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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 7, 2011RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting November 7, 2011 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF TERRI BRIERE, Council President; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; MARCIE COUNCILMEMBERS PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; RICH ZWICKER. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER GREG TAYLOR. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; MARTY WINE, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; JASON SETH, Deputy City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Technology Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; NANCY CARLSON, Human Resources Administrator; CHIP VINCENT, Planning Director; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Golf Course Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks & Natural Resources Director; TIM WILLIAMS, Recreation Director; VANESSA DOLBEE, Senior Planner; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR DEBORAH NEEDHAM, Fire & Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring November 2011 to be "American Diabetes Month" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join the American Diabetes Association's movement to Stop Diabetes and confront, fight, and most importantly, change the future of this deadly disease. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Heather Berg shared her experiences living with juvenile diabetes. She stated that the proclamation is a symbol of hope for the millions of people living with the disease. She thanked Council for supporting organizations like the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring November 2011 to be "National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in this special event. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Michelle Bouchor stated that her mother recently celebrated her 66th birthday, and in February will be a 10-year survivor of the disease. She expressed appreciation for the proclamation. Councilmember Zwicker thanked Mayor Law for bringing the proclamation forward and shared that he lost his mother- in-law to this vile disease. 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 hearing to consider the 2012 Property Tax Levy and 2011/2012 Mid-biennium Budget Amendment. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATIONS American Diabetes Month November 2011 National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month - November 2011 PUBLIC HEARINGS Finance: 2012 Property Tax Levy & 2011/2012 Mid- Biennium Budget Amendment November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 339 Finance and Information Technology Administrator Iwen Wang stated that tonight's hearing will be a report on 2012 revenue projections and to set the 2012 property tax levy. She noted that proposed State-level budget reductions are not reflected in the mid-biennial amendment at this time. Ms. Wang reported that overall 2011 revenues are on or close to budget, but 2012 revenues will need to be adjusted. She explained that the adjustment is mainly due to sales tax projections being lowered from 5.5% to 1.7% which is more in-line with current economic conditions. She added that other areas of revenue also being reduced because of the current economic situation include development services fees, real estate excise tax, and reserve fund interest earnings. Ms. Wang reported that utility taxes are above budget by 1.5%, and $1.1 million in liquor excise tax was received but not budgeted because of the uncertainty of last year's liquor initiative, 1-1100. She added that the current liquor initiative, 1-1183, should not negatively impact the City's budget, but cautioned that the State budget could impact this revenue source. Ms. Wang also stated that fuel and criminal justice tax distributions were higher than anticipated, and employee medical premiums were lower than anticipated. She reported that the net General Fund change is negative $206,000, or approximately 0.2% of the 2012 appropriation. Concluding, Ms. Wang reported that the recommendation for the 2012 Property Tax Levy is to adopt the legally permissible 1% increase, and approximately $232,000 from the banked capacity that was not taken in 2010. She estimated that this equates to five dollars per home in Renton. She also reported that this amendment includes housekeeping adjustments to account for grants and other external funding sources, and to make budget adjustments for capital projects to match timelines. Ms. Wang stated that the recommendation is for Council to hear public testimony, make final adjustments if necessary, and present the ordinances for first reading at the 11/14/2011 Council meeting. There being no public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. Community Services: Parks, This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in Recreation & Natural Areas accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to Plan consider adopting the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan. Parks and Natural Resources Director Leslie Betlach introduced Senior Planner Vanessa Dolbee and remarked that the Community Services Department and the Community and Economic Development Department jointly led the planning process for the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan. Ms. Dolbee reviewed the City's history of parks planning that culminated with the 2009 Trails and Bicycle Master Plan. She stated that 11 of the 20 projects identified in the 2003 Parks Plan have been developed, including Heritage Park acquisition and development, Edlund Property acquisition, the Tiffany Park Activity Building, the Springbrook Trail Boardwalk, the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, and the Veterans Memorial Park. She stated that $250,000 in grants and $2.1 million in funding has been acquired for park development and acquisitions. November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 340 Ms. Dolbee displayed a map that showcased the City's 1,206 acres of total park land. She explained that 56% of the park land is natural areas, and 44% is developed. She added that these percentages do not include school districts, King County properties, and business and utility corridors. Ms. Dolbee stated that the 2011 Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan has two new sections, including GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping, and social networking opportunities that allowed the public to get more involved in the process. She added that ten concept plans were completed as part of the process which utilized cost assumptions for maintenance and operations, as well as capital improvements. Ms. Dolbee stated that if the plan is adopted it can be accredited and certified. She remarked that this will make the City eligible for grant funding. Ms. Betlach summarized chapters of the plan. She stated that the vision of the plan is to provide the opportunity for the community to connect to, participate in, and encourage a healthy environment and active lifestyle. She remarked that the vision is intended to illustrate the community's desired future, while giving the Community Services Department the flexibility to achieve these goals. Ms. Betlach summarized the main goals of the plan as filling gaps in service, building partnerships with the community, creating an identity and integrating cultural and historic resources into the park system, creating a sustainable system, promoting health through recreation programs, protecting and preserving resources, and facilitating education and stewardship. Ms. Dolbee reported that the plan outlines two types of recommendations. She remarked that there are system-wide recommendations related to the plan's goals and objectives, and recommendations based on Community Planning Areas. She summarized the recommendations for the ten Community Planning Areas as providing nearby parks, recreation facilities, and natural areas, increasing park capacity use, improving access to sports fields, increasing recreation variety, connecting the parks and natural areas, improving management of natural areas, and building partnerships. She also reviewed the plan's implementation strategies, decision-making tools, and target outcomes for recreation programs. Ms. Betlach reviewed the planning process for a variety of park types, including Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, and Regional Parks, and stated that the planning for each type is different. She remarked that a prototype was used for parks planning that did not identify a specific site, but utilized a design criteria based on acreage. She explained that this process evaluated the relationship between the size of an area and the types of amenities that should be included on it. Ms. Betlach reported that comments received about the plan showed support for boating facilities, community gardens, extending Burnett Linear Park, concerns about relocating the dog park from the NARCO property, and addressing energy efficiency. She added that the Muckleshoot Tribe expressed appreciation for being able to comment on the plan prior to its adoption. Ms. Betlach also reported that the Parks Commission and Planning Commission have recommended adoption of the plan. November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 341 Concluding, Ms. Betlach recognized members of the audience who were integral to the completion of the plan, and introduced Ryan Mottau, Senior Project Manager with MIG, the City's consultant for this project. Mr. Mottau stated that MIG was proud of their role in the process, and the credit for the plan goes to the Renton community, the steering committee, and the Parks Board and Planning Commission, and City staff. He stated that the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan is an investment in the long-term success of the community. Correspondence was entered into the record from Karen Jo Dobson (Renton), Executor for the estate for Arthur R. Kenyon, expressing concern about the impact of residential development on area forests and wildlife. She also outlined conditions related to the estate's gift of land for a future park. Additionally, she asked for a review of permits issued years ago for developments near the donated site that have not commenced construction. Public comment was invited. Cynthia Burns (Renton) pointed out that the planning process was a collaboration of the Planning Commission and the Parks Board which had not been done before. She also remarked that the significant participation of the public was very symbolic. Ms. Burns thanked the consultant, volunteers, and City staff who participated in the process. She urged Council to adopt the plan. Larry Reymann (Renton) expressed appreciation for the privilege of being involved in the process. He explained that his interests are vested in the City's natural areas. He stated that these areas support a wealth of species like osprey, otters, and eagles, but the premier species they support are wild salmon. He stated that the fish are a treasure and the plan will assist in their stewardship. He added that the process has been transparent and a lesson in civics. He urged Council to adopt the plan. There being no further public comment it was, MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL AREAS PLAN AS PRESENTED AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. CARRIED. (See page 344 for resolution.) Mayor Law reiterated the City's appreciation to the public, City staff, commissioners, and volunteers who participated in the process. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Marty Wine 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: ¥ The Neighborhood Program offers matching funds to neighborhood groups and associations to implement projects that will enhance the livability of their neighborhoods. For those interested in learning more about neighborhood grants, the Neighborhood Program will host a Grant Workshop on Monday, November 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 6th Floor, room #621. All are welcome to attend the workshop. November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 342 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Johnson Neighborhood Program Appreciation Citizen Comment: Forister Relocation of Downtown Library Citizen Comment: McCammon - MOU with Renton Emergency Communications System (RECS) CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 10/24/2011 CED: Renton Ave. Business District Improvements, King County Community Services: Cold Weather Shelter, Catholic Community Services & Harambee Church Finance: Enterprise Phone System, TRI-TEC Communications Fire: Emergency Communications, Renton Emergency Communications Services Roxanna Johnson (Renton), President of the Sunset Neighborhood Association, shared her recent experience regarding the amount of support she received from the City and the Renton Housing Authority. She explained that she requested permission and assistance with setting up warming stations in her neighborhood on Halloween. She thanked everyone that helped to make the event special for her neighborhood. Phyllis Forister (Renton) stated that moving the downtown library from its current location will take customers away from the small businesses located nearby. Ms. Forister remarked that there is a recommendation on tonight's agenda to give the Chamber of Commerce $175,000 to move to the train depot where the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train had previously been located. She stated that this location is too far off the beaten path, and the Chamber should relocate to the Big 5 lot. She suggested various ways the Chamber could serve the area better at that location. She urged Council to reconsider the decision to relocate the downtown library. Dave McCammon (Renton) expressed support for the Memorandum of Understanding with the Renton Emergency Communications System (RECS) that is on tonight's agenda for approval. He explained that the agreement will provide needed direction for local HAM Radio Operators that support the City during emergencies. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 10/24/2011. Council concur. Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval of a second interagency agreement in the amount of $727,000 with King County regarding the Renton Ave. Business District Improvements project in the West Hill/Skyway area, funded by State and Federal grants. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of Memorandums of Understanding with Catholic Community Services and Harambee Church regarding operation and use of the Harambee building as a cold weather shelter. Total cost to City if shelter is activated is $10,000. Refer to Community Services Committee. Finance and Information Technology Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $352,616.41 with TRI-TEC Communications, Inc. for the purchase and installation of a new enterprise phone system. Refer to Finance Committee. Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Renton Emergency Communications Services (RECS) to provide emergency communications to the City when called upon. Council concur. November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 343 CAG: 09-171, 2009 Earlington Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Laser Underground & Earthworks Separate Consideration Item 7.c. CED: 2011 Lodging Tax Allocation, Renton Chamber of Commerce UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Utilities Systems Division submitted CAG-09-171, 2009 Earlington Water and Sewer Improvements project; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $22,844.28, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $117,670.46 to Laser Underground and Earthworks, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEMS 7.b. and 7.c. CARRIED. Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval of the Renton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendation to allocate $175,000 to the Renton Chamber of Commerce for the acquisition and construction of its new offices and visitors center. Refer to Finance Committee. Councilmember Zwicker explained that Item 7.c. is regarding the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendation to allocate $175,000 to the Chamber of Commerce for construction of new offices, and that Council is essentially approving their committee report. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR WITH THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF THE LODGING TAX ADIVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO ALLOCATE $175,000 TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.* Councilmember Parker remarked that he is the Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. He explained that the 1% Hotel/Motel tax is collected from patrons of the City's hotels and motels, and using the funds for this purpose is within State statute. He expressed support for the motion. Councilmember Persson also expressed support for the motion. He remarked that the funds can only be used for something like this and cannot be siphoned- off for the general budget. He noted that the members of the advisory board are made up of people who collect the tax. •MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Warren suggested for clarification that the related contract between the City and the Chamber of Commerce also be approved by Council. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGN THE (RELATED) CONTRACT WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 307556 - 307841 and three wire transfers totaling $4,436,961.35; and approval of payroll vouchers including 746 direct deposits, 76 payroll checks, and one wire transfer totaling $2,582,097.51. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 344 Public Safety Committee Attorney: Criminal & Nuisance Conduct Code Amendment Attorney: Precious Metals Transactions Code Amendment RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4123 Community Services: Parks, Recreation & Natural Areas Plan Attorney: Criminal & Nuisance Conduct Code Amendment Attorney: Precious Metals Transactions Code Amendment Public Safety Committee Vice-Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve deletion of Chapter 6-19 and to approve amendments to Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 6-25 related to criminal and nuisance conduct in response to State amendments to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.) Public Safety Committee Vice-Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve an amendment to Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 6-20, Secondhand Dealers. The state legislature recently addressed concerns that arose due to the proliferation of "cash for gold" businesses in the current troubled economy and created a new section in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.60 to place regulations on those businesses dealing in precious metals. This ordinance adopts by reference the new State statute and establishes the penalty for violation. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.) The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read adopting the November 2011 Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the 11/14/2011 Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Section 1-3-1 of Chapter 3, Remedies and Penalties, of Title I (Administrative), Section 6-9-1 of Chapter 9, Children, Unattended, Chapter 19, Plastic Bags, and Chapter 25, Pedestrian Interference, of Title IV (Police Regulations), Sections 8-1-4 and 8-1-6 of Chapter 1, Garbage, of Title VIII (Health and Sanitation), Section 10-8-2 of Chapter 8, One-Way Streets and Alleys, Sections 10-12-1,10-12-22, and 10-12-25 of Chapter 12, Traffic Code, of Title X (Traffic), of City Code, updating code sections to reflect changes in State statutes, City ordinances and/or regulations, or to clarify and/or expand the City's ability to address criminal conduct. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 11/14/2011. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Chapter 20, Secondhand Dealers, of Title VI (Police Regulations), of City Code, by adding a new Section 6-20-7 entitled "Precious Metals Transactions," incorporating by reference State statutes, renumbering the existing Section 6-20-7 as 6-20-8, and establishing the penalty for violation of the new section as a gross misdemeanor. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 11/14/2011. CARRIED. November 7, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 345 The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading: ORDINANCE #5634 Police: Animals & Fowl at Large, Code Amendment NEW BUSINESS Council: 2012 Council President (Zwicker) & President Pro Tern (Corman) Election Council: Committee on Committees ADJOURNMENT An ordinance was read amending Subsection 6-6-6.A., of Chapter 6, Animals and Fowl at Large, of Title VI (Police Regulations), of City Code, by adding language allowing the City to take possession of an animal at large for safe keeping of the animal or the public. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. CARRIED. Council President Briere called for the nomination and election of the 2012 Council President and President Pro tern. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ELECT COUNCILMEMBER RICH ZWICKER AS THE 2012 COUNCIL PRESIDENT, AND COUNCILMEMBER RANDY CORMAN AS THE 2012 COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM.* Councilmember Persson noted that absent Councilmember Taylor had expressed interest in the position of Council President. *MOTION CARRIED. Rich Zwicker was declared 2012 Council President, and Randy Corman was declared Council President Pro tern. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ANNOUNCE COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES MEMBERS AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRIERE, PRESIDENT-ELECT ZWICKER, AND PRESIDENT PRO TEM-ELECT CORMAN. CARRIED. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:23 p.m. Jason Seth, Recorder November 7, 2011 Jason A. Seth, Deputy City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 7, 2011 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES (Zwicker) MON., 11/14 2 p.m. AGENDA 2012 Committee Assignments COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Briere) MON., 11/14 Maintenance of Residential Stormwater 5 p.m. Facilities; Library Design Update; 2011/2012 Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 11/14 Recreation Cost Recovery Program 3:30 p.m. (briefing only); Cold Weather Shelter Agreements; Housing Repair Program Policies (briefing only) FINANCE (Persson) MON., 11/14 ; Enterprise Phone System Replacement 3 p.m. Contract with TRI-TEC Communications PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Parker) THURS., 11/10 Development Regulations Docket #7 2 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 11/10 CANCELED UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS., 11/10 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.