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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 20, 2011RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting June 20, 2011 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE ADDED PROCLAMATION World Refugee Day - June 20, 2011 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Community Services: Renton Special Olympics Athletes Recognition 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; MARGE PALMER; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Technology Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; TIM WILLIAMS, Recreation Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Golf Course Director; SHAWN DALY, Senior Center Recreation Supervisor; SEAN CLAGETT, Recreation Coordinator; ANGIE MATHIAS, Associate Planner; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL and COMMANDER KATIE MCCLINCY, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring June 20, 2011 to be "World Refugee Day" in the City of Renton, and encouraging all citizens to join in recognizing the importance of refugee support services in our community and around the world. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Jo Anderson Cavinta, Diversity Program Coordinator for Outreach Services at the King County Library System, accepted the proclamation with appreciation. She stated that refugees fleeing persecution and war from countries including Burma, Bhutan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Iraq have found homes in Renton and Kent. She remarked that the Somali Youth and Family Services organization is doing tremendous work to help Somali refugees resettle and get the resources they need. Councilmember Taylor added that although they face barriers, immigrants bring a vast amount of skills to the community. He noted that Renton has begun a process to reach out to its immigrant communities. Senior Center Recreation Supervisor Shawn Daly announced that the Washington State Special Olympics finals in soccer, cycling, and track and field took place at Fort Lewis earlier this year. He pointed out that 75 athletes represented Renton in those sports. Sean Clagett, Recreation Coordinator, introduced each athlete present, and announced the events in which they participated. Mayor Law congratulated and thanked the athletes and City staff. June 20, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 198 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 petition for the proposed Sterling Annexation; 36.6 acres located in the vicinity of SE 120th St. (NE 8th St.) on the north, 156th Ave. SE, if extended, on the east, and SE 128th St. (NE 4th St.) on the south. Community and Economic Development Administrator Alex Pietsch introduced Associate Planner Angie Mathias. Ms. Mathias reported that the proposed Sterling annexation site, commonly referred to as White Fence Ranch, is in the City's potential annexation area (PAA) and contains single-family homes and vacant land. She stated that the area contains a Class 4 stream, no regulated slopes, and there are wetlands approximately 100 feet away from the site. Ms. Mathias reported that public services are currently provided by Fire District #25, Water District #90, Renton sewer service, and the Issaquah School District. Reviewing the site's zoning, Ms. Mathias stated that the existing King County zoning is R-4 (four dwelling units per gross acre). She reported that the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as eligible for residential low density zoning and was pre-zoned in 2007 as R-4 (four dwelling units per net acre), which would become effective upon annexation. Regarding the fiscal impact analysis, Ms. Mathias reported that currently there would be $110,327 in revenues and $57,477 in costs annually to the City's Operating Fund, which would change to $157,037 in revenues and $92,462 in costs if the projected additional 24 dwelling units are built over the next ten years. Additionally, she reported that there would be $16,805 in revenues and $6,009 in costs to the City's Capital and Enterprise Funds, which would change to $66,793 in revenues and $33,654 in costs if the projected build-out occurs over the ten-year period. Concluding, Ms. Mathias stated that the proposed annexation is generally consistent with City annexation policies and Boundary Review Board objectives, and the City's best interests and general welfare would be served by this annexation. Correspondence was entered into the record from Pat and Alice Lockridge (King County) expressing opposition to the annexation. Adria Krail (Renton) remarked that, as the applicant for the annexation, she believes it will bring the community together. She stated that the area shares characteristics similar to nearby neighborhoods. Ms. Krail also stated that it makes sense to annex this area because it backs up to the Urban Growth Boundary line. Margaret Wilkins (King County) expressed opposition to the proposed annexation, and stated that she sees no benefit to being annexed. She remarked that she enjoys the vacant land that supports wildlife in the area. Ms. Wilkins requested that Council reject the petition. PUBLIC MEETING Annexation: Sterling, SE 120th St & SE 128th St June 20, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 199 Ginger Dixon (King County) stated that she does not oppose annexation, but urged the City to develop a plan for water management. She explained that there are significant water issues in the area, and if it is in-filled with new construction, adjacent properties will be flooded. Ms. Dixon added that the problem is well known to King County. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE 10% NOTICE OF INTENT PETITION FOR THE STERLING 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. PUBLIC HEARING This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in Annexation: Tess, SE 132nd St accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to & 164th Ave SE consider the 60% Notice of Intent to Annex petition for the proposed Tess Annexation; 16.3 acres bordered to the north by SE 132nd St., to the east by 164th Ave. SE, to the south by SE 134th St., and to the west by 160th Ave. SE. Associate Planner Angie Mathias reported that the proposed annexation site is in the City's potential annexation area (PAA), and contains seven single-family homes and vacant land. She noted that the area is mostly rural and undeveloped. She reported that public services are currently provided by Fire District #25, Water District #90, Renton sewer service, and the Issaquah School District. Reviewing the site's zoning, Ms. Mathias stated that the existing King County zoning is R-4 (four dwelling units per gross acre). She reported that the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as eligible for residential low density zoning and was pre-zoned in 2007 as R-4 (four dwelling units per net acre), which would become effective upon annexation. Regarding the fiscal impact analysis, she reported that currently there would be $10,573 in revenues and $9,209 in costs annually to the City's Operating Fund, which would change to $78,973 in revenues and $36,915 in costs if the projected additional 40 dwelling units are built over the next ten years. Additionally, she reported that there would be $1,337 in revenues and $393 in costs to the City's Capital and Enterprise Funds, which would change to $28,028 in revenues and $14,122 in costs if the projected build-out occurs over the ten year period. Concluding, Ms. Mathias remarked that the proposed annexation is generally consistent with City annexation policies and Boundary Review Board objectives, and the City's best interests and general welfare are served by this annexation. There being no public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE 60% DIRECT PETITION FOR THE TESS ANNEXATION, AUTHORIZE FORWARDING THE NOTICE OF INTENT PACKAGE TO THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD, AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PREPARE THE ANNEXATION ORDINANCE. CARRIED. June 20, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 200 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Whealy - Benson Hill Elementary School Student Council Citizen Comment: Avery - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Samargis - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Beden - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Eskenazi - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Smith - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Tabak - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Jennifer Whealy (Renton), fourth grade teacher from Benson Hill Elementary School, introduced members ofthe school's student council. Rayzil De Guzman explained how their student council is elected and what they do for the school. Chantelle Mendez expressed appreciation for being invited to City Hall to see how the City Council operates. Stuart Avery (Renton) expressed opposition to the relocation ofthe downtown library. He remarked that annexation to the King County Library System (KCLS) would not have occurred if voters knew that the plan was to close the current library and build a smaller library three blocks away. He stated that he does not understand the motive for relocating the library, and that the library will not help improve downtown business. Nick Samargis (Renton) stated that he had suggested building a business center and post office substation at the proposed location for the new downtown library. He conceded that new businesses are needed in the downtown core area, but that a library is not the right type of business. He urged Council to refurbish the current downtown library. Laurie Beden (Renton) outlined the history leading up to the decision to relocate the downtown library. She explained that ofthe six sites considered, 508 S. 3rd St. was determined to be the optimal location for a new library. She also stated that there are too many restrictions in place to be able to efficiently refurbish the current library building. Ms. Beden urged Council to approve the interlocal agreement with KCLS and adopt the related bond ordinance. Victor Eskenazi (Renton) referenced Council's earlier Committee ofthe Whole meeting and remarked that the recent increase in the number of patrons using the Highlands library was due to a nearby library being closed for maintenance, and not because the services provided by KCLS are better. He displayed copies ofthe KCLS annexation election ballot measure, the 2009 interlocal agreement with KCLS, and legislation related to the Renton libraries. Mr. Eskenazi stated that he believes annexation election results would have been different if citizens knew that they were also approving the construction of new library facilities. Shelby Smith (Renton) urged Council to make a course correction regarding the libraries. She stated that over 800 library patrons signed a petition asking that the library be left in its current location, and she hoped Could would respect that. Judy Tabak (Renton) stated that the ballot measure regarding annexation to KCLS did not include information regarding the construction of new libraries. She conceded it was in the explanatory statement, but the statement should have reflected more accurately what was written in the related interlocal agreement with KCLS. Ms. Tabak stated that the vote margin was only 53 votes. She urged Council to not relocate the library. June 20, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 201 Citizen Comment: Johnson - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Webley - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Johnson - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: White - Business License Application Citizen Comment: Sauve - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Abraham - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Chan - Business License Application Leone Johnson (Renton) stated that she and others who live in the nearby senior citizen apartments are not happy that the library is being relocated to the downtown core area. She also stated that major structural improvements are not required at the current library to hold more books because most books are stored and distributed from local warehouses, plus much is done electronically nowadays. Mary Webley (Auburn) stated that she recently retired after working more than 25 years at the current downtown library. She clarified that the unused space she has heard people talk about is actually used and needed for meeting rooms, processing incoming items, housing the automatic material handling system, staff kitchen and work areas, public restrooms, and furnace and electrical rooms. She also stated that the number of items checked-out each month has gone down since being annexed to KCLS and does not reflect the number of people who are in the library all the time to read, study, and research. Ben Johnson (Renton) stated that the idea to revitalize the downtown core is noble, but moving a library to the area is not an efficient way to make that happen. He remarked that the current library has been in its location for many years and no new businesses or restaurants have sprung up nearby to offer services to the library patrons. He urged Council to use the downtown revitalization money for increased traffic calming measures, increased code enforcement procedures, and art projects. Alford White (Renton) stated that his neighbors had received a letter from the City regarding his business license application. He clarified that his business, Seattle Recovery Support Center, does not conduct direct services with individuals at his residence. Karen Sauve (Renton) expressed opposition to the relocation ofthe downtown library. She remarked that she believed KCLS would respect the character of Renton's library and preserve the local history collection, not move it. She also expressed opposition to the issuance ofthe $18 million in bonds to construct the new libraries. Ms. Sauve stated that the money should be invested in the current library building. Julie Abraham (Renton) stated that she loves the location ofthe current library, and believes it is being moved to a high-crime area. She remarked that libraries are not the type of businesses that will increase patronage to other downtown businesses, and suggested creating something for teenagers to do in the area. Ms. Abraham remarked that by giving teenagers something to do, crime in the downtown area would decrease. Garry Chan (Renton) stated that he had received a letter from the City regarding a business license application for Seattle Recovery Support Center. He stated that the business will be located in the home next to his, and that clients may pose a threat to the elderly and children. He also expressed concern about the potential for increased drug and alcohol use in the area. He stated that he believes there are better places than a residential neighborhood for this type of business. June 20, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 202 CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 6/6/2011 & 6/13/2011 Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Community Services: High School Golf Teams, Fee Waiver Request CAG: 10-054, West Hill Reservoir Recoat & Upgrade 2010, Coating Unlimited UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole Library: Interlocal Agreement with KCLS & Library Facilities Development Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds Mayor Law asked Mr. Chan to follow the procedures written in the letter he received and to express his concerns in writing to the City's Development Services Division. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 6/6/2011 and 6/13/2011. Council concur. Mayor Law reappointed Mark Hancock to the Airport Advisory Committee (Kennydale, alternate position) for a term expiring on 5/7/2014. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of a golf course fee waiver in the amount of $11,600 for the Renton, Hazen, Lindbergh, and Liberty High Schools'2011 golf season. Refer to Finance Committee. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-10-054, West Hill Reservoir Recoat & Upgrade 2010, and requested approval ofthe project, final pay estimate in the amount of $7,845.68, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $18,331.76 to Coating Unlimited, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Council President Briere presented a Committee ofthe Whole report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the following actions related to construction of two new libraries in the City of Renton: 1. Approve an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the King County Library System and adopt the resolution; and 2. Present the ordinance for second and final reading and adoption to authorize issuance of up to $18 million in Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) bonds. First reading of this ordinance occurred on 5/9/2011. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.* Councilmember Taylor urged Council to take more time to gather additional information and public input regarding this matter before moving forward. He stated that this decision will impact the community for decades. Councilmember Corman agreed with Mr. Taylor. ROLL CALL: FOUR AYES: BRIERE, ZWICKER, PERSSON, PARKER; THREE NOES: TAYLOR, CORMAN, PALMER. *MOTION CARRIED. (See page 203 for resolution and ordinance.) June 20,2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 203 Library: Long-term Use ofthe Existing Downtown Library Building Finance Finance: Vouchers RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4099 Library: Interlocal Agreement with KCLS ORDINANCE #5613 Library: Limited Tax Obligation Bonds NEW BUSINESS Citizen Comment: Witt -Cedar River Trail Safety Council President Briere presented a Committee ofthe Whole report recommending that the existing downtown library building be maintained in public ownership and open to the public in perpetuity. As the Administration explores new uses in conjunction with the community, it should not consider those that would do anything other than enhance enjoyment ofthe building as a civic amenity and ofthe Cedar River. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.* Responding to Councilmember Zwicker's inquiry, Senior Assistant City Attorney Fontes clarified that Council does not have the authority to bind a future Council. She affirmed that the report is essentially a statement of intent. *MOTION CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 303706 - 304087 totaling $3,221,897.34. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with the King County Library System related to the construction of two King County Library System libraries in the City of Renton. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ.* At the request of Mayor Law, ROLL CALL was called: FOUR AYES: BRIERE, ZWICKER, PERSSON, PARKER; THREE NOES: TAYLOR, CORMAN, PALMER. *MOTION CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading: An ordinance was read providing for the issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds of the City in the principle amount of not to exceed $18 million to finance all or a portion of the costs of acquiring land for and constructing, improving, and equipping two new public library facilities and repairing, renovating and improving existing library facilities; providing the form and terms of the bond; and delegating the authority to approve the final terms of the bonds. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ.* ROLL CALL. FOUR AYES: BRIERE, ZWICKER, PERSSON, PARKER; THREE NOES: TAYLOR, CORMAN, PALMER. •MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM PAUL WITT REGARDING TRAIL SAFETY TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED. June 20, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 204 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Coley - Business License Application Citizen Comment: Pager - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Forister- Relocation ofthe Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Asher - Relocation ofthe Downtown Library ADJOURNMENT Carol Colely (Renton) stated that she had also received a letter from the City regarding the Seattle Recovery Support Center business license application. She explained that the business is in the home next to her home, and if it is only a home office, Mr. White should not need a business license. She indicated she feels threatened by that clientele because she is a victim of a violent crime, and is fearful because she does not have control over who visits the home business. Mayor Law emphasized the importance of sending her concerns in writing to the City's Development Services Division. Councilmember Corman added that he believes restrictions, conditions, and provisions can be written into the business license. John Joseph Pager (Renton) stated that he had talked to the Mayor and Director of KCLS regarding the library issue without result. He remarked that citizens feel cheated out of one the City's gems, and asked Council to rethink their decision regarding the relocation ofthe downtown library. Phyllis Forister (Renton) expressed disappointment with the decision to relocate the downtown library. She also stated that the current building has no seismic issues, and that she believes KCLS and Council are untrustworthy. Ms. Forister remarked that KCLS should have followed the law and taken the issue of constructing new libraries to a vote of the people. Beth Asher (Renton) alleged that some Councilmembers should have recused themselves from the library vote due to conflict of interest. Councilmember Briere clarified that her family construction company has never bid on a City project and would not do that. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:34 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder June 20, 2011 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 20, 2011 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Briere) MON., 6/27 6 p.m. Financial Status Update; Regional Issues COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 6/27 Veteran's and Human Services Levy 5 p.m. (briefing only) FINANCE (Persson) MON., 6/27 Emerging Issues in Revenue; 4 p.m. High School Golf Team Fee Waivers; Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Parker) THURS., 6/23 CANCELED PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 6/23 CANCELED UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS., 6/23 CANCELED NOTE: Committee ofthe 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.