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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 25, 2013RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 25, 2013 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Various • Cedar River Library 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; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON; ED PRINCE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; GARMON NEWSOM, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. 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 tomorrow, 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. # King County will host an open house to celebrate their long-sought-after acquisitions along nearly 20 miles of the Eastside Rail Corridor. The event will be held Saturday, March 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Seahawks Headquarters and Training Facility in Renton. The Eastside Rail Corridor extends from Renton north to Snohomish, passing through Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, and portions of unincorporated King County. These acquisitions are an important step in preserving the corridor for multiple near- and long-term uses. The following speakers commented on the proposed design plans for the Cedar River library submitted to the City as a pre-application land use package by the King County Library System (KCLS) on March 1, 2013: Paul Ouellette (Renton); Stuart Avery (Renton); Jill Jones (Renton); Kerrick Mainrender (Renton); Howard McOmber (Renton); Kathy Ossenkop (Renton); Judy Tabak (Renton); Nicola Robinson (Renton); Judy Milligan (Renton); Dave Beedon (Renton); Myrn Larson (Renton); Elizabeth Stevens (Renton); David Keyes (Renton); Beth Asher (Renton); Joe Berret (King County); Renata Beedon (Renton); and Helen Rochex (Renton). Comments and concerns alleged included: KCLS continued to charge fees for the Big 5 site after citizens voted to keep the library at the Cedar River site; KLCS charged excessive fees for design services; the administration and Council continue to make decisions counter to the will of Renton citizens; a majority of March 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 84 the voting population voted to keep the Cedar River library in its current location and in its existing form; the proposed plan submitted by KCLS is unacceptable and does not reflect the wishes of the community; voters did not vote to have the downtown library demolished and reconstructed; the importance of the building's legacy for future residents of Renton; residents do not wish for the existing entrance to be moved; residents do not wish for the building to be reduced by 30%; KCLS has only offered one design plan; there should be more small group meeting spaces included in the design plan; and Renton deserves a larger library to serve its current and future population. The following recommendations were expressed: formally reject the land use application and design plan submitted by KCLS on March 1, 2013 prior to March 28; maintain the building's current footprint, entry location, and overall size; renovate, not demolish, the current building to improve aesthetics and energy efficiency; review and audit KCLS accounting procedures; appoint members of the community who are pro-Cedar River Library to the Library Advisory Board; revise the interlocal agreement with KCLS; request alternate design plans from KCLS; and stop giving in to KCLS and stand up for Renton citizens. Chief Administrative Officer Covington clarified that Council approved the continuation of design services at the Big 5 site as a condition to holding the election regarding the planned relocation of the downtown library. He explained that KCLS was under contract with consultants, and if the election had been for the Big 5 site, then the design work would not have been interrupted. Mr. Covington also clarified that the City has not accepted an application from KCLS, and emphasized that there was no intention to accept one until after the March 26 open house and after Council had reviewed the plans. He also emphasized that the City will take the necessary official action to formally reject the land use application prior to March 28 if necessary. Mr. Covington stated that Council is tentatively scheduled to review the permits on April 15, and a that decision from Council is not necessarily required at that time either. Mayor Law added that Council and the administration have listened to citizens in regards to the libraries for several years and are well aware of the many concerns. He remarked that it was possible that not everyone was going to agree on the final product; however, Council ultimately will decide what will happen at that site. CONSENT AGENDA Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of Councilmember Persson, Consent Agenda Item 5.L was removed for separate consideration. Council: Meeting Minutes of Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/11/2013. Council concur. 3/11/2013 Attorney: Animal Regulations, City Attorney Department recommended amending City Code Section 6-6-4 and Code Amendment 6-6-5 by revising the definition of "vicious" and reducing the penalty for first- time and second-time offenders to a civil infraction for disturbing and habitual animal noise. Refer to Public Safety Committee. Attorney: Indigent Defense, Case Weighting Policies & Procedures City Attorney Department recommended adopting Case Weighting Policies and Procedures involving indigent defense to begin on June 1, 2013. Refer to Public Safety Committee. March 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 85 Court Case: US Bank National Association v. Daniels, Foreclosure Complaint, CRT- 13-002 Community Services: Use of Job Order Contracting Method Community Services: City Center Garage Parking Spaces, King County METRO, LAG-04- 003 Fire: Position Conversion of Office Assistant III to Administrative Secretary I Public Works: Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, Lewis County Utility: Water & Wastewater 2013/2014 Consulting Services, RH2 Engineering Separate Consideration Item 5.L Transportation: West Hill/ Skyway Corridor Revitalization, WA Commerce Grant UNFINISHED BUSINESS Transportation (Aviation) Committee Airport: Operating Permit & Agreement, Mobile Experience Solutions Court case filed by U.S. Bank National Association, represented by Scott R. Grigsby of Robinson Tait, P.S., Attorney for Plaintiff, v. Regina L. Daniels and the City of Renton, et al, regarding R. Daniels property foreclosure and city utility lien. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. Community Services Department recommended authorizing use of the Job Order Contracting method as an alternative for small public works projects. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of Addendum #6 to LAG-04-003, with King County METRO, in the amount of $3,000 per month, to extend the term of the lease for 200 parking spaces in the City Center Parking Garage to December 31, 2013. Refer to Finance Committee. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approving position conversion of Office Assistant III (grade a05) to Administrative Secretary I (grade a09), effective immediately. Council concur. Public Works Department recommended approval of an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with Lewis County for goods and services. Council concur. (See page 86 for resolution.) Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of a contract with RH2 Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $159,466.60 for Water and Wastewater Utility 2013/2014 general consulting services. Council concur. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEM 5.i. CARRIED. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for grant funding in the amount of $725,500 for revitalization of the West Hill/Skyway Corridor. Council concur. Councilmember Persson expressed concern that City staff was spending time and resources for the West Hill/Skyway area when area residents voted down annexation to Renton. Mayor Law clarified that Renton was the lead agency to lobby for money on behalf of West Hill, and the City is just passing the funds through to King County. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR WITH CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 5.i. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the sublease from Aerodyne, LLC to Mobile Experience Solutions, LLC for office space at 300 Airport Way, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Operating Permit & Agreement with Mobile Experience Solutions, LLC. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. March 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 86 Transportation: Downtown Parking Concerns Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4176 Public Works: Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, Lewis County ORDINANCE #5684 Executive: Municipal Arts Commission, Code Amendment NEW BUSINESS Community Event: Passing of Former Councilmember Nancy Mathews Council: Policy Change, 800-05 Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report stating that the Committee was provided with a presentation by staff on downtown parking, signage, safety and economic concerns brought forward by a downtown business. The Community and Economic Development, Police, and Public Works Departments evaluated these concerns. Recognizing that time limits established for downtown parking are largely set to accommodate the needs of businesses, staff presented their recommendations to the Renton Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee. A consensus was reached that one-hour parking along Williams Ave. S., Houser Way S., and S. 4th St. will be converted and signed to two-hour parking. In addition, signs will be installed where needed to clarify existing parking regulations and time limits, and curbs will be painted yellow in areas designated as loading zones. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilmember Palmer stated that the topic of downtown parking will remain in Committee for further discussion. Finance Committee Vice-Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 319323 - 319735, one wire transfer and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $7,603,204.71, and payroll vouchers including 725 direct deposits and 44 payroll checks totaling $1,487,048.73. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. 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 cooperative purchasing agreement with Lewis County. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented 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 ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. Council President Corman remarked that former Councilmember Nancy Mathews passed away after battling cancer for some time. He explained that Ms. Mathews had served three terms on Council beginning in 1982, and shared personal stories of his time interacting with her. Mr. Corman stated that Ms. Mathews' contributions to the City will be remembered. Additionally, Mr. Corman stated that at the last Council meeting Council voted to change Policy & Procedure #800-05. He remarked that the City Clerk pointed out that under the revision when Council refers a topic as a briefing to a Council Committee by formal motion, there will be no written report expected from the Committee, leaving the Councilmembers who are not members of that particular Committee without receiving the same information. March 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 87 Mr. Corman explained that he believes it is Council's intent to delegate their authority to the Committee for investigation. He also noted that the City Clerk pointed out that traditionally a Committee Chair could request a briefing without making a formal motion. Continuing, Mr. Corman stated that Councilmember Zwicker pointed out that because of the way the policy was changed on 3/11/2013, if someone did not use the exact phrase "briefing only" when making a motion for a briefing, then a report would be expected. Therefore, Mr. Corman suggested that the last sentence of Section 4.2.4 of Policy & Procedure #800-05 be changed again to read, "If the Committee item was referred by Council only as a briefing, and there are no recommendations by the Committee, then a report is not required." MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REVISE POLICY & PROCEDURE #800-05 TO REFLECT THIS CHANGE.* No objections from Council were voiced when City Clerk Bonnie Walton confirmed that under the revised policy if the word "briefing" is not used in either Council's referral motion or in the Committee meeting announcement, then Council will expect preparation of a draft Committee report. *MOTION CARRIED. Library: Citizen Comments Mr. Corman requested that a copy of the video of the audience comments Forwarded to KCLS segment of the 3/25/2013 regular Council meeting related to the library be forwarded to KCLS. Library: Cedar River Library Continuing with the library topic, Mr. Corman stated that he is no longer satisfied with KCLS as a service provider. He noted that library services were polled as being the lowest priority behind fire and police services, and ever since off-loading this service to KCLS the libraries have actually become the highest priority for Council. He stated that Council has been working harder on this issue than any other, and continues to lose political capital on this topic. Mr. Corman stated that he believes it is not worth utilizing KCLS anymore. Mayor Law remarked that there is a process in place that needs to be seen to conclusion. He stated that he believes KCLS needs to be allowed to present their plans for the Cedar River library. He added that at the end of the day a majority of Council will decide what happens at that site. Continuing, Mr. Corman stated that he checked state law and pointed out that either the City or KCLS could terminate service. He remarked that the issue of terminating service only needs to go before Renton residents, and he believes if a majority of citizens requested Council to put this topic to the voters, then it would be irresponsible of Council not to do it. He also remarked that the City should use the possibility of dropping KCLS as a service provider as leverage in negotiations. Councilmember Palmer stated that she agreed with Mr. Corman's statements. Councilmember Persson requested information regarding all of the ramifications associated with dropping KCLS has a service provider. March 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 88 CED: Annexation Policies, Haugk Correspondence CED: Street Standards Language, Master Builders Association Correspondence AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Various - Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Various - Waterline Smart Meters Councilmember Zwicker remarked that he is optimistic a solution to the library issue will be found. However, he stated that if Council is serious about de- annexing from KCLS then the effects of that decision need to be discussed. Mr. Zwicker pointed out that library services are no longer in the City budget, and the reciprocal agreement with KCLS would have to end. He requested that a resolution calling for de-annexation from KCLS be presented to Council for discussion. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER A DRAFT RESOLUTION CALLING FOR DE-ANNEXATION FROM THE KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED. Councilmember Taylor stated that he agreed with Mr. Corman in terms of having leverage over KCLS, but also understands Mr. Persson's concern about the ramifications of ending the service agreement. He stated that he believes the real question is why is there such a high-degree of discontent about KCLS's direction from Renton residents. Mr. Taylor remarked that he is not averse to discussing de-annexation, but believes if that were to happen it is only because Council failed to hold KCLS accountable to providing City residents with the level of service that they deserve. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM BRIAN HAUGK REGARDING ANNEXATION AND URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARIES TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL REFER THE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION REGARDING STREET STANDARDS LANGUAGE TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Additional comments on the proposed design plans for the Cedar River library submitted to the City as a pre-application land use package by the King County Library System (KCLS) on March 1, 2013 were received from: Larry Brosman (Renton); Melody Kroeger (Renton); and Richard Bray (Renton). Comments and concerns expressed included: appreciation for the City's willingness to listen to citizens regarding the downtown library; formally rejecting the land use application and design plan submitted by KCLS on March 1, 2013 prior to March 28; retaining the building in its existing footprint; the importance libraries have on education; making the building more efficient and wired for the 21st Century; and asking Council to display the courage to stand up to KCLS and fight forthe wishes of their constituents. The following speakers commented on the alleged effects of the waterline smart meters currently being installed throughout the City: Paul Ouellette (Renton); Bernadette Wheeler (Kirkland); Sandra Storwick (Kirkland); and Nancy Carlyle (Renton). Comments and concerns or alleged expressed included: the smart meters utilized by Puget Sound Energy are not the same type of meters the City uses; a two watt signal is not insignificant; the FCC guidelines relate to the Radio Frequency (RF) signals but are not adequate to protect the environment and human health; birds have disappeared from metered areas; review of the comparison of different types of RF radiation as it relates to human health; RF March 25, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 89 radiation may be the modern day asbestos in terms of future litigation; not relying on industry specialists to provide truthful information; and the disappearance of the birds is an indication that RF radiation is hazardous and deserves further investigation. The following recommendations were expressed: investigate the phenomena of the bird disappearances; place a short-term moratorium on the installation of the meters and turn off the meters during that time to investigate whether or not the birds return to the affected neighborhoods; and do not trust the FCC to provide accurate information regarding the effects of the RF radiation on human health. Council President Corman requested that the citizens' comments regarding the waterline smart meters be forwarded to the FCC. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time 9:18 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder March 25, 2013 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 25, 2013 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON., 4/1 5:30 p.m. Regional Issues (briefing); Emerging Issues in Community Services (Healthy Initiative & King County Parks Levy) (briefing) *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) FINANCE MON., 4/1 Vouchers; (Briere) 4 p.m. Lease Amendment with King County METRO; Community Services Department Job Order Contracting; Emerging Issues in Revenue Streams (briefing) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Zwicker) THURS., 3/28 One and Two-way Streets in Downtown 6 p.m. (briefing); Comprehensive Plan Update (briefing); Benson Hill Community Plan (briefing); Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket (briefing) PUBLIC SAFETY MON., 4/1 Proposed Case Weighting Policy & (Persson) 5 p.m. Procedures; Code Amendment - Animal Noise Regulations; Emerging Issues in Public Safety (briefing) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) THURS., 3/28 Emerging Issues in Transportation (Palmer) 4 p.m. (briefing); Downtown Parking 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.