HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 5, 2011RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
December 5, 2011
Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES
Council Chambers
Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCILMEMBERS
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
CED: The Next Fifty - Seattle
Center Briefing
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Lombard
West Hill Annexation
Citizen Comment:
Scheuerman - West Hill
Annexation
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; LAWRENCE
J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH,
Community and Economic Development Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN,
Public Works Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development
Director; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN and BATALLION CHIEF/SAFETY
OFFICER GREG HARTMAN, Fire & Emergency Services Department;
COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE, Police Department.
Economic Development Director Suzanne Dale Estey introduced Tracy
Robinson, Executive Director of the Seattle Center Foundation.
Ms. Robinson stated that the organizers of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair
wanted to achieve the following three goals: 1) improve economic
development; 2) put Seattle "on the map;" and 3) create a regional civic center.
She explained that the 184 day celebration was about the future and science
and technology, and was visited by over 10 million people.
Ms. Robinson stated that celebrating the 50th anniversary of the fair offers an
opportunity to reintroduce the Pacific Northwest to the world as the center of
imagination, innovation, and involvement. She remarked that 20 citizen
committees, 115 participating organizations, and 304 Ambassadors will
contribute 6,500 volunteer hours in making the celebration a success. Ms.
Robinson reported that one theme per month, and two main themes over the
entire six-month period will be honored. The six themes are Sustainable
Futures, Science and Technology, Global Health, Learning, Commerce and the
Innovation Economy, and Civic Action. The two over-arching themes will be
Arts, Culture, and Science and History.
Concluding, Ms. Robinson asked Council to consider what Renton will look like
50 years from now.
Susanne Lombard (King County) shared her experiences working with neighbors
in the West Hill community to create a pocket park. She remarked that there
are many examples throughout the West Hill area where neighborhoods have
worked to together to achieve community goals. She urged Council to set a
date for area residents to vote on annexation.
Cheryl Scheuerman (Renton) shared her experiences living and working in the
West Hill community for the past 26 years. She stated that she understands the
fiscal responsibility Council owes to current Renton residents, but she also
recognizes the importance of critical infrastructure investment and
maintenance. Ms. Scheuerman remarked that the West Hill Business
December 5, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 369
Citizen Comment: Beyer-
Purchase of New Breathing
Apparatuses
Citizen Comment: Adams -
Special Populations Programs
CONSENT AGENDA
Council: Meeting Minutes of
11/21/2011
CAG: 11-133, Strander
Blvd/SW 27th St Extension
Phase I Segment 2A, Guy F
Atkinson Construction
CED: Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee Allocations,
Palmer Appointment to
Committee
CED: Repeal Shoreline
Regulations, Ordinance No.
5136
Community Services:
Generator Transfer Switch,
Homeland Security Subgrant
Association strongly supports annexation and believes that Renton is the best
governance provider for the area. She urged Council to allow West Hill
residents an opportunity to vote on the issue, and to work with the State and
County to close any funding gaps.
Speaking on behalf of Mine Safety Appl iance (MSA), Brian Beyer (Woodburn,
OR), stated that MSA is first and foremost concerned about the safety of
Renton firefighters, but also believes their equipment is safe and reliable. Mr.
Beyer stated that MSA equipment is National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) approved, and has been used for 40 or 50 years by multiple
manufacturers of breathing apparatuses. He remarked that the o-ring failures
experienced by the fire department are rare, and requested that further
evaluation take place before a final decision to purchase new equipment is
made.
Audrey Adams (Renton) shared her experiences living in Renton and expressed
appreciation for the City's special populations programs. She stated that her
son has autism and has been utilizing the programs for many years. Ms. Adams
remarked that the Club Thursday program is especially important for the
special population as it is their only means to socialize with other people. She
praised the volunteers and City staff who make the programs special. Ms.
Adams also thanked Council for their support of the programs.
Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows
the listing. At the request of Councilmember Zwicker, Items 6.d. and 6.f. were
removed for separate consideration.
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 11/21/2011. Council concur.
City Clerk reported bid opening on 10/12/2011 for CAG-11-133, Strander Blvd./
SW 27th St. Extension, Phase I, Segment 2A; 12 bids; engineer's estimate
$9,241,338.22; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to
the responsive low bidder, Guy F. Atkinson Construction, LLC, in the amount of
$11,381,158.70. Council concur.
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, $80,000 to the Renton Community Marketing Campaign to fund its
marketing efforts, and $5,000 to the Community Services Department to fund
printing of the South King County Trail Map; and to additionally approve Mayor
Law's appointment of Marcie Palmer as Chair of the Renton Lodging Tax
Committee. Refer to Finance Committee.
Community and Economic Development Department recommended repealing
Ordinance No. 5136 regarding shoreline regulations. Ordinance No. 5633 was
adopted on 10/24/2011 and supersedes Ordinance No. 5136. Council concur.
(See page 373 for ordinance.)
Community Services Department recommended approval of an agreement with
King County to accept a Homeland Security sub-grant in the amount of
$158,000 for the installation of a generator transfer switch at the Renton
Community Center. Refer to Finance Committee.
Decembers, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 370
Fire: SCBA Gear Replacement,
Scott Air Packs
Transportation: Strander
Blvd/SW 27th St Extension
Phase 1 Segment 2A, TIB
Grant
CAG-11-125: Maplewood
Creek & Madsen Creek
Sediment Basin Cleaning
Project - 2011, Sierra Pacific
Construction
Utility: Maintenance of
Drainage Facilities, Code
Amendment
Utility: 2012-2014 Annual
Roster of Consultants
Separate Consideration Item
6d.
CED: 2012 State Legislative
Agenda & State of Policy
Positions
Separate Consideration Item
Annexation: West Hill,
Election Delayed to 11/6/2012
Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of a sole
source contract with Scott Air Packs in the amount of $133,987 annually
through 2014 in order to replace failing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) gear. Council concur.
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a Fuel Tax Grant
Distribution agreement to accept $1,650,000 from the Washington State
Transportation Improvement Board (requiring 20% local match) for the
Strander Blvd./SW 27th St. Extension, Phase I, Segment 2A project. Council
concur.
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of CAG-11-125, Maplewood
Creek and Madsen Creek Sediment Basin Cleaning Project - 2011, and
requested approval of the project, final pay estimate in the amount of
$2,250.71, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retained
amount of $3,135.14 to Sierra Pacific Construction, contractor, if all required
releases are obtained. Council concur.
Utility Systems Division recommended amending City Code regarding
maintenance of drainage facilities on single-family plats with public streets, and
clarifying currently adopted (Ordinance No. 5526) flow control Best
Management Practices requirements. Refer to Utilities Committee.
Utility Systems Division requested approval of the annual roster of consultants
chosen to provide General Utility Engineering, Hydraulics/Hydrology,
Soils/Geotechnical, Geohydrology, Plan Review, Construction/Inspection
Services, Corrosion Control Services, Critical Areas, Land Surveying Services,
Telemetry and SCADA Systems, Photogrammetry Services, and Environmental
Services in 2012, with the option of extending the roster annually in 2013 and
2014 upon department administrator approval. Council concur.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA MINUS ITEMS 6.d. AND 6.f. CARRIED.
Community and Economic Dcvolopmont Department recommended approval
of the 2012 State Legislative Agenda and Statement of Policy Positions, which
serve as guidance for City staff during the State legislative session. Refer to
Committee of tho Whole.
Councilmember Zwicker requested that Item 6.d. be withdrawn from the
agenda. Chief Administrative Officer Covington remarked that the item will be
amended and presented at the next Council meeting for concurrence.
Community and Economic Development Department recommended adoption
of a resolution delaying the West Hill Annexation election until 11/6/2012 in
order to study possible legislative impacts regarding the Governor's proposal to
eliminate the sales tax credit program for future annexations. Council concur.
MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT CONSENT
AGENDA ITEM 6.f. AS PRESENTED.*
December 5, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 371
Councilmember Zwicker remarked that the Governor's new proposed budget
change, and the related legislative uncertainty, has added a new wrinkle to the
discussion about West Hill. He stated that West Hill has to vote to come in to
the City before the discussion can be continued, however, he agrees with the
administration's concerns regarding the legislative uncertainty.
Councilmember Corman remarked that he is aware that the issue is about
whether or not the City will receive a sales tax credit, but expressed concerns
regarding the time-frame for the election. Mayor Law stated that the City is
still within the proper time-frame.
Councilmember Taylor questioned whether or not the City would still proceed
with the vote if it becomes clear at the end of the legislative session that the
sales tax credit would be lost or reduced.
Mayor Law remarked that in that case, the administration would prepare
another cost analysis for Council to help in their decision making process. He
stated that ultimately it would be up to Council whether or not to allow the
vote.
Councilmember Taylor remarked that he had received this information late last
week and that residents of West Hill are likely prepared to vote on the issue in
February. He remarked that he is not ready to postpone the vote because if the
City learns that funding is not going to be available there will still be an effort to
pursue alternate sources of funding. Mr. Taylor explained that having the vote
in February can work in the City's favor because if it is negative the City can
focus on retaining the sales tax credit for the Benson Hill area, and not waste
resources pursuing alternate funding sources. He noted that he understands
the fiscal uncertainties, but is hesitant to postpone the vote without an
assurance that the opportunity to vote will be given again to West Hill
residents.
Chief Administrative Officer Covington remarked that the administration has
also wrestled with the issue brought up by Mr. Taylor. He explained that the
Governor's proposal to pull the sales tax credit for future annexations is a
significant change, and creates enough additional uncertainty that it might
impact the way some people consider the election. He further explained that
postponing the election allows the City to evaluate the legislative impacts that
will determine how the services will be provided in the area.
Councilmember Taylor expressed concern that there was not more time to vet
this issue. He stated that he is still of the mind that allowing a vote in February
has merit, and would provide direction to the City regarding pursuing additional
funding for West Hill. He also remarked that he believes it would be beneficial
for legislators to know the intent of residents of the area. Mr. Taylor reiterated
that he would like assurance that West Hill residents will be given an
opportunity to vote on the issue.
Councilmember Parker remarked that he is a proponent of having West Hill
become part of Renton, however, as a representative for Renton citizens he
must make decisions that will not jeopardize the current services being
provided to Renton residents. He stated that he could not possibly move this
issue forward with the looming uncertainties regarding funding. Mr. Parker
remarked that he wants to make sure that the residents of West Hill
December 5, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 372
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
CED: Boeing 737 MAX
Program
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Planning & Development
Committee
CED: Title IV (Development
Regulations) Docket #7
understand what services they'll receive, and Renton residents understand
what services will be maintained. He explained that the City cannot provide
this information in time for a February vote, and therefore supports moving the
date to November 2012.
Councilmember Persson added that there is no guarantee that the decision
regarding the sales tax credit will be completed by the legislature by February.
He explained that if that happens, Council will be faced with having to decide
whether or not to accept the annexation without knowing if it will be financially
feasible. In that scenario, he will encourage Council to not accept the
annexation.
•MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 6.f. AS PRESENTED CARRIED.
(See page 373 for resolution.)
Council President Briere presented a Committee of the Whole report
recommending support of the staff recommendation to adopt a resolution
expressing appreciation to The Boeing Company for choosing Renton as the
location for production of the 737 MAX. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page
373 for resolution.)
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval
of Claim Vouchers 308187 - 308465, and two wire transfers totaling
$2,483,393.21, and no payroll vouchers. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Parker presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt the
following items on the 2011 Title IV Docket:
D-67: Rebuild Approval Permit - Amend Title IV to permit legal non-
conforming uses and structures to rebuild, reconstruct, and/or be repaired
when damaged by fire, explosion, or an act of God. The proposed changes
would permit reconstruction of legal non-conforming structures without a limit
on the latest assessed or appraised value of the building and would require
such reconstruction to be consistent with current development and design
standards of the zone of the structure is located in. In addition, these changes
would eliminate the Rebuild Approval Permit and additional housekeeping
items.
D-69: Auto Repair and Sales - Regulates auto repair businesses to distinguish
them from wrecking yards and vehicle storage. Requires screening, fencing,
and landscaping for auto repair businesses, including auto body shops.
D-70: Right-of-Way Dedication Procedure Streamlining - Streamline the right-
of-way dedication process by making short plats, binding site plans, and stand-
alone projects administrative in place of Council concurrence.
D-71: Miscellaneous Residential Standards - Clarify when Urban Design
Overlay requirements have authority over other provisions within the code;
require one parking space per Accessory Dwelling Unit; and provide clarity
regarding the applicability of Residential Design Standards for
additions/expansions, variety in color, and open space requirements for
attached dwellings.
December 5, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 373
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
RESOLUTION #4125
Annexation: West Hill, Election
Delayed to 11/6/2012
RESOLUTION #4126
CED: Boeing 737 MAX
Program
CED: Repeal Shoreline
Regulations, Ordinance No.
5136
D-77: Administrative Code Interpretations - Various code interpretations
issued in 2010 through June 2011, including CI-09: Electric Vehicle
Infrastructure; Cl-ll: Impervious Surfacing; CI-12: Setbacks in the R-10 and R-
14; CI-14: Density, Net Rounding; CI-15: Indoor Small Vehicle Sales; CI-16:
Tree Removal Activities; CI-17: Recreation Facilities, Indoor, New; CI-18: Urban
Separator Overlays of Soos Creek and Lake Desire; CI-19: Special Fill and Grade
Permit; and CI-20: Address Assignment.
The Committee further recommended that the ordinances regarding these
matters be presented for first reading.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Council President Briere asked if Docket #D-69 regarding auto repair and sales
regulates how many vehicles can be parked at an auto repair business.
Community and Economic Development Administrator Alex Pietsch remarked
that the new regulations if adopted would limit the length of time the cars
could be parked at an auto repair business. Councilmember Parker added that
the business has to prove that the cars are there for repair purposes, and
parking is limited to 72 hours unless on-going repairs to a vehicle are being
conducted.
Mayor Law restated Ms. Briere's question regarding whether or not the new
legislation addresses the number of vehicles allowed to park on a site. Mr.
Parker confirmed that the proposed ordinance does not restrict how many
vehicles can be parked at an auto repair business.
•MOTION CARRIED. (See page 374 for ordinances.)
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
A resolution was read amending Resolution No. 4061 calling for the annexation
by election of the West Hill Annexation Area by changing the election date to
November 6, 2012. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL
ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
A resolution was read expressing appreciation to The Boeing Company for
choosing Renton as the location for production of Boeing's 737 MAX Airplane.
MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the
12/12/2011 Council meeting for second and final reading:
An ordinance was read repealing Ordinance No. 5136 regarding Shoreline
Master Program regulations. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER,
COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON
12/12/2011. CARRIED.
December 5, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 374
CED: Title IV (Development
Regulations) Docket #D-67,
Rebuild Approval Permit
CED: Title IV (Development
Regulations) Docket #D-69,
Auto Repair and Sales
CED: Title IV (Development
Regulations) Docket #D-70,
Right-of-Way Dedication
Procedure Streamlining
CED: Title IV (Development
Regulations) Docket #D-71,
Miscellaneous Residential
Standards
CED: Title IV (Development
Regulations) Docket #D-77,
Administrative Code
Interpretations
ADJOURNMENT
An ordinance was read amending Sections 4-2-050 and 4-2-080 of Chapter 2,
Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards, Section 4-8-070 of Chapter 8, Permits -
General and Appeals, Section 4-9-120 of Chapter 9, Permits - Specific, and
Sections 4-10-050 and 4-10-060 of Chapter 10, Legal Nonconforming
Structures, Uses and Lots, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code,
by removing rebuild approval permits and amending provisions applicable to
legal nonconforming structures and uses. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY
CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING
ON 12/12/2011. CARRIED.
At the request of Council President Briere, the ordinance regarding auto repair
and sales was not read. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL
REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR FIRST READING AND ADVANCEMENT TO SECOND
AND FINAL READING ON 12/12/2011. CARRIED.
An ordinance was read amending Sections 4-7-070 and 4-7-230 of Chapter 7,
Subdivision Regulations, and Section 4-11-040 of Chapter 11, Definitions, of
Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by allowing the administrator
of Community and Economic Development, the administrator of Public Works,
and the Hearing Examiner to approve right-of-way dedications in order to
streamline the procedure. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER,
COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON
12/12/2011. CARRIED.
An ordinance was read amending Sections 4-2-110 and 4-2-115 of Chapter 2,
Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards, Section 4-3-100 of Chapter 3,
Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts, and Section 4-4-080 of
Chapter 4, City-Wide Property Development Regulations, of Title IV
(Development Regulations), of City Code, amending the regulations regarding
residential fence heights in front yards, residential design standards
applicability, design guidelines, and parking for accessory dwelling units.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE
FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 12/12/2011. CARRIED.
An ordinance was read amending Sections 4-2-020 and 4-2-110 of Chapter 2,
Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards, Section 4-4-130 of Chapter 4, City-Wide
Property Development Regulations, 4-9-080 and 4-9-195 of Chapter 9, Permits -
Specific, 4-11-040, 4-11-090, 4-11-210, and 4-11-220 of Chapter 11, Definitions,
of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by amending certain
regulations pursuant to the Department of Community and Economic
Development's 2010 - June 2011 Administrative Code Interpretations. MOVED
BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 12/12/2011. CARRIED.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED.
Time: 7:57 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Jason Seth, Recorder
December 5, 2011
RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
Office of the City Clerk
COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 5, 2011
• COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
(Briere)
MON., 12/12 CANCELED
COMMUNITYSERVICES
(Palmer)
MON., 12/12 English & Andrews Appointments to
6:30 p.m. Municipal Arts Commission
FINANCE
(Persson)
MON., 12/12 Emerging Issues in Revenue Streams -
4:30 p.m. Liabilities & Claims Review;
Lease Addendum with Verizon Wireless;
Sub-grant Agreement with King County;
2012 Lodging Tax Allocations;
Utility Leak Adjustment - Puget Sound
Energy;
Utility Leak Adjustment - McLaughlin
Properties
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
(Parker)
THURS., 12/8 Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket
3 p.m. #7
PUBLIC SAFETY
(Taylor)
TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION)
(Corman)
THURS., 12/8 Status of Transportation Projects (briefing
5 p.m. only)
UTILITIES
(Zwicker)
THURS., 12/8 Clean Community Initiative;
4 p.m. Maintenance of Drainage Facilities;
Latecomer Agreement with Renton
Housing Authority
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.