Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 3, 2012RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting December 3, 2012 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATION Community Services: First Financial Northwest Foundation AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Richter - Water Fluoridation 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; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; NANCY CARLSON, Human Resources Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Golf Course Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; JAMIE THOMAS, Fiscal Services Director; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER PAUL CLINE, Police Department. Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama reported that two years ago the City began the process to build an accessible playground for children with physical and mental challenges. She stated that with the help of many community partners and a $65,000 grant from King County, this project has come closer to reality. She introduced Gary Kohlwes, Gary Faull, and Joann Lee from the First Financial Northwest Foundation. Mr. Kohlwes remarked that the foundation was created after First Savings Bank of Renton went public in 2007, and was established for the purpose of giving back to the greater Renton community. He remarked that the accessible playground is an example of the type of project that brings the community together and that the foundation delights in supporting. He presented a check in the sum of $150,000 to Mayor Law. Mayor Law expressed appreciation for the foundation's contribution to the project. He thanked First Savings Bank and the First Financial Northwest Foundation for their partnership and continued support, and remarked that the funds are going to a great cause. Monica Richter, M.D. (Mercer Island) stated that she is a pediatrician and a strong supporter of water fluoridation. She remarked that respected experts in the field of dentistry believe fluoride to be safe and effective in preventing cavities. She stated that she is speaking on behalf of children in low-income households who often do not receive adequate medical and dental care, and explained that these children may not have access to fluoride. Dr. Richter urged Council to continue to fluoridate the City's water supply. December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 366 Citizen Comment: Larson - Emergency Medical Transport User Fee Citizen Comment: White - Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #D-91, Accessory Dwelling Units Citizen Comment: McOmber - Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Adams • Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Larkin • Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Adams • Water Fluoridation Citizen Comment: Peters - Water Fluoridation Ruthie Larson (Renton) recalled that there had been a City-wide vote regarding the use of Aid cars in Renton, and remarked that she did not understand why that service was going away. She stated that improving fire department equipment over the years and training fire personnel as Emergency Medical Technicians helped keep insurance rates low in Renton. Ms. Larson added that she believes insurance rates will increase for people who frequently need transport and they will now have to pay the $600 plus $14 per mile fee for transport. She stated that she thinks the new fee is a bad idea. Jon White (Bellevue) remarked that he had expressed concerns regarding the proposed height limitations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) at the 11/26/2012 Council meeting. He stated that Community and Economic Development Administrator Vincent submitted a memorandum in response to his concerns. Mr. White presented four scenarios demonstrating his belief that Mr. Vincent's response was erroneous. He requested that the matter be remanded back to the Planning Commission to allow for further review and additional public comment. Howard McOmber (Renton) stated that he grew up believing that fluoride was safe because that is what he had always been told. He remarked that cigarettes had once been promoted as safe, and everyone now knows them to be harmful. Mr. McOmber suggested stopping fluoridation of the water supply and using the $80,000 to address other budget issues. He also remarked that he has an older grandson who has autism, and when he was diagnosed the rate for children born with autism was about 1 in 1,400. He noted that the current rate is 1 in 166. Keith Adams (Renton) stated that his son has autism and spoke in rebuttal to the fluoride endorsers who presented information at the 11/26/2012 Committee of the Whole meeting. Mr. Adams read a prepared statement indicating that more than 4,000 professionals in various occupations have signed a statement calling for an end to water fluoridation. He remarked that these professionals believe that the benefits of fluoridation do not warrant the significant health risks. Alii Larkin (Des Moines) read a prepared statement from Dr. Bill Osmunson expressing opposition to water fluoridation. Additionally, Ms. Larkin shared stories regarding the effects of fluoridation on animals in Colorado and California. Audrey Adams (Renton) stated that the promoters of fluoridation gave strong endorsements, but lacked the science and study references that Dr. Bill Osmunson brought to Council at the 11/26/2012 Committee of the Whole meeting. She remarked that reverse osmosis systems are expensive and do not remove 100 percent of the fluoride in tap water. She stated that someone trying to avoid fluoride will pay roughly 60 to 1,000 times more for bottled water. Ms. Adams also asserted that minority children are especially vulnerable to the effects of fluoride because they are less able to avoid drinking fluoridated water. Olemara Peters (Redmond) remarked that she believes her body provides signals in the form of headaches and other symptoms to let her know that fluoride is a toxicant. She stated that she addressed these issues as food December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 367 CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 11/26/2012 Utility: Sewer Oversizing Reimbursement Request, Gladco Development CED: Funding Allocation Recommendations, Renton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee CAG: 12-038, Scope of Work Change for Taxiway Bravo Rehabilitation, Reid Middleton CAG: 11-156, Hardie Ave SW- SW 7th St Storm System Improvement, SAIC Energy Environmental & Infrastructure UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole Utility: Water Fluoridation allergies and through fluoride avoidance was able to regain the use of 90 percent of foods. Ms. Peters added that the quickest way she regressed was through fluoride exposure, and pointed out that it is nearly impossible to travel or eat out because fluoride is everywhere. She stated that she is able to survive because she lives in an un-fluoridated household. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 11/26/2012. Council concur. City Clerk submitted request from Gladco Development for reimbursement in the amount of $3,840.09 for oversizing the sewer mains installed upstream of the new Liberty High School Lift Station. Refer to Utilities Committee. Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval of the Renton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendation to allocate $120,000 to the Renton Chamber of Commerce to fund the Renton Visitors Connection, $102,000 to the Renton Community Marketing Campaign administered by Saunderson Marketing Group, and additional marketing campaign expenses in the amount of $49,000. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Supplemental No. 1 to CAG-12-038, with Reid Middleton, Inc., in the amount of $259,476 for a change in scope of work regarding the Airport's Taxiway Bravo Rehabilitation project. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum No. 1 to CAG-11- 156, Hardie Ave. SW - SW 7th St. Storm System Improvement project, with SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure, LLC, in the amount of $694,178 for final design services. Council concur. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Council President Zwicker reported that the Committee of the Whole heard presentations on the subject of fluoridation of the City's water supply and recommends that the referral be closed. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilmember Briere remarked that she believes this to be an issue that should be brought up at the county or state level. She encouraged everyone interested in this issue to continue their efforts but at a higher level. Councilmember Taylor agreed with Ms. Briere and remarked that he believes the issue could be put to a vote of the people. Councilmember Corman remarked that he needs more time to digest the information, and agrees that the issue should be taken to the state level. December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 368 CED: 2013 Legislative Agenda & Statement of Policy Positions Finance Committee Finance: Utility Billing Adjustment Request, Copper Ridge Apartments Finance: Bad Debt Write-off Lease: Cleveland Property House, Renton Housing Authority Finance: Vouchers Committee on Committees Council: 2013 Committee Assignments Council President Zwicker presented a report recommending concurrence in the recommendation of the Administration to adopt the 2013 State Legislative Agenda and Statement of Policy Positions as presented. Topics highlighted in the Agenda include transportation solutions, fiscal stability, economic development/infrastructure investment, public safety and enhancing quality of life. The Committee further authorizes the Administration to work with state agencies and the Legislature to advance this Agenda. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to grant the waiver requested for water, sewer, and King County Metro related charges due to a water main line leak at Copper Ridge Apartments (Account #24717-004), at the service address of 4600 Davis Ave. S., Bldg. E, in the amount of $43,649.08. The adjustment includes City Water ($7,000.17), City Sewer ($13,296.76) and King County Metro ($23,351.55) for charges above their normal usage. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to write off outstanding debt in the amount of $15,373.54 that has been deemed uncollectible after over 12 months of unsuccessful collection attempts. The total amount of bad debts consists of six accounts that are uncollectible due to various reasons, such as bankruptcy. The Committee further recommended that the necessary accounting adjustments be authorized to remove these debts as owing on the City's financial records. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a lease agreement with the Renton Housing Authority for a three-year lease for a house on the Cleveland property for $1 rent per year. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 316998 - 317323, three wire transfers and one payroll run with benefits withholding payments totaling $5,083,132.23, and payroll vouchers including 730 direct deposits and 65 payroll checks totaling $1,576,834.30. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Council President-elect Corman presented a Committee on Committee report recommending the following Committee Chairmanships and Committee assignments for the Council for 2013: December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 369 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ORDINANCE #5675 CED: Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #8, Code Amendment FINANCE (1st & 3rd Mondays, 4:00 p.m.) Terri Briere, Chair Don Persson, Vice-Chair Rich Zwicker, Member PUBLIC SAFETY (1st & 3rd Mondays, 5:00 p.m.) Don Persson, Chair Terri Briere, Vice-Chair Marcie Palmer, Member COMMUNITYSERVICES (2nd and 4th Mondays, 4:30 p.m.) Greg Taylor, Chair Marcie Palmer, Vice-Chair Ed Prince, Member UTILITIES (2nd and 4th Mondays, 5:00 p.m.) Ed Prince, Chair Rich Zwicker, Vice-Chair Greg Taylor, Member PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (2nd and 4th Thursdays, 3:00 p.m.) Rich Zwicker, Chair Ed Prince, Vice-Chair Terri Briere, Member TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.) Marcie Palmer, Chair Greg Taylor, Vice-Chair Don Persson, Member MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Sections 4-2-060,4-2-080,4-2-110, and 4-2- 115 of Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards, Sections 4-3-040, 4-3- 050, 4-3-070, and 4-3-100 of Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts, Sections 4-4-080,4-4-100, and 4-4-140 of Chapter 4, City-Wide . Property Development Standards, Sections 4-6-060,4-6-070, and 4-6-090 of Chapter 6, Street and Utility Standards, Sections 4-7-230 of Chapter 7, Subdivision Regulations, Sections 4-8-060, 4-8-100,4-8-110, and 4-8-120 of Chapter 8, Permits - General and Appeals, Sections 4-9-030, 4-9-150, 4-9-200, 4-9-240, and 4-9-250 of Chapter 9, Permits - Specific, Section 4-10-030 of Chapter 10, Legal Nonconforming Structures, Uses and Lots, And Sections 4-11- 010, 4-11-030, 4-11-040, 4-11-140, 4-11-160, 4-11-180, 4-11-220, and 4-11-230 of Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 370 ORDINANCE #5676 CED: Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #8 Technical Corrections, Code Amendment ORDINANCE #5677 Budget: Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Services Transport User Fee, Code Amendment codifying the Title IV Docket #8 amendments by adding a new Section 4-1-045 entitled Vesting, revising code language, and adding, amending, and deleting definitions. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-080, 4-1-100, 4-1-110, 4-1-140, 4- I- 170, 4-1-200, 4-1-210, 4-1-220, 4-1-230, and 4-1-240 of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, Sections 4-2-020,4-2-060, 4-2-110, 4-2-115, 4-2-120, 4-2-130 of Chapter 2, Zoning Districts, Uses and Standards, Sections 4- 3- 040, 4-3-050, 4-3-080, 4-3-100, and 4-3-110 of Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts, Sections 4-4-010,4-4-030, 4-4-040, 4-4-060, 4- 4-070, 4-4-075, 4-4-080, 4-4-090, 4-4-095, 4-4-100, 4-4-110, 4-4-130, and 4-4- 140 of Chapter 4, City-Wide Development Regulations, Sections 4-5-050, 4-5- 055, 4-5-070, 4-5-090, 4-5-120, and 4-5-130 of Chapter 5 Building and Fire Prevention Standards, Sections 4-6-020, 4-6-030, 4-6-060, and 4-6-090 of Chapter 6, Street and Utility Standards, Sections 4-7-020, 4-7-030,4-7-050,4-7- 060, 4-7-070, 4-7-080, 4-7-110, 4-7-150, 4-7-160, and 4-7-230 of Chapter 7, Subdivision Regulations, Sections 4-8-070, 4-8-080, 4-8-100, 4-8-110, and 4-8- 120 of Chapter 8, Permits - General and Appeals, Sections 4-9-015, 4-9-020, 4- 9-025, 4-9-060, 4-9-065, 4-9-090, 4-9-100, 4-9-110, 4-9-150, 4-9-160, 4-9-180, 4-9-240, and 4-9-250 of Chapter 9, Permits - Specific, Section 4-10-050 of Chapter 10, Legal Nonconforming Structures, Uses and Lots, and Sections 4-11- 010, 4-11-020, 4-11-030, 4-11-040, 4-11-060, 4-11-080, 4-11-110, 4-11-120, 4- II- 130, 4-11-160, 4-11-180, 4-11-190, 4-11-210, and 4-11-230 of Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by making technical corrections to Title IV, and adding, amending, and deleting definitions. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Title V (Finance and Business Regulations), of City Code, by adding a new Chapter 24, entitled "Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Services Transport User Fee." MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ.* ROLL CALL. AYES: ZWICKER; BRIERE; PRINCE; PERSSON; CORMAN; TAYLOR. NOES: PALMER. *MOTION CARRIED. Councilmember Corman requested more information regarding the history of the City's use of Aid cars in response to Ms. Larson's comments made earlier in the meeting. Mayor Law stated that the City has at least one Aid car in service every day, and it may now be utilized for patient transports when available. He also noted that engine companies have always responded to aid calls, and the City has never had just Aid cars responding to medical calls. Chief Administrative Officer Covington remarked that he could not recall when the original vote for the Medic One levy had occurred, and praised the system as probably the best in the country. He explained that City firefighters are trained in basic life support functions and those closest to an incident are the first to respond regardless of what type of vehicle they are in. He further explained that since the inception of the program people who needed to be transported have been transported by private ambulance companies that bill patients whether they have insurance or not. December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 371 ORDINANCE #5678 Budget: Relocating System Development Fees to the Fee Schedule, Code Amendment ORDINANCE #5679 Budget: Updating Business License Fees, Code Amendment ORDINANCE #5680 Budget: Establishing the 2013 Property Tax Levy ORDINANCE #5681 Budget: 2013 Utility Tax Rates ORDINANCE #5682 Budget: 2013/2014 Biennial Budget NEW BUSINESS Finance: New Electronic Systems Briefing Executive: CIP Included at Next Council Retreat Mr. Covington stated that approval of the transport fee does not change the way the City delivers service. He remarked that when it is quicker for the City to transport a patient, which only occurred eight percent of the time in 2011, fire department personnel will make the transport. He explained that there are only limited reasons why this might occur, and emphasized that the majority of the time people who need to be transported will continue to be transported as they have been in the past. Mr. Covington stated that the City will now bill the patient's insurance company in the rare instance they are transported by the City. He added that if a person does not have insurance they will not be billed for the transport. Mr. Covington emphasized that beginning September 1, 2013, citizens will not see a change in the way services are delivered. He also pointed out that this issue should not be confused with the recent issue of modifying department shifts due to illnesses and injuries within the fire department. An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-180 of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by relocating System Development Fees to the City of Renton Fee Schedule Brochure, and eliminating fee calculation examples. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Sections 5-5-1 and 5-5-3 of Chapter 5, Business Licenses, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations), of City Code, by updating code language regarding Business License Fees. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read establishing the property tax levy for the year 2013 for general City operational purposes in the amount of $32,563,355. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Section 5-11-1 of Chapter 11, Utility Tax, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations), of City Code, relating to utility tax rates imposed on water, surface water, and solid waste utility enterprises. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. An ordinance was read adopting the biennial budget for the years 2013/2014, in the amounts of $237,264,263 and $220,066,920, respectively. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL ALL AYES. CARRIED. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPICS OF THE ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT (EAM) SYSTEM, THE GEO. TRACKING SYSTEM (VEHICLE TRACKING), AND THE NEW PERMIT SYSTEM (ENERGOV) TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR A BRIEFING. CARRIED. Councilmember Persson requested that the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) be included in the discussion at the next Council retreat. December 3, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 372 EXECUTIVE SESSION & MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE ADJOURNMENT SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LABOR NEGOTIATIONS (RCW 42.30.140.4.a.) WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 8:11p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder December 3, 2012 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 3, 2012 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Zwicker) MON., 12/10 6 p.m. Waste Management Settlement COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (ZWICKER) MON., 12/10 Bravo Awards Reception 6:30 p.m. *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* COMMUNITYSERVICES (Palmer) MON., 12/10 CANCELED FINANCE (Briere) MON., 12/10 5:30 p.m. 2012 Year-end Budget Amendment PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) THURS., 12/6 CANCELED PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 12/6 Emerging Issues; 4 p.m. Airport Lease Addendum with AirO, Inc.; Taxiway Bravo Rehabilitation Project Contract Addendum with Reid Middleton UTILITIES (Taylor) MON., 12/10 Gladco Development Sewer Oversizing 5 p.m. Reimbursement Request 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.