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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - November 5, 2012RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting November5, 2012 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Budget: 2013/2014 Department Presentations PROCLAMATIONS DECA Month - November 2012 National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month - November 2012 ADDED SPECIAL PRESENTATION Budget: 2013/2014 Department Presentations 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; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON; ED PRINCE; TERRI BRIERE. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LARRY WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; IWEN WANG, Administrative Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Community and Economic Development Administrator; NANCY CARLSON, Human Resources & Risk Management Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; LYS HORNSBY; Utility Systems Director; Jamie Thomas, Fiscal Services Director; DAVID CHRISTENSEN, Utility Engineering Supervisor; FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON, DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR DEBORAH NEEDHAM, Fire & Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH and COMMANDER PAUL CLINE, Police Department. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADD A SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO THE AGENDA ON DEPARTMENT BUDGETS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring November 2012 to be "DECA Month" in the City of Renton, and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Chi Ta, Lindbergh High School DECA President, introduced her fellow board officers and thanked the City for the proclamation. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring November 2012 to be "National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Renton, and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Michelle Bouchor accepted the proclamation with appreciation. She explained that her mother will be an 11-year pancreatic cancer survivor next February, and she expressed hope that a cure will be found for this terrible disease. Dave Christensen, Wastewater Utility Engineering Supervisor, presented an overview of the proposed increases to utility system development charges and public works construction permit fees for 2013 and 2014. He explained that the fees were last updated in 2008, and at that time the City changed how the fees were calculated. Mr. Christensen further explained that the City moved away from a system based on a square footage charge to a system based on a sewer and water meter charge. November5, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 328 Mr. Christensen remarked that staff is recommending that proposed increases be phased in over a two-year period. He reported that the City has recalculated the fees to better capture what it actually costs to deliver services to the public. He stated that the fee increases also capture the costs of the new Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. He stated that the City is recommending that the fee for 5/8 inch by 3/4 inch meters and one inch meters be made the same in order to encourage developers to install one inch meters instead of the smaller meters. He explained that the size of modern single-family homes and changing fire codes are frequently triggering requirements to install the larger meters. Mr. Christensen reported that the City is recommending eliminating wastewater/groundwater discharge permit fees to reflect changing King County Wastewater Treatment Division rules. He also stated that a specific side sewer right-of-way permit fee is being recommended in order to reduce confusion about other right-of-way fees. Concluding, Mr. Christensen stated that the proposal is to increase system development charges approximately 12 percent per year for the two-year period. He noted that the installation of one inch meters instead of the smaller meters results in an increase of 18 percent in 2013 and 15 percent in 2014. He pointed out that even with the increases, Renton fees will be the second lowest in 2013 and third lowest in 2014 compared to neighboring agencies. Responding to Council inquiries, Mr. Christensen confirmed that these fees are one-time fees for construction when services are established, and are sometimes referred to as connection charges. Mr. Christensen explained that the City currently reads a customer's meter every two months. He remarked that the new system provides a way to monitor and notify customers of leaks much more quickly than has been done in the past. He also remarked that the transition to convert everyone to the new system will take between six and seven years. Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, provided an overview of the legislative department's budget. She explained that the department is comprised of seven Councilmembers and a Council Liaison. She reported that Council is responsible for assessing the needs of the public, developing and adopting annual budgets, ordinances, resolutions, and setting policies. Ms. Shridhar reported that the majority of the department's budget covers the salary and benefits of the Council Liaison and the Councilmembers. She pointed out that the legislative department has made a concerted effort to reduce expenditures. Concluding, Ms. Shridhar remarked that one important way to measure the performance of the legislative department is determining if the community believes the City is heading in the right direction. She stated that surveys addressing this performance measure have been conducted, and the goal for the 2013/2014 biennium is for 80% of the community to reflect this opinion. She also noted that Councilmembers, through their participation on local and regional boards, are able to leverage outside-agency support in order to bring important services back to the community. November5, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 329 PUBLIC HEARING: This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in Budget: 2013/2014 Revenue accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to Sources & Preliminary Budget consider the 2013/2014 Revenue Sources and Preliminary Budget. Administrative Services Administrator Iwen Wang reported that the total combined funds for the 2013/2014 biennium are $462.6 million, and expenditures are $457.3 million. She stated that approximately one third of City-wide resources are from taxes, one third are from service charges that include utility rates and fees paid for services, and one third are from interfund and intergovernmental support. She explained that internal services provided to City departments create interfund charges, and all cities in Washington State receive intergovernmental support by way of receiving a portion of certain taxes collected at the state level. Ms. Wang reported that expenditures over the biennium include approximately $290 million for operating expenses, $75 million for capital projects, $26 million for debt services, and $60 million for interfund transfers. She stated that the City breaks the budget down by service areas which include Safety and Health, Livable Communities, Mobility, Utilities and Environment, and Internal Support. She remarked that the City currently has 667 full-time employees with nearly half working in the Safety and Health service area. She also reported that the cost to do City business per person is approximately $1,600 per year, of which $629 is for safety and health services. Ms. Wang reported that most of the budget challenges faced during the biennium effect the general governmental fund. She stated that this fund is supported primarily by tax dollars and is used for providing quality of life and safety and health services. She stated that the expenditures for this fund are $202.4 million over the biennium which breaks down to $185 million for operating services and $16 million for debt service. She reported that this fund also supports 586 full-time employees in 2013 which will be reduced to 584 in 2014. Ms. Wang reported that the cost of City business per person from the general governmental fund is approximately $1,061, and reiterated that safety and health services are the largest cost from this fund. She noted that salaries, wages, and benefits equate to nearly 70 percent of the total fund and for that reason it is difficult not to look at these types of costs when considering budget reductions. She also noted that debt service is about eight percent of the fund, and other miscellaneous services equal about seven percent. Ms. Wang cited several examples of miscellaneous services including operating street lights at $1 million per year, maintaining City facilities at approximately $1 million per year, and 9-1-1 services that cost the City $23 every time someone reports an emergency. Continuing, Ms. Wang reported the three goals the City had when attempting to bridge the $5 million per year funding gap as, 1) minimizing service impacts to the community, 2) minimizing staff lay-offs, and 3) beginning to build a more sustainable budget which includes adding capacity to fund major maintenance and capital improvements that have been deferred over the last few years. November 5, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 330 Ms. Wang reported that the City bridged this budget gap because revenue sources improved by $1 million, and by working with City unions to reduce City costs by $4 million. She explained that the City changed how medical premium increases are captured in order to save about $1 million in 2013 and more in 2014, and will be using the medical fund balance to pay some costs. Ms. Wang reported that the City's populatio n is nearly 94,000 and there are 47,000 workers in Renton. She remarked that Renton generates nearly $200 million in sales tax but only receives about ten percent of the proceeds. She also noted that the City only receives 23 cents on the dollar for property tax. Concluding, Ms. Wang reported that one reason the 2013 budget gap is so large is because the property tax rate is capped at $3.10 by State law. She explained that the 2012 property tax levy generated $34,444,181, but because of the cap only $32,600,043 was allowed to be collected. She remarked that this loss of $1,844,138 of revenue affected the budget, and this trend will continue until property values increase. She also pointed out that the City has made substantial cuts over last four years including a total of $33 million in budget cuts, and laying off 108 employees. Responding to Councilmember Corman's inquiry, Ms. Wang stated that the figures for the library had not been included in the budget in any type of historical context. Mr. Covington added that the library figures are reflected in the 2010 and newer budgets. Public comment was invited. Rich Brooks (Seattle), Executive Director for Renton Area Youth and Family Services (RAYS), stated that his organization has historically been funded at $45,000 and the current recommendation is to reduce the funding to $20,000. He urged Council to consider changing this allocation to $30,000. He remarked that he believes this budget reduction is out of proportion with the organization's history of delivering services to local at-risk youth. Mr. Brooks remarked that RAYS works to ensure families are healthier, and to keep youth in schools and out of the criminal justice system. He also stated that he believes that RAYS funding was reduced in order to allocate smaller amounts of money to more organizations. Kylie Fisher (Auburn), RAYS Life Coach at Lindbergh and Renton High Schools, stated that she works with students through the Spark This program in order to enhance student academics and influence their behavioral growth. Michael Rosier II (Renton) stated that he is in his fourth year of participating in the RAYS program. He remarked that the program has helped him academically and emotionally. He explained how RAYS provides resources that help him pay attention in class and improve academically. Erica Horn (Bellevue), Executive Director of Hero House, explained that her organization focuses on serving adults with mental disabilities by assisting them in regaining employment. She expressed appreciation for the funding recommendation and urged Council to approve the allocation for Hero House. November5, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 331 Ramona Baldwin (Renton), Alliance of People with Disabilities, expressed appreciation for the level of funding that was recommended for her organization. She remarked that the Alliance of People with Disabilities provides independent living services to people with disabilities in King County. She explained that the service teaches strategies to disabled citizens so they can go back to work and keep their homes. She pointed out that 80% of the organization's employees, including her, are disabled. Gary Sampson (Newcastle), Board President of RAYS, stated that RAYS has been serving the Renton community for 40 years. He remarked that maintaining or increasing the organization's funding allocation would be appreciated. Mr. Sampson remarked that by funding RAYS the City is making a strategic investment in Renton by supporting an organization that services at-risk middle school and high school students by keeping them in school and out of the criminal justice system. He also noted that RAYS utilizes volunteers for maintaining and enhancing their facilities so that the dollars allocated to them from Renton can be applied directly to the services provided to students. Mark Pursly (Renton), representing the Greater Maple Valley Community Center, expressed appreciation for the funding allocation recommendation for the Date Wise program. He remarked that the program began in Renton in 1994 and then was moved and successfully operated in the Tahoma School District for 14 years. He announced that the program is back in the Renton School District serving approximately 250 students at Lindbergh High School. Mr. Pursly explained that the program is designed to protect young people by teaching the devastating effects of domestic violence. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed a written administrative report summarizing the City's recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2012 and beyond. One item noted was: The City of Renton and El Centra de la.Raza are teaming up to offer "Get the Facts on Homeownership," a workshop to learn what it really takes a become a homeowner. This FREE program provides facts and dispels myths about homeownership. The workshop will be held this Wednesday at the Highlands Neighborhood Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Information is available in Spanish or English by calling 206-957-4639 or emailing homeownership@elcentrodelaraza.org. Mark Martinez (Renton) stated that there had been a tragic shooting in his neighborhood in the Renton Highlands two weeks ago. He provided information regarding the victims, and thanked law enforcement and fire and emergency medical personnel for their excellent response to the situation. Mr. Martinez remarked that he is proud to live in Renton where City employees make citizens feel safe, and where neighbors come together to assist one another in times of need. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Martinez- Shooting Incident in Renton Highlands Citizen Comment: McOmber- Importance of Voting Howard McOmber (Renton) remarked that it is very important for citizens to participate in their communities. Noting that he was not speaking in favor or in opposition to any candidate or proposition, he urged everyone to vote. November 5, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 332 Citizen Comment: Highland - Men's March Against Domestic Violence CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 10/22/2012 City Clerk: Quarterly Contract List, 7/1/2012 - 9/30/2012 Court Case: Galloway at the Highlands I, LLC; School District Impact Fees Imposition, CRT-12-007 Transportation: City-Wide Safety Improvements, WSDOT Grant UNFINISHED BUSINESS Transportation (Aviation) Committee Airport: Aircraft Tie-down Storage Spaces Rent Increase Airport: T-Hangar Rent Increase Tom Highland (Tukwila), representing the Renton River Days Parade Men's March Against Domestic Violence, stated that his group recently celebrated their tenth anniversary, and was awarded the 13th Annual King County Coalition Against Domestic Viole nee Take Action Award 2012. He explained that for the past ten years nearly 100 men participate in the Renton River Days parade in an effort to increase awareness of domestic violence. He read the group's pledge against domestic violence and thanked the City for supporting the domestic violence task force. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 10/22/2012. Council concur. City Clerk submitted quarterly contract list for period 7/1/2012 through 9/30/2012, and expiration report for agreements expiring 10/1/2012 to 3/31/2013. Information. Court Case filed be Galloway at the Highlands I, LLC v. City of Renton, et al, represented by Talis A. Abolins and Steven A. Burnham, Attorneys for Plaintiff, regarding the imposition of school district impact fees on the Galloway at the Highlands Final Plat (LUA-07-128). Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a Local Agency Federal Aid Project Prospectus and subsequent agreements with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the obligation of grant funding in the amount of $300,000 for the installation of Countdown Pedestrian Signals (CPS) at various intersections city-wide and a high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) signal at the intersection of Duvall Ave. NE and NE 12th St. Council concur. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve an increase in the monthly rental for City managed month-to-month aircraft tie- down storage at the Renton Airport to $106.34, plus leasehold excise tax ($120 w/tax) effective 1/1/2013. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve an increase in the month-to-month rent for City T-Hangars at the Renton Airport from $372.21 to $393.62 per month, please leasehold excise tax (444.16 w/tax) using the Consumer Price Index - Urban, effective January 1, 2013. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Novembers, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 333 Planning & Development Committee CED: Allocation of Highlands Subarea Long Range Planning Funds Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Lease: Ediund Property House Extension, Vision House, LAG- 05-001 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4163 Fire: 2012 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan ORDINANCE #5673 Utility: 2013/2014 Water, Wastewater & Surface Water Rates ORDINANCE #5674 Utility: 2013/2014 Solid Waste Rates NEW BUSINESS Human Resources: Consolidation of Employee Training Planning and Development Committee Chair Prince presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the use and transfer of Highlands Subarea Long Range Planning funds to support parks planning in the Sunset Area in the amount of $280,000, and to support the match for a Transportation grant for the Highlands to Landing pedestrian trail in the amount of $277,000. The Committee further recommended that the remaining balance of the fund, $95,000, be carried over to 2013. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 316165 - 316480, two wire transfers and one payroll run with benefits withholding payments totaling $7,575,087.29, and payroll vouchers including 729 direct deposits and 67 payroll checks totaling $1,651,901.24. 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 approve an addendum to the Ediund property lease with Vision House for a house located at 10062 Carr Rd., to extend the term for an additional three years, 1/1/2013 -12/31/2015, at the rate of $1 rent per year. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the lease addendum. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read adopting the City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption: 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 ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. 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 ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER TO THE ADMINISTRATION THE TOPIC OF CONSOLIDATING EMPLOYEE TRAINING ACROSS DEPARTMENTS FOR BUDGET EFFICIENCY. COUNCIL CONCUR. November 5, 2012 Renton City Council Minutes Page 334 Council: Nominations of 2013 Council President and President Pro Tern Community Events: Acacia Foundation Event, Zambian Independence Day Celebration, Somali Youth and Family Club Documentary Presentation & Gates Foundation Homelessness Strategy Convening Fire: First Response Vehicle Options Public Safety: Valley Com CAD/Radio System Upgrades AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Water Fluoridation EXECUTIVE SESSION & ADJOURNMENT Council President Zwicker remarked that under the New Business portion of the November 19 agenda Council will have the opportunity to announce nominations for 2013 Council President and President Pro Tern. Councilmember Taylor announced that he had the opportunity to attend the Acacia Foundation Friendship Dinner that was established in 2005 in order to enhance cross-cultural understanding, the Zambian Independence Day Celebration at the Renton Community Center, and the Gates Foundation Homeless Strategy Convening. He also noted that the Somali Youth and Family Club were able to present the second and final documentary showcasing their community at Carco Theatre. Mr. Taylor explained that the club had received a State Arts Commission grant to develop the two documentaries. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE VEHICLE OPTIONS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF VALLEY COM CAD/RADIO SYSTEM UPGRADES TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Audrey Adams (Renton) expressed appreciation for having been given an opportunity to provide a review on water fluoridation at the November 26 Committee of the Whole meeting. She thanked Council for not being close- minded about the topic and noted that there will be an opportunity to hear both sides of the issue at the meeting. Ms. Adams remarked that a recent Harvard School of Public Health study reviewed 27 studies from around the world on fluoride's effect on brain development. She remarked that the overall determination was that there is a potential neurodevelopmental risk from exposure to fluoride. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LABOR NEGOTIATIONS (RCW 42.30.140.4.a.) AND PERSONNEL ISSUES (RCW 42.30.110.1.g.) WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 8:40 p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Jason Seth, Recorder November 5, 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 November 5, 2012 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Zwicker) MON., 11/12 NO MEETINGS (VETERANS DAY OBSERVED) TUES., 11/13 Library Open House 6 p.m. *Council Chambers* UTILITIES (Taylor) MON., 11/19 5:30 p.m. 2013/2014 Budget Deliberations COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 11/19 Senior Center Update (briefing only); 3:45 p.m. Williams & Pelletier Appointments to Airport Advisory Committee FINANCE (Briere) MON., 11/19 Vouchers; 4:30 p.m. Emerging Issues in Revenue Streams PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Prince) THURS., 11/8 Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket 3 p.m. #8 PUBLIC SAFETY (Persson) MON., 11/19 CANCELED TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 11/8 Emerging Issues to include: 4:30 p.m. City-Wide Truck Route Map; Downtown One-Way Couplet Study Report; Taxiway Bravo Project Update & Night Work Variance; Cedar River Hangars Apron Rehabilitation Project Update; Aerospace Training Center Project Update; Accuwings Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project Update 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.