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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - October 14, 2013RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting October 14, 2013 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION Disability Awareness Month • October 2013 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Council: Zwicker Service on AWC Board of Directors PUBLIC MEETING Utility: 2013-2018 Water Use Efficiency Goal Setting Mayor Pro Tern Randy Corman called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. RANDY CORMAN, Mayor Pro Tern; GREG TAYLOR; RICH ZWICKER; TERRI BRIERE; ED PRINCE; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER. LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator; LYS HORNSBY, Utility Systems Director; ABDOUL GAFOUR, Utility Systems Engineering Supervisor; HELEN WEAGRAFF, Utility Systems Program Specialist; SEAN CLAGETT, Recreation Coordinator; BATTALION CHIEF/SAFETY OFFICER JOHN LECOQ, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER DAVE LE1BMAN, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring October 2013 to be "Disability Awareness Month" in the City of Renton, and encouraging everyone to reaffirm our determination to achieve a society that affords independence, justice, and dignity for all. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Recreation Coordinator Sean Clagett accepted the proclamation. He stated that he is in charge of the Community Services Department's specialized recreation program, which offers a wide variety of activities for the City's special needs population. He thanked community volunteers and City officials for supporting the program. Colleen Miyata, program member, also thanked Council for their support. Mike McCarty, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), explained that AWC represents all 281 cities in Washington State. He reported that their mission is to provide advocacy, education, and valuable services to each city and town. Mr. McCarty presented a plaque to Councilmember Zwicker in appreciation for his dedicated service and valuable contributions as a member of the organization's Board of Directors from 2011 through 2013. This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Pro Tern Corman opened the public meeting to consider adoption of the 2013-2018 Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Goal. Utility Engineering Supervisor Abdoul Gafour reported that the Municipal Water Law became effective in Washington State on January 22, 2007. He stated that the purpose of the law is to improve the efficient use of water and to strengthen the ability to meet the competing needs of a growing population, agriculture, industry, and fish. Mr. Gafour explained that one requirement of the law is to set water use efficiency goals and update them every six years. October 14, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 306 Mr. Gafour reported that the following goals were adopted in 2007: • Reduce water system leakage to 10% or less by the year 2010; • Limit peak day demand to 16.5 million gallons per day (MGD); and • Continue reduction of average annual water consumption by .5% per year per connection. Mr. Gafour reported that the City has met all three goals. He stated that City non-revenue water leakage has dropped from 19% in 2007 to 8.5% in 2012. He explained that this means in 2007 there were 204,000 gallons of water lost per day compared to 75,000 gallons in 2012. Mr. Gafour remarked that this significant reduction is due to the City's maintenance program on leak detection, repair of water mains, and the implementation of the automated meter reading program that allows for early notification of customer leaks. He also reported that the City's peak day water demand has dropped from 15 million gallons per day in 2008 to 12 million gallons per day in 2013. Lastly, Mr. Gafour reported that the City's domestic consumption account dropped from 128 hundred cubic feet to 116 hundred cubic feet per year, which is approximately a two percent annual decrease. He pointed out that this is significantly better than the .5% per year reduction goal adopted six years ago. Continuing, Mr. Gafour reported that in January 2012 the City entered into a 50-year contract with Seattle Public Utilities for long-term water supply to supplement the City's own supply if needed. He explained that because of this new contract the City is now a member of the conservation group known as the Saving Water Partnership, which consists of Seattle Public Utilities and 18 other wholesale water purveyors from neighboring cities and districts. Mr. Gafour further explained that the group collaborated in the development of the new Water Use Efficiency (WUE) goal for 2013-2018. He added that the group determined that a new source of water supply for the whole region would not be needed until the year 2060 despite continued population growth. Mr. Gafour reported that the new regional common goal is to "Reduce per capita water use from current levels so that the current average annual retail water use of all members of the Saving Water Partnership is less than 105 million gallons per day from 2013 through 2018 despite forecasted population growth." He stated that the Washington State Department of Public Health has accepted the new goal, and each utility governing body must adopt the goal. He also stated that each utility must report their water use annually, and the consumption is reported as one common number to evaluate the goal. Concluding, Mr. Gafour reported that the Saving Water Partnership is exploring new options to improve water conservation communications, especially with non-English speaking communities. He stated that the partnership is also increasing youth and community education on conservation through expanded school programs, and will conduct irrigation efficiency programs with local contractors. Mr. Gafour also noted that residents can research water conservation resources on the website savingwater.org. Public comment was invited. October 14, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 307 Renate Beedon (Renton) stated that the paperwork handed out for this public meeting indicates that the City is saving water through the use of new shower heads, toilets, washing machines, and other appliances. She remarked that she recently upgraded her appliances and fixtures, and inquired as to how the City knows that people are upgrading to more efficient fixtures. Mr. Gafour responded that the Saving Water Partnership has a list of water conservation programs and projects completed in Renton over the last few years. He cited numerous businesses and apartment complexes that have been retrofitted with newer fixtures and appliances as examples. Mayor Pro Tern Corman further explained that local building supply and hardware stores are all now selling the more efficient fixtures and appliances so anyone remodeling their homes or businesses will be installing these new plumbing fixtures. Utility Systems Program Specialist Helen Weagraff explained that plumbing fixtures and appliances all use a standardized rating system that allows municipalities and others to measure their water conservation and efficiency. Ms. Beedon suggested that the City should utilize a system to recognize neighborhoods that conserve water. She noted that Puget Sound Energy uses smiling or frowning faces on customer bills to indicate whether or not customers are conserving energy. Councilmember Persson pointed out that Renton residents receive water from three sources: City of Renton, Water District #90, and Soos Creek Water and Sewer District. He asked if the two districts were also part of the new water conservation consortium. Mr. Gafour affirmed that both Soos Creek Water and Sewer District and Water District #90 are members of the conservancy. He explained that all members of the Saving Water Partnership now have the same Water Use Efficiency goal for 2013 through 2018. He further explained that as long as water consumption for Seattle Public Utilities and the 18 other water purveyors is below 105 million gallons per day for 2013 through 2018, then the partnership has met this new goal. Councilmember Taylor added that there has been a collective improvement for all of the members of this conservancy because each utility system is benefitting from the collective upgrades to the regional water system. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. Howard McOmber (Renton) stated that October 29, 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the Mormon Church's involvement with sponsoring the Boy Scouts of America. He stated that he believes that Boys Scouts is a wonderful organization that helps young men to succeed in life. He remarked that the church he represents provides scouting opportunities for any boy ages eight to 18 in the City of Renton at no charge. He indicated that he would be sending invitations to City officials to celebrate this event on October 29. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McComber - Boy Scouts of America October 14, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 308 Citizen Comment: Beedon- Audience Comment Periods Citizen Comment: Watt - Boy Scouts of America CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 10/7/2013 Attorney: Nuisance Violations, Code Amendment Annexation: Maertins, NE 16th St. & SE Renton Issaquah Rd CAG: 13-149, Cedar River Trial Improvement Work Order #3, Berschauer Phillips Construction Dave Beedon (Renton) stated that he believes it is appropriate for any governing body to limit comments from the audience to issues that directly affect that body. He asked if Council had taken any step as a result of the recent incidents to refine the rules regarding the audience comment portion of the Council meetings. Mr. Corman remarked that Councilmembers had individually received information from the City Attorney regarding the topic, but had not convened as a group to discuss it. He also expressed appreciation for the supportive comments and suggestions Council has received from the public. He stated, however, that many of the ideas may end up being hard to implement because Council would not want to exclude people who do not live in City limits but own property or businesses here. Mr. Corman noted that he intends to schedule the topic for the Committee of the Whole later this year or early next year. Councilmember Briere remarked that this is certainly not the first time that people have become riled-up over an issue. She remarked that when commenters get out of hand it is up to the Mayor or meeting chairperson to redirect or stop their actions. She commented that it is just part of the job and comes with providing opportunities for free speech. Mr. Corman added that there are more effective ways to address Council than repeatedly berating them at the podium. Paul Watt (Renton) advocated for the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America. He shared a story about a Cub Scout boat race he witnessed, and reminisced about being a Cub Scout master 30 years ago. Mr. Watt suggested that members of Council should occasionally attend local scout activities. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 10/7/2013. Council concur. City Attorney Department recommended amending definitions in Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 1-3-3 in order to address nuisance violations more effectively. Refer to Public Safety Committee. Community and Economic Development Department submitted 60% Petition to Annex for the proposed Maertins Annexation and recommended a public hearing be set on 10/28/2013 to consider the petition and proposed R-4 zoning; 4.3 acres located south of NE 16th St., north of SE Renton Issaquah Rd., and west of 145th PI. SE. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of Job Order Contract Work Order #3 with Berschauer Phillips Construction Company in the amount of $120,980 for Cedar River Trail improvements; and approval of a budget adjustment to transfer $72,000 from the Regis Park Athletic Field Expansion fund to the Pathway, Sidewalk, Patio, Boardwalk Repairs fund to cover the cost of the contract. Refer to Finance Committee. October 14, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 309 Budget: Funds Transfer for Cedar River Trail Trestle Bridge Structural Review Lease: Suite 400 of 200 Mill Building, First Rate Mortgage Transportation: 2013-2015 Commute Trip Reduction Program, WSDOT Grant UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Services Committee Appointment: Planning Commission. Finance Committee Budget: Reserve & Stabilization Funds Committee of the Whole CED: Benson Hill Community Plan Transportation (Aviation) Committee Airport: Performance Based Navigation Recommendations, Renton Airport Advisory Committee (RAAC) Community Services Department requested approval of a budget amendment to transfer $5,000 from the Coulon Park Structural Repairs - Shoreline Erosion fund to the Parks Major Maintenance Structural Reviews and Repairs fund in order to have a total project budget of $18,266 to complete the structural review for the Cedar River Trail Trestle Bridge. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of a lease with Curt Tiedeman, an individual dba as First Rate Mortgage, for suite 400 of the 200 Mill Building at the rate of $4,213 per month. Refer to Finance Committee. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of the Washington State Department of Transportation 2013-2015 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Implementation Agreement to accept $81,272 in grant funds to implement the City-wide 2013-2015 Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program. Council concur. (See page 310 for resolution.) MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR WITH THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Community Services Committee Chair Taylor presented a report recommending concurrence in Mayor Law's appointment of Ms. Angelina Benedetti to the Planning Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2016 (position previously held by Gwendolyn High). MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Mr. Taylor introduced Ms. Benedetti who was in attendance in the audience. Ms. Benedetti expressed appreciation for her appointment to the Planning Commission. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to restore fund reserves; to use available one-time sources and year-end balances to increase stabilization reserves as proposed; and to incorporate service adjustments necessary for the development of the 2015-2016 Biennial Budget. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Council President Pro Tern Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report recommending approval of the Benson Hill Community Plan as presented, and to adopt the resolution. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 310 for resolution.) Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer reported that the Committee had been briefed on the recommendation of the Renton Airport Advisory Committee (RAAC) regarding performance based navigation at the Renton Airport. Ms. Palmer summarized that briefing as follows: On March 11, 2013, the city Council Transportation (Aviation) Committee requested the Renton Airport Advisory Committee (RAAC) review the subject of implementation of GPS-based approach and departure procedures for the Renton Airport. This subject has been raised recently by the "Busy Airports Study" performed by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). October 14, 2013 Renton City Council Minutes Page 310 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4196 Transportation: 2013-2015 Commute Trip Reduction Program, WSDOT Grant RESOLUTION #4197 CED: Benson Hill Community Plan ORDINANCE #5695 Executive: Extend Cable Television Franchise, Comcast ADJOURNMENT The consensus of the RAAC members present was that Performance Based Navigation may offer some benefits at the Renton Airport. These potential benefits include: • Increasing safety; • Increasing the runway availability to support aircraft manufacturing in Renton; and • Reducing noise and flights over Mercer Island and the Talbot Hill neighborhood. The RAAC recommendation: City staff should initiate informal consultations with the FAA Regional Office staff on Performance Based Navigation and provide a formal report back to the RAAC and the City Council Transportation (Aviation) Committee explaining what was learned from the meeting with the FAA Regional Office staff. Ms. Palmer explained that she believes Performance Based Navigation is good for the Airport, for businesses, and for the community. She stated that the Committee will provide another report on this topic when more information is received. 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 Washington State Department of Transportation entitled "Transportation Demand Management Implementation Agreement." MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. A resolution was read adopting the Benson Hill Community Plan. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Ordinance No. 4412, by extending the term of the cable television franchise held by Comcast of Washington IV & Comcast of California/Colorado/Washington I, Inc. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPTTHE ORDINANCE AS PRESENTED. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIME: 7:56 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder October 14, 2013 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 14, 2013 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON., 10/21 Programs/Activities that Address 6 p.m. Homelessness/Vulnerable Populations in Renton (briefing) COMMUNITY SERVICES (Taylor) FINANCE (Briere) MON., 10/21 Vouchers; 4:30 p.m. Job Order Contract Work Order #3 with Berschauer Phillips Construction; Cedar River Trail Trestle Bridge Structural Review Budget Adjustment- Lease with First Rate Mortgage; Emerging Issues in Revenue Streams (briefing) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Zwicker) MON., 10/21 CANCELED PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) MON., 10/21 Nuisance Definitions Code Amendment; 5:30 p.m. Emerging Issues in Public Safety (briefing) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) 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.