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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 11, 2013RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 11, 2013 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF RANDY CORMAN, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON; ED COUNCILMEMBERS PRINCE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; MARK BARBER, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; ANGIE MATH IAS, Associate Planner; FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINSTRATOR MARK PETERSON and DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER DAVE LEIBMAN, Police Department. PUBLIC MEETINGS This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in Fire: King County Medic One/ accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public meeting to Emergency Medical Services consider whether the King County Medic One/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy, 2014-2019 (EMS) Levy 2014-2019 should be placed on the 2013 ballot, and to consider taking a position supporting or opposing the proposed levy rate. Fire and Emergency Services Administrator Mark Peterson reported that the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in Renton and King County serves nearly two million people, and provides life-saving services on the average of every three minutes. He stated that the City of Renton, which includes Fire Protection Districts #25 and #40, receives $1.2 million annually in levy funds. Chief Peterson invited King County Emergency Medical Services Division Director Jim Fogarty to provide more details on the proposed levy. Mr. Fogarty reported that King County uses a regional perspective that utilizes local basic life support (BLS) providers to handle most of the 9-1-1 calls directly, with some patients shifted to advanced life support (ALS) providers if necessary, and then patients are transferred to the hospital networks. He also explained that the tiered system provides regional services which include medical program direction, continuing medical education and oversight, and criteria-based dispatch. Mr. Fogarty further explained that when a person calls 9-1-1 they receive the finest pre-hospital medicine anywhere in the nation. He stated that this is a measurable fact, and produced statistics that show save-rates for cardiac arrest in King County at 52% and climbing. He remarked that rates in other large metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles are below 10%. March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 72 RESOLUTION #4175 Fire: King County Medic One/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy, 2014-2019 Annexation: Parker, SE 120th St & 155th Ave SE Continuing, Mr. Fogarty reported that a taskforce was formed to develop the proposed levy package. He stated that many local officials served on subcommittees that were charged with describing what services are needed for the region over the next six years. Mr. Fogarty reported that the taskforce recommended that the levy remain a six-year levy with a rate of thirty-three and a half cents per $1,000 of assessed property tax value, and that an election be held in either August or November of 2013. Mr. Fogarty also reported that the taskforce recommended that there be no expansion of services; that no cost-shifting occur for ALS providers; that BLS providers continue to be funded at current levels; and that support programs for regional services find ways to control and maintain costs. He also reported that the fall prevention and the car seat programs remain funded and operate as regional programs. Concluding, Mr. Fogarty reported that in 2008 a typical homeowner would have paid approximately $100 a year for services, and the proposed 2014-2019 levy rate will cost a homeowner approximately $77 per year. He remarked that each city in King County with a population over 50,000 must pass a resolution approving the placement of the measure on the ballot in order for it to go forward, and requested that Council pass such a resolution. Mayor Law remarked that the intent of the public meeting was to provide both pro and con information regarding the proposed levy. He noted that no one had signed up or volunteered to speak in opposition to the measure. Public comment was invited. Dave Beedon (Renton) remarked that he believes in the value of taxes, especially for emergency medical services, and expressed support for the levy. Correspondence was entered into the record from Mary Weirich (Renton) expressing support for the levy. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL SUSPEND THE RULES AND ADVANCE TO THE RELATED RESOLUTION. CARRIED. A resolution was read approving placement of the County-wide 2014-2019 Medic One/Emergency Medical Se rvices (EMS) Levy on the 2013 ballot, and supporting the proposed ballot measure. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. 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 meeting to consider the 10% Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation Proceedings petition forthe proposed Parker Annexation; 20.4 acres bounded on the north by SE 120th St., on the east by the Urban Growth Boundary, on the south by SE 124th St., and on the west at approximately 155th Ave. SE. Associate Planner Angie Mathias reported that the annexation site is within the City's potential annexation area and contains single-family lots and vacant land. She remarked that there are no regulated slopes, and there is an identified wetland and a Class IV stream in the area. March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 73 Ms. Mathias stated that public services are currently provided by Fire District #25, Water District #90, Renton sewer service, and the Issaquah School District. She stated that existing King County zoning is R-4 (four dwelling units per gross acre), and that the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Residential Low Density. She added that the area was pre-zoned as R-4 (four dwelling units per net acre) which becomes effective if the annexation becomes effective. Ms. Mathias reported that currently there are 42 dwelling units in the area, and there would be $52,726 in revenues and $45,910 in costs annually to the City's Operating Fund if annexed, which would change to $90,049 in revenues and $80,276 in costs if the projected 22 additional dwelling units are built over the next ten years. Additionally, Ms. Mathias reported that there would be $5,806 in revenues and $1,063 in costs to the City's Capital and Enterprise Funds, which would change to $30,534 in revenues and $14,705 in costs if the projected build-out occurs over the ten-year period. Concluding, Ms. Mathias stated that the proposed annexation is generally consistent with City annexation policies and Boundary Review Board objectives, and the City's best interests and general welfare would be served by this annexation. Responding to Councilmember Palmer's inquiry, Ms. Mathias stated that one owner owns approximately 10 to 12 of the 22 vacant lots. Correspondence was entered into the record from the following individuals: Aaron and Virginia Sadler (King County) indicating opposition to the annexation; Mr. and Mrs. CM. Dickson (King County) expressing drainage concerns and requesting a revision to the annexation boundaries to included their adjacent property; Steven Beck (Renton) expressing support for the annexation; and Chuck Hampton (King County) expressing opposition to the annexation. Public comment was invited. Adria Krail (Renton) remarked that the area contains homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, newer homes built in 2000, and brand new homes built in the last 12 to 24 months. Ms. Krail stated that in 2009 the City brought in sewers, which benefited the community. She also stated that she believes annexation to Renton of this area will provide many additional benefits for area residents. C.J. Dickson (King County) expressed support for the annexation; however, she requested that the proposed boundary be adjusted to include her adjacent property. She also requested that a drainage plan forthe entire area be developed because water is pushed from lot to lot as people develop their properties. Andrew Croasdell (Renton), President of Maureen Highlands Homeowners' Association, stated that the boundary map of the area shows an extension off of NE 6th St. through to 155th Ave. SE. He asked if the annexation process will cause this proposed extension to be built. March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 74 Ms. Mathias stated that the annexation proposal has nothing to do with whether or not a roadway will be built on this unimproved right-of-way. She noted that at this time there are no plans to extend the road. Responding to Council President Corman's inquiry, Ms. Krail stated that she was not opposed to the suggested boundary change. Ms. Mathias also indicated that City staff was also not opposed to the suggested boundary change. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE 10% NOTICE OF INTENT PETITION FOR THE PARKER ANNEXATION, AUTHORIZE THE CIRCULATION OF A 60% DIRECT PETITION TO ANNEX SPECIFYING THAT SIGNERS SUPPORT FUTURE ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION AND ZONING, AND AMEND THE BOUNDARY TO INCLUDE THE DICKSON PROPERTY AS REQUESTED. CARRIED. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed an administrative report summarizing the City's recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2013 and beyond. Items noted were: ¥ King County Library System will host an open house at the downtown library on Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Citizens are invited to see the current designs for the new library. Representatives from KCLS and the City will be available to hear comments and answer questions. $ The City has received a permit application submitted by KCLS for the new library building. The City has not accepted the application and will not accept the application until after the upcoming open house, and after Council has had time to review the schematic designs. Council's review of the application is tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2013. The City believes allowing more time for public input is consistent with the library guiding principles Council adopted in September 2012. ¥ There had been some recent discussion about the budget for the downtown library. The original budget was $9.3 million, of which approximately $400,000 was spent on the Big 5 site. The remaining budget, which the public was informed of last summer, is $8.9 million. As with any construction project, there are budgets within the larger budget for soft costs such as architectural design and engineering studies. This may be the reason why there has been confusion about the Cedar River library's budget. # There had also been some allegations about the improper disposal of library books. As best as can be discerned, the incident citizens are referring to occurred on March 30, 2010, shortly after the library was annexed to KCLS. Books are public property and therefore cannot be given away or sold. KCLS has foundations who receive donated library books that are no longer in circulation. It is believed that these paperback books had been donated to KCLS's foundation, and the foundation deemed them to be unsellable and therefore disposed of them in a recycle bin; not a garbage dumpster. March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 75 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Reiter - Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Keyes- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Bray- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Ouellette King County Library Citizen Comment: Keyes- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Robinson • Cedar River Library Tom Reiter (Renton) suggested retaining the entrance to the Cedar River library at its current location, and utilizing the full square footage of the existing structure to save aesthetics and construction costs. He also remarked that keeping the current entrance would not impact parking. Jeannie Keyes (Renton) asked what advantage there was for Council to support the proposed plans for the Cedar River library when a majority of citizens oppose the plans. She also remarked that if there are objections to considering the few citizens who regularly attend Council meetings to speak on the proposed library design as representing a clear majority of residents, then the City should conduct some type of unbiased poll to survey citizens about their positions on the library. Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated that the City is still in the early stages of this process and no decision has been made in regards to the design of the libraries. He emphasized that the City has not accepted the application submitted by KCLS, and will not consider doing so until after the March 26 open house and after Council has had time to review the designs. Mr. Covington reiterated that Council's review of the designs is tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2013. Richard Bray (Renton) stated that yesterday a local news program aired a story about the proposed design changes for the downtown library. Mr. Bray urged Council to reject these changes. Paul Ouellette (Renton) remarked that the KCLS continued to invoice the City for design fees for the Big 5 site after citizens voted in August 2012 to move the library back to the Cedar River site. He also stated that the Washington State Office of Financial Management has determined that companies could charge between 6.7 and 9.7 percent of the total project budget for architectural and engineering services. Mr. Ouellette stated that KCLS's proposed budget charges the City nearly twenty-five percent for these types of services. He stressed that this percentage is unreasonable and exorbitant. David Keyes (Renton) displayed and described three diagrams depicting changes proposed by KCLS to the Cedar River library. He noted that the proposed design would reduce the building's footprint by 30 percent, and increase the amount of space the public restrooms take up inside the building. Mr. Keyes urged Council not to accept the pre-application plan submitted by KCLS. Nicola Robinson (Renton) stated that KCLS was not following their own principles in terms of valuing the communities they serve. She explained that if KCLS valued the concerns of Renton residents they would be building a library that reflects the desires of the community. Ms. Robinson stated that KCLS is not listening to Renton citizens, and has been disrespectful to Council in dealing with the situation. Responding to Mayor Law's inquiry, Ms. Robinson stated that she had not attended a KCLS board meeting, and should consider doing so. March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 76 Citizen Comment: Mainrender -Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Beedon- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Asher- Cedar River Library CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 3/4/2013 Separate Consideration Item Human Resources: Local 2170 2013-2015 Labor Agreement UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Community Services: CROPWALK Fee Waiver Request Community Services Committee Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission Kerrick Mainrender (Renton) stated that she believes KCLS is not respecting the wishes of Renton citizens. She remarked that all of Renton's 93,000 residents benefit from the library, not just the 12,000 who voted to relocate it, and urged Council to advocate for their constituents. David Beedon (Renton) stated that he has been impressed with some Councilmembers because they have consistently shown interest in the value of citizen input regarding the library issue. He also remarked that he will be attending future KCLS board meetings. Beth Asher (Renton) stated that the City of Burien has half the population of Renton and has two libraries; the main branch being larger than both of Renton's proposed libraries. She urged Council to amend the interlocal agreement with KCLS or de-annex from their system. Ms. Asher stated that the City could run the libraries better for less money. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of Councilmember Persson, Consent Agenda Item 6.b. was removed for separate consideration. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/4/2013. Council concur. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL APPROVETHE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEM 6.b. CARRIED. Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of the Local 2170, Washington State Council of County and City Employees American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO labor agreement for 2013-2015. Refer to Finance Committee. Councilmember Persson remarked that Council had been briefed on this item. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 6.b. AS COUNCIL CONCUR. CARRIED. Finance Committee Vice-Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the fee waiver request for use of the Liberty Park and Riverview Park picnic shelters on 5/5/2013, during the 2013 CROP Hunger Walk fundraising event sponsored by the Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Community Services Committee Chair Taylor presented a report recommending concurrence in Mayor Law's appointments to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission as follows: Ms. Michele Bettinger for an unexpired term expiring 12/31/2014 (position formerly held by Jon Schindehette); Mr. Tuenyu Lau for an unexpired term expiring 12/31/2014 (position formerly held by Doug Kyes); and Ms. Marsha Rollinger for an unexpired term expiring on 12/31/2013 (position formerly held by Denise Zullig). MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 77 Appointment: Airport Advisory Community Services Committee Chair Taylor presented a report recommending Committee concurrence in Mayor Law's appointment of Mr. Steve Beardslee to the Airport Advisory Committee (Airport Leaseholder Alternate Position), for a term expiring on 5/7/2014. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Community Services Committee Chair Taylor presented a report recommending concurrence in Mayor Law's appointment of Ms. Roxana Johnson to the Planning Commission for a term expiring 1/31/2016 (position formerly held by Ray Giometti). MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Roxana Johnson (Renton) expressed appreciation forthe appointment. She remarked that she is looking forward to working on the commission. Community Services Chair Taylor presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to amend the Municipal Arts Commission ordinance regarding the Arts & Culture Master Plan responsibilities, removing specific reference to organizations regarding grants (reflecting openness to new organizations as well as supporting current ones), adding "as resources allow" referring to grants disbursement since the Commission is reliant on outside grant funding, and increasing the total number of commission members from twelve (12) to (13) for assistance in additional commission responsibilities. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See further this page for ordinance.) The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the 3/25/2013 Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Sections 2-8-3, 2-8-4, and 2-8-5 of Chapter 8, Municipal Arts Commission, of Title II (Commissions and Boards), of City Code, by changing the number of members appointed to the Municipal Arts Commission from 12 to 13 and updating code language. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/25/2013. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Council President Corman remarked that Council had discussed clarifying a Council: Policy Change, 800-05 portion of Council Policy & Procedure #800-05, Committees of the Council, at their recent retreat. He stated that he would like to add a sentence clarifying that if a committee item was referred (either formally or informally) by the Council as a briefing only, and there are no recommendations by the Committee, then a committee report is not required. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADD THE CLARIFYING SENTENCE "IF THE COMMITTEE ITEM WAS REFERRED BY THE COUNCIL AS A BRIEFING ONLY, AND THERE ARE NO RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE COMMITTEE, THEN A COMMITTEE REPORT IS NOT REQUIRED" TO THE END OF SECTION 4.2.4 OF POLICY & PROCEDURE #800-05.* Appointment: Planning Commission Executive: Municipal Arts Commission, Code Amendment RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ADDED Executive: Municipal Arts Commission, Code Amendment March 11, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 78 Utility: Waterline Smart Meters Airport: New Airport Navigation System CED: Model Home Requirements Executive: Broadcasting Council Meetings forthe Hearing Impaired AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Ouellette • Waterline Smart Meters ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Zwicker stated that he did not object to the change, however, Mr. Corman had read something different than the version he had been provided. He remarked that he would like to see the proposed change in writing before casting his vote. •MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Corman remarked that he did change a couple of the words in the sentence for clarification. He also stated for the record that this change was made in order to reflect what Council had believed the policy intended. Council President Corman requested that information regarding the power and energy associated with the waterline smart meters compared to cellular telephones, wifi systems, and other wireless meter systems be included in the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting regarding this topic. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF THE NEW NAVIGATION SYSTEM PROPOSED FOR AIRPORTS TO THE RENTON AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF MODEL HOME REQUIREMENTS TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FOR A BRIEFING. CARRIED. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER TO THE ADMINISTRATION RESEARCHING BROADCASTING COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. CARRIED. Paul Ouellette (Renton) stated that when he first introduced the subject of the waterline smart meters the Utilities Division provided responses to all of the his inquiries in a professional and timely manner. He remarked that after the issue was referred to the Committee of the Whole City employees have been rebuffing his requests for information. Mr. Ouellette emphasized that he is asking for the information so that he can have an intelligent technical discussion regarding the phenomena effecting the local bird population. He also mentioned he would be submitting four pages of emails he had received from citizens expressing concern about this topic. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time 8:53 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder March 11, 2013 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 11, 2013 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) DATE/TIME MON., 3/18 MON., 3/25 6 p.m. AGENDA NO MEETINGS (CANCELED) Waterline Smart Meters COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) MON., 3/25 CANCELED FINANCE (Briere) MON., 3/18 MON., 3/25 5:30 p.m. CANCELED Vouchers PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Zwicker) THURS., 3/14 CANCELED THURS., 3/21 Comprehensive Plan Update (briefing 3 p.m. only); Benson Hill Community Plan (briefing only); Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket (briefing only) PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) MON., 3/18 CANCELED TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) THURS., 3/14 Operating & Permit Agreement with 4 p.m. Mobile Experience Solutions; Airport Leasing Policy for Tenants in Good Standing; Downtown Renton Parking Concerns; Emerging Issues (briefing only) UTILITIES (Prince) MON., 3/25 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.