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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 25, 2013RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting February 25, 2013 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATION Community Services: One Night Count of the Homeless & Severe Weather Shelter Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. RANDY CORMAN, Council President; GREG TAYLOR; TERRI BRIERE; ED PRINCE; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RICH ZWICKER. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; GARMON NEWSOM, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; TIM WILLIAMS, Recreation Director; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER KATIE MCCLINCY and COMMANDER PAUL CLINE, Police Department. Human Services Manager Karen Bergsvik reported that the severe weather shelter operates when the temperature is 32 degrees or less for 24 hours or more, or if there is an imminent threat of snow of three inches or more, and if the weather presents a substantial threat to public safety. She stated that the shelter is operated through a partnership with Harambee Church, Catholic Community Services, and the City of Renton. She noted that the shelter was operated from January 9 through 21, 2013, and had an average of 20 people utilizing it each night. Ms. Bergsvik reported that the One Night Count of the Homeless event occurred on January 25. She stated that ten teams comprised of over 50 volunteers went out to separate geographical areas of the City to count the homeless. She remarked that volunteers were from an array of organizations including the Compass Center, Vision House, YWCA, Way Back Inn, Renton Housing Authority, Salvation Army, Communities in Schools of Renton, and the City Renton. Ms. Bergsvik reported that a total of 83 people were counted in Renton; which is ten more than last year. She also noted that overall there were more homeless people counted in King County this year than in 2012. Ms. Bergsvik reported that the City is working with the Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) to open a day shelter at City Hall for homeless women and children. She stated that REACH is also considering a plan to consolidate all of the community feeding programs to a central location to better serve the homeless. Ms. Bergsvik also reported that the ARISE (Area of Renton Interfaith Shelter Endeavor) program may be restructured to allow for a broader base of support from the community. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 48 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Asher- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Bray- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Samargis • Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Mainrender - Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Robinson • Cedar River Library Concluding, Ms. Bergsvik summarized the most recent recommendations of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. She explained that the plan calls for more counseling services at shelters, closing gaps in time when the shelters are closed, converting severe weather shelters to winter shelters that are continuously operated during winter months, and improving the system for families and homeless youth. Beth Asher (Renton) stated that the King County Library System's (KCLS) recent proposed design for the Cedar River Library is inappropriate because it will be too small to serve Renton's diverse and growing population. She remarked that voters are paying property taxes and separately paying for Renton's new libraries so their wishes regarding design, including retaining the building entryway in its current location, should be honored. Ms. Asher also stated that KCLS has a habit of building small libraries and then remodeling them over and over again at taxpayers' expense. Richard Bray (Renton) expressed appreciation for the City's support of human services programs. Additionally, he expressed concern with the recent proposed design of the Cedar River library. He explained that KCLS is proposing to reduce the building's size by 30 percent and move the entry away from the bridge deck. Nick Samargis (Renton) requested that KCLS provide at least two additional library design proposals that utilize all 22,400 square feet of the current building and retain the entry in its current location. He also suggested postponing the deadline set by KCLS to study the proposal, and to allow two or three concerned citizens to sit in at meetings with library planners. Kerrick Mainrender (Renton) expressed outrage over the proposed library design. She stated that Renton does not need a smaller library, only more books, computers, and meeting spaces. She urged Council to make KCLS listen to Renton voters. Nicola Robinson (Renton) asked if Council was receiving public comments obtained during City-sponsored library open houses; if Council was aware of ail monies being paid to KCLS; and if Council had seen the proposed design presented to citizens at the last open house on February 19. Mayor Law remarked that he could not say for certain that Council had been made aware of every library-related expenditure or public comment received about the libraries. Chief Administrative Officer Covington explained that a schedule had not yet been set to brief Council because, like every development project, it is a long process. He further explained that the plans presented to citizens at the open house last week were the results from a pre-application process and are not definite plans. He also noted that all of the public comments have been forwarded to KCLS. Additionally, Mr. Covington stated that the current library building is more than 46 years old and must be brought up to code, including complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. He reiterated that the designs are preliminary; however, he noted that some fish agencies stated at the pre-application meeting that they wanted a smaller building footprint over the water. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 49 Citizen Comment: Ouellette Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Keyes- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Livengood Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Rouchex- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Watt - Water Fluoridation Concluding, Mr. Covington stated that in order to remain true to the commitment the City made by Council direction to provide a public forum, sometimes a situation occurs were citizens have more information than Council. He stated that KCLS is providing another presentation next month and Council will review the plans after that information is received by the City. Responding to Ms. Robinson's question, Mr. Covington clarified that some agencies have expressed concern about predatory fish and the size of the shadow the building creates over the water. He explained that these agencies are not happy with the idea that a refurbished building would retain its same size and shape. He emphasized, however, it is not known at this time if the agencies could force a design change. Paul Ouellette (Renton) expressed disappointment with the report provided to the Utilities Committee regarding waterline smart meter installations. He stated that although the City has FCC approval to install the meters, the effects the meters have on birds was not studied. He remarked that smart meters interfere with a bird's inherent navigation system which makes the birds avoid areas where the meters are installed. David Keyes (Renton) requested that the upcoming presentation from KCLS regarding the design of the Cedar River library be held in a room large enough to accommodate the amount of citizens interested in the subject, and it allows for the meeting to be recorded. He also requested that any information provided to the City by KCLS be made available to the public as soon as the City receives it. Additionally, Mr. Keyes requested that the City demand KCLS provide the schematic design cost estimate at the same time the design is submitted. Elaine Livengood (Renton) stated that after conducting research on the internet regarding the waterline smart meter systems she has concerns about billing and radio frequency radiation issues. She explained that although the FCC has given blanket approval for the systems the World Health Organization has classed radio frequency waves as a Class 2.b. carcinogen. She stated that some states have opt-out policies, but pointed out that it would probably do little good to be the only house in a neighborhood that opted-out of the program. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL EXTEND THE AUDIENCE COMMENT PERIOD. CARRIED. Dana Rouchex (Renton) stated that one of the most distressing elements of the proposed Cedar River library design is the relocation of the entryway. She remarked that the entry was originally designed as an elegant solution to unite the two halves of the City and to encourage visitors to engage with the Cedar River. Ms. Rouchex stated that she would like to see KCLS offer another design proposal. Paul Watt (Renton) explained that after researching the topic of water fluoridation on the internet he found a lot of scientific evidence opposing its use, but not much evidence supporting it. He also expressed concern that China sells the product but does not use it in their water supply. Mr. Watt suggested that the money spent on fluoride could be used to supplement the salary of a firefighter or police officer. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 50 Citizen Comment: Greene Crook - Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Ossenkop • Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Beedon- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Keyes- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Torres Water Fluoridation & Waterline Smart Meter Installation Library: Cedar River Library Jeanie Greene Crook (Renton) asked Council to respect the wishes of the 76 percent of Renton voters who voted to save the Cedar River library. She explained that voters believed the building would be refurbished, not demolished and rebuilt; and that the entryway would remain at mid-span on the bridge deck. Noting that the Fairwood library has been remodeled three times, Ms. Greene Crook stated that this is an indicator of how KCLS builds libraries too small. Kathy Ossenkop (Renton) stated that she was shocked to learn that KCLS proposes to reduce the Cedar River library from 22,400 square feet to 16,000 square feet. She remarked that she paid for the original building and is now being asked to pay to rebuild it. Ms. Ossenkop stated that she believes KCLS is ignoring citizen input, and although representatives from the Muckleshoot Tribe are encouraging increased light to the river, the City is in the unique position to continue to utilize the full 22,400 square foot building. Dave Beedon (Renton) echoed the concerns voiced by previous speakers regarding the Cedar River library. He remarked that he did not understand the motives behind the design decisions KCLS is making. He also expressed support for Mr. Keyes' suggestion to hold the upcoming KCLS meeting in a room large enough to accommodate everyone interested in attending and that has recording capabilities. Jeanie Keyes (Renton) stated that the Cedar River library has been in place for many years and should be grandfathered in as far as new codes are concerned. She stated that it should just be fixed up and not completely remodeled. She also expressed concern that KCLS had recently thrown a large number of books in the garbage. Ms. Keyes stated that there are numerous charitable organizations that could use the books. Shannan Torres (King County) expressed concern that the City was adding fluoride to the water supply. She stated that she has researched fluoride on the internet and determined it is a toxic waste. Additionally, Ms. Torres remarked that she is a gardener who opposes the use of the waterline smart meters. She stated that she sleeps near 24 meters and the constant transmission of signals is detrimental to her health. She urged Council to stop installing the meters. Mr. Covington emphasized that Renton's water is safe to drink. He explained that although people continue to debate the benefits of fluoride in drinking water, the City relies on national, state, and local public health agencies to be the experts on how and why fluoride is added to the water supply. He reiterated his point from last week's Council meeting that some people may be affected by the water, but for the general population it is safe to drink. Council President Corman stated that he would like to see KCLS resolve the issue regarding the design of the Cedar River library. He remarked that he would like to know what it would take to build a library that would satisfy the community. He stated that KCLS should let the City know if there are issues hindering their ability to accomplish the desired design elements, and that if there are any funding issues, they should at least be discussed. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 51 Utility: Waterline Smart Meter Installation CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 2/10/2013 CAG: 12-175, FBO Parking Lot Construction & C-Ramp Storm Drainage Repair, RLAlia Company Finance: 2013 Threshold for Sales Tax Credit, Benson Hill Annexation Annexation: Parker, SE 124th St & 156th Ave SE Councilmember Palmer remarked that the feedback from the community indicates to her that residents would rather the library be left alone than have it be refurbished as proposed by KCLS. She stated that it appears KCLS has not listened to citizen input and that she does not approve of the proposed plan. Ms. Palmer asked what the minimum amount of remodeling would entail to keep the library operational. She also stated that she has no problem letting the KCLS Board of Directors know that the proposed plan is unacceptable, and she would like to see another proposal. Councilmember Taylor remarked that the overwhelming majority of people who have spoken throughout the library design process are not happy with the proposal. He stated that the building needs to stay the same size. He also explained that when he voted to annex to KCLS it was because he recognized that the City could not provide the level of service the community needed for the next 25 years. Mr. Taylor stated that KCLS needs to present a proposal that justifies the reasons for scaling the building back. He remarked that he believes the building can be refurbished in its existing footprint and stay within budget; however, he would support an additional expenditure of funds if needed, on the basis that the community also supported the expenditure. Mayor Law remarked that Council's remarks regarding the library proposal would be forwarded to KCLS. Additionally, Mr. Corman remarked that he has a reverse osmosis filter installed in his house that removes fluoride from the water. He stated that the filter is a perpetual use system, and the new smart meter alerted him in error to look for a water leak. Mr. Corman stated that he was impressed with the new meters because if he actually had a leak the new system would have recognized it. Councilmember Briere remarked that she has a new smart meter installed on her water system and she has not seen a decline in the bird or animal population at her home. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 2/10/2013. Council concurs, City Clerk reported bid opening on 1/29/2013 for CAG-12-175, FBO Parking Lot Construction & C-Ramp Storm Drainage Repair project; 10 bids; engineer's estimate $360,420; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, R.L. Alia Company, in the amount of $279,075. Council concur. Administrative Services Department recommended adopting a resolution to set the threshold for state sales tax credit for 2013 at $3,300,000 related to the Benson Hill annexation. Council concur. (See page 54 for resolution.) Community and Economic Development Department submitted 10% Notice of Intent to annex petition for the proposed Parker Annexation and recommended a public meeting be set on 3/11/2013 to consider the petition; 20.5 acres located in the vicinity of SE 124th St. and 156th Ave. SE. Council Concur. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 52 Community Service: Fee Waiver Request, CROPWALK Event CAG: 11-031, Extend Public Defender Services, Cayce & Grove LLC Executive: Municipal Arts Commission Appointments, Code Amendment Fire: Accept Passenger Van Donation, King County Fire: Firefighter Medical Services, Valley Medical Center Occupational Health Services Fire: 2014-2019 County- Wide EMS Levy Transportation: ORCA Business Passport, King County UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Police: Increase Patrol Vehicles & Assignments Community Services Department requested approval to waive picnic shelter fees in the amount of $280 for the annual CROPWALK event. Refer to Finance Committee. Executive Department recommended approval of Addendum No. 1 to CAG-11- 031, with Cayce & Grove, LLC, in the amount of $450,000 to extend public defender services until 12/31/2013, with the option to extend for an additional year. Refer to Finance Committee. Executive Department recommended amending City Code by changing the number of members appointed to the Municipal Arts Commission from 12 to 13, and updating related code language. Refer to Community Services Committee. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of an interlocal agreement with King County to accept the donation of a passenger van for use by the Zone 3 Explorers' program. Council concur. (See page 54 for resolution.) Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of an interlocal agreement with Valley Medical Center Occupational Health Services in the amount of $63,150 (for 2013) for firefighter medical services and laboratory testing from 2013 through 2015. Council concur. (See page 54 for resolution.) Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approving placement of the county-wide EMS levy on the 2013 ballot, and setting a public meeting on 3/11/2013 to consider pro and con testimony for taking a position supporting or opposing the proposed 2014-2019 EMS Levy rate ballot measure. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of the 2013-2014 One Card for All (ORCA) Business Passport interlocal agreement in the amount of $79,886 with King County METRO, to continue the Commute Trip Reduction program for City employees with potential budget adjustments to be determined. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 318698 - 319046, three wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $4,144, 091.50, and payroll vouchers including 723 direct deposits and 55 payroll checks totaling $1,531,774.17. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of the staff recommendation to approve increasing the number of vehicles assigned to the Patrol Operations Division of the Police Department by one, to allow assigning two officers per car, and to provide for a spare patrol vehicle pool with five retired vehicles. The combined total impact to the budget will be $45,000 one-time funded by carry forward budget adjustment and $33,000 annual on-going cost ($11,000 for Replacement Reserve, $12,000 for February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 53 Community Services: Urban Forest Restoration, WA DNR Urban Forestry Restoration Grant Utilities Committee Solid Waste: Amended and Restated Solid Waste Agreement, King County Utility: Emergency Sale of Water Agreement, Coal Creek Utility District Maintenance & Operations of one frontline vehicle, and $10,000 for the Maintenance & Operations of five back-up vehicles), which will be accommodated within the department's budget. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of the staff recommendation to approve a 2012 Urban Forestry Restoration Grant Project with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in order to conduct the May Creek Trail Restoration. The recommendation to perform the May Creek Restoration Project is consistent with the Urban and Community Forestry Development Plan that was approved by City Council on July 20, 2009. The City's share of the grant includes providing additional supplies and equipment, post news releases, develop and implement a three-year maintenance plan, monitor the results, and report to the DNR annually. The project will provide free labor using the Washington Conservation Corp crews, valued at approximately $15,000, for removing invasive plants. Planting the area will be accomplished by volunteers at Renton's 8th annual Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 54 for resolution.) Utilities Committee Chair Prince presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the Amended and Restated Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement between King County and Cities to extend the Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement of 1988 from June 2028 to December 2040, and to provide additional liability protection forthe City. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 54 for resolution.) Utilities Committee Chair Prince presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the Agreement for Emergency Sale of Water with the Coal Creek Utility District establishing the terms for determining availability and quantity of surplus water for sale to the district in case of an emergency. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 54 for resolution.) February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 54 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4168 Finance: 2013 Threshold for Sales Tax Credit, Benson Hill Annexation RESOLUTION #4169 Fire: Accept Passenger Van Donation, King County RESOLUTION #4170 Fire: Firefighter Medical Services, Valley Medical Center Occupational Health Services RESOLUTION #4171 Community Services: Urban Forest Restoration, WA DNR Urban Forestry Restoration Grant RESOLUTION #4172 Solid Waste: Amended and Restated Solid Waste Agreement, King County RESOLUTION #4173 Utility: Emergency Sale of Water Agreement, Coal Creek Utility District NEW BUSINESS Community Event: Black History Month Airport: Leasing Policies Community Event: Salvation Army Food Bank Support The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the City of Renton to impose a sales and use tax as authorized by RCW 82.14.415 as a credit against state sales and use tax, relating to annexations. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with King County regarding donation of a passenger van. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with Public Hospital District No. 1 of King County, D/B/A Valley Medical Center Occupational Health Services. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. 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 BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with King County entitled "Amended and Restated Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement." MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with Coal Creek Utility District forthe sale of water during an emergency. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilmember Taylor reported that he attended a Black History Month event organized by DC Productions at Joint Base Lewis/McChord. He stated that it was a festive event with food, dance, music, and performances by Renton's own EriAm Sisters. Mr. Taylor remarked that the best part about the event was that it was done for soldiers. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF EXPANDING AIRPORT LEASING POLICIES REGARDING TENANTS IN GOOD STANDING TO THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Councilmember Palmer stated that she had recently attended a Salvation Army Advisory Board meeting and remarked that although the there are reports in the media that the economy is getting better, the food bank is actually seeing more people. She remarked that they need more food and monetary donations. She also stated that the food bank desperately needs plastic bags so people can carry the items home. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 55 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Forister- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Storwick- Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Carlyle • Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Greene Crook-Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Rouchex- Water Fluoridation Phyllis Forister (Renton) stated that KCLS is not being responsive to citizen comments regarding the design of the Cedar River library. She remarked that she believes the interlocal agreement with KCLS should be redone because citizens want the library remodeled not rebuilt. Further, she expressed disappointment that Council did not have the same information the public had about the proposed design. Council President Corman clarified that Council did not have the information because it was assumed that KCLS would work with citizens to develop an acceptable proposal. He noted that did not happen, and reiterated his expectation that KCLS must change direction so that a consensus with the community can be achieved. Councilmember Persson stated that several people had talked about the library building being demolished. He pointed out that Council had never discussed anything but a full remodel of the building. He stated that he does not want to see the building demolished, and he believes that KCLS will provide clarification. Sandra Storwick (Kirkland) expressed concern regarding wireless radiation from waterline smart meters. She stated that according to an article she read on the internet, Health Canada has admitted that their safety guidelines regarding microwave radiation is based only on thermal or heating effects and not on radio frequencies. She explained that many illnesses are now being attributed to wireless radiation, and urged Council to look further into this issue. Nancy Carlyle (Kirkland) expressed concern that smart meters are effecting the bird and wildlife populations near her home. She stated that the disappearance of the animals should be viewed as a warning that something is wrong. Ms. Carlyle remarked that she read an article on the internet regarding wireless radiation, and stated that she cannot trust the FCC. She urged Council to stop installing the meters for a few months to see if the birds come back. Council President Corman remarked that he is intrigued by this topic, and noted that he has had his own home studied by an electrical engineer that specializes in RF radiation. He remarked that there had been concern in the past about cellular phone antennas, and high-voltage wires, but he is skeptical that the meters would add that much more radiation to the amount that is already present in the environment. Jeanie Greene Crook (Renton) stated that she has a health condition and is very concerned about fluoride in the water supply. She asked if public health agencies would consider establishing a grant program that would provide funds to people who are affected by fluoride to install reverse osmosis machines in their homes. Dana Rouchex (Renton) requested that the City test the fluoride that is being added to the water supply. She stated that some foreign countries have put out a lot of poor-quality products over the years, and have had issues with public safety. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 56 Citizen Comment: Asher- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment - Beedon • Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Ouellette- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Wheeler- Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Brown- Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Milligan - Cedar River Library & Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Mayor- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Ossenkop • Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Carlyle- Waterline Smart Meter Installation Beth Asher (Renton) thanked Council for providing a second audience comment period. She asked when the City would provide the response from KCLS regarding the public comments about the proposed library design. Mayor Law stated that any response from KCLS would be shared with Council, and residents would receive the response if KCLS shares it publicly. Dave Beedon (Renton) suggested that if outside agencies were requiring the library's floor space over the river be reduced, then KCLS should just extend and increase the portion of the building that is located on the ground next to the bridge. Paul Ouellette (Renton) remarked that KCLS should provide the City with a breakdown of the library's program budget versus the construction budget. He expressed concern that KCLS will say they have only $5 million for actual construction costs. Mr. Ouellette urged Council to review the different budget analyses. Bernadette Wheeler (Kirkland) expressed concern regarding the radio frequencies of the waterline smart meters. She submitted a chart that depicted where smart meters range in terms of safety. Ms. Wheeler explained that smart meters generally tend to range on the high end of the chart, and suggested that this may cause medical issues for people. Andy Brown (Renton) asked what the next steps are regarding the waterline smart meter installations. He asked if Council was going to consider any of the testimony provided by citizens at tonight's meeting and study the issue further. Council President Corman remarked that he did not know if Council was going to discuss the issue further at this time. He noted that the Utilities Committee had been briefed on the topic. Judy Milligan (Renton) asked what exactly does KCLS mean by the term 21st century library services. She stated that she has been involved with the libraries since the 1980s, and libraries should have books, audio/visual recordings, and computers. She also expressed concern that KCLS is throwing books away. Additionally, Ms. Milligan stated that she is a pharmacist and is opposed to fluoridating the water supply. Colleen Mayor (Renton) expressed concern that KCLS has proposed to move the entryway of the Cedar River library. She stated that having the entryway on the bridge encouraged her children to engage in conversations about the Cedar River and the fish. She remarked that the location of the entrance is one of the things that makes the library an exciting place to visit. Kathy Ossenkop (Renton) remarked how joyous it is to watch children bolt out of the library and rub the head of the bronze statue of the child reading; which is located outside the doors of the library. She remarked that the library is a lovely facility and no one wants to lose the entrance. Nancy Carlyle (Kirkland) remarked that wavelengths from cell phones and other devices are tested singularly and not tested as a group. She reiterated her request for the City to halt the installation of the waterline smart meters in order to determine if they are causing the birds and other wildlife to disappear. February 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 57 MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF THE ALLEGED EFFECT OF WATERLINE SMART METERS ON THE BIRD POPULATION FROM THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED. Councilmember Taylor requested that additional information including any research that might be contrary to the testimony received at tonight's meeting be included in the presentation. Library: Cedar River Library Additionally, Mr. Taylor remarked that one of the reasons he felt strongly about supporting the annexation to KCLS was because of their commitment to involve communities in terms of how they rebuild their libraries. He stated that each library had the stamp of the community spirit in it, and he thought that was very important because the libraries are expected to last for 25+ years. Mr. Taylor stated that KCLS needs to add ress the City's issues and move forward with a design that is acceptable to the entire community. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time 9:12 p.m. Jason Seth, Recorder February 25, 2013 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 February 25, 2013 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COUNCIL RETREAT (Corman) THURS., 2/28 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Renton's Economic Development Priorities; Impacts/Implications of Comprehensive Plan Policies; Renton's Changing Demographics; Emerging Public Safety Issues *Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre, 104 Burnett Ave. S* COUNCIL RETREAT (Corman) FRI., 3/1 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sustainability of Services including Economic Forecast; Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Prioritization Discussion; Miscellaneous Issues and Updates *Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre, 104 Burnett Ave. S.* COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON., 3/4 6 p.m. Regional & Emerging Issues *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) FINANCE (Briere) MON., 3/4 3:30 p.m. Vouchers; Addendum to Public Defense Contract with Cayce & Grove LLC; Online Utility Billing Update (briefing only) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Zwicker) THURS., 2/28 CANCELED PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) MON., 3/4 5 p.m. Measuring Availability & Reliability of Fire Station/Response Apparatus (briefing only); Emerging Issues in Public Safety TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) THURS., 2/28 CANCELED UTILITIES (Prince) 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.