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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 2, 2011RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting May 2, 2011 Monday, 7 p.m. MIN UTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATIONS Arts Education Month - May 2011 Municipal Clerks Week May 1 to 7, 2011 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 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; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; GREG TAYLOR; RICH ZWICKER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; MARK BARBER, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Technology Administrator; RICH PERTEET, Deputy Public Works Administrator - Transportation; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL and COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring the month of May 2011 to be "Arts Education 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. Arts Commissioner Doug Kyes stated that art is not just for kids, and is a tool for bringing the City's different cultures together. He also stated that his experience as an art tutor and docent in schools leads him to believe that art improves students' grades because it allows children to take an interest in school. Arts Commissioner Evelyn Reingold expressed appreciation for the proclamation. She reiterated that art is not just for kids, but noted that it is important that children learn about the arts at a young age. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring May 1 to 7, 2011 to be "Municipal Clerks Week" in the City of Renton and extending appreciation to our municipal clerk, Bonnie Walton, and to all municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. 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 2011 and beyond. Items noted included: ¥ Improving the sense of safety in the community, and the use of creative tactics to reduce crime, have continued to be priorities for Mayor Law. Significant progress has been made in the past year but the Transit Center, other parts of the downtown area, and some parks and trails continue to be identified as areas where citizens do not feel safe. May 2, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 136 Citizen Comment: Eskenazi - Relocation of the Downtown Library Crime statistics indicate that these areas are not suffering from high incidents of criminal activity, but nonetheless there continues to be a negative perception regarding safety. Mayor Law has been working with Police Chief Milosevich on a comprehensive enforcement plan that will include adjusting patrol resources to provide added police presence in these critical areas on a regular basis. Additionally, the Mayor and Police Chief are also working with Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama and Parks & Golf Course Director Kelly Beymer on a program to add volunteer rangers to some parks and trails in addition to the increased police enforcement. Safety is an issue the City takes seriously and these programs will soon be in effect. # On Saturday, 4/30/2011, the City celebrated Arbor Day/Earth Day, and receipt of its third annual award as a Tree City, USA. Approximately 200 volunteers at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park planted and mulched five areas, and enjoyed a barbecue lunch provided by other City volunteers. Additionally, at the same time the Kiwanis Club cleaned up around Renton High School in preparation for the upcoming centennial celebration. The City appreciates all of the volunteers who donated time to participate in the clean up activities. Chief Administrative Officer Covington introduced Facilities Director Peter Renner to provide an update regarding the remodeling of the Renton Senior Activity Center. Mr. Renner reported that in addition to the day-to-day maintenance of City buildings and facilities, the Facilities Division has been tasked with completing a significant update to the lounge at the Renton Senior Activity Center. He introduced Facilities Coordinator Michael Nolan to provide further information regarding this project. Mr. Nolan reported that the senior center was constructed in 1978 and has been serving the community for over 30 years with no significant changes. He remarked that the lounge's family room style will be maintained, and that technology and lighting will be upgraded for efficiency. Mr. Nolan reported that the lights in the room will be divided into two zones to accommodate television viewing and puzzle assembly. He described the room's new furniture, carpeting, light fixtures, and color scheme. He reported that construction is set to begin at the end of May, and the project will be paid for by funds from an endowment that was bequeathed to the center. Victor Eskenazi (Renton) remarked that he had met with most of Council the past few weeks, appreciated their hospitality, which gave him perspective regarding the library issue. He acknowledged that the construction of new libraries was on the ballot, however, he explained that if voters agreed to annex to the King County Library System (KCLS) they had no choice but to also agree to the construction of the new libraries. He questioned whether people fully understood this or if they wanted just the convenience of the new library system. May 2, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 137 Citizen Comment: Forister - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Johnson - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Mainrender - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Beden - Relocation of the Downtown Library Regarding the relocation of the downtown library, Mr. Eskenazi stated that the current library building will likely sit vacant and be subject to vandalism, and that regardless of what happens the building will need seismic upgrades. He emphasized that there are several major property owners in the downtown core who have no interest in revitalizing the area. Phyllis Forister (Renton) stated that the voter pamphlet for the library annexation election contained information regarding the construction of new libraries, but the ballot itself only contained a simple yes or no option regarding the annexation to KCLS. She explained that voters may not have seen the pamphlet and simply voted yes to be annexed. Ms. Forister remarked that voters do not want to pay more than the property taxes currently assessed for KCLS, and that she may take this issue to the State Attorney General, State Auditor, or Elections Board to determine if there had been any illegal conduct by the City or its elected officials. Ms. Forister also stated that KCLS took a capital bond measure to the public for a vote in 2004 that did not include Renton residents. She remarked that any new capital improvements for Renton will need to be part of the next measure put forth by KCLS. Ben Johnson (Renton) requested that the recent practice of presenting legislation for first and second reading and adoption at the same meeting be curtailed. He stated that with improvements in computer technology the current downtown library can put more computers in use than ever before. He also stated that if the KCLS plan becomes reality, Renton will have the lowest per capita library space of any municipality in King County. Mr. Johnson also listed ideas on how code compliance in the downtown area should be addressed prior to investing in the area. Kerrick Mainrender (Renton) remarked that she has enjoyed using Renton libraries for over 25 years. She stated that she felt that she had been "bait and switched" when she learned that the new library would be a smaller building. She questioned how all the library's current resources and new technology would fit in a smaller building. Ms. Mainrender stated that she would rather wait for something larger and better than move to a new building that is inadequate for the City. Laurie Beden (Renton), Renton Library Advisory Board Chair, expressed support for the relocation of the library to the downtown area. She stated that while a lot of libraries are closing branches across the nation, Renton will be constructing two new state-of-the-art buildings. She explained that the new Highlands branch will be an expansion from 6,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet, and will be an economic boon for the Highlands area. Ms. Beden pointed out that the City currently has approximately 24,000 square feet of library space, 6,500 at the Highlands Library and approximately 18,000 square feet of usable space at current downtown library, which will be increased to 30,000 square feet under the new plan. She listed the advantages and disadvantages of remodeling the current downtown library building compared to constructing a new building, and remarked that Council should also consider expansion capabilities. May 2, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 138 Citizen Comment: McCammon - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Flattom - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Tabak: Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Carey - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: McOmber- Art Show by Highlands Community Association Citizen Comment: Toms - Relocation of the Downtown Library She also noted that the Library Master Plan foresaw a City population of 64,000 in 2020, however the current population is over 90,000. She encouraged Council to continue and to invest in the future. Dave McCammon (Renton) expressed support for the decision to relocate the downtown library to the Transit Center area. He listed dates of interlocal agreements and resolutions regarding the annexation to the King County Library System and the disposition of library capital assets. He also expressed appreciation for the information made public regarding the timing, planning, and other work pertaining to the process of relocating the library. Mr. McCammon pointed out that Issaquah's 15,000 square foot library had approximately 8,000 more visitors than Renton's 22,000 square foot library during the month of March. Pat Flattom (Renton) remarked that the current downtown library is unique and is a great place to encourage kids to read. She stated that she is a METRO bus driver who drives through the Transit Center four to six times in an afternoon. She commented that she does not like seeing the panhandlers, drunks, jaywalkers, and rowdy students who linger and harass citizens in the area. She also stated that she considers the City Center Parking Garage unsafe, and expressed concern about having a public building with restrooms in the area. She asked that the City consider moving the library to a safer area if it has to be moved. Judy Tabak (Renton) stated that she and others gathered signatures from library patrons opposed to the relocation of the downtown library. She remarked that the vast majority of the patrons are opposed to its relocation, and most also question why it is being moved at all. Ms. Tabak questioned how Renton residents would be expected to pay for library bonds. She also asked whether or not the new library buildings would be transferred to KCLS ownership after construction. She reiterated that most people do not want the library moved to the Big 5 site near the Transit Center, and was pleased to hear that Councilmember Taylor was not averse to creating a taskforce on this topic. Mayor Law referred Ms. Tabak to Community and Economic Development Administrator Alex Pietsch for answers to her questions. Daniel Carey (Renton) expressed support for keeping the downtown library at its current location near Liberty Park. He remarked that a lot of citizens have voiced opposition to moving the library to the Transit Center area, and urged Council to reconsider the decision to move it. He also stated that the City should revise the interlocal agreement with KCLS in order to keep KCLS from dictating how and/or where the library will be moved. Howard McOmber (Renton), Highlands Community Association, invited Renton students to submit artwork to an art show occurring at 800 Edmonds Ave. NE on 5/21/2011. He displayed artwork from local students that depicted the theme "Helping Each Other in Renton." Dustin Toms (Renton) remarked that $8.5 million is a large sum of money and urged Council to slow the process down. He stated that he is METRO bus driver that sees rampant quality of life crimes in the Transit Center area including public urination, intoxication, and panhandling. May 2, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 139 Citizen Comment: Gerneglia - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Bishai - Relocation of the Downtown Library CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 4/25/2011 Annexation: Tess, SE 132nd & 164th Ave SE Finance: Library Development Limited Term General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds Finance: Utility Bill Leak Adjustment; Code Amendment Fire: Amateur Radio Equipment Maintenance, KC Fire District 20 Human Resources: HR Manager Hire at Step E Human Resources: 2011 Medical Coverage, Group Health Cooperative He remarked that a 14 year old boy was shot there, and that the security guard who used to work hard at keeping the area safe is no longer employed there. Mr. Toms pointed out that people are not allowed in the Kent Rail Station until five minutes before their busses arrive. He requested that the City work on the quality of life in the downtown area before investing in new buildings there. He also expressed displeasure with the amount of, and wait-times for materials at KCLS libraries. Caroline Gerneglia (Renton) stated that she loves the location of the downtown library. She remarked that she has brought her children there to play in the park, watch skateboarders, and walk along the river. She expressed opposition to the proposed location for the new library, and asked how safe it will be for a mother to tote books and children from the parking garage across the Transit Center area. Ms. Gerneglia stated that citizens cannot afford new taxes, and she believes the money would be better spent upgrading the current library. Lily Bishai (Renton) shared her experiences of bringing her daughter to story- time at the current downtown library starting 15 years ago. She asked whether or not the Highlands library could be used while the downtown library was remodeled. She stated that the price of relocating the library to the Transit Center area is too high for families and children, and that the current location is priceless. Ms. Bishai asked Council to consider the library's unique history and location. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of regular City Council meeting minutes of 4/25/2011. Council concur. City Clerk reported receipt of 60% Petition to Annex for the Tess Annexation, approximately 16.3 acres located in the vicinity of SE 132nd St. and 164th Ave. SE. Information. Finance and Information Technology Department requested approval of the financial plan, and authorization to set 5/9/2011 as the date for first reading of an ordinance regarding new library development limited tax general obligation (LTGO) bonds. Refer to Finance Committee. Finance and Information Technology Department recommended approval of a City Code amendment clarifying utility bill leak adjustment regulations. Refer to Finance Committee. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with King County Fire District 20 regarding maintenance and care of amateur radio equipment. Council concur. (See page 140 for resolution.) Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval to hire the Human Resources Manager at Grade M30, Step E of the salary range. Refer to Finance Committee. Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of the 2011 Group Health Cooperative medical coverage contracts for LEOFF I retirees and all active employees. Council concur. May 2, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 140 CAG: 10-072, Rainier Stormwater Pump Station Repair, Cascade Machinery & Electric UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers CED: 2011 Neighborhood Grant Program Public Safety Committee Police: Noise Ordinance Utilities Committee Utility: 2010 Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan Finance: Utility Tax Collection Agreements RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4091 Fire: Amateur Radio Equipment Maintenance, KC Fire District 20 RESOLUTION #4092 Utility: 2010 Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-10-072, Rainier Stormwater Pump Station Repair; and requested approval of the project, commencement of a 60- day lien period, and release of retained amount of $2,168.03 to Cascade Machinery 8c Electric, LLC, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 302483 - 302882 and one wire transfer totaling $2,840,814.60, and approval of 733 direct deposits, 68 payroll vouchers, and one wire transfer totaling $2,594,847.82. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilmember Palmer requested for the record that the Item 6. of the 4/25/2011 Community Services Committee report regarding the 2011 Neighborhood Grant Program be changed from "Tiffany Park Homeowners' Association" to "Tiffany Park Neighborhood Association." Public Safety Committee Chair Taylor presented a report regarding discussions and possible improvements to the noise ordinance. The Committee recommended no further action at this time. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the 2010 Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan and adopt the resolution. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.) Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker reported that the Committee was briefed on the status of levying the utility tax on utility districts operating in the City and recommends that no action be taken to collect this fee at this time. However, the Committee recommended that the administration continue to evaluate this option as annexations continue or legislation changes. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with King County Fire District 20, concerning the placement, maintenance, and care of amateur radio equipment. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read adopting the 2010 Long-Range Wastewater Plan (Sanitary Sewer Comprehensive Plan). MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. May 2, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 141 Transportation: Rainier Ave Condemnation Ordinance ORDINANCE #5599 Transportation: Rainier Ave Condemnation Ordinance NEW BUSINESS Community Event: Renton High School Centennial Celebration AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Forister- Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Middlebrooks- Piazza Spring Festival EXECUTIVE SESSION & ADJOURNMENT The following ordinance was presented for first reading and advanced to second and final reading and adoption: An ordinance was read declaring public use and necessity for land and property to be condemned as required for the Rainier Ave. S. (SR 167) - S. Grady Way to S, 2nd St. project, authorizing the acquisition of certain property and property rights by eminent domain and providing for the payment thereof from the City's Transportation Capital Improvement Program fund, available grant funds, and cost funding from Sound Transit; and authorizing the City Attorney to prepare a petition for condemnation in the Superior Court in and for the County of King and for the prosecution thereof for the acquisition of such property and property rights. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADVANCE THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING AND ADOPTION. CARRIED. After second and final reading of the above-referenced ordinance, it was MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. Council President Briere announced that Saturday, 5/7/2011, Renton High School will be celebrating its centennial. She stated that there will be a cake cutting ceremony at noon, and mini-reunions during the day for all of the classes that have graduated. Ms. Briere remarked that there are still tickets available for the evening centennial celebration dinner. She invited everyone to partake in the celebrations. Phyllis Forister (Renton) remarked that the current downtown library building does not have seismic issues and is safe. She stated that St. Anthony's Catholic School does not allow their students to leave campus for safety reasons, and therefore would not allow students to walk to the new library location. She noted that the people of Federal Way gathered enough signatures to keep KCLS from building a library at their Transit Center. Ms. Forister pointed out that there are spaces at the current library that are vacant and could be utilized for patrons. She asked Council to readdress the interlocal agreement with the KCLS. Linda Middlebrooks (Renton) announced that a spring festival is occurring on Saturday, 5/7/2011, at Piazza Park from noon to 5 p.m. She encouraged people who are attending the Renton High School centennial to stop by the spring festival. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO DISCUSS PROPERTY ACQUISITION (RCW 42.30.110.1.b.) WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 8:27 p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder May 2, 2011 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 2, 2011 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Briere) DATE/TIME MON., 5/9 WED., 5/11 6 p.m. AGENDA H CANCELED Informal Reception with Renton School District *Kholwes Education Center, 300 SW 7th St* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 5/9 CANCELED FINANCE (Persson) MON., 5/9 5:30 p.m. Emerging Issues in Revenue; Water Leak Billing Adjustment Code Amendment; Libraries Development Limited Tax Obligation (LTGO) Bonds; City Center Parking Garage Fee Waiver Requests; Liberty Park Community Center Lease with Birthday Dreams; Human Resources Manager Hire at Step E 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.