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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9, 2011May 9, 2011 Monday, 7 p.m. RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting M I NUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION Salvation Army Week - May 9 to 15, 2011 SPECIAL PRESENTATION State of the County Update - King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn 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; GREG TAYLOR; RICH ZWICKER. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED. 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; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Technology Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH and COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring May 9 to 15, 2011 to be "Salvation Army Week" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in saluting the steadfast men and women who bind up the broken hearted and renew the heart of our community by their quiet service of compassion. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Captain Terry Masango accepted the proclamation with appreciation. He stated that with the help of three local churches the Salvation Army runs the Renton Community Supper which served more than 1,100 meals in April. He mentioned the need for soup bowls and plates, and he also stated that the King County Medical Van visits the site every second Tuesday to serve individuals with their medical needs. King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn reported that King County had a $60 million budget shortfall last year which resulted in serious cuts to the criminal justice system. He remarked that voters were asked to approve a 2/10ths of a percent sales tax increase at the ballot last year, and that measure failed. He mentioned that he proposed a revenue neutral plan in case the ballot measure failed that would have shifted taxes that are already being received to the County's General Fund. Mr. Dunn noted that his plan was not approved by the County Council. He stated that 28 deputies and 16 prosecutors were released, and court fees were increased in an effort to avoid the $60 million in budget cuts. He also stated that King County will have to cut an additional $25 million in the next budget cycle. Mr. Dunn stated that although core services will be decreased, there are no proposals to increase taxes on this year's ballot. He stated that King County will make the additional $25 million in cuts and hope for a better economy. May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 147 Concluding, Mr. Dunn noted that he is working with Councilmember Palmer on the Regional Transit Committee to develop an overhaul of the bus system that envisions a more efficient, yet growing METRO system. He stated that an additional $20 license tab fee, called a congestion fee, may be passed by the Legislature this year to help fund transit. He also remarked that the County Executive is lobbying to extend the Hotel/Motel tax that helped pay for the stadiums. Mayor Law thanked Mr. Dunn for his hard work representing Renton residents. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed a written administrative report summarizing the City's recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2011 and beyond. One Item noted was: * There will be a FREE preview event on May 11, 2011 featuring a selection of films that will be shown during the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) to be held at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center May 20 to 26, 2011. The SIFF-Renton Preview FilmWalk will start at 7 p.m. at the Whistle Stop Ale House, 809 S. 4th St., with stops at the Renton History Museum, 235 Mill Ave. S. and Liberty Cafe, 926 S. 3rd St. Learn more about SIFF in Renton, purchase tickets and passes to the Festival, win prizes, and enjoy a night out in downtown Renton. Attendees who make it to all three check- in points during the Preview FilmWalk will be registered to win a ticket to the SIFF-Renton Opening Night Screening & Gala on Friday, May 20, 2011. For more information about SIFF in Renton or to purchase tickets please visitwww.siff.net. Mayor Law stated that the City has been continuing to evaluate the strategy in addressing crime issues and improving the sense of safety in City parks, neighborhoods, and the downtown area. He remarked that a number of effective enforcement programs have been implemented over the past two years that have resulted in arrests, convictions, and longer prison sentences for repeat offenders. He also noted that the City has devised creative ways to target derelict property owners, and has passed ordinances that give police officers additional tools to deal with illegal behavior in City parks and the Transit Center. Mayor Law announced that the City is enacting even more tools to specifically improve safety in the downtown area, the Transit Center, and City parks and trails. He introduced Police Chief Kevin Milosevich and Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama to provide further details about these new programs. Chief Milosevich reported that city-wide crime has dropped for the fifth consecutive year and is ten percent lower than in 2009. He acknowledged that there are challenges at the Transit Center and other areas of downtown, including fights and minor threats, and there are occasionally major crimes in the area. He announced that there will be additional police presence in the downtown core, defined as S. 2nd St. to the north, S. 3rd St. to the south, Rainier Ave. S. to the west, and Main Ave. S. to the east. Chief Milosevich reported that three additional officers will cover the area six days a week and will be in cars and on bicycles, plus plainclothes officers will be riding the busses. He stated that officers will also be available to attend public May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 148 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McOmber Art Show by Highlands Community Association Citizen Comment: Sweeney - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Galluzzo - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Forister- Relocation of the Downtown Library events like the Return to Renton Benefit Car Show and Farmers Market. He also reported that School Resource Officer (SRO) Jeff Reynolds will provide additional assistance during summer months. Concluding, Chief Milosevich reported that additional cameras and enhanced lighting will be installed at the Transit Center, and there will be zero tolerance for trespassing, jaywalking, and other unlawful conduct. Ms. Higashiyama announced the additional of a new ranger program to enhance safety in City parks and trails. She explained that under the supervision of Parks & Golf Course Director Kelly Beymer, volunteers will be trained by police and will work in buddy teams to patrol the parks and trails. She stated that these volunteers will also work as ambassadors to provide users of the trails and parks information about the City. Ms. Higashiyama remarked that the volunteer rangers will work on foot or in golf carts, and will have phones to contact City staff in needed. She also noted that the volunteers will help with City events. Responding to Councilmember Persson's inquiry, Ms. Higashiyama stated that anyone interested in becoming a volunteer ranger can call the Community Services Department at 425-430-6600. She also noted that the information will be posted on the City's website on 5/13/2011. Mayor Law expressed appreciation for the departments' ability to work collaboratively to come up with solutions for these issues. He stated that the City is committed to ensuring that people feel safe in the community. Howard McOmber (Renton), Highlands Community Association, invited Renton students to submit artwork for an art show occurring on 5/21/2011 at the Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. He stated that the art pieces will be judged, prizes will be awarded, and there will be free food and drinks provided. Rich Sweeney (Seattle) stated that he has owned a business in downtown Renton for 25 years and is a member of the Downtown Committee. He expressed support for the relocation of the library to the downtown core area. He stated that the library will draw people to downtown businesses, and that St. Anthony's school has stated that they would bring whole classes to the library at this new location. John Galluzzo (Newcastle) read a letter from Bill Taylor, President of the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, indicating support for the relocation of library to the downtown core area. Mr. Galluzzo commented that the Chamber of Commerce is in the process of relocating their offices and may also decide to move to the City's downtown core area. He remarked that the new library facility with its improved technology will increase foot traffic in the downtown core and is a winning option for downtown businesses. Phyllis Forister (Renton) stated that she is disappointed that some people continue to iterate that the current downtown library building needs to be replaced and that it needs seismic upgrades. She stated that the building does not need the improvements at this time. She remarked that Renton residents currently pay taxes to the King County Library System (KCLS), and that the City should not issue bonds for the construction of new library buildings. May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 149 Citizen Comment: Eskenazi - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Warmenhoven - Property Tax Allocations for Library and Fire Services Citizen Comment: Gadson - Relocation of Sunset Terrace Residents by Renton Housing Authority Citizen Comment: Ure - Relocation of the Downtown Library Ms. Forister opined that citizens are being double-taxed, and that KCLS by law must allow citizens to vote for capital improvements. She stated that the library's current location by the river is iconic and a tourist attraction, and that the area by the Transit Center is unsafe. Victor Eskenazi (Renton) remarked that he believes the downtown business community is railroading the library relocation proposal through in an effort to garner tax dollars because they have no other plan for the area. He suggested leaving the downtown library in its current location, and developing a theme based on Renton's history of coal mines and forestry for the downtown core. He also stated that the ballot issue regarding annexation to KCLS was really two issues, annexation and construction of new facilities, and he believes that people where not aware of the second part. David Warmenhoven (Renton) expressed frustration regarding how his property tax dollars are allocated. He stated that he pays KCLS $382 annually, and questioned why the City is issuing $18 million in bonds for additional library facilities. He remarked that there should only be one library per city. Additionally, Mr. Warmenhoven stated that he pays $982 annually for fire service and that he only pays $860 annually for home owners insurance. He commented that he owned another home in Arizona where fire service is optional, and that his insurance company told him they would rather see his home burn to the ground than have to pay to rebuild a partial structure. Meeka Gadson (Renton) shared her experiences living in Sunset Terrace, a Renton Housing Authority (RHA) neighborhood. She stated that she and the other 100 families living there would like written assurance regarding the relocation process while the neighborhood is being redeveloped. She asked the City and RHA to confirm that residents will be relocated to a safe environment, that all families will be able to return to the new development, that the rules will not be re-written to disqualify residents, that any new housing vouchers will not place residents at the bottom of a waiting list, that rent amounts will remain unchanged, and that all relocation expenses will be paid. She stated that these assurances will help ease the anxiety of all Sunset Terrace residents. Ms. Gadson submitted an informal petition with approximately 73 signatures regarding this matter. Mayor Law assured Ms. Gadson that the City will meet with the Renton Housing Authority to address the issues and concerns that she has expressed. Suzi Ure (Renton) expressed support for the relocation of the downtown library to the Transit Center area. She remarked that she has been a patron of the King County Library System for over 20 years, and is on the City's Library Advisory Board. She stated that the Library Master Plan was written in 2007/2008 prior to annexation to KCLS, and it states that both of the City's libraries are outdated and new buildings should be constructed. Ms. Ure emphasized that the Renton will own the land and KCLS will own and operate the new library facilities. She remarked that although the current library is larger than the proposed new facility, it utilizes less space. Ms. Ure pointed out that safety is a problem, but incidents of public urination, and other criminal behavior also occur at the current library. May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 150 Citizen Comment: Skutvik - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Shilling - Relocation of the Downtown Library CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 5/2/2011 Annexation: Sterling, SE 120th St & SE 128th ST Attorney: Dangerous Dog Appeal Procedures, Code Amendment CED: Admissions Tax Waiver, Seattle International Film Festival CED: Sunset Area Planned Action, Surface Water Master Plan & Comprehensive Amendments Public Works: SW 27th St/ Strander Blvd Connection, Interfund Loan for Fund 317 Separate Consideration Item LiL Transportation: Rainier Ave S Construction Management, KBA Inc Cassie Skutvik (Newcastle) expressed opposition to the relocation of the downtown library explaining that she loves the location over the river. She also expressed concern regarding parking at the proposed new location. Ruth Shilling (Renton) expressed support for a previous speaker's comments who opposes the relocation of the downtown library to a new site near the Transit Center. She stated that she does not believe building a new library at that location will help the downtown core area. She remarked that many of her neighbors also oppose the relocation of the library to the Transit Center because of the criminal activity in the area. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of Councilmember Palmer, Item 7.g. was removed for separate consideration. Approval of regular City Council meeting minutes of 5/2/2011. Council concur. City Clerk reported receipt on 4/26/2011 of a 10% Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation Proceedings petition for the Sterling Annexation filed by Adria Krail; annexation area is abutting City limits in the East Renton Plateau Potential Annexation Area, bordered by SE 120th St. (NE 8th St.) on the north, and SE 128th St. (NE 4th St.) on the south. Information. City Attorney Department recommended amending City Code regarding appeal procedures related to dangerous dogs. Refer to Public Safety Committee. Community and Economic Development Department recommended waiver of admissions tax for the Seattle International Film Festival occurring May 20 to 26, 2011 in Renton. Council concur. (See page 152 for resolution.) Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval to implement the Sunset Area Planned Action and related Surface Water Master Plan, and Comprehensive Plan Amendments. Refer to Committee of the Whole. Public Works Department recommended approval of an interfund loan with a five-year term in an amount not to exceed $700,000 to Fund 317 - SW 27th St./Strander Blvd. Connection Project, in order to complete the project including the construction of a two-lane road into the Tukwila Commuter Rail Station. Refer to Finance Committee. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEM 7.g. CARRIED. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $300,000 with KBA, Inc. for preliminary construction management and inspection services for the Rainier Ave. S. (SR 167) S. Grady Way to S. 7th St. project. Council concur. Councilmember Palmer stated that City staff wishes to provide additional background information on this topic. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 7.g. TO THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED. May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 151 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Water Bill Leak Adjustment, Code Amendment Finance: Libraries Development Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds Community Services: City Center Parking Garage Fee Waivers Lease: Liberty Park Community Center, Birthday Dreams Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to amend City Code by modifying certain provisions that allow for billing adjustments for water leaks. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 152 for ordinance.) Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the proposed financing structure by issuing up to $18 million in Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) bonds, with final maturity in 2022. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.* Councilmember Persson remarked that he believes it is best to get the bond started in order to achieve the most optimal interest rate. He also stated that the Committee changed the staff recommendation in order to allow the flexibility that Councilmember Taylor and other Councilmembers requested. Mr. Persson remarked that holding off on issuing the bond could cost the City over$l million dollars. Councilmember Zwicker remarked that he believes the ordinance is vague and is essentially writing a blank check, but is willing to move it forward because it is not being adopted at tonight's meeting. *MOTION CARRIED. (See page 152 for ordinance.) Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the City Center Parking Garage fee waivers for 2011 and 2012 for event volunteers in the total amount of $12,400, including $2,400 for Piazza Renton events, $9,520 for the Renton Farmers Market events, and $480 for the Return to Renton Benefit Car Show events. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE AMENDED COMMITTEE REPORT.* The Committee report was amended to read as plural for each event. •MOTION CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a two-year full-service lease with Birthday Dreams, a non-profit corporation, for Suite 200 at the Liberty Park Community Building. This lease will provide the City with $7,200 of revenue annually. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the lease agreement. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilmember Taylor recused himself from the vote. May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 152 Human Resources: Human Resources Manager Hire at StepE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4093 CED: Admissions Tax Waiver, Seattle International Film Festival Finance: Water Bill Leak Adjustment, Code Amendment Finance: Libraries Development Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds NEW BUSINESS CED: Sunset Area Planned Action Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to hire a new Human Resources Manager, Cathryn Laird, at the "E" step of the M30 salary grade based on professional experience and background. No additional funding will be required in the 2011 budget. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read waiving the admissions tax for the Seattle International Film Festival. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the 5/16/2011 Council meeting for second and final reading and adoption: An ordinance was read amending Section 8-4-46 of Chapter 4, Water, and Section 8-5-23 of Chapter 5, Sewers, of Title VIII (Health and Sanitation), of City Code, by modifying certain provisions that allow for billing adjustments for water leaks. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 5/16/2011. CARRIED. An ordinance was read providing for the issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation bonds of the City in the principal amount of not to exceed $18,000,000 to finance all or a portion of the costs of repairing, renovating, and improving existing library facilities and acquiring land for and constructing, improving and equipping two new public library facilities; providing the form and terms of the bonds; and delegating the authority to approve the final terms of the bonds. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 5/16/2011.* Councilmember Taylor clarified that the ordinance was amended to allow flexibility in the language in case the location of the proposed library was changed at some point in the future. Councilmember Zwicker stated that he believes the decision regarding the location of new libraries had been made weeks ago. He also stated that the new interlocal agreement with KCLS is scheduled to appear before Council prior to second and final reading of this ordinance, and if the determination on the library site has not been made at the time the interlocal agreement is approved, he would vote against the ordinance. He reiterated that he believes approving this ordinance is essentially writing a blank check if a firm decision on the library location has not been made. *MOTION CARRIED. Referring to prior audience comment, Councilmember Taylor stated for the record that he has met with members of the Renton Housing Authority regarding the redevelopment of the Sunset Terrace neighborhood. May 9, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 153 Utility: Yellow Pages Opt-Out Programs AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Tabak- Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Samargis - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Forister- Relocation of the Downtown Library ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE FROM CHARLOTTE GUBERNICK REGARDING YELLOW PAGES OPT-OUT PROGRAMS TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Judy Tabak (Renton) stated that she gathered another 84 signatures from library patrons opposed to the relocation of the library to the downtown core area. She stated that most people state their love of the current location as the reason why they are opposed to its relocation. She also stated that the funds the City collects for the libraries should either be saved for a rainy day fund or used for something else. Nick Samargis (Renton) expressed opposition to the purchase of the Big 5 lot for the relocation of the downtown library. He stated that he supports refurbishing of the current library, and added that he did not vote to annex to KCLS. He urged Council to invest in the current libraries. Phyllis Forister (Renton) stated that she does not have a problem with the services that KCLS provides, but believes KCLS is trying to get Renton residents to pay for their new libraries. She stated that KCLS should be paying for the libraries, and asked if the interlocal agreement with KCLS addresses these issues. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington stated that the 2009 interlocal agreement with KCLS outlined the City's responsibility to construct two new libraries. He remarked that the new agreement outlines timing, payment structure, construction schedules, and other details. He stated that the 2009 interlocal agreement is posted on the City's website, and that a copy can be provided to Ms. Forister. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:26 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder May 9, 2011 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 9, 2011 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Briere) WED., 5/11 Informal Reception with Renton School 6 p.m. District *Kholwes Education Center, 300 SW 7th St* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 5/16 Interlocal agreement with King County 5:30 p.m. Library System,- Redistricting - Redrawing of Legislative & Congressional District Boundaries; Sister Cities Update FINANCE . (Persson) MON., 5/16 Emerging issues in Revenue; 4 p.m. Vouchers; Interfund Loan to Fund 317 - SW 27th St./Strander Blvd. Connection Project PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Parker) THURS. 5/12 2011 Comprehensive Plan Amendments; 3 p.m. Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #6; City Center Community Plan PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) MON., 5/16 Dangerous Dogs Appeal Process Code 5 p.m. Amendment TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 5/12 4 p.m. Rainier Ave. S. Contract with KBA, Inc. UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS., 5/12 CANCELED 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.