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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 4, 2013RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting February 4, 2013 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATION Transportation: WSDOT -1-90 Tolling Briefing 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; RICH ZWICKER; TERRI BRIERE; ED PRINCE; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; NANCY CARLSON, Human Resources Administrator; DOUG JACOBSON, Deputy Public Works Administrator- Transportation; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator; COMMANDER DAVE LEIBMAN, Police Department. Deputy Public Works Administrator-Transportation Doug Jacobson reported that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is preparing an environmental assessment to evaluate the impacts of tolling the 1-90 corridor between 1-5 and 1-405. He introduced Colleen Gant from WSDOT. Ms. Gant stated that WSDOT is soliciting comments until February 22, 2013 from cities located near 1-90 in order to create the parameters of the environmental assessment study. She invited Council to participate in the Executive Advisory Group, noting that the first meeting is scheduled for March 7, 2013. She also clarified that the study will not be a typical assessment because WSDOT will be looking at environmental justice issues such as fairness and adverse impacts on communities rather than wetlands or water quality matters. Ms. Gant reported that the State considers both 1-90 and SR 520 a single cross- lake corridor because they act as one unit for crossing the lake. She remarked that this idea established the foundation for considering tolling 1-90 to help meet funding gaps in the SR 520 bridge replacement project. Ms. Gant explained that even after cost reduction measures were taken into account, there is a projected $1.4 billion gap in construction funding. She further explained that the legislative work group assigned to this project determined that if there was still a funding gap after all federal and state funding resources were exhausted, then tolling 1-90 should begin no sooner than 2014. Ms. Gant reported that the SR 520 bridge has been tolled for a year now and revenues are meeting forecasts. She noted, however, that the tolls were meant to fill approximately $1 billion of the total project budget, and were not meant to bridge the $1.4 billion funding gap. She also noted that traffic patterns have shifted as projected, and transit service in the region is up 25% since the tolls were established. Ms. Gant added that tolling the 1-90 corridor is not a new idea, and has been considered since 2006 as a way to subsidize the SR 520 bridge replacement project. February 4, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 30 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Tabak • Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Martinez - Poorly Lit Crosswalk on Duvall Ave NE & Water Fluoridation Concluding, Ms. Gant provided an overview of current tolls in the State, including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the SR 167 HOT lanes, and the SR 520 bridge. She stated that the 1-405 dual express toll lanes being constructed on the north end, the Columbia River crossing, and the SR 99 tunnel have all been authorized to have tolls, and the State is considering tolling the 1-90 bridge, the SR 509 extension, the SR 167 extension, and potentially portions of the 1-5 corridor. Responding to Council inquiries, Ms. Gant acknowledged that there could be increases in traffic along SR 900 and in downtown Renton due to the tolling of I- 90. She added that the degree of impact would not be estimated until the environmental assessment study was completed. 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 2012 and beyond. One item noted was: # To foster strong and healthy neighborhoods, the City of Renton announces the Neighborhood Project Grant Program for 2013. The grants are available to organized neighborhood associations with defined boundaries in the City of Renton that have been officially recognized by the City. Eligible projects include physical improvements that build or enhance a feature of the neighborhood or benefit the general public. The grants range from $3,000 to $5,000 per project, with the actual amount based on a project's merit as determined by the Renton City Council after considering the recommendation of a staff-level interdepartmental team. Applications are available on the City's website at www.rentonwa.gov, and are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2013. ¥ The City of Renton Neighborhood Program will host the 9th annual "Neighbor to Neighbor" forum on Saturday, February 9 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Renton Senior Activity Center, located at 211 Burnett Ave. N. All who are interested in their community are welcome to attend. For questions and to RSVP please contact the City at 425-430-6595. Judy Tabak (Renton) suggested that Council view a video regarding fluoride on the website, fluorideactionnetworktv.com. She remarked that experts cited in the book, "The Case Against Fluoride," speak about the issue in the video. She stated that the cities of Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Wichita Falls have all ended the practice of adding fluoride to their water supplies. Ms. Tabak also displayed two tubes of toothpaste, one containing fluoride and one that did not, and read the warning label from the tube that contained fluoride. Mark Martinez (Renton) expressed concern regarding the crosswalk on Duvall Ave. NE near Hazen High School. He explained that there is no stop light at the crosswalk, just lights in the road that are activated when someone pushes the button to cross. He stated that it is difficult to see the high school kids early in the morning when he is driving to work, and requested that the City consider installing a traffic light at this location. Additionally, Mr. Martinez stated that he believes the City's spends approximately $60,000 to fluoridate the water. He explained that this estimate includes the cost of the fluoride and other costs associated with adding it to the Februarys 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 31 Citizen Comment: Adams- Water Fluoridation & Renton Heart Month Citizen Comment: Greene Crooke - Water Fluoridation CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 1/28/2013 Finance: Business Analyst to Systems Analyst/Programmer Position Conversion Finance: Limited Term GIS Analyst Position Extension Transportation: Operating Permit & Agreement, Pro- Flight Aviation Utility: Harrington Ave NE Green Connections, CH2MHILL water supply. Mr. Martinez remarked that in his opinion the funds would be better spent supplementing the salary of an additional firefighter or police officer. Audrey Adams (Renton) remarked that both requests she has submitted asking that the City independently test the sodium fluoride added to the City's water supply have been denied. She stated that if the City gave her a sample of the sodium fluoride she would pay to have it tested. Ms. Adams also stated that the warnings on the sodium fluoride bags state that the product is harmful if swallowed and is for industrial use only. Additionally, Ms. Adams shared a personal story of the recent loss of her sister- in-law and of her brother's triple heart bypass surgery. She stated that an issue unique to her brother was that he had calcified plaque in his arteries. She explained that both her brother and sister-in-law had been on fluoridated water for over 30 years, and after doing research on the internet, she had found studies that concluded that increased fluoride uptake in coronary arteries may be associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Jeanie Greene Crooke (Renton) stated that Ms. Adams had enlightened her on the subject of water fluoridation. She expressed concern about fluoride's effect on the health of young children. She remarked that she would prefer to have fluoride taken out of the City's water supply. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 1/28/2013. Council concur. Administrative Services Department requested authorization to convert a Business Analyst position to a Systems Analyst/Programmer position. Refer to Finance Committee. Administrative Services Department recommended approval to extend the Limited Term GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analyst position for one year (until 2/28/2014) to complete implementation of the four-year Enterprise GIS plan. Refer to Finance Committee. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an Operating Permit and Agreement with Pro-Flight Aviation, Inc. acknowledging a sublease agreement between Renton Gateway Center, LLC and Pro-Flight Aviation, Inc. in order to operate an aircraft maintenance facility at the airport. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract with CH2MHILL in the amount of $212,704 for final engineering design of the Harrington Ave. NE Green Connections project. Council concur. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Februarys 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 32 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance: Utility Billing Adjustment Request, The Rock Wood Fired Pizza AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Paholke - Sun Glare Obscuring Traffic Signal at Edmonds Ave SE & NE 4th St & Speeding Bicyclists on Perimeter Rd at the Airport Citizen Comment: Martinez- Boy Scout Pinewood Derby Race EXECUTIVE SESSION & ADJOURNMENT Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 318354 - 318697, three wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $5,716,531.17, and payroll vouchers including 717 direct deposits and 94 payroll checks totaling $1,587,759.44. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to grant the waiver requested for water, sewer, and King County METRO related charges from a main line water leak at The Rock Wood Fired Pizza (Account #39527-000), at the service address of 830 N. 10th St., in the total amount of $7,180.40. The adjustment includes City water ($1,209.49), City sewer ($2,166.37), and King County METRO ($3,804.54) charges above their normal usage. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Diane Paholke (Renton) expressed concern regarding traffic accidents that occur at Edmonds Ave. NE and NE 4th St. She explained that sun glare obscures the visibility of the traffic signals and causes numerous accidents at this location. She requested that the City investigate this issue. Additionally, Ms. Paholke expressed concern regarding bicyclists on Perimeter Rd. at the airport. She explained that bicyclists utilizing the bike path do not follow the posted speed limit and ride recklessly around fuel trucks and other vehicles. She requested that police officers patrol the area more frequently. Mayor Law stated that the City would investigate both issues. Mark Martinez (Renton) invited Council to participate in a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby race occurring at Honey Dew Elementary School on February 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He stated that there will be a potluck lunch, and there is an "outlaw race" for anyone who wishes to participate and is not a scout. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LABOR NEGOTIATIONS (RCW 42.30.140.4.a.) WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 7:43 p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder February 4, 2013 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 4, 2013 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON., 2/11 Renton Accessible Playground 6 p.m. Presentation; Emerging Issues COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) MON., 2/11 CANCELED FINANCE (Briere) MON., 2/11 Conversion of Business Analyst to Systems 5:30 p.m. Analyst/Programmer Position; Extension of Limited Term GIS Analyst Position PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Zwicker) PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) UTILITIES (Prince) MON., 2/11 CANCELED NOTE: Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. All other committee meetings are held in the Council Conference Room unless otherwise noted.