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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 19, 2012RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 19, 2012 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF RICH ZWICKER, Council President; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE COUNCILMEMBERS PALMER; DON PERSSON; ED PRINCE; TERRI BRIERE. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH, Community & Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON, DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, CAPTAIN DOUG MCDONALD and LIEUTENANT CHARLES DE SMITH, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER KATIE MCCLINCY, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Fire and Emergency Services Administrator Mark Peterson introduced Fire: Renton Heart Month Lieutenant Charles De Smith who spearheaded this year's Renton Heart Month Wrap-Up Report campaign. Lt. De Smith stated that Renton's Heart Month campaign is an award-winning event, and is one ofthe largest medical prevention campaigns in the region. He added that King County relies on this data to assist with their medical prevention research. Lt. De Smith reported that this year's campaign goal was to reach out to the City's diverse population. He explained that fire department crews reached out to the community by providing blood pressure and blood sugar screenings at St. Anthony's Spanish-speaking church services, the DK Market, the Ukrainian Church of Grace, and the Sikh Temple. He praised the partnership with UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center, noting that Spanish and Punjabi speaking nurses and doctors helped to overcome language barriers. Concluding, Lt. De Smith reported that nearly 11,000 people were screened in 2012, which was a 35% increase from 2011. He stated that there were 1,500 high blood pressure and 450 high blood sugar alerts issued. He emphasized that Renton's Heart Month program is unique because no other agency provides this high number of screenings. He introduced Captain Doug McDonald. Cpt. McDonald thanked Lt. De Smith for his hard work, and also thanked the program's sponsors, including UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center, Kind Health Bars, and Starbucks. He stated that the 2013 campaign will focus on the students in the Renton School District. Cpt. McDonald remarked that a direct impact on even one child may save ten-fold the medical costs over that person's lifetime. He thanked and introduced Communications Director Preeti Shridhar. March 19, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 75 Ms. Shridhar explained that the communications strategy for the 2012 Heart Month campaign was to reach out to the City's diverse population. She stated that this was achieved by working hand-in-hand with community liaisons that were instrumental in getting the word out to their communities. Mayor Law thanked everyone for their hard work. Councilmember Taylor remarked that he was impressed with the City's efforts in reaching out to its communities of color. CED: King County Library Community and Economic Development Department Administrator Alex System (KCLS) Highlands Pietsch introduced King County Library System staff members Kay Johnson and Library Design Update Bill Ptacek, and Highlands Library design consultant Laura Klinger. Ms. Klinger reported that the design goals for the project are to ensure high visibility, provide for easy accessibility for the public, and to create a warm and welcoming environment. She added that the Highlands library building will have a sense spaciousness that optimizes natural light, and utilizes sustainable strategies to create lasting value. She remarked that the design has to be flexible for the future and any changes that might bring. Ms. Klinger stated that the library will be integrated within a new apartment building located on the corner of NE 10th St. and Sunset Blvd. NE. She added that this multi-use building will include two levels of underground parking, some of which will be dedicated to the library. She displayed photographs, and described the location of different rooms inside the building. She pointed out that the new library will be approximately 10,000 square feet larger than the current Highlands Library. Ms. Klinger reported that the building's design cues were inspired by things within the Renton community, including aircraft design, aircraft hangar design, and colors from natural materials. Concluding, Ms. Klinger announced that the library's design will be completed in November 2012, housing construction begins in April 2013, library construction begins in October 2013, and the project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2014. Responding to Council inquiries, Ms. Klinger explained that the quiet area was placed near the children's area on the noisier Sunset Blvd. side ofthe library, and the teen area was placed on the quieter park side ofthe library because teens generally do not want to be located near the children's area. She added that the overall location of rooms and spaces inside the library are not defined and may change in the future. Ms. Klinger also noted that the library design team has been coordinating with the apartment building's design team on mostly technical matters and will begin discussing aesthetics in the near term. King County Library System Director Bill Ptacek stated that the location ofthe new library will only add to the landmark amount of business the current Highlands Library undertakes. He also reported that KCLS is the busiest library in the country for e-books downloaded, and noted that this is a sign of the changing times for libraries. March 19, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 76 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 taking a position supporting or opposing the Issaquah School District April 2012 construction and maintenance bond measure. Issaquah School District Chief Financial and Operating Officer Jake Kuper reported that there is a $219.2 million bond measure scheduled for the 4/17/2012 special election. He stated that $44.5 million ofthe bond is slated for south end schools, including Liberty High School improvements, Maywood Middle School improvements, and a classroom addition for Apollo Elementary School. He added that the largest portion ofthe proposed levy is for rebuilding three ofthe district's oldest schools. Mr. Kuper remarked that the Issaquah School District and the City of Renton have an interesting relationship because Renton residents attend Issaquah schools, but the schools are not located in Renton city limits. Speakers were invited to present pro and con positions on the topic. No one spoke in opposition to the measure. The following individuals spoke in favor the bond issue: Marc Messina stated that he is a Renton resident with three children attending Issaquah schools. He remarked that he also participated in budget meetings regarding the bond measure and believes the bond package is responsible. He also remarked that he is pleased that a large portion ofthe bond funds are slated to protect south end facilities. He urged Council to support the measure. Debra Rogers stated that she is the parent of two students who graduated from Liberty High School and is still involved with the PTSA. She remarked that she believes the bond measure will help build strong schools which in turn build strong communities. She urged Council to endorse the bond measure. There being no public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. Executive: Supporting or This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in Opposing the Renton School accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public meeting to District April 2012 Bond consider taking a position supporting or opposing the Renton School District Measure April 2012 building improvement bond measure. Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel stated that the need for this bond is essential for the district for future planning. She stated that the school district serves not only the City of Renton, but six other municipalities. She added that voters overwhelmingly supported levies for maintenance and technology improvements in February. Speakers were invited to present pro and con positions on the topic. No one spoke in opposition to the measure. The following individual spoke in favor of the bond issue: Citizens for Renton Schools Chairperson John Galuzzo reported that a $97 million bond measure narrowly missed the 60% voter approval needed to pass in February this year. He explained that parents and other citizens went back to the school board and requested that the bond measure be placed before voters again in April because it is essential to accommodate growth, and had been rejected by as few as 335 votes. PUBLIC MEETINGS Executive: Supporting or Opposing the Issaquah School District April 2012 Bond Measure March 19, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 77 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4134 Executive: Supporting the Issaquah School District April 2012 Bond Measure RESOLUTION #4135 Executive: Supporting the Renton School District April 2012 Bond Measure ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Mr. Galuzzo stated that the April 2012 bond measure is the same measure presented to voters in February and has two basic components. He remarked that the first component is to build a new middle school. He explained that the state median for middle school size is 609 children, and currently Renton's three middle schools rank as follows: 1) McKnight ranks third in state at 1,150 children, 2) Nelson ranks ninth in state at 1,050, and 3) Dimmit ranks 24th in state with 890 children. Mr. Galuzzo pointed out that adding a new middle school will lower the number of children in middle schools to an average of approximately 891. He stated that the second component ofthe bond will provide much needed improvements and updates to other schools throughout the district. Mr. Galuzzo urged Council to endorse the bond measure. Responding to Councilmember Briere's inquiry, Dr. Heuschel emphasized that the location ofthe new middle school is a school board decision that has not been made at this time. She noted, however, that the current proposed location ofthe old Hazelwood Elementary School property is a logical choice because it is the largest property already owned by the school district. Responding to Council inquiries, Dr. Heuschel stated that the line item for land acquisition on the school district's brochure regarding the potential new middle school is there just in case an opportunity for land acquisition becomes available. She emphasized that no properties are targeted at this time. She also pointed out that the levy addresses some maintenance issues at the Lindbergh Pool. She noted that the pool has operating funds but no funds for long-term maintenance. There being no public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL SUSPEND THE RULES AND ADVANCE TO ITEM 9., RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES, ON THE AGENDA. CARRIED. The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read endorsing the Issaquah School District's bond measure on the April 17, 2012 ballot, and urging a "yes" vote on it. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read endorsing the Renton School District's bond measure on the April 17, 2012 ballot, and urging a "yes" vote on it. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed a written administrative report summarizing some day-to-day activities. Item noted: # The Community Services Department will host a Flashlight Egg Hunt for youth ages 11 to 14 years on Friday, March 30, at Liberty Park beginning at 8 p.m. sharp. Join the fun at this wonderful night-time egg hunt. March 19, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 78 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Bray - Signature Gathering for the Downtown Library Petition Citizen Comment: Clark - King County Library System Suppressing Correspondence CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 3/12/2012 Appointment: Planning Commission Community Services: Fee Waiver Request, CROPWALK Community Services: Fee Waiver Request, Summer Teen Musical Lease: Term Extension, Rainier Flight Services, LAG-11-003 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Richard Bray (Renton) shared his experiences participating in signature gathering for the petition regarding the Downtown Library. He noted that over 2,100 new signatures for the petition were gathered over the weekend. He remarked that moving the library is unthinkable because of its peaceful setting by the river and the amenities of Liberty Park. He urged Council to revisit their decisions regarding the library because citizens want it to stay at its current location. Beatrice Clark (Renton) requested clarification regarding a public information request she submitted to the King County Library System (KCLS) regarding a summons and complaint filed by KCLS against her. She explained that KCLS sent a letter to the City asking that her correspondence with KCLS not be circulated. Ms. Clark stated that this bothered her because she did not know what right KCLS had to suppress her voice. She quoted a portion of a Maya Angelou poem, and submitted new correspondence to the City Clerk. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/12/2012. Council concur. Mayor Law appointed David Fleetwood to the Planning Commission for an unexpired term expiring 6/30/2013 (position previously held by Ed Prince.) Refer to Community Services Committee. Community Services Department requested approval to waive picnic shelter fees in the amount of $280 for the annual CROPWALK event on 5/6/2012. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department requested approval to waive rental fees and associated staff costs in the net amount of $4,850 for performances, auditions, and rehearsals at Carco Theater in partnership with Renton Civic Theater for production of the annual Summer Teen Musical. Refer to Finance Committee. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval ofa lease amendment to LAG-11-003, with Rainier Flight Services, to extend the term to 3/31/2013 and increase the rate in the amount of $459.49 annually. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Finance Committee Vice-Chair Taylor presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 310361 - 310843 and three wire transfers and one payroll run with benefit withholding payments totaling $4,132,944.37, and payroll vouchers including 744 direct deposits and 62 payroll checks totaling $1,559,015.58. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. March 19, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 79 Public Safety Committee Fire: Fire Station 17, Fire District 40 MOU NEW BUSINESS Executive: Citizen Petition Regarding Downtown Library AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Adams Various Topics Citizen Comment: McOmber • Renton Highlands Library ADJOURNMENT Public Safety Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence with the staff recommendation to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Fire Protection District 40 for the City to provide project management services for the reconstruction of Fire Station 17 at 14810 Petrovitsky Rd., Renton, WA. The cost of this service will be five percent ofthe total construction cost, including change orders. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilmember Corman clarified that the City Attorney's opinion released last week that the downtown library petition was illegal meant that it was not binding by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), and did not mean that submitting the petition was breaking the law. City Attorney Warren affirmed Mr. Corman's clarification. Audrey Adams (Renton) shared her experiences living in unincorporated King County and the benefits of having been recently annexed to Renton. She also praised Council for working well together. Concluding, Ms. Adams stated that she has been hesitant to bring an issue to Council's attention and hinted that she would reveal this issue at a future Council meeting. Howard McOmber (Renton), Highlands Community Association, stated that Highlands residents are very delighted with the design work on the new Highlands library. He remarked that the new library will be just as busy as the current library it will replace. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PRINCE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:22 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder March 19, 2012 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 19, 2012 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Zwicker) MON., 3/26 Regional Committee Updates; 5:30 p.m. Emerging Issues in Economic Development & Transportation *7TH FLOOR CONFERENCING CENTER* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 3/26 City Center Community Plan Advisory 4 p.m. Board Appointments; Planning Commission Appointment; Neighborhood Newsletter Grants (briefing only) FINANCE (Briere) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) THURS., 3/22 Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket 3:30 p.m. #8 PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 3/22 Candidate Projects for FHWA Grant 4:30 p.m. Funding (briefing only); Lease Amendment with Rainier Flight Services; Emerging Issues in Transportation UTILITIES (Taylor) MON., 3/26 Amendment #1 to Solid Waste Services 5 p.m. Contract with Waste Management 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.