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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 3, 2010RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting May 3, 2010 Monday, 7 p.m. M INUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATIONS Municipal Clerks Week May 2 to 8, 2010 National Drinking Water Week - May 3 to 7, 2010 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Community Event: Renton Community Supper Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. DON PERSSON, Council President; KING PARKER; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; MARK BARBER, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Services Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Planning & Natural Resources Director; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; LYS HORNSBY, Utility Systems Director; DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring May 2 to 8, 2010 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 ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. City Clerk Bonnie Walton accepted the proclamation with appreciation. She reviewed the history of Municipal Clerks Week and expressed appreciation to her staff and the lobby Information Desk volunteers who all support the efforts of the City Clerk office. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring May 3 to 7, 2010 to be "National Drinking Water Week" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to celebrate the City's supply of clean water and beat the peak of high summer water use. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman and Utility Systems Director Lys Hornsby gratefully accepted the proclamation. Mr. Zimmerman stated that high-quality, safe, and healthy drinking water has become a matter of course in the United States and to a certain extent is taken for granted. He remarked that although Renton's tap water is one of the City's greatest bargains, it is not inexhaustible or limitless. He urged citizens to keep water conservation in mind, particularly during hot summer months. Councilmember Taylor announced that local church and community leaders have newly partnered to fill a need in the community for those who are homeless, helpless, and marginalized. He introduced Loran Lichty, Associate Pastor at New Life Church in Renton, Co-Chair of the Renton Community Supper, and Co-Chairman on the King County Veterans' and Human Services Levy Oversight Board May 3, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 135 AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Dalton - Bicycle Safety on City Walking Paths and Trails Citizen Comment: Provost • Proposed Shoreline Management Program Citizen Comment: Simpson Proposed Shoreline Management Program Pastor Lichty remarked that the Renton Community Supper started with a group desire to create an environment in Renton where a warm meal could be offered to people who are homeless, hungry, or helpless. He announced that beginning June 7, 2010, free hot meals will be provided to homeless and hungry people every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Renton Salvation Army and Food Bank located at 720 S. Tobin St. Pastor Lichty stated that this program supplements the Friendly Kitchen dinner on Thursday nights, and the dinner on Saturdays at Harambee Church. Additionally, he stated that once the program is up and running, services for the homeless will be brought to the site, including King County's Mobile Medical Van. Concluding, Pastor Lichty noted that persons interested in volunteering or providing financial assistance can visit their website at www.rentoncommunitysupper.com. He stated that a list of participating churches and community organizations is posted on the website and that other civic organizations in the Renton area are invited to volunteer and serve at the Renton Community Supper. Responding to Councilmember Taylor's inquiry, Pastor Lichty explained that the King County Mobile Medical Van is a recreation vehicle (RV) staffed with a doctor, a nurse, and others who provide mental health, dental, and other services for homeless people. Choice Dalton (Renton) described being nearly run over by a bicyclist as he exited the downtown library this afternoon. He expressed concern for his safety and that of other pedestrians who utilize the City's walking paths and trails. He suggested an ordinance, graduated penalties for persons who violate bicycling laws, and posting of signs notifying the public of bicycle rules and regulations. Mayor Law stated that the administration is working on the issue and Mr. Dalton's comments will be included in their discussion. Al Provost (Renton) remarked that a majority of waterfront property owners continue to have serious concerns in regards to portions of the proposed Shoreline Management Program (SMP). He stated that legally permitted homes, docks, or landscaping may automatically become non-conforming under the proposed plan, and that the proposed buffers, setbacks, and dock requirements put in place to protect fish and the ecology are not proven effective by scientific research. Mr. Provost added that, if adopted now, Renton property values will decrease because the proposed SMP is more restrictive than other Lake Washington bordering city proposals. Anne Simpson (Renton) stated as an example that installing a tennis court that creates a 1,000 square foot impervious surface is considered a moderate alteration under the proposed SMP and requires a homeowner to replace 80 percent of the area between the existing home and waterfront with native vegetation. She expressed concern in this case over the high cost of hiring a professional to develop the landscaping plan and pointed out that a geotechnical study may also be required. May 3, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 136 Citizen Comment: Iden Proposed Shoreline Management Program Citizen Comment: Riley • Proposed Shoreline Management Program Citizen Comment: Burroughs Proposed Shoreline Management Program Citizen Comment: Barber- Proposed Shoreline Management Program She noted that if she attempted to subdivide instead and sell a portion of her property, she would have to bring it into full compliance with the SMP at a significant cost, even though the property was developed, permitted, and built properly on three years ago. Kevin Iden (Renton) requested that the SMP process be slowed down in order to develop a plan that is mutually acceptable to all parties involved. He stated that the proposed SMP will decrease property values because it is more restrictive than any other jurisdiction, and opined that the four-foot wide dock rule is a safety hazard. Mr. Iden also expressed concern regarding the length of docks, noting that he currently cannot use his boat in the winter, and if his dock were any shorter he would not be able to use his boat in the summer because of shallow water. Tim Riley (Renton) requested that all SMP comments be recorded in the minutes. Mayor Law remarked that the comments will be provided to the Planning and Development Committee who will be reviewing the Planning Commission's recommendation. Chief Administrative Officer Covington clarified that audience comments are traditionally summarized in Council's minutes and are not published verbatim. Continuing, Mr. Riley urged Council to review the scientific research being conducted in regards to the SMP. He stated that the professors who trained the scientists involved in the program are calling their reports questionable. Mr. Riley stated that the proposed 35 foot setbacks would essentially cut his property in half and eliminate much of its value. He also expressed concern regarding the proposed threshold for replacing docks compared to repairing them, and requested that homeowners be allowed to conduct 100 percent repairs and maintenance of existing structures. John Burroughs (Renton) remarked that with Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park's hard bulkheads, floats, and pilings, the City will have more non- conforming property than any other property owner on Lake Washington if the SMP is adopted. He remarked that if the docks require more than 50 percent repair they will have to be brought up to the new standards at a significant cost. He also pointed out that the SMP will likely reduce property values, thereby reducing property taxes, which make up 30 percent of the City's budget. Concluding, Mr. Burroughs opined that the proposed SMP is based on poor science that has not been peer-reviewed. He added that the large log rafts that used to be on the south part of the lake in the early 1900's apparently did not harm the fish or shoreline ecology, but now dock shade is such a concern. Jerry Barber (King County) summarized three major points of concern regarding the SMP as follows: 1) inequity among proposals from other jurisdictions, 2) lack of use of best available science, and 3) lack of responsiveness from the Planning Commission. Mr. Barber opined that because Renton's proposal is more restrictive than other cities' proposals, property values will decrease. He also questioned the science being used in the process and remarked that although there has been progress, the Planning Commission has not addressed all homeowners' concerns. May 3, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 137 Citizen Comment: Dana Proposed Shoreline Management Program Citizen Comment: Joos • Proposed Shoreline Management Program CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 4/26/2010 CED: Shoreline Master Program Community Services: 2010 - 2012 Landscape Maintenance Services, Vinson Brothers Executive: 2011-2016 Business Plan Finance: Information Technology Director, Hire at StepE Finance: Establish Biennial Budget Process Responding to Councilmember Corman's inquiry, Mr. Barber stated that Kirkland, Sammamish, and Mercer Island are good examples of cities with Shoreline Management Programs that could be used as comparisons to the City's program. Discussion ensued regarding Planning Commission recommendations, the amount of disharmony regarding the SMP, presenting a comparison of proposals to Council, and how the SMP affects all waterways within the City. Don Dana (Renton) stated that the SMP does not address floating docks sufficiently. He explained that the current cost to replace 50 percent of his pilings is approximately $15,000 to $20,000, and under the proposed plan it would be approximately $250,000 because the entire dock would have to be brought up to the new standards. He acknowledged the variance process, but stated that he should be able to repair his dock because it was previously legally permitted. Mr. Dana also noted that nearly half of Renton's shoreline is already park land or natural vegetation. Paul Joos (Renton) stated that his dock supposedly meets the new SMP standards, but he expressed dissatisfaction with its width and height. He noted that the permitting process was very onerous, and pointed out that he would have to repeat that process if he decides to add a ladder or boat lift in the future. Dr. Joos also opined that waterfront property owners were not given enough prior notice on the SMP and suggested delivering future notices by certified mail. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 4/26/2010. Council concur. Community and Economic Development Department recommended adoption of a resolution accepting the Planning Commission's recommended Shoreline Master Program and forwarding it to the Washington State Department of Ecology for review. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract with Vinson Brothers in the amount of $64,189.83 per year for landscape maintenance services for 2010 through 2012. Council concur. Executive Department recommended acceptance of the 2011-2016 City of Renton Business Plan. Council concur. (See later this page for resolution.) Finance and Information Services Department requested authorization to fill the Information Technology Director position at Step E of the salary scale, effective 5/17/2010. Council concur. Finance and Information Services Department recommended adopting an ordinance establishing a biennial budget process. Refer to Finance Committee. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. May 3, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 138 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4045 Executive: 2011-2016 Business Plan Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 292197 - 292877 and two wire transfers totaling $4,101,255.10; and approval of 740 direct deposits, 81 Payroll Vouchers, and one wire transfer totaling $2,557,720.01. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read adopting the 2011 - 2016 City of Renton Business Plan. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Discussion ensued regarding traffic delays on Talbot Rd. S. due to construction Transportation: Traffic Delays from the 1-405 project, and how staff is working with the Washington State Talbot Rd. S. Department of Transportation and their contractor to minimize the impacts of the construction. ADJOURNMENT Jason Seth, Recorder May 3, 2010 MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:05 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 3, 2010 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Persson) MON., 5/10 6 p.m. Noise Ordinance COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 5/10 CANCELED FINANCE (Parker) MON., 5/10 5:30 p.m. Biennial Budget Process PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Briere) 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.