES Renton City Hall Mayor Denis Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ED PRINCE,Council President Pro Tem;TERRI BRIERE;ARMONDO PAVONE; RANDYCORMAN;MARCIE PALMER.MOVED BYCORMAN,SECONDED BY PRINCE,COUNCILEXCUSEABSENTCOUNCILPRESIDENTDON PERSSON AND COUNCILMEMBER GREG TAYLOR.CARRIED. DENIS LAW,Mayor;JAY COVINGTON,Chief Administrative Officer;LAWRENCEJ. WARREN,City Attorney;JASON SETH,Deputy City Clerk;GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator;NEILWAT|'S,Development Services Director; DEPUTYCHIEF ERIKWALLGREN,Fire &Emergency Services Department;and COMMANDER KENTCURRY,Police Department. Craig Stone,Assistant Secretary of the Toll Division for the Washington State Department of Transportation,provided an overview of the High Occupancy Toll (HOT)lanes on State Route 167.He remarked that the HOT program has been in operation since 2008. Mr.Stone reported that the department will be re-striping the HOT lanes from double stripes to a single stripe in order to allow drivers more freedom to enter and exit the lanes at their convenience.He explained that this was a major concern voiced by commuters,and noted that drivers are currently risking a $124 fine for crossing the double stripes.He also noted that HOT lane signage will be removed. Mr.Stone reported HOT lane usage has tripled in the last six years.He stated that the lanes are operating at approximately $1 million in gross revenues,and noted that a $2 toll saves an average of eight minutes to a commute time.He pointed out that on some days the HOT lanes save can save someone up to 21 minutes on their commute. Concluding,Mr.Stone stated that the HOT lane program has met the objectives set by the State legislature,has reduced congestion,has increased the speeds on the general purpose lanes by 20%,and improved safety.He added that carpools,vanpools,transit vehicles,and motorcycles can still use the lanes for free,but solo drivers will need a Good To Go pass on their vehicles. Responding to Council inquiries,Mr.Stone remarked that most people do not try to evade the tolls;they try to avoid congestion.He stated,however,that toll evasion will be one of several issues studied over the next year.He also confirmed that the program is now paying for itself,with approximately $1.7 million in the bank. 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: May 19,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 155 %Mayor Law will officially ring the opening bell to kick off the 13th season of the Renton Farmers Market at The Piazza on June 3 at 3 p.m.The market will be filled with fresh flowers,leafy lettuce,rosy rhubarb,amazing asparagus,and a virtual cornucopia of other farm fresh produce every Tuesday from 3 p.m.to 7 p.m.,June 3 through September 30.In addition to market fare,shoppers will enjoy live music,tips from Master Gardeners, the Taste of Renton featuring local restaurants,and children's activities. New for 2014 —the Renton Farmers Market is expanding to include Market West,located across Logan Street,with artisan craft booths,educational opportunities,and Do—lt—Yourse|f clinics. ¥Summer is right around the corner,so here are a few friendly reminders to help our Parks and Trails patrons enjoy their experiences at City of Renton parks:' 0 Volunteer Trail Rangers will be out on the Cedar River Trail beginning the week of May 26 to assist with trail education and to report unwanted activity.If you would like to volunteer,please contact the Community Services Department at 425-430-6600. 0 Remember dogs are not allowed at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and Kennydale Beach Park.Dogs are allowed at all other parks unless posted,and must be kept on a leash. 0 There is an Off—LeashDog Park located along the Cedar River Trail across the river from the Community Center. o Visit the City's Parks webpage for more information including: /Park Rules and Regulations /Trail Maps \/Share the Trail Brochure /Picnic Shelter Rental Information Councilmember Palmer remarked that she had received an email from a citizen concerned about dogs at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.She stated that there does not seem to be much policing of dogs at the park. Mayor Law remarked that if the citizen can provide the times the dogs are seen, then animal control can be sent to the park. Fire:King County Cardiac Mayor Law invited Deputy Fire Chief Erik Wallgren to speak about the cardiac Arrest Survival Rate arrest survival rate in King County.He noted that the high rates continue to grow due to the success of the region's Medic One program. Deputy Chief Wallgren reported that this week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS)Week.He stated that it is an opportunity to recognize the hundreds of thousands of first responders serving their communities across the country.He pointed out that approximately 77%ofthe 14,000 calls for service the Renton Fire &Emergency Services Department received in 2013 were EMS related. Deputy Chief Wallgren reported that there was a cardiac save at the recent Seahawks 12K Run.He also reported that the cardiac arrest survival rate in King County was at 27%in 2002 and is now the highest in the nation at 62%.He explained that this is due to the coordinated regional system where citizens, dispatchers,first responders,law enforcement,and paramedics all come together to increase the chances for survival. May 19,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 156 Concluding,Deputy Chief Wallgren stated that the high success rate can be directly attributed to the adoption of high—performance Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)methods,the adoption of telecommunicator CPR (dispatchers providing CPR instructions over the phone),increased public availability of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED),CPR training for citizens, and a regional paramedic training program that exceeds national standards for certification. Community Services:City Mayor Law stated that on June 4 the Salvation Army is hosting a special Center Parking Garage Fee fundraising dinner.He remarked that the City had not received a formal Waiver for Salvation Army request to waive parking fees,and even if one had been submitted there is not Fundraiser enough time to approve it prior to the event.He suggested that Council make a motion to waive the City Center Parking Garage parking fees for the Salvation Army staff and the guests oftheir fundraising event. MOVED BYPALMER,SECONDEDBY PRINCE,COUNCILWAIVE CITYCENTER PARKINGGARAGEPARKING FEES FOR GUESTSAND STAFF ATTENDING THE 6/4/2014SALVATION ARMY FUNDRAISINGEVENT.CARRIED. AUDIENCE COMMENT Tom Carpenter (King County)stated that the he would like to raise Council's Citizen Comment:Carpenter—awareness of the 154th Pl.SE/156thAve.SE arterial corridor.He submitted a 154th Pl SE/156thAve SE packet that includes an overview of the issue and three maps of the area.He Arterial Corridor stated that the concern is that parts of the road are in unincorporated King County and parts are in Renton City limits.Mr.Carpenter remarked that this has created unintended consequences for development in the area.He asked that Council review the material,and host an Open House with area residents to share ideas regarding the future of this arterial. Mr.Covington remarked that the land use planning element for this area has already been adopted by the City.He stated that he believes this issue is really about having better collaboration and coordination with King County.He noted that Mayor Law recently sent a letter to King County addressing the issue of joint planning in these unincorporated areas. Councilmember Palmer added that the City also sent a letter to the King County Executive regarding this matter and had not received a response.She suggested that the issue presented by Mr.Carpenter be referred to the Transportation (Aviation)Committee. MOVED BY PALMER,SECONDEDBYCORMAN,COUNCILREFERTHE CORRESPONDENCEFROM TOM CARPENTERCONCERNINGTHE 154TH PL. SE/156THAVE.SE ARTERIALCORRIDORTO THE TRANSPORTATION(AVIATION) COMMITTEE.CARRIED. Mr.Covington stated that the administration willfollow up with King County in regards to the letters sent on this topic. Citizen Comment:McOmber —Howard McOmber (Renton)advocated for more volunteers and donations for Volunteerism &Summer the Renton Meal Coalition's evening meal at the Renton Salvation Army.He Lunch Program also noted that more should be done to raise awareness about the summer lunch program.Additionally,he praised the City for opening the new Meadow Crest Playground in the Highlands. May 19,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 157 Citizen Comment:Peterson —Inez Peterson (Renton)remarked that she did not understand how the City can Budget Deficits win budget awards when the Renton Reporter reported that there is an $8 million budget deficit.She stated that it does not make sense to her that the City can have a balanced budget and an $8 million deficit.She remarked that citizens want the City to balance the budget in a way where there will not be a deficit.Ms.Peterson also urged Council not to balance the budget by increasing fees. Mayor Law remarked that Ms.Petersen had declined the City's offer to explain its financial practices.He asked Mr.Covington to explain the differences between a balanced budget and projected deficits. Mr.Covington reiterated the information he provided at previous Council meetings regarding the City's financial practices and principles.He explained that the article Ms.Petersen referenced was about a projected deficit of $8 million by the year 2018 if the City took no action on the issue.He further explained that the City actually presented cost saving and new revenue ideas to Council at the meeting covered by the article. Mr.Covington stated for the record that the City's current budget is balanced, and must be balanced by law.He remarked that the City wins budget awards because of the outstanding work staff does keeping the City in compliance with the law and budgeting principles. Concluding,Mr.Covington explained that citizen and staff recommendations for the 2015/2016budget will be forwarded to Council for their deliberation. He remarked that it is a long process,but Council ultimately adopts the budget based on the information they receive from the community and staff.He added that the public can rest assured that the budget is in good hands with this Mayor and Council as they are acutely aware oftheir responsibilities for the City's budget. CONSENT AGENDA Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council:Meeting Minutes of Approval of Council meeting minutes of 5/12/2014.Council concur. 5/12/2014 CAG:Airport Lift Station City Clerk reported bid opening on 5/13/2014for CAG—14—054,Airport Lift Replacement,Equity Builders Station Replacement project;five bids;engineer's estimate $805,263;and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Equity Builders,LLC,in the amount of $672,455.05.Council concur. Finance:Utility BillAdjustment Administrative Services Department submitted the following requests for utility Requests,Various bill adjustments due to water leaks and recommended granting the adjustments in the total amount of $11,444.94:7844 S.Langston Rd.(single- family residence)—$3,641.49;2300 East Valley Rd.(Strada Da Valle building)— $2,086.43;205 Sunset Blvd.N.(Star Haircuts)—$2,302.18;and 808 S.3rd St. (Rubattino’s)-$3,414.84.Refer to Finance Committee. CED:2014 Title IV Community and Economic Development Department submitted 13 proposed (Development Regulations)2014 Title IV (Development Regulations)Docket #10 amendments items and Docket #10 summaries to commence the annual review processes.Refer to Planning and Development Committee and Planning Commission. May 19,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 158 Community Services:Wine & Beer Sampling,Renton Farmers Market Community Services:Renton Farmers Market,King Conservation District Grant Community Services:High School Golf Course Green Fees Waiver Community Services:Park Donation &Memorial Policy Community Services:Parks Maintenance Division Reorganization & Reclassification of Positions Community Services:10-year Concession Agreement for Restaurants at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park,lvar’s Inc Community Services:2014 Neighborhood Grant Applications Lease:Termination of Substation B-1,The Boeing Company,LAG—10—001 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Public Safety Committee Attorney:Amend RMC 6-15- 4.A.2,Clarify Massage Facilities Inspection Interpretation Community Services Department requested approval to allow wine and beer sampling at the Renton Farmers Market.Refer to Committee of the Whole. Community Services Department recommended approval of an interlocal agreement with King Conservation District to accept $15,000 in grant funds for the 2014 Renton Farmers Market.Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department requested approval to waive golf course green fees and driving range fees in the amount of $11,600 for the Renton, Hazen,Lindbergh and Liberty High School golf teams for the 2014 season. Council concur. Community Services Department submitted the internal Park Donation and Memorial Policy.Information. Community Services Department recommended approval of the Parks Maintenance Division reorganization and the reclassification of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor (grade a21)position to Parks Maintenance Manager (grade m28)position,and the Lead Parks Maintenance Worker (grade a16) position to Parks Maintenance Supervisor (grade a21)position;and approval to increase the current .75 FTE (Full Time Equivalent)Farmers Market Coordinator position to full time,with costs absorbed in the current 2014 budget.Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of a 10-year Concession Agreement with lvar’s Inc.for the operation of lvar’s Restaurant, Kidd Valley Restaurant,and the Bath House Snack Bar located at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in the amount of $200,000 annually.Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department reported receipt of eight 2014 Neighborhood Grant Program applications and recommended funding all eight projects totaling $50,686.Refer to Communig Services Committee. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Amendment No.5 to LAG—10-001,lease with The Boeing Company,related to the termination of Boeing Substation B-1 from the leased area (453 square feet),resulting in an annual revenue decrease of $298.98.Refer to Transportation (Aviation)_ Committee. MOVED BYPRINCE,SECONDEDBYPALMER,COUNCILCONCUR IN THE CONSENTAGENDAAS PRESENTED.CARRIED. Public Safety Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to amend Renton Municipal Code (RMC)Section 6-15-4.A.2 in order to clarify the elements of violation. Specifically this amendment will assure that Section 6-15-4.A.2 is interpreted as requiring the license holder,massage practitioner,on—sitemanager,property owner or others authorized to use or control the massage facility to permit inspections authorized by one or all of the applicable statutes or ordinances. May 19,2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 159 RESOLUTIONSAND ORDINANCES Attorney:Amend RMC 6-15- 4.A.2,Clarify Massage Facilities Inspection Interpretation NEW BUSINESS Community Event:Memorial Day Celebration,Veterans Memorial Park AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment:Petersen — Budget Deficits Community Event:Grand Opening of Meadow Crest Playground ADJOURNMENT Jason Seth,Recorder May 19,2014 The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading.MOVED BYCORMAN,SECONDEDBYBRIERE, COUNCILCONCURIN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.CARRIED.(See later this page for ordinance.) The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the 6/2/2014Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Subsection 6-15—4.A.2of Chapter 15,Massage Establishments,of Title Vi (Police Regulations),of City Code,clarifying the elements of violation.MOVED BY CORMAN,SECONDED BYBRIERE,COUNCIL REFERTHE ORDINANCEFOR SECOND AND FINALREADING ON 6[2[2014. CARRIED. Councilmember Palmer invited the public to attend the Memorial Day Celebration,Monday,May 26,at 1 p.m.at Veterans Memorial Park.She remarked this is the third or fourth year the City has celebrated at the park,and encouraged everyone to come out and honor the community's veterans. Inez Petersen (Renton)confirmed that she had declined the offer to learn about the City's budgeting practices and principles.She asked if the Renton Reporter headlines were accurate or not.She explained that the article she referenced earlier gave the impression that there was an $8 million deficit in 2012,but Mr. Covington stated that the deficit is actually four years in the future. Mayor Law suggested that Ms.Petersen speak directly with the Renton Reporter if she has questions about the accuracy of their headlines. Councilmember Corman remarked that he believes the article Ms.Petersen referenced did a disservice to the community because it did not include information presented at the meeting regarding all ofthe efficiencies the City has achieved over the past few years.He explained that the article mainly focused on the last part of the meeting that covered the administration's recommendations for new revenue sources.Mr.Corman stated that there is more to the story,including the fact that there is a one percent property tax limitation and costs are rising at two or three percent per year.He added that something must be done to curb any future trouble. Councilmember Palmer stated that the Grand Opening for the new Meadow Crest Playground in the Renton Highlands was a fabulous event.She remarked that pictures do not do it justice,and invited the public to visit the new park. She added that there were hundreds of people at the opening ceremony,and there were also a lot of people visiting the next day. MOVED BYPRINCE,SECONDED BYCORMAN,COUNCILADJOURN.CARRIED. TIME:7:43 p.m. Bonnie I.Walton,CMC,City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCILCOMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULEDAT CITYCOUNCIL MEETING May 19,2014 ICOMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MON.,5/26 NO MEETINGS (CITYHOLIDAY) (Persson) MON.,6/2 Community Services Department Update 6 p.m.(Including Senior Business Plan briefing & Coulon Park Summer Activities) COMMUNITY SERVICES MON.,6/2 2014 Neighborhood Grants (Taylor)5:30 p.m. FINANCE MON.,6/2 Community Services Reorganization & (Briere)4:30 p.m.Reclassifications; Farmers Market Grant with King Conservation District; Concession Agreement with Ivar’s lnc.; Utility BillAdjustment Requests PLANNING 8:DEVELOPMENT THURS.,5/22 CANCELED (Prince) PUBLICSAFETY MON.,6/2 CANCELED (Corman) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION)THURS.,5/22 CANCELED (Palmer) UTILITIES MON.,6/2 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.