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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - October 22, 2012RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting October 22, 2012 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATION Sound Transit: Proposed Bus Route Changes & Longacres Commuter Rail Station Update 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; GARMON NEWSOM, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; DOUG JACOBSON, Deputy Public Works Administrator- Transportation; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; NEIL WATTS, Development Services Director; FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR DEBORAH NEEDHAM, Fire & Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH and COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman introduced Barry Avali and Mike Bergman from Sound Transit. He explained that they will be presenting updates on the commuter rail station project and proposed changes to Bus Routes 560 and 566. Barry Avali, project manager for the Longacres Commuter Rail Station project in Tukwila, provided an overview ofthe proposed changes to the station. He noted that the redesigned station will include 390 parking stalls, four electric vehicle charging stations with the capacity to add ten more in the future, a new connection to Strander Blvd., and two 600-foot platforms with bicycle lockers and storage facilities. Mr. Alavi stated that Sound Transit has been working closely with BNSF Railway, The Boeing Company, the cities of Renton and Tukwila, and other stakeholders. He explained that the project should be completed by September 2014. Mike Bergman, Sound Transit Service Planning Manager, provided an overview ofthe proposed changes to Bus Routes 560 and 566 for 2013. He explained that the Sound Transit Board established Snohomish County, North King County, South King County, East King County (which includes Renton), and Pierce County as regional subareas in 1996 to provide geographic equity in allocating transit resources while still allowing a mechanism to develop a system with regional benefits. He further explained that separate cost revenue statements for each subarea were developed based on the revenue each one generates and the projects it receives. October 22, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 316 Mr. Bergman reported that the subarea equity policy dictates that bus route operating costs are shared based on the percentage of vehicle hours operated in each area. He explained that East King County contributes 56% ofthe costs and South King County contributes 44% ofthe costs for Route 560, and the split for Route 566 is 69% East King County and 31% South King County. Continuing, Mr. Bergman reported that in 2008 voters approved expanded rail service between Seattle, Tacoma, and Lakewood. He noted that implementation has been delayed due to the recession, but new trains should be running by next fall with additional trains running in 2015 and 2017. He also reported that Sound Transit has been working closely with King County METRO to accommodate expanded bus service at the Tukwila rail station. He stated that the 2008 plan also included a large capital program that extends light rail to the northeast and southern parts ofthe region. Mr. Bergman explained that the recession made it impossible to complete all of these projects within the 15-year timeframe so a revised schedule was implemented in 2011. He stated that this new schedule suspended or delayed some elements ofthe plan, reduced administrative costs and contingencies, and made efficiencies in transit operations. Mr. Bergman displayed a graph indicating that until now total bus hours have expanded to accommodate increased ridership on the ST Express route network. He stated that the agency's dilemma is that total vehicle hours have been fixed at 700,000 per year for 2013 and the next several years as a cost- saving mechanism. He explained that although services will not be cut, the agency must find creative ways to reduce serious passenger overloads on the existing routes. He reported that the proposal is to reduce midday service on Route 566 so that the vehicle hours can be applied during peak-period times for Routes 545, 550, and 577. Responding to Council inquiries, Mr. Bergman confirmed that Route 566 has the lowest midday ridership of all the ST Express routes, and explained that the agency is suggesting that midday service be reduced in order to apply the resources to the more heavily used peak-period routes. Councilmember Corman remarked that he believes the midday service is a necessary component ofthe peak service. He explained that residents occasionally need a guarantee that they can find transportation home during the middle ofthe day to attend an appointment or pick up a child from school. He expressed concern that removing or reducing the midday service would affect the total ridership of the route's peak service. Continuing, Mr. Bergman reported that one theme heard from the Sounder Station Access Study was that the travel time on Route 566 from the south end to Bellevue was excessive. He stated that because half of the passengers traveling to Bellevue originate in Kent and Auburn or points farther south the route could be restructured into two routes. He explained that a proposed new Route 567 could make fewer stops for long-haul passengers, and Route 566 could continue to connect all ofthe communities along the corridor. He further explained that ridership during peak periods would increase as commuters are more likely to use transit when travel times are competitive. October 22, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 317 Mr. Bergman reported that the proposal is to reduce the run times for Route 566 from every seven to 15 minutes to 15 to 30 minute intervals and establish a gap in midday service from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. He pointed out that the proposal is to only reduce midday service because ofthe low ridership and not to shut it down. He added that commuters could use Route 560 during this time period to make the connection between Renton and Bellevue. Addressing the equity issue, Councilmember Persson remarked that he believes there is a double standard in the way riders are accounted for in Renton. He also commented that Renton taxpayers are not getting adequate bus service for the nearly $22 million a year they provide to the agency. In summary, Mr. Bergman reported that the proposal calls for a new Route 567 that will provide a much faster trip from the south end to Bellevue, and reduced midday service on Route 566 so those vehicle hours can be applied to the peak service trips on Routes 545, 550, and 577. He explained that these changes are expected to help sustain Routes 560 and 566 over time by increasing total ridership on the corridor, and are consistent with the subarea equity policy because the same number of dollars and vehicle hours will remain within each subarea. Mayor Law thanked Mr. Bergman for his report. He remarked that Renton residents and businesses spend a lot of money for Sound Transit and it is disheartening to see that cuts are being proposed. He stated that establishing the new Route 567 may be a good plan for Sound Transit but it does little for Renton citizens. He remarked that bus access is limited in Renton and asked if the fact that Sound Transit built new parking garages in Federal Way, Redmond, Issaquah, and Sammamish increased ridership in those areas. Mr. Bergman responded that the new garages certainly helped to increase ridership. He added that in those areas the park and rides were completely full so new ways to access service had to be developed. He also noted that King County METRO restructured their service to better connect with Sound Transit service which has provided additional growth in those areas. Councilmember Persson asked Mr. Bergman how someone could take Sound Transit services from Renton to Seattle. Mr. Bergman explained that he would use Route 560 to Bellevue and connect with Route 550 from there to Seattle. He acknowledged that a person would have to use King County METRO service to get from Renton to Seattle via the 1-5 corridor. Councilmember Corman remarked that it is easier for someone in Kent to get to Bellevue, and that the route to Seattle from Renton involves transfers and delays. He hypothesized that after paying almost $22 million a year for nearly 20 years Renton taxpayers have paid close to a half a billion dollars to Sound Transit. He shared stories of how his children have tried unsuccessfully to utilize Sound Transit services to get to Bellevue College, the University of Washington, and other regional destinations over the last few years. October 22, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 318 Continuing, Mr. Corman remarked that residents of North Bend and communities farther east probably do not pay for the services they are using that are paid for by Renton taxpayers. He stated that Renton needs to see services boosted and not reduced, and added that commuters will just become frustrated if they go through the trouble of navigating bus transfers and connections to find they may not have a ride home when they need it. Councilmember Palmer echoed Mr. Corman's concerns. She stated that Sound Transit has indicated that there are 600 daily boardings in Renton on Route 566 and that ridership will increase, but is still suggesting that service be reduced. She expressed frustration at how little service is being provided to Renton residents. Councilmember Taylor remarked that he would like to see Sound Transit's subarea equity policy take into consideration Renton's concerns. He emphasized that people utilizing the bus service oftentimes cannot afford to buy their own transportation, work outside the communities they live in, and need the guarantee of midday service in case of medical appointments or picking up children on time from daycare. Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated that after 15 years there have been no Sound Transit projects developed in Renton. He stated that Sound Transit has received between $285 and $315 million during those 15 years, and remarked that the City could have purchased limo service for every Renton resident that needed bus service for that amount of money. Mr. Covington stated that the City is frustrated for having to wait for service that appears to be even somewhat equitable for its residents. Council President Zwicker stated that he also is frustrated by the lack of service compared to the amount of money paid to Sound Transit by Renton taxpayers. He remarked that he believes the City is reaching a point where there needs to be discussions on how to separate from a regional system that provides little benefit in comparison to the large of amounts of money being contributed to it. Mr. Zwicker also stated that Sound Transit needs to assure the City that they understand these frustrations and are willing to work on ways to solve them. Mr. Corman added that instead of looking at ways to cut services on low- ridership routes, Sound Transit should be looking at ways to increase the ridership levels. He suggested adding a route that goes from Renton straight to Seattle or straight to the University District. Mr. Persson added that at a presentation at an Eastside Transportation Partnership (ETP) meeting Sound Transit talked about the number of riders from Lakewood disembarking in Kent. He expressed frustration that it appears the agency is more concerned with riders who live outside ofthe Renton area than with Renton citizens. Mayor Law thanked Mr. Bergman again for providing the report. He stated that the concerns expressed by Council and the administration need to be shared with the Sound Transit Board. He also remarked that Renton would like to see a couple of multi-story parking garages and additional bus access provided to Renton residents. October 22, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 319 PUBLIC HEARING: Fire: 2012 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 10/15/2012 Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee CED: Allocation of Highlands Subarea Long Range Planning Funds 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 hearing to consider the 2012 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Emergency Management Director Deborah Needham reported that adoption of a City Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is required in order to receive Emergency Management Performance Grant funds from the Washington State Military Department each year. She explained that the funds, approximately $104,000 per year, are significant and are vital to implementing the City's emergency management program. Ms. Needham reported that the CEMP must be updated every four years and was last approved for 2009. She stated that every City department has had a part in updating the plan, and that one improvement was incorporating feedback received from outside agencies. Ms. Needham reviewed the structure ofthe plan and outlined the minor revisions, which included department name changes, phone number updates, meeting location changes, and references to local and regional emergency management plans. She also noted that several new portions were added to the plan including Damage Assessment, Evacuation, and Terrorism and Civil Disturbance annexes. Ms. Needham reported that some ofthe significant revisions included changes in the public health medical services Emergency Support Function (ESF), referencing the newly adopted City of Renton Disaster Recovery Plan, and including more involvement with the Community and Economic Development Department. Concluding, Ms. Needham requested that Council wait until their next meeting to adopt the plan in order to provide time to incorporate any new public testimony. There being no public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. (See page 320 for related committee report.) Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 10/15/2012. Council concur. Mayor Law appointed to the Airport Advisory Committee the following individuals: Kenneth A. Williams, West Hill neighborhood - primary (position previously held by Roger Lewis), for a new term expiring 5/7/2015; and Scott Pelletier, The Boeing Company Representative (position previously held by Keith Searles), for an unexpired term expiring 5/7/2014. Refer to Community Services Committee. Community and Economic Development Department requested authorization to allocate Highlands Subarea Long Range Planning funds in the amount of $280,000 to support parks planning in the Sunset Area, and $277,000 to support the City's match for a transportation grant for the Highlands to Landing Pedestrian trail; and authorization to carry-forward the remaining balance of $95,000 to 2013. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. October 22, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 320 Lease: Three-Year Extension of Community Services Department recommended approval of a second Edlund Property House, Vision amendment to LAG-05-001, lease with Vision House, to extend the term for an House, LAG-05-001 additional three years for the City-owned Edlund Property house located at 10062 SE Carr Rd. Refer to Finance Committee. Appointment: CED Administrator, Chip Vincent Fire: Emergency Management Program Support, WA Military Department EMPG Grant Police: Target Zero Team Overtime Funding, WA Traffic Safety Commission Grant Airport: T-Hangar Rent Increase Airport: Aircraft Tie-down Storage Spaces Rent Increase CAG: 11-115, Lake Ave S/ Rainier Ave S Storm System, James W Fowler Company UNFINISHED BUSINESS Public Safety Committee: Fire: 2012 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Executive Department recommended confirmation ofthe appointment of Chip Vincent as the new Community and Economic Development (CED) Administrator, effective 6/15/2012, at Step A ofthe Grade m49 salary range. Council concur. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Military Department to accept Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Performance Grant funds in the amount of $104,347 to support the emergency management program. Council concur. Police Department requested approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission to accept grant funds in the amount of $7,500 for overtime funding for Target Zero Team traffic safety emphasis patrols. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division requested approval of a rent increase for all City owned T-Hangar units at the airport from $372.21 to $393.62 per month plus leasehold excise tax. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Transportation Systems Division requested approval of a rent increase for all Aircraft Tie-down Storage spaces at the airport from $88.62 to 106.34 per month plus leasehold excise tax. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-11-115, Lake Ave. S./Rainier Ave. S. Storm System Project, and requested approval ofthe project, final pay estimate in the amount of $9,500, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retainage bond in the amount of $994,925 to James W. Fowler Company, contactor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Public Safety Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt the updated City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). All departments participated in the revision ofthe plan. The CEMP is reviewed every four years. The Committee further recommended that resolution regarding this matter be presented for adoption. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the 11/5/2012 Council meeting for second and final reading: October 22, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 321 Utility: 2013/2014 Water, Wastewater & Surface Water Rates Utility: 2013/2014 Solid Waste Rates NEW BUSINESS Community Event: Citizens of the Year Award, Kevin & Norma McQuiller Community Event: Salvation Army Food Bank Donations Community Event: Third Annual Cry-Out Fundraiser Event & Domestic Violence Award Ceremony ADJOURNMENT An ordinance was read amending Sections 8-2-2 and 8-2-3 of Chapter 2, Storm and Surface Water Drainage, Sections 8-4-24 and 8-4-31 of Chapter 4, Water, and Section 8-5-15 of Chapter 5, Sewer, of Title VIII (Health and Sanitation), of City Code, allowing for adjustments to current utility rates for 2013 and 2014. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 11/5/2012. An ordinance was read amending Section 8-1-10 of Chapter 1, Garbage, of Title VIII (Health and Sanitation), of City Code, relating to year 2013 and 2014 services and utility rates for all customer classes. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 11/5/2012. Councilmember Persson announced that two city employees, Kevin and Norma McQuiller, received Renton's Citizens ofthe Year award. He thanked them both for their service to the community and remarked that they are deserving ofthe award. Councilmember Palmer remarked that the Salvation Army Food Bank reserve shelves are empty at this time. She explained that this means the food bank is operating day-to-day and needs more donations. She stated that there have been 4,300 grocery requests this month which is 600 more than in September. She equated this to serving 1,382 families and 590 individuals. Ms. Palmer added that the Salvation Army is kicking-off kettle ringing season on November 17 and is requesting that community groups adopt a kettle. She explained that by adopting a kettle, the group would be responsible for manning the bell for eight hours. She stated that this would save the Salvation Army from having to pay for bell ringers. Councilmember Taylor stated that he attended the third annual fundraising event for Cry-Out, which is a group that offers programs for at-risk youth primarily from Renton High School. He explained that the participants are tutored in different subjects and are also trained on media. Mr. Taylor also announced that he had attended a domestic violence award ceremony hosted by the King County Sheriff's office where several law enforcement officers and prosecutors were awarded for their efforts that resulted in convictions of domestic violence offenders. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINNCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:15 p.m. Jason Seth, Recorder October 22, 2012 Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 22, 2012 •REVISED* COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Zwicker) MON., 10/29 MON., 10/29 5 p.m. NO COUNCIL MEETING (FIFTH MONDAY) 2013/2014 Budget Deliberations MON., 11/5 Regional Issues (Includes Councilmember 4:30 p.m. Taylor's "Governing for Racial Equity" Conference Request) *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* MON., 11/5 2013/2014 Budget Deliberations Approx. 5 p.m. COMMUNITYSERVICES (Palmer) FINANCE (Briere) MON., 11/5 Vouchers; 3 p.m. Edlund Property Lease Addendum with Vision House; Liability Claims PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) THURS, 10/25 4:15 p.m. Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #8; Allocation of Highlands Subarea Fund PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) MON., 11/5 CANCELED TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 10/25 3:30 p.m. Emerging Issues; City T-Hangars Rent Increase; Aircraft Tie-down Storage Spaces Rent Increase UTILITIES (Taylor) 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.