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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 26, 2011RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting September 26, 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; GREG TAYLOR. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RICH ZWICKER. CARRIED. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETA FONTES, Senior Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; KELLY BEYMER, Parks & Golf Course Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; SONJA MEJLAENDER, Community Relations & Events Coordinator; NORMA MCQUILLER, Neighborhoods Program Coordinator; DEPUTY CHIEF ERIK WALLGREN, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER DAVE LEIBMAN, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama introduced Community Community Event: Renton Relations and Events Coordinator Sonja Mejlaender and Renton River Days River Days Wrap-up Board Chairman Jerry Kavesh to present the event report for the 26th Anniversary of Ikea Renton River Days. Ms. Mejlaender stated that the theme for this year's event was "The Magic Continues/' and that the festival, marketed as Ikea Renton River Days, ran from July 22 to 24. Ms. Mejlaender summarized event costs from 2007 to 2011, and reported that the decrease in this year's costs is attributed to more efficient staff scheduling. She also noted that the overall cost to the City varies year-to- year because some events, like the golf tournament, get canceled and then reinstated in future years. Mr. Kavesh summarized festival highlights and new activities like the canned food drive, Puget Sound Energy's Bulb Mobile, Friends of the Library's book sale, and the new booth called "Board Games of the World" where families learn of ancient board games. He noted that the food drive raised 559 pounds of food for the Renton Rotary Salvation Army Food Bank. Mr. Kavesh reported that the annual kick-off event was held at the Tea Palace restaurant in the Highlands, where Norm and Carol Abrahamson were recognized for their decades of volunteer service to Renton River Days. Mr. Kavesh highlighted events including the Wenatchee Youth Circus held at Cedar River Park, Lee's Martial Arts Break-A-Thon fundraiser that raised $15,000 for Communities in Schools of Renton, the art market, quilt exhibit, 400 performing artists, and the 26th Annual Teen Summer Musical, "Bye, Bye, Birdie." September 26, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 297 Mr. Kavesh reported that the Renton Rotary Club raised $22,000 for local charities by selling a record 4,732 rubber ducks for the annual Rubber Ducky Derby. Mr. Kavesh also reported that there were 115 entries, and 2,200 participants in the River Days parade. He noted that KING 5 television personality and Renton resident Meeghan Black was the parade's Grand Marshal. Concluding, Mr. Kavesh reported that 96% of those surveyed stated that they would attend the event again. He thanked the volunteers, service clubs, youth and faith groups, and City employees who helped make the event a success. He also thanked all of the sponsors and pointed out that Ikea is confirmed to be the title sponsor through 2012. He introduced Amanda Hoff and Deidre Goodchild from Ikea. Ms. Goodchild remarked that Ikea has been committed to the festival for the past 13 years, and appreciates the family-friendliness of the event. Mr. Kavesh announced that the 27th Annual Ikea Renton River Days will run from July 27 to 29, 2012. He encouraged everyone to attend the festival. Community Event: Day of Neighborhoods Program Coordinator Norma Mcquiller presented a report on Service Wrap-up the Day of Service event conducted on September 10 in commemoration of September 11, 2001. She reported that through the volunteer service of City residents and employees, service clubs, the Renton Housing Authority, King County Parks, Volunteer Chore Services, Renton Area Youth Services, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) Renton Stake, 30 different projects ranging from identifying storm drains to cleaning up the Cedar River Trail were completed that day. Ms. Mcquiller reported that 759 people volunteered 3,139.5 hours of service, and celebrated by holding a community picnic at the end of the day. She noted that the LDS Church adopted all 30 projects and introduced President Bruce Taggart. Mr. Taggart thanked the City for organizing and overseeing the projects and stated that this was the church's second annual Day of Service event. He remarked that the intention is to include more faith-based organizations next year. 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 supporting or opposing Initiative Measure 1125 concerning state expenditures on transportation. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Marty Wine provided an overview of Initiative Measure 1125. She reported that the initiative limits expenditures from the state motor vehicle fund and toll funds for transportation purposes only, and prohibits the State and its agencies from transferring the gas tax for non-highway purposes. She further explained that the initiative leaves existing tolls and toll rates unchanged, but requires the legislature to approve tolls and rate adjustments in the future. It also limits toll revenues to the facility in which the funds are generated, and prohibits variable pricing. Ms. Wine reported that the State Office of Financial Management estimates that SR 167 in Renton would not be affected, but the 1-405 High-Occupancy Lanes (HOV) slated for Bellevue south would be affected by the limitations of the measure. PUBLIC MEETING Executive: Supporting or Opposing Initiative Measure 1125 September 26, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 298 Ms. Wine stated that future fiscal impacts are unclear at this time because they are dependent on the legislature taking action to put tolls in place. She also reported that the State Treasurer cautioned that bonds secured solely for the purpose of toll revenue would be eliminated as a funding source causing local governments to seek alternative funding sources. Ms. Wine reported that there were no "pro" or "con" speakers confirmed in advance to speak at tonight's public meeting. Public comment was invited. Doug MacDonald, former State Secretary of Transportation, stated that he believes it is important for this initiative to fail because it purports to only be about setting rules for tolls, but it does other things including prohibiting light rail across the 1-90 bridge. He remarked that the initiative also purports to protect the current way the State handles gas taxes, however, the State transportation system does more than just spend money on simple highways. He reported that the initiative limits tolls to transportation purposes as outlined in Amendment 18 of the State Constitution which would essentially limit any future transportation planning. Continuing, Mr. MacDonald stated that the worst part of the initiative may not have even been intended by Tim Eyman, the measure's initiator. He explained that tolls are currently set by the State Transportation Commission, an independent and autonomous body, but the initiative calls for future tolls to be set by the State legislature. He stated that this is bad policy because no other state in the country does this, and bondholders will not bring their money to Washington if tolls are set by one legislature and are regulated by another legislature years later when the bonds are due. He remarked that having an independent commission protects bondholder investments by adjusting rates in order to pay back the bonds without subjection to political games. Hearing no objections from Council, Mayor Law extended Mr. MacDonald's time in order to allow conclusion of his comments. Mr. MacDonald concluded by emphasizing that the hope for toll-backed bonds to finance future transportation programs would be eliminated if the measure passes. He remarked that the initiative will only cause delays which in turn will drive-up costs. He stated that a very broad coalition of people opposes this measure and urged Council to do the same. Councilmember Corman stated that it was his understanding that the current proposal for 1-405 tolling is to leave two lanes free and add an additional tolled carpool lane. He remarked that this would allow people the option of purchasing access to the high-occupancy lanes. He emphasized that he did not want people to think that all of 1-405 would be tolled. Mr. MacDonald affirmed Mr. Corman's statement, and added that the plan is to use the express toll lane concept to enhance transit and pay for the expansion of 1-405. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. CARRIED. September 26, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 299 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Simpson • Shoreline Master Program Citizen Comment: DeMund Shoreline Master Program Citizen Comment: Forister - Relocation of the Downtown Library Citizen Comment: Baker- Shoreline Master Program CONSENT AGENDA Council: Meeting Minutes of 9/19/2011 CAG: 11-127, Cascade Interceptor Rehabilitation, Suncoast Environmental NW Community Services: Settlement Agreement/ Mutual Release, Etolos Inc Referring to the earlier Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the Shoreline Master Plan (SMP), Ann Simpson (Renton), stated that the Department of Ecology (DOE) had never responded to Renton Shoreline Coalition inquiries, nor has the coalition been invited to participate in DOE meetings. She explained how the Whatcom County lawsuit referenced at the meeting is different and not relevant to the situation in Renton. She expressed optimism that City officials and residents could work together to oppose the DOE regulation regarding dock widths. Also referring to the SMP, Jeanne DeMund (Renton), urged Council to pursue the question of the Department of Ecology's jurisdictional authority over the City. She emphasized that Renton's policy regarding six-foot wide docks has always been to only grant the permit if the permit was also allowed by federal agencies. Ms. DeMund also pointed out that the scope of Renton's SMP only asks for 840 square feet of dock for fewer than ten lots that are yet to be developed. She stated that it is inconceivable to her that this small amount of square footage could demonstrably impact salmonids. Phyllis Forister (Renton) stated that according to the 2008 - 2013 Library Master Plan it would only cost $874,000 to remodel the current downtown library compared to the $9 million it would take to build the new, smaller library. She also stated that she believes the library could not be more state-of-the-art than it already is. She commented that the City and King County Library System should not be building new libraries during this time of economic crisis. Responding to Councilmember Parker's inquiry, Ms. Forister stated that the $874,000 figure only represents a small remodel and not a total rehabilitation of the building. Laurie Baker (Renton) expressed appreciation for Council's continued discussion regarding the Shoreline Master Program. She questioned whether the Department of Ecology was being vindictive when they suggested that if the City imposes six-foot wide dock regulations they may not only change this to a four-foot wide regulation, but may also change other things within the SMP. She also questioned whether there was any science that would support additional changes to the SMP. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 9/19/2011. Council concur. City Clerk reported bid opening on 7/26/2011 for CAG-11-127, Cascade Interceptor Rehabilitation project, three bids; engineer's estimate $136,482.99; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Suncoast Environmental NW, in the amount of $148,256.43. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of a Settlement Agreement/Mutual Release with Etelos, Inc. regarding past due rents at Suites 400 and 410 for the 200 Mill Building. Refer to Finance Committee. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. September 26, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 300 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole CED: Community Planning Advisory Board Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Transportation (Aviation) Committee Transportation: Bus Rapid Transit CED: Edmonds Ave SE Renaming Request Executive: Opposing Initiative Measure 1125 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4119 Executive: Opposing Initiative Measure 1125 Council President Briere presented a Committee of the Whole report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to amend Title II, Commissions and Boards, to create Community Plan Advisory Boards and further recommended that the ordinance be presented for first reading. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 301 for ordinance.) Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report approving Claim Vouchers 306450 - 306861, and five wire transfers totaling $2,708,468.03, and payroll vouchers including 798 direct deposits, 86 payroll checks, and one wire transfer totaling $2,754,841.09. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to continue efforts to get Rapid Ride Line F extended to The Landing and that no other action be taken at this time. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the renaming of Edmonds Ave. SE to 116th Ave. SE, to be consistent with the street name for the rest of the street. Edmonds Ave. SE was annexed to the City years ago, and is the existing street name for the northerly portion of 116th Ave. SE, including the addresses from 1712 to 2201 Edmonds Ave. SE. The street portion south of this point was part of the more recent Benson Hill Annexation, and is often confused with Edmonds Ave. NE, which is located in the northerly portion of Renton, a considerable distance from the subject location. The Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and Public Works Departments expressed no opposition to the requested address change. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE A RESOLUTION OPPOSING INITIATIVE MEASURE 1125. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read opposing Initiative 1125. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the 10/3/2011 Council meeting for second and final reading: September 26, 2011 Renton City Council Minutes Page 301 CED: Community Planning Advisory Board ORDINANCE #5628 Executive: Organizational Changes, Code Amendment AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Minter • West Hill Annexation EXECUTIVE SESSION & ADJOURNMENT An ordinance was read amending Title II (Commissions and Boards), of City Code, by adding a new Chapter 19, "Community Plan Advisory Boards." MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 10/3/2011. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Sections 3-1-1 and 3-1-5 of Chapter 1, Executive Department, Sections 3-2-3 and 3-2-5 of Chapter 2, Community Services Department, Section 3-3-5 of Chapter 3, Department of Community and Economic Development, Section 3-8-5 of Chapter 8, Police Department, Chapter 9, City Attorney Department, and Section 3-10-2 of Chapter 10, Municipal Court, of Title III (Departments and Officers), of City Code, by revising department descriptions in accordance with recent departmental changes. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALLAYES. CARRIED. Ron Minter (Seattle) urged Council to allow the upcoming West Hill annexation vote to occur. He stated that it is important for the residents of West Hill to be able to express their opinion. He noted that Council will have a chance after the election to address the issue of annexation. Mr. Minter remarked that the Earlington area was annexed some time ago and is already receiving better services. He also commented that West Hill needs leadership and guidance and that he believes it can and should be provided by Renton. Mayor Law confirmed that the issue is still on the February 2012 ballot. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 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: 8:11 p.m. Executive Session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder September 26, 2011 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 26, 2011 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Briere) MON., 10/3 First Half of 2011 Financial Forecast; 5:30 p.m. Proposed Nuisance Premises Ordinance (briefing only); Shoreline Master Program COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) FINANCE (Persson) MON., 10/3 CANCELED PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Parker) PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) MON., 10/3 CANCELED 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.