Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 4, 2013RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 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 Police: Employee Recognition ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Ouellette • Waterline Smart Meter Installation Citizen Comment: Keyes - Cedar River Library Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. DON PERSSON, Council President Pro Tem; MARCIE PALMER, ED PRINCE, RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT RANDY CORMAN AND COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. (Rich Zwicker left the meeting at approximately 7:35 p.m.) 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; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, COMMANDER PAUL CLINE, COMMANDER CLARK WILCOX, COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE, COMMANDER DAVE LEIBMAN, COMMANDER CHARLES KARLEWICZ and COMMANDER ED VANVALEY, Police Department. Police Chief Kevin Milosevich recognized the following individuals chosen by their peers for outstanding performances in 2012, and recapped each person's achievements: Employee of the 1st Quarter - Detective Steve Morris; Employee of the 3rd Quarter and Employee of the Year-Administrative Assistant Melissa Day; and Employee of the 4th Quarter - Officer Eric Stevens. 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 2013 and beyond. One item noted was: In an effort to address citizen concerns regarding meeting space limitations, King County Library System (KCLS) has announced that the whole Cedar River library will be utilized for their next meeting. The next KCLS library open-house is scheduled for March 26, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Paul Ouellette (Renton) noted that the topic of waterline smart meters had been referred to the Committee of the Whole and asked if the item had been scheduled yet. Chief Administrative Officer Covington responded that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 18 at 6 p.m. Mayor Law remarked that the City Clerk will notify Mr. Ouellette when the schedule is set. Jeannie Keyes (Renton) read from a letter she sent to the King County Library System (KCLS) expressing the reasons she was disappointed in the recently proposed design forthe Cedar River library. She also expressed appreciation for Council's willingness to listen to residents speak about the library. March 4, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 63 Citizen Comment: Samargis- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Asher- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Bray- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: McOmber - Affordable Housing Incentives forthe Highlands CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 2/25/2013 Appointment: Planning Commission Nick Samargis (Renton) asked if KCLS had presented any new construction proposals; if there was a probability that KCLS would work with residents in a more open fashion; and if the end-of-the-month presentation from KCLS regarding the Cedar River library could be postponed. Mayor Law remarked that Mr. Samargis should speak to KCLS regarding the fashion of communications between citizens and KCLS and the timeline for their presentations. He also remarked that KCLS had not submitted any new design plans to the City. Beth Asher (Renton) provided information highlighting the size of several other KCLS libraries compared to the populations of the cities where the buildings are located. She explained that all of the cities she cited, which have smaller populations than Renton, have new or expanded library facilities that are larger than what is being proposed for Renton. Ms. Asher stated that the assertion from KCLS that Renton will have adequate library services is false based on research she gathered from KCLS about its current libraries. Richard Bray (Renton) expressed concern that the proposed design from KCLS provided on 2/19/2013 indicates that the entrance to the Cedar River library will be moved, and the size of the building will be reduced. He remarked that because of local news organizations, people across the Pacific Northwest are beginning to hear about this topic. He asked Council if they would stand up to KCLS. Howard McOmber (Renton) stated that he had submitted a letter to the City expressing concern about the need for more owner-occupied affordable housing in the Renton Highlands. He remarked that the City could partner with organizations that contribute money to the private sector to accelerate the development of these types of projects. Mr. McOmber stated that the Highlands area is a diverse community where many residents live under median income levels. He also remarked that although the old duplexes may need to be replaced, he does not want to lose the affordability these homes provide to residents. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE LETTER FROM MR. MCOMBER REQUESTING SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LOW- COST OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING IN THE SUNSET COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION AREA TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED. Mr. McOmber stated that the City has two great things working in its favor - passionate citizenry and a cooperative group of City officials and administrators. He added that he has great confidence that a solution to library issue will be worked out, and noted that the King County Library System is a separate entity not associated with the King County government. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 2/25/2013. Council concur. Mayor Law appointed Roxanna Johnson to the Planning Commission for a term expiring 1/31/2016 (position previously held by Ray Giometti). Refer to Community Services Committee. March 4, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 64 Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission CED: Plan Reviewer Hire at Step E Community Services: Re-class Farmers Market Coordinator to Grade al8 Fire: Accept Truck Donation, Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority Transportation: Operating and Permit Agreement, Mobile Experience Solutions Utility: Water System Rezone Study, Carollo Engineers UNFINISHED BUSINESS Transportation (Aviation) Committee Transportation: Operating Permit & Agreement, Pro Flight Aviation Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Mayor Law appointed Steve Beardslee to the Airport Advisory Committee, Airport Leaseholders Alternate Position, for a term expiring 5/7/2014. Refer to Community Services Committee. Mayor Law appointed the following individuals to the Municipal Arts Commission: Michele Bettingerfor an unexpired term expiring 12/31/2014 (position previously held by Jon Schindehette), Tuenya Lau for an unexpired term expiring on 12/31/2014 (position previously held by Doug Kyes), and Marsha Rollinger for an unexpired term expiring on 12/31/2013 (position previously held by Denise Zullig). Refer to Community Services Committee. Community and Economic Development Department requested authorization to fill a Plan Reviewer position at Step E of the Grade a23 salary scale, effective 3/6/2013. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval to re-class the Farmers Market Coordinator position, currently vacant, from Grade nl6 to Grade al8, effective 3/16/2013. Council concur. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of an interlocal agreement with Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority to accept donation of a surplus truck for the Zone 3 Renton Fire Department Explorer's Program. Council concur. (See page 65 for resolution.) Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an Operating and Permit Agreement with Mobile Experience Solutions, LLC, and the referenced sublease between Aerodyne, LLC and Mobile Experience Solutions, LLC, for use of airport office space at 300 Airport Way. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $136,003 for the Water System Rezone Study. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve an Operating Permit & Agreement with Pro-Flight Aviation, Inc. for their airport sublease from Renton Gateway Center, LLC. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the Operating Permit and Agreement. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Vice-Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 319407 - 319321, five wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $5,100,760.00, and payroll vouchers including 1,062 direct deposits and 53 payroll checks totaling $2,123,777.89. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. March 4, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 65 CAG: 11-031, Public Defense Services, Cayce & Grove RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4174 Fire: Accept Truck Donation, Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority NEW BUSINESS CED: City Center Plan Priorities Transportation: One & Two- way Streets in Downtown Renton Community Event: March 2013 - National Women's History Month AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Forister - Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Rochex- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Keyes- Cedar River Library Finance Committee Vice-Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of the staff recommendation to approve Addendum No. 1 to the Public Defense Services contract with Cayce & Grove, LLC (CAG-11-031) in the amount of $450,000, to extend the contract term for one year, until 12/31/2013, with an option to extend for an additional year. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the addendum. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority entitled "Interlocal Agreement Regarding Donation of a 1997 Isuzu Hackney Vehicle." MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF CITY CENTER PLAN PRIORITIES TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF ONE AND TWO-WAY STREETS IN DOWNTOWN RENTON TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Councilmember Taylor announced that March 2013 is National Women's History Month. He stated that this year's theme is "Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination," and noted that anyone seeking further information on this subject should visit the website www.nwhp.org. Councilmember Rich Zwicker left the meeting. Approximately 7:35 p.m. Phyllis Forister (Renton) requested that future Council retreat agendas be more specific about the items being discussed. She also affirmed that the King County Library System is not associated with King County, and falls under the governance of the State legislature. She remarked that residents should contact their State legislators to voice grievances about KCLS management or decisions. Dana Rochex (Renton) remarked that a common element used in the planning model of many of the libraries designed by KCLS is a community's desire for a civic center. She stated that Renton currently lacks a civic center and the proposed library plan treats the Cedar River building as just another suburb satellite library. Ms. Rochex remarked that Council should tell KCLS that this area should be turned into a new civic center. David Keyes (Renton) explained that at the last Council meeting citizens were responding to information the City received from KCLS in preparation for their pre-application meeting and not to the information that was provided to Council at their annual retreat. He clarified that the citizen comments were not based on the soft diagrammatic "bubble" designs that were presented to Council at their 2/28/2013 retreat, but on harder development designs that were created by the architect hired by KCLS forthe pre-application submittal. March 4, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 66 Citizen Comment: Adams- Cedar River Library Citizen Comment: Brosman - Cedar River Library & Tolling ADJOURNMENT Mr. Covington acknowledged the diagrams were not included in the retreat presentation from KCLS, but noted that Council had received the diagrams in their informational hand-outs. He pointed out that architects are generally given leeway to create a conceptual design, and then engineering schematics are drawn up. He explained that engineering work had to be completed first because the Cedar River library is an existing building, and that may explain why parts of the project seem to run out of order. Audrey Adams (Renton) remarked that there may be people who do not believe Renton deserves a great library. She described instances in the past when people had made incorrect assumptions about the quality of life in Renton, and suggested that this may be occurring again. Larry Brosman (Renton) stated that he was a former City Planning Commissioner, and he believes moving the entrance and reducing the size of the Cedar River library is not beneficial for the long-term good of Renton. He also remarked that tolling SR 520 and 1-90 may create beneficial side-effects for businesses in Renton, but urged Council to deter tolling for as long as possible. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time 7:52 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder March 4, 2013 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 4, 2013 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON., 3/11 1-405 Project Presentation - Washington 6:30 p.m. State Department of Transportation COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) MON., 3/11 Municipal Arts Commission Appointments; 5 p.m. Lighting Art Project (briefing only); Municipal Arts Commission Code Amendment; Airport Advisory Committee Appointment; Planning Commission Appointment FINANCE (Briere) MON., 3/11 6 p.m. CROPWALK Fee Waiver Request PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Zwicker) PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) UTILITIES (Prince) MON., 3/11 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.