Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - October 6, 2014RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting October 6, 2014 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATIONS Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2014 & YWCA Week without Violence -October 19 to 25, 2014 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; MARGE PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; GREG TAYLOR; ARMONDO PAVONE; TERRI BRIERE; ED PRINCE. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; JASON SETH, Acting City Clerk; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; CLIFF LONG, Economic Development Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; TERRY FLATLEY, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Manager; JOHN COLLUM, Community Development Project Manager; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER DAVE LEIBMAN and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCATE TINA HARRIS, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring October 2014 to be "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" and October 19 to 25, 2014 to be "YWCA Week without Violence" in the City of Renton, and encouraging everyone in the community to take an active role in supporting all victims so they can lead healthy lives safe from violent and abusive behavior. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Domestic Violence Victim Advocate Tina Harris, YWCA Advocacy and Policy Director Liz Mills, and Mark Williams, the grandfather of domestic violence victim Allison Leedy, accepted the proclamation. Ms. Mills reported that one in four women in America will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. She stated that the high profile events in the National Football League have placed domestic violence in the spotlight, and provided an opportunity for men and women across the country to begin dialogues about the impact of domestic violence. She thanked City officials for supporting efforts to end domestic violence. Mr. Williams thanked City officials for honoring his granddaughter and supporting efforts to end domestic violence. He also praised members of the Police and Fire & Emergency Services Departments for their support and assistance. Councilmember Taylor read an October 2, 2014 article entitled "Let's Talk About It," written by Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, regarding domestic violence. Mr. Taylor stated that he believes more men need to take a stand on this issue. October 6, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 285 Fire Prevention Week- October 5 to 11, 2014 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Utility: Puget Sound Energy Grant PUBLIC HEARING CED: Amended 2014 and 2015 Community Development Block Grant Funding Recommendations Mayor Law, noting that mothers, aunts, and grandparents of victims of domestic violence from the Renton community were in the audience, emphasized that this is an important and serious topic that needs to be addressed. He stated that Renton will continue the battle to end domestic violence in the community. He added that public awareness is an important part of the campaign. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring October 5 to 11, 2014 to be "Fire Prevention Week" in the City of Renton, and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Fire and Emergency Services Administrator Mark Peterson and Fire Marshal Anjela St. John accepted the proclamation. Fire Marshal St. John reported that three out of five home fatalities occur where there is no working smoke alarm. She stated that this year's fire prevention campaign focuses on encouraging citizens to test their smoke alarms monthly. Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman reported that Renton is in the process of replacing nearly 4,000 high-pressure sodium street lights with light- emitting diode (LED) lights. He remarked that the City is on track to reduce street light power bills by approximately $250,000 a year. Mr. Zimmerman added that Renton received a $50,000 conservation grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce and a $589,409 grant from Puget Sound Energy for this project. He thanked City staff and other agency personnel who helped make this project a success, and invited Andy Wappler, Puget Sound Energy's Vice President of Corporate Affairs, to present the grant check to the City. Mr. Wappler presented a grant check in the amount of $589,409 to the City. He remarked that in addition to the cost and energy savings from these LED lights, Renton will benefit from fewer maintenance hours and improved public safety. He invited Jessica Raker, Puget Sound Energy's Emergency Management Engineer, to explain more about the project. Ms. Raker reported that Puget Sound Energy is helping to fund the replacement of approximately 4,000 street lights in Renton. She stated that the new lights save three million kilowatt hours annually, which is enough energy to power 300 homes. 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 amended 2014 and the 2015 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations. Community Development Project Manager John Collum reported that CDBG funds are allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are received through an interlocal agreement with King County. He stated that the administration is seeking approval of an amendment to the City's 2014 CDBG plan and approval of the 2015 funding plan. Mr. Collum explained that staff is recommending that $78,717 in unallocated CDBG funds from 2014 be utilized for economic development activities, and the allocation of approximately $630,000 in 2015 CDBG funds be utilized for King County contractual set-asides, City planning and administration, and economic development activities. October 6, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 286 Mr. Collum reported that in past years, CDBG funds have been primarily utilized for Human Services programs such as the City's Housing Assistance Repair Program. He explained that the administration is recommending that unallocated 2014 funds and a portion of the 2015 CDBG funds be utilized for economic development activities, and 2015 General Fund money be used to support Human Services programs that are currently funded by CDBG dollars. He further explained that Human Services programs will continue to operate as they currently do, but with a change of funding source to the General Fund. Mr. Collum reported that the CDBG funds can be repurposed to support commercial rehabilitation and public infrastructure improvements to spur private development. He stated that grants and loans with favorable terms can be used as incentives to encourage physical improvements and correct code violations, as well encourage the creation of jobs. He added that the resulting improvements would also benefit residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, including low- and moderate-level income households that depend upon the goods and services provided within their immediate communities. He pointed out that the City has heard from local property and business owners that incentive programs are needed to assist with building improvements that are necessary to attract private investment and new businesses into downtown Renton. Mr. Collum reported that the administration has created the Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation and Facade Improvement Loan program. He explained that the primary goals of the program are to encourage investment in downtown Renton, achieve significant visual improvements in its built environment, and improve downtown Renton's overall health and safety. He stated that the program will target funding to incentivize and assist property and business owners to move forward with projects that promote the rehabilitation of commercial buildings, to improve facades, and upgrade existing buildings to bring them into compliance with current code. Mr. Collum reported that residential uses within mixed-use projects would not be eligible for the program. He stated that interested borrowers with eligible projects would be required to submit an application package to be considered for funding. He added that the loans are potentially forgivable if all program requirements have been completed and the loan recipients are in good standing. Continuing, Mr. Collum reported that the administration would consider funding public infrastructure projects related to the commercial rehabilitation projects and revitalization efforts within the greater downtown area. He remarked that improvements made to the public realm could include items such as sidewalks, streets, street lights, landscaping, street furniture, and drainage. Mr. Collum reported that the use of CDBG funding for commercial rehabilitation and public infrastructure eligible activates must also meet national objectives in accordance with HUD regulations. He stated that the City must designate which national objective is being met, and explained that the City is meeting the CDBG program's national objective of benefitting low- and moderate-income persons on an area basis. October 6, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 287 Mr. Collum reported that the area benefit objective requires that at least 51% of the residents residing in a primarily residential area are low and moderate income persons. He explained that the administration utilized recent census data and determined that the combined downtown and south Renton subareas, as designated in the City Center Community Plan, have approximately 62% of the residents that are within the low and moderate income levels. He further explained that the combined subareas form an urban community where commercial needs can be accessed by residents through a variety of transportation nodes including walking, biking, driving short distances, or using public transit. Concluding, Mr. Collum reiterated that staff is recommending that $78,717 in unallocated CDBG funds from 2014 be utilized for economic development activities, and the allocation of approximately $630,000 in 2015 CDBG funds be utilized for King County contractual set-asides, City planning and administration, and economic development activities split evenly between the rehabilitation loan program and the infrastructure projects. Mr. Collum also noted that King County requires a funding contingency plan in the case that HUD provides an increase or decrease in the allocation of funds. He reported that the recommendation is that the decrease or increase of funding be split evenly between the rehabilitation loan program and the infrastructure projects. Council President Persson stated that he was initially concerned that this change would mean a reduction in funding to the City's partners that provide needed human services programs in the community. He emphasized that this change does not reduce funding; it only changes the funding source for these programs. He added that he believes this new program will also assist the City in achieving the goal of revitalizing and attracting new businesses in downtown Renton. Public comment was invited. Kathy Powers (Seattle) remarked that she was under the impression that this hearing was also about funding recommendations for human services agencies. Mayor Law stated that Ms. Powers could speak during the Audience Comment portion of the meeting. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington also noted that Ms. Powers could speak at the 2015/2016 Biennial Budget public hearing scheduled for October 20, 2014. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. (See page 290 for further information on this topic.) ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Mayor Law invited Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager Terry Flatley to the podium to speak about the upcoming City-wide tree pruning and removal project. Mr. Flatley announced that Governor Jay Inslee has declared October to be Urban Forestry Month in the State of Washington. He remarked that he is privileged to serve as the City representative on the Washington Community Forestry Council which is an advisory board for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. He added that Renton is on track to receive its seventh Tree City, USA award in 2014. October 6, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 288 Mr. Flatley reported that trees will be removed or pruned at the following locations: • Liberty Park: Five removals and one pruning; • Riverview Park: Eight removals and four prunings; • Heritage Park: Seven removals; • Cascade Park: One removal and five prunings; • Windsor Hills Park: One removal; • Unnamed Park in south Renton: Nine removals and four prunings; • Fire Station 14: 12 removals and 13 prunings 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: There RiverRock Restaurant, located at Maplewood Golf Course, will be closed on Tuesday, October 7, and Wednesday, October 8, while the clubhouse boiler system is being replaced. The RiverRock Restaurant will reopen on Thursday, October 9 with normal business hours. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McOmber- Volunteerism Citizen Comment: Powers- Human Services Funding CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 9/22/2014 Finance: 2015/2016 Biennial Budget Attorney: Subsection 1-2-1.E., Clarifying Applicability of Modifications to RMC # Beginning October 8, the Renton Senior Activity Center will be open in the evening until 9 p.m. The pool room, card room, and exercise room will be open for drop-in use. Classes will also be offered. Opening in the evening was a recommendation from the community that was reviewed and considered in the Senior Business Plan focus groups. Howard McOmber (Renton) thanked City officials and staff for supporting the Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) fundraising event on October 2. He explained that REACH'S purpose is to help people who are on the lowest rung of the economic ladder. Mr. McOmber advocated for more volunteerism in the community. Kathy Powers (Seattle), on behalf of Orion Industries of Auburn, thanked Council for supporting the organization through the human services funding allocations. She explained that Orion Industries offers job training to low- income and disabled people, as well as individuals with criminal backgrounds. She remarked that the average placement wage for these persons is only $12 an hour, but Orion strives to place individuals with businesses that offer career advancement. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 9/22/2014. Council concur. Administrative Services Department recommended a public hearing be set on 10/20/2014 to consider the 2015/2016 Biennial Budget. Refer to Committee of the Whole: set public hearing. City Attorney Department recommended adopting an ordinance to add Subsection 1-2-1.E to City Code, clarifying the applicability of modifications to the Renton Municipal Code. Council concur. (See page 290 for ordinance.) October 6, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 289 Acquisition: Sunset Park, Renton Housing Authority Community Services: Tree Pruning, WA DNR Grant CAG: 14-101, Riverview Park Bridge Demolition, Imperial Demolition & Earthworks Transportation: Main Ave S Downtown Circulation Project -Phase I, KPG Inc CAG: 13-178, Misty Cove Lift Station, Gary Harper Construction Inc UNFINISHED BUSINESS Utilities Committee CAG: 14-054, Airport Lift Station Replacement Budget Adjustment, Equity Builders RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4228 Community Services: Tree Pruning, WA DNR Grant City Attorney Department recommended approval of a Purchase and Sale agreement with Renton Housing Authority in the amount of $2,640,000 to acquire the Sunset Park property as partial execution of the approved Sunset Area Redevelopment Plan. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources valued at $20,000 in labor costs, to provide SoundCorps crews for tree pruning at The Landing. Council concur. (See later this page for resolution.) Community Services Department submitted CAG-14-101, Riverview Park Bridge Demolition project; and requested approval of the project, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retainage in the amount of $8,768.50 to Imperial Demolition and Earthworks, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with KPG, Inc. in the amount of $148,818.69 for the preliminary design of the Main Ave. S. Downtown Circulation Project - Phase I (Main Ave. S. to Bronson Way S.). Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-13-178, Misty Cove Lift Station Replacement project; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $24,692.25, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $39,239.23 to Gary Harper Construction, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Utilities Committee Chair Pavone presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve an adjustment to the Airport Lift Station Replacement project budget to increase the project budget to cover unexpected construction costs and to re-establish an approximate 10% contingency fund, in the amount of $100,000, by authorizing the transfer of $100,000 from the 2014 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation/Replacement project account (426.465502) to the Airport Lift Station Replacement project account (426.465483). The budget adjustment associated with this project will be included in the next budget adjustment ordinance. MOVED BY PAVONE, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources entitled "Interagency Agreement with the City of Renton." MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. October 6, 2014 Renton City Council Minutes Page 290 Attorney: Subsection 1-2-1.E., Clarifying Applicability of Modifications to RMC NEW BUSINESS CED: Amended 2014 and 2015 CDBG Funding Recommendations ADJOURNMENT Jason Seth, Recorder October 6, 2014 The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the 10/13/2014 Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Section 1-2-1 of Chapter 2, Ordinances, of Title I (Administrative), of City Code, clarifying the applicability of modifications to the Renton Municipal Code. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 10/13/2014. CARRIED. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE AMENDED 2014 CDBG FUNDING PLAN TO ALLOCATE $78,717 FOR COMMERCIAL REHABILATION ACTIVITIES; APPROVE THE 2015 CDBG FUNDING PLAN TO ALLOCATE $630,727 FOR KING COUNTY CONTRACTUAL SET-ASIDES, CITY PLANNING/ADMINISTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL REHABILITATION AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVIES AS RECOMMENDED BY CITY STAFF; AND APPROVE THE 2015 CDBG FUNDING CONTINGENCY PLAN TO EQUALLY SPLIT ANY INCREASE OR DECREASE OF HUD ALLOCATION AMOUNTS BETWEEN COMMERCIAL REHABILATION AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVITIES. CARRIED. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Jasoh/A. Seth, 0ylC, Acting City Clerk Council Committee Meeting Calendar October 6, 2014 October 09, 2014 Thursday 3:00 PM Planning & Development Committee, Chair Prince -- Council Conference Rm 1. Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #10A 2. 2015 Comprehensive Plan - Housing/Human Services Element 3. 2015 Comprehensive Plan - Community Plan Element 4. Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #10B 5. 2015 Comprehensive Plan - Transportation Element 4:30 PM Transportation Committee, Chair Palmer -- Council Conference Rm 1. KPG, Inc. Consultant Agreement for Main Avenue South Downtown Circulation Project - Phase I 2. Emerging Issues in Transportation October 13, 2014 Monday 3:30 PM Finance Committee, Chair Briere - Council Conference Rm 1. King County METRO Lease Amendment, City Center Parking Garage spaces 2. Vouchers 3. Emerging Issues in Revenue Streams 4:00 PM Committee of the Whole, Chair Persson - Council Chambers 1. 2015-2016 Budget Review lof 1 10/6/2014 3:31 PM