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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - April 16, 2012RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting April 16, 2012 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION Arbor Day/Earth Day April 28, 2012 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Community Services: Department Accreditation Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. RICH ZWICKER, Council President; TERRI BRIERE; ED PRINCE; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; GREG TAYLOR. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; TIM WILLIAMS, Recreation Director; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Golf Course Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; KRIS STIMPSON, Recreation Manager; TERRY FLATLEY, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Manager; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN and DEPUTY CHIEF WILLIAM FLORA, Fire & Emergency Services Department; DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL and COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring April 28, 2012 to be "Arbor Day/Earth Day" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager Terry Flatley accepted the proclamation. He stated that the marked increase of requests for services from 2008 to 2011 indicate that Renton citizens believe the City's Urban Forestry Program is important. Mr. Flatley announced that Renton celebrates Arbor Day/Earth Day as a combined event, and invited everyone to attend this year's event at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., on April 28. Community Services Department Administrator Terry Higashiyama announced that the Community Services Department received accreditation from CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies) for the second time. She stated that only two departments in Washington are accredited, Renton and Bellevue, and only 99 departments in the United States have reached this standard. Ms. Higashiyama stated that by being independently evaluated for compliance with 144 national standards of excellence; policy makers, City staff, and the public are assured that the department demonstrates a high level of quality of service, and is concerned with efficiency, effectiveness, and resource management. She introduced Recreation Manager Kris Stimpson who led the application process. Ms. Stimpson thanked City officials for the opportunity to lead the effort, and remarked that she is proud to work for an organization that holds such high standards. She presented the plaque to Mayor Law. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 122 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 ballot measure and title to be submitted to the voters ofthe City of Renton regarding location ofthe new downtown King County Library System (KCLS) library, to address the costs associated with the locations, and the ballot title language to be prepared by the City Attorney, which will include the statement ofthe subject matter, the concise description ofthe measure and the question. Senior Assistant City Attorney Zanetta Fontes reported that she was tasked with drafting a proposed ballot measure for this issue to be presented to King County Elections by April 25, 2012 in order for it to appear on the August 7, 2012 ballot. She explained her thought process in developing the draft measure. Ms. Fontes pointed out that by statute the measure must be prepared by the City Attorney, and emphasized that it must be accurate, impartial, and should not create a bias one way or the other. Ms. Fontes presented the ten word draft ballot title and reported that it must identify the enacting jurisdiction and tell voters what the measure is about. Addressing the question portion of the measure, she indicated that she reviewed measures from other jurisdictions including Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Spokane Counties to find an example for formatting the question. Ms. Fontes presented the draft question. She stated that although none ofthe examples she found was a perfect fit, there were examples of measures that asked voters to select between one of two choices. Continuing, Ms. Fontes presented the draft concise description, and explained how it was a difficult task to capture the essential elements in seventy-five words. She explained that the measure has to address the annexation to the King County Library System (KCLS), the City's contracts with KCLS, the essence of the type of library that has to be built, which she chose to describe as "state- of-the-art," and cost estimates. She stated that she left the Cedar River library costs blank for now because she is unsure that the sum will represent the same message that the $9.3 million sum represents for the library west of the Piazza. Ms. Fontes emphasized that she must be comfortable that the two sums represent the same context. Council President Zwicker asked if removing the sums would call into question the validity, of the ballot title. Ms. Fontes remarked that as long as both sums were removed it would not be an impediment to moving forward with the ballot title. She explained that the sums for the two library locations should then be included in the 250 word explanatory statement that is due to King County Elections by May 15. Councilmember Taylor emphasized that costs are important to residents and if they are removed from the ballot title then the explanatory statement should contain clear-cut numbers for residents. He stated that the City should provide a number for the Cedar River location that is comparable to the number used for the new site. PUBLIC MEETING Library: Potential Ballot Measure Regarding the new Downtown Library April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 123 Ms. Fontes explained that her preference is to include the numbers in the ballot title only if the numbers are impartial, unbiased, and have the same context. She reiterated that the numbers should be included in the explanatory statement if they are not included in the ballot title. Ms. Fontes also explained her reasons for using descriptive terms instead of other language to identify the two locations for the library. Responding to Councilmember Taylor's inquiries, Ms. Fontes stated that if the April 25 deadline is missed the election could end up on the November ballot, and that this could be caused by Council not taking action on the ballot title, Council asking for additional re-writes of the ballot title, or any number of other issues. She also noted that holding an election in November instead of August would cause additional financial burden on the City. Councilmember Taylor expressed concern that the ballot title does not refer to the new library site as the Big 5 site, or former Big 5 site. Ms. Fontes explained her reasoning for the wording, and added that she could include the physical address of 508 S. 3rd St. to the ballot title. Councilmember Briere expressed concern that using the Big 5 corporate name on the ballot title may be infringing on their trademark. Mr. Zwicker pointed out that if the portion regarding the sums for constructing the library is removed from the ballot title then there would be room for both the descriptive and physical addresses. Mr. Zwicker stated that debate about the construction costs could be eliminated from tonight's meeting if Council agreed to remove that portion from the ballot title and include it in the explanatory statement, which is not due to King County Elections until May 15. He added that the City Attorney made it clear that the numbers are not required to be in the ballot title. Mr. Corman stated that he believes it would be better if the numbers were included in the ballot title, but does not think it could be done by the deadline, and pushing the ballot to November would cause the City to spend more money. He indicated that he supported Mr. Zwicker's idea, and explained that as long as the numbers are accurate in the explanatory statement he favored moving the ballot title forward. Ms. Fontes emphasized that the purpose ofthe explanatory statement is to explain the affect ofthe vote, and the numbers should be included. Mr. Corman added that the last portion of the concise description should be modified as recommended by Mr. Stuart Avery to read "Renton will keep the existing library building for alternative public use." Ms. Fontes agreed that it was a valid recommendation. Mayor Law indicated that there was Council consensus to remove the costs from the ballot title. Facilities Director Peter Renner reported that background feasibility studies were performed for downtown library locations by Mithun Architects in 2010. He stated that six sites were initially selected and whittled down to the current site over the Cedar River and the new site west ofthe Piazza at 508 S. 3rd St. He stated that the Robinson Company was selected by Mithun Architects to complete the cost estimates for both locations. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 124 Mr. Renner reported that Mithun Architects worked with the Robinson Company to be sure costs were consistent with KCLS standards. He noted that for the building over the Cedar River to become a state-of-the-art library, substantial mechanical, electrical, and other work is required. Mr. Renner also stated that the upgrades were enough to trigger the latest development standards including State energy codes, building codes, seismic upgrades, and Federal ADA standards. He remarked that the firm Swenson Say Faget was contracted to provide a seismic analysis in 2011. He introduced Kirk Robinson, President of Robinson Company, to provide more detailed information about cost estimating. Mr. Robinson provided background information about his company, and stated that 80% ofthe estimates they provide are for public facilities. He added that Robinson Company has worked with KCLS for over 20 years and knows their standards. He stated that his company provided programming level estimates based on what is likely to be designed, not on actual floor plans. He added that estimated contingencies are reduced the further along the project proceeds. Responding to Mr. Corman's inquiry, Mr. Robinson stated that the $3.1 million contingency is for what is sometimes called soft costs or indirect costs. He explained that these costs generally include things not part of the general contractor's bid including permits, builders risk insurance, sales tax, and unforeseen conditions. He indicated that these costs can range from forty to sixty percent ofthe budget depending on the type of building being constructed or renovated. Mr. Renner remarked that at Council's direction the administration also contracted Mithun Architects to provide an estimate for renovating the current library building for the simplest re-use of the building. He explained that the estimate was essentially for a shell with only the bare minimum of items renovated including mechanical systems, electrical systems, and minor bathroom remodeling. He stated that this did not include furniture or specialized spaces. Mr. Renner reported this minimalist renovation would be approximately $2 million, and if the added seismic and floor loading renovations are included it would be closer to $3 million. Responding to Council inquiries, Mr. Robinson stated that it is premature to put a number on total renovation costs until the City clearly defines the level of quality and future use of the building. He stated that the City could expect to have a library that meets KCLS standards for the $10.1 million estimate. Mr. Renner clarified that current development regulations are triggered when upgrades to a building hit 50% of its assessed valuation. He reported that the Cedar River library building's assessed valuation for 2011 is $3.83 million. He emphasized that just renovating the mechanical systems and completing seismic upgrades would trigger the new development standards. He introduced Bill Ptacek, Director ofthe King County Library System. Mr. Ptacek requested that Council call for the election sooner than later. He shared experiences renovating other libraries within the KCLS system and remarked that each renovation has its own mitigating circumstances that can contribute to additional costs. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 125 Mr. Ptacek also requested that the City allow the current contracts related to the Big 5 location to progress in the event voters choose that location, so that no time is lost in the process. He cautioned that the interlocal agreement calls for the construction of two new libraries and there are limited funds to do so. He asked that the funding be preserved so that residents can receive the services that were anticipated when they voted to annex to KCLS. Responding to Council inquiries, Mr. Ptacek stated that environmental and permitting for the library over the river has been a concern for KCLS from the beginning. He added that KCLS has staff on hand with extensive environmental permitting experience who also raised concerns about the permitting for that site. Mr. Renner stated that City staff began the permitting process when it became clear the building would be used for some purpose if the library was moved. He stated that although Renton is the jurisdiction to provide the permits, there have been discussions between the City, KCLS, and the Department of Ecology to make sure everyone knows which permits are required. Correspondence from Stuart Avery (Renton) requesting changes to the ballot title was acknowledged. Public comment was invited. Gary Barber (Renton) stated that it was clear when the City annexed to the KCLS system that two new libraries would be constructed. He expressed support for the new location, and remarked that the current building is at the end if its useful life as a library. Mr. Barber stated that it is important that the building be renovated from a tourism standpoint. He remarked that citizens cannot afford to pay more money to keep the library at its current location. Marvin Rosete (Renton) stated that the Liberty Park Library Building Steering Committee members provided to Council a vision of what the current library building could be used for in the future. He stated that he believes the building has run its course as a library. He also questioned how long the library will remain state-of-the-art even if it is renovated, and how much longer the building could remain at its current location over the river. Mr. Rosete expressed support for the new location because it is safer and closer to Renton High School. Responding to Mr. Corman's inquiries, Mr. Rosete stated that he was expressing his opinion, not the opinion of his colleagues at the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Rosete stated that there must be more discussion on the future use ofthe current library building. He reasoned that the City would then have two public facilities to draw visitors to the downtown core. Mr. Corman remarked that he would hope the Chamber would support any future use of the current building. David Beedon (Renton) stated that he was unaware there was an agreement with KCLS prior to the annexation and requested a copy ofthe contract. He also requested that the phrase "west ofthe Piazza" in the draft ballot title be defined more clearly, pointing out that Rainier Avenue is west of the Piazza. City Clerk Bonnie Walton clarified that interlocal agreements are posted and available on the City's website. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 126 Elizabeth Stevens (Renton) shared her experience visiting the City of Walla Walla, and explained that their downtown is a revitalization success story. Ms. Stevens stated that Renton could be like Walla Walla by making commitments to support the downtown business community. She also stated that small projects and focused marketing could help achieve this goal. David Keyes (Renton) remarked that the interlocal agreement with KCLS provides opportunities for both parties to negotiate change. He cited specific paragraphs within one contract with KCLS, and suggested that it is Council's function to negotiate those changes. Stuart Avery (Renton) expressed appreciation that Council and the administration were considering his recommendations regarding the wording on the ballot title. He remarked that he would like the costs to be in the title, and $10.1 million in his opinion is a good estimate for the renovation ofthe current library building. He stated that he believes that even if the current location costs more money, it is a better deal because it is in a better location with better access, and more parking. Mark Martinez (Renton) stated that he would prefer that all ofthe costs are included in the ballot title including the costs to repurpose the current location if the library is moved. He stated that no matter how the City or KCLS pay for the projects, taxpayers are really paying for them. He remarked that he does not buy the cheapest most convenient products; he looks for quality and things that last the longest. Mr. Martinez also urged Council to halt the current work on the new library site. Judy Tabak (Renton) stated that the union between the King County Library System, the City of Renton, and Renton taxpayers is not working. She stated the new library should have a Renton identity, and it is nonsensical to think that a 46-year-old building is at the end of its useful life. Phyllis Forister (Renton) remarked that a moratorium should be placed on the work at the Big 5 site. She stated that the City and KCLS should not be proceeding because a majority of residents feel they have been misled about the annexation to KCLS. She also stated that Council should be listening to taxpayers and not acknowledging special interest groups. Ms. Forister added that KCLS is not a financial stakeholder in the process, and the wishes of Renton residents should be honored. She recommended that the Liberty Park Library Building Steering Committee recommendations be applied to the Big 5 building. Beth Asher (Renton) stated that supporters of the current library location do not hate the downtown core. She remarked that there are opportunities for partnerships, low rent studio spaces, and multi-cultural exhibits in downtown. Ms. Asher added that the Big 5 site could be used as an arts and culture building. She stated that the downtown core does not draw tourism, and submitted a report of recommendations for the Big 5 site created by the proponents ofthe current library building. She asked that Council listen to their constituents and not to KCLS. Jeannie Greene-Crook (Renton) remarked that KCLS is getting a brand new library in the Highlands. She asked why the 200 Mill Building could not be used to temporarily house the current library during renovations, noting that the City already owns that building. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 127 APPEAL Appeal: May Creek Drainage Improvement Permit & Variance, King County Land & Water Resources, LUA-11-039 CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 4/9/2012 Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Ms. Fontes stated that the administration will present a resolution to Council containing a ballot title calling for an election next week. She stated that if Council adopts the resolution it will be sent to King County Elections. Ms. Fontes explained that the next step will then be to draft the explanatory statement which is due to King County Elections by May 15, and for the City Clerk to form the three member committees for the pro and con statements. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not to use the descriptive terms or physical addresses for the proposed library locations. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE PLACING THIS TOPIC (CHOICE OF DOWNTOWN KCLS LIBRARY LOCATION) ON THE AUGUST 7, 2012 BALLOT.* Further discussion ensued regarding removing the dollar amounts from the ballot title, adding the physical addresses while retaining the descriptive terms for the library locations, and whether or not the changes would fit the seventy- five word limitation for the concise description. Mr. Taylor stated for the record that he believes Council is over-complicating the issue by using the term "west ofthe Piazza" instead of "the Big 5 site." He explained that he believes this will cause confusion for some voters. However, he stated he did not want to create a delay and is willing to go along with his colleagues to put this on the ballot. •MOTION CARRIED. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. Planning and Development Committee Chair Prince presented a report regarding the May Creek Drainage Improvement Permit and Variance appeal. The Committee recommended that Council CONCUR with the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to deny without prejudice King County's application for critical areas and special permit for grade and fill. The Committee finds no error of fact or law in the Hearing Examiner's hearing decision or decision on reconsideration. Specifically, based on the record and the properly admitted arguments at the hearing, King County has failed to demonstrate to the City's satisfaction that there will be no significant impact on the property of Renton citizens as a result of King County's work upstream. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of Council President Zwicker, Item 9.j. was removed for separate consideration. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 4/9/2012. Council concur. Mayor Law appointed Chuck Kegley to the Airport Advisory Committee, Airport Leaseholders - primary (position previously held by Michael O'Leary), for an unexpired term expiring on 5/7/2013. Refer to Community Services Committee. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 128 CED: Hire 3 Limited Term Construction Inspectors Lease: Edlund House Term Extension, Renton Housing Authority, LAG-06-001 Lease: Suite 510 200 Mill Bldg Term Extension, Children's Home Society of WA, LAG-07- 006 Lease: Suite 575 200 Mill Bldg Term Extension, CISR, LAG-02- 001 Fire: Storm Damages Reimbursement, WA State Military Dept FEMA Grant Police: Replace Vacant Police Secretary with Police Service Specialist Position Transportation: Interfund Loan Request, Fund 317 Separate Consideration Item Transportation: Joint Utility Trench Construction Agreement, Rainier Ave S (SR 167) S Grady Way to S 2nd St, Comcast UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval to hire three one-year limited term Construction Inspectors for funded transportation projects on SW 27th St./Strander Blvd., Garden Ave. N., Rainier Ave. S., and NE 4th St. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of an addendum to LAG-06-001, lease with the Renton Housing Authority, to extend the term to 12/31/2012 for a house on the City-owned Edlund property located at 17611 103rd Ave. SE at a rate of $1 per year. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval ofthe First Amendment to LAG-07-006, lease with Children's Home Society of Washington, to extend the term to 2/28/2015 for Suite 510 at the 200 Mill Building at a rate of approximately $2,300 per month. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of an amendment to LAG-02-001, lease with Communities In Schools of Renton (CISR), to extend the term to 3/31/2015 for Suite 575 at the 200 Mill Building at a rate of approximately $590 per month. Refer to Finance Committee. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Military Department to accept Federal Emergency Management Administration Public Assistance Program grant funds in the estimated amount of $168,750, for reimbursement of City expenses for the storm period of January 14 to 23, 2012. Council concur. Police Department requested authorization to replace the vacant Police Secretary (grade PN51) position with a new Police Service Specialist (grade PN62) position. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division requested authorization for an interfund loan to Fund 317 in an amount up to $5.5 million from the City's pooled investment account (all funds) for a period not to exceed 30 months from the recommended effective date of 7/1/2012. Refer to Finance Committee. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEM 9.j. CARRIED. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a Joint Utility Trench Construction Agreement with Comcast in the amount of $472,000 for reimbursement for relocation of Comcast facilities for the Rainier Ave S (SR 167) S. Grady Way to S. 2nd St. project. Council concur. Council President Zwicker remarked that Consent Agenda Item 9.j. is removed from consideration and will be re-submitted at a future meeting. Finance Committee Chair Briere recommended approval of Claim Vouchers 311141 - 311501, three wire transfers, and one payroll run with benefit and withholding payments totaling $6,625,514.02, and payroll vouchers including 749 direct deposits and 58 payroll checks totaling $1,652,785.74. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 129 Community Services: ALEA & LWCF Applications, WA RCO Grants RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize application to the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for funding assistance from the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) for $500,000 and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for $500,000. Funding assistance will be utilized for capital improvements at Riverview Park and include removing the existing bridge structure and creosote treated pilings and installing a new steel bridge structure and concrete abutments, habitat restoration, and one new interpretive sign focusing on salmon. The Committee further recommended that the resolutions regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolutions.) The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: RESOLUTION #4138 Community Services: ALEA Application, WA RCO Grant RESOLUTION #4139 Community Services: LWCF Application, WA RCO Grant CED: School District Impact Fee Changes Finance: Utility Bill Leak Adjustment Policy A resolution was read authorizing application for funding assistance for an Aquatic Lands Enhancement account project to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office as provided in Chapter 79.90.245 WAC 286 and subsequent legislative action (Riverview Park Pedestrian Bridge and Habitat project). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read authorizing application for funding assistance for a Land and Water Conservation fund project to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office as provided in Title 16, USC, Chapter 4601-4 as amended, WAC 286, and subsequent legislative action (Riverview Park Pedestrian Bridge and Habitat project). MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the 4/23/2012 Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-160 of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, setting the school impact fee at $3,568 per new single-family home in the Issaquah School District; retaining the school impact fee of $5,486 per new single-family home and $3,378 per new multi-family home in the Kent School District; setting the school impact fee at $6,392 per new single-family home and $1,274 per new multi-family home in the Renton School District; and adopting the Capital Facilities Plans ofthe Issaquah, Kent, and Renton school districts. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/23/2012. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Section 8-4-46, of Chapter 4, Water, and Section 8-5-23, of Chapter 5, Sewers, of Title VIII (Health and Sanitation), of City Code, revising the City's leak adjustment policy. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/23/2012. CARRIED. April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 130 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Siverts - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Martinez- Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Avery - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment Beedon - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Tabak - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Forister - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Asher - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Greene- Crook - Location ofthe Downtown Library Francine Siverts (Renton) stated that she is very concerned about load capacity issues at the current library location. She remarked that two-thirds ofthe building is floating over the river, and the load capacity is only 60 pounds per square inch in the middle ofthe building. She also expressed concerns about having to vacate the building during renovations. Ms. Siverts remarked that nearly every mechanical system in the building needs to be replaced, and that she believes that voters should not have to be surprised by additional repair costs in the future. Mr. Taylor responded that the $10.1 million estimate would alleviate these issues, and the seismic upgrades would increase that section ofthe building's pounds per square inch capacity to 100 pounds. Ms. Briere pointed out that the estimate includes $400,000 to temporarily relocate the library during renovations. Mark Martinez (Renton) expressed appreciation for Council's progress on the library issue, and reiterated his earlier comments about halting further progress at the Big 5 site. Stuart Avery (Renton) asked if campaign signs could be put up now that Council has voted to put the library location issue on the ballot. He also volunteered to be a member of the citizens committee to write the pro statement to keep the library at its current location. Ms. Fontes clarified that Council will take action next week to send the ballot to the county, and the City Clerk is tasked with the responsibility of identifying committee members for the pro and con statements. David Beedon (Renton) asked if the City could provide a flowchart that outlined the important dates of actions that must be taken by Council. He also noted that in the case ofthe Fairwood Library remodel, KCLS simply closed the library. Judy Tabak (Renton) remarked that statements about mold and mildew on books because the library is located over a river are unfounded. She made several suggestions regarding possible uses for the Piazza building. Phyllis Forister (Renton) remarked that that claims from KCLS regarding inadequacy of the current library's floor structure's pounds per square inch ratios are incorrect unless all ofthe books were moved to the middle ofthe building. She also reiterated a previous speaker's comments that the library could simply close during renovations, or be temporary housed at the 200 Mill Building. Beth Asher (Renton) requested to know whether some of the design phase had been completed at the Big 5 site. She explained that if it had been completed then the City could halt the process to not further waste taxpayer's money. Councilmember Taylor confirmed that some portions of the design were completed, but the process is still several weeks from being finalized. Jeannie Greene-Crook (Renton) remarked that the 200 Mill building is viable option for temporarily relocating the library during renovations; it has a lot of parking; and it is convenient for dropping off books. She also remarked that she feels strongly that the ballot title should include the terms "former Big 5 site" and "library over the Cedar River." April 16, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 13 J Citizen Comment: Ossenkop - Location ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Robinson - Location ofthe Downtown Library ADJOURNMENT Kathleen Ossenkop (Renton) remarked that someone had posted campaign signs at the Big 5 location. She encouraged Council to allow banners to be posted at each location so voters would know exactly where the library could be located. Nicola Robinson (Renton) requested information regarding costs if the ballot measure is pushed to the November election. Mayor Law stated that the information is not known at this time. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 10:02 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder April 16, 2012 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office ofthe City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 16, 2012 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Zwicker) MON., 4/23 Regional Issues; 5:30 p.m. Legislative Wrap-up *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* COUNCIL WORKSHOP (Zwicker) MON., 4/30 Business Plan 4 p.m. *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* COMMUNITYSERVICES (Palmer) MON., 4/23 Appointment to Airport Advisory 5 p.m. Committee; Memorial Signs on City Streets FINANCE (Briere) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) UTILITIES (Taylor) MON., 4/23 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.