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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 4, 2011RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting April 4, 2011 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 30, 2011 PUBLIC MEETING Annexation: Fairlane Woods, 129th PI SE & SE 160th St Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. TERRI BRIERE, Council President; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; MARK BARBER, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Technology Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Golf Course Director; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; TERRY FLATLEY, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Manager; ANGIE MATHIAS, Associate Planner; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVEN MILOSEVICH and DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring April 30, 2011 to be "Arbor Day/Earth Day" in the City of Renton and encouraging all members of the community to join in this special observance. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager Terry Flatley accepted the proclamation and announced that the City will celebrate Arbor Day/Earth Day on 4/30/2011 near the north picnic shelter at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. He stated that volunteers can register in advance by calling 425-430- 6600, or register in person at 9 a.m. at the shelter. Mr. Flatley remarked that volunteers will be planting 15 trees, over 300 flowering shrubs, and several hundred other types of plants. He invited everyone to attend the event. 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 10% Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation Proceedings filed by Lynn Desmarais on 1/10/2011 for the proposed Fairlane Woods Annexation; approximately 39 acres located in the vicinity of 129th PI. SE and SE 160th St. Associate Planner Angie Mathias reported that the annexation site is within the City's potential annexation area and contains single family lots, with a portion of the area undeveloped due to steep, regulated slopes. She stated that there are no environmental concerns within the annexation area; however, there are two Class 2 streams in the vicinity. Ms. Mathias stated that public services are currently provided by Fire District #40, Soos Creek Water & Sewer District, and the Renton School District. April 4, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 97 Reviewing the site's zoning, Ms. Mathias stated that existing King County zoning is R-6 (six dwelling units per gross acre). She stated that the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Residential Low Density and that the area was pre-zoned as R-4 (four dwelling units per net acre) in 2007. Ms. Mathias reported that the proposed annexation is generally consistent with City annexation policies and Boundary Review Board objectives. Regarding the fiscal impact analysis, she stated that the current development of 108 dwelling units will not change over the next ten years. She remarked that there will be an estimated increase for providing services of 3.3% annually, and only increase of 2.5% annually. Ms. Mathias stated that there currently is a slight deficit of $2,702 in costs to service the area which may increase over ten years to $26,618. She also noted that there were no concerns from City departments. Public comment was invited. Lynn Desmarais (King County) stated that certain remarks made at previous annexation hearings and subsequently distributed to area neighbors do not reflect the beliefs of the majority homeowners in the proposed Fairlane Woods annexation area. She stated that residents are appreciative of the way Renton is managed, and are interested in seeing their services improve. Sandra Kirchner (King County) remarked that her greatest concern is for her personal safety, and that it was an easy decision to vote yes on the Fairwood annexation election because of the financial cutbacks occurring at the King County Sheriffs office. Ms. Kirchner expressed a willingness to donate time to the City, and support for the proposed Fairlane Woods annexation. She urged Council to approve it. Pete Sundnes (King County) expressed support for the annexation. He stated that in his opinion the annexation area would prove to be financially sustainable and would not impact the budget as stated by Ms. Mathias. Mr. Sundnes shared a story of how obtaining a deck permit in King County cost more than the materials it took to build the deck. He stated that he would like his tax money to support his immediate neighborhood, and encouraged Council to support the annexation. Responding to Councilmember Corman's inquiry, Ms. Mathias remarked that the primary reason costs to service the area will increase is because revenues are assumed to remain flat over the ten-year period. She added that service costs are assumed to rise 3.3% annually, while revenues will only increase 2.5% annually, causing the budget shortfall. Jane Worden (King County) expressed support for the annexation and the previous speakers' comments. She stated that she moved to Fairwood with her elderly father because she believed it to be a safe neighborhood, but now has gang members living next door. She stated that she has called the King County Sheriffs office numerous times with little result. She remarked that she believes Renton police are better able to handle the concerns she has with her neighbors. Correspondence was entered into the record from William J. Ritter and Arlene C. Ritter (King County) expressing support for the annexation. April 4, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 98 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Johnson - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Baker- Proposed Shoreline Master Program Citizen Comment: Asher - Relocation of the Downtown Library There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE 10% NOTICE OF INTENT PETITION FOR THE FAIRLANE WOODS ANNEXATION, AND AUTHORIZE THE CIRCULATION OF A 60% DIRECT PETITION TO ANNEX SPECIFYING THAT SIGNERS SUPPORT FUTURE ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION AND ZONING. CARRIED. Ben Johnson (Renton) stated that most cities have a consistent amount of library square footage in relation to the size of their populations. He shared statistics regarding library square footage and population sizes of several area cities, and surmised that Renton will only be receiving 30,000 square feet of library space for its 90,000 residents under the current proposal. He also stated that building the two new libraries will cost approximately $20 million dollars, and named several other ways he believes the money would be better spent. Mr. Johnson asked Council to reflect on what value residents would receive by moving the downtown library to the transit center area. Regarding the Shoreline Master Program, Laurie Baker (Renton) stated that she is pleased that the City is concerned about safety and is supporting six-foot dock widths. She remarked that predominately single-family reaches along Lake Washington are expected to have a perceptible improvement over the long-term even with six-foot wide docks, as opposed to no perceptible changes expected for most of the other reaches along the lake. After explaining different agency variance procedures, Ms. Baker recommended that docks approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should be approved by the City, and if not, then the docks should not be approved. Beth Asher (Renton) recommended that the City's website regarding libraries be updated to reflect the recent annexation to the King County Library System (KCLS). Sharing statistics regarding the expansion of libraries in other cities, she remarked that Renton will only receive approximately 1,000 square feet of additional library space in a relocated area that she believes is not adequately policed. Ms. Asher stated that she was shocked to learn that the City found $1.8 million and spent it on the golf course when in her opinion it could have been spent on transit patrol or new aid cars. Ms. Asher remarked that she is more than willing to pay for a private library or invest in public safety, but not for golf courses. Councilmember Persson clarified that the $1.8 million was not excess money. He stated that the funds were in a separate, designated account and could be used only for specific purposes. He emphasized that the City actually saved money by making the transaction. Mayor Law directed Ms. Asher to speak with Finance and Information Technology Administrator Iwen Wang for further clarification. Regarding the relocation of the downtown library, Councilmember Parker stated that one of the main priorities of Council has been the revitalization of the City's downtown core. He remarked that millions of dollars have been spent in the area in order to facilitate that redevelopment, and a new state-of- the-art library will be built at the new location. Mr. Parker stated that for many April 4, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 99 Citizen Comment: DeMund - Proposed Shoreline Master Program Citizen Comment: Eskenazi - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Steiger- Community Pool Closures reasons the current downtown library (by Liberty Park) is not suitable to be rebuilt as a modern library at its current location. He remarked that residents must consider that the City will receive two new libraries and will have access to libraries in Fairwood, Skyway, and a new branch in the Newcastle area under the current plan. Mr. Parker emphasized that the libraries are widely used, and will be an enhancement to the downtown core as well as to the Highlands area. Councilmember Palmer stated for the record that she disagrees with Mr. Parker's statements regarding the relocation of the downtown library. She remarked that she had not heard from anyone, except in City Hall, that moving the downtown library is a good idea. She noted, however, that she agrees with the ideas regarding the new library in the Highlands. Councilmember Corman remarked that it is a complicated issue because the annexation to KCLS is only a year old and it was a close decision. He stated that the annexation and relocation issues are being blurred and should be separated because the annexation to KCLS has already occurred. Mr. Corman remarked that while he is okay with the decision to annex to KCLS, he is on the fence about relocating the downtown library. He acknowledged that the issue is confusing because the City now has shared responsibility with KCLS for relocating the libraries, and stated that all of the questions regarding the libraries must be aired and answered. Jeanne DeMund (Renton) stated that the original inventory taken by consultants at the beginning of the SMP process identified 14 properties without docks that have the potential to build docks. She described the dimensions of the docks and remarked that the entire area of impact to Lake Washington that is being discussed is 840 square feet. She stated that the inventory also identified 79 existing docks, which overtime will have light- transmitting decking installed, creating 9,480 square feet of additional light- transmitting surface. She remarked that this amount of light-transmitting decking will more than compensate for the 840 square feet of new dock. Ms. DeMund expressed appreciation to the City for requesting that DOE accept the six-foot dock widths. Victor Eskenazi (Renton) opined that the library is a pawn in the Council's drive to enhance the City's downtown core. He stated that the City's hope is that a new state-of-the-art library will improve the downtown core and bring in more money. He remarked that while this is understandable the concerns of library patrons are not being heard. Mr. Eskenazi stated that patrons enjoy the library's current location by the river and view it as part of the overall'library experience. He proposed hiring a facilitator to work with the City and the community to achieve a consensus about the libraries. Marilyn Steiger (Renton) requested financial support for the City's community pools. She stated that the community needs affordable and available pools year-round because reports show that swimming lessons for preschoolers reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. She remarked that over 11,000 children take lessons, 140 lifeguards are trained, and over 150 people are taught Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) annually at the Renton community pools. She also remarked that a sustainable business plan is awaiting school district approval that will allow the pools to remain open year-round, but emphasized that both the Hazen and Lindbergh pools are slated for closure next year. April 4, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 100 CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 3/28/2011 CED: Renton Ave Business District Improvements, King County Acquisition: 1100 Bronson Way N, R&J Properties Utility: NPDES Vehicle Purchase, 2011 Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole Annexation: Gaile, SE 160th St & 131st PISE CED: Shoreline Master Program Public Safety Committee Public Safety: Panhandling Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/28/2011. Council concur. Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval of an interagency agreement with King County who will lead the Renton Ave. Business District Improvements project, sidewalks and streetscapes between 75th Ave. S. and 76th Ave. S. in the West Hill/Skyway area, funded by $426,250 in state and federal grants. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with R&J Properties in the amount of $1,125,000 for the acquisition of property located at 1100 Bronson Way N. (United Rentals Shops site), for continued use as a parks maintenance shop. Refer to Finance Committee. Utility Systems Division recommended approval to purchase a vehicle in the amount of $29,000 to be funded by 2011 Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant funds for use with the NPDES program; and requested authorization to transfer the funds from the Surface Water Utility Fund to the Equipment Repair and Replacement Fund. Council concur. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Council President Briere presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding the proposed Gaile Annexation recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize circulation of a 60% Direct Petition to Annex for the 39-acre Gaile annexation area and that such petition shall state that property owners will be required to accept the City's Comprehensive Plan land use designation and zoning. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Council President Briere presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding the proposed Shoreline Master Program recommending concurrence with the staff recommendation that a City response be made to the Washington State Department of Ecology's (DOE) approval-with-conditions of the City's Shoreline Master Program, accepting and approving the required and recommended changes as detailed in DOE's letter with attachments dated 3/9/2011, with the exception of Items 1 and 6 of Attachment B, required changes related to public over-water trails and to the width of docks for single-family homes. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Public Safety Committee Chair Taylor presented a report regarding panhandling. The Committee discussed the current ordinances related to panhandling. Committee members provided suggestions to improve the current ordinance with a report due back to the Committee of the Whole on 5/2/2011. MOVED BYTAYLOR, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. April 4, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 101 Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Community Services: Fee Waiver Request, 2011 Summer Teen Musical RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ORDINANCE #5596 Finance: Filing Written Protests for Claims of Excessive Taxes AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Hanson ADJOURNMENT Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 301808 - 302116 and two wire transfers totaling $2,375,700.07; and approval of two payroll vouchers totaling $911.98. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a waiver of fees in the net amount of $4,335 for use of Carco Theatre by the Renton Civic Theatre to produce the 2011 Summer Teen Musical. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Section 5-21-2, of Chapter 21, Procedure Upon Overpayment and Appeals, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations), of City Code, by adding language requiring written protest when paying taxes claimed to be unlawful or excessive. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. Regarding adjusting the Potential Annexation Area boundary in Fairwood, Ron Hanson (Renton) urged Council to be more lenient rather than less lenient because although the annexation election was lost there were 4,133 citizens who indicated they wanted to be annexed to Renton. He compared the Fairwood annexation election to the recent Panther Lake annexation election in Kent and noted that it passed with only 3,300 yes votes. He stated that in Fairwood the vote is split three ways because there are some residents who wish for the area to be incorporated. Concluding, Mr. Hanson remarked that the design of the recent annexation petitions are not random, and noted that the intent is not to remove the right of anyone in Fairwood to have a vote, but rather to provide citizens who understand the complexities of municipal finance an opportunity to become a part of Renton. He suggested that Council review a precinct level map to determine where boundaries should be changed. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BYTAYLOR, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:11 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder April 4, 2011 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 4, 2011 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Briere) MON., 4/11 National Center for State Courts 4:30 p.m. Assessment - Briefing; Utility Billing Leak Detection Policy/Practice/Notice/Bill Adjustment; Rainier Ave. Update COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 4/11 CANCELED FINANCE (Persson) MON., 4/11 Emerging Issues in Revenue; 3:30 p.m. Bronson Way Property Purchase & Sale Agreement with R&J Properties PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Parker) PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) UTILITIES (Zwicker) 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.