HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 23, 2008
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
June 23, 2008 Council Chambers
Monday, 7 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Denis Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and
led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCILMEMBERS
MARCIE PALMER, Council President; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER;
TERRI BRIERE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer;
LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk;
GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH,
Community and Economic Development Administrator; TERRY
HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance
and Information Services Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic
Development Director; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director;
MARK SANTOS-JOHNSON, Senior Economic Development Specialist; FIRE
CHIEF/EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR I. DAVID DANIELS
and DEPUTY CHIEF/FIRE MARSHAL BILL FLORA, Fire Department;
CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department.
Added
PROCLAMATION
Parks and Recreation Month -
July 2008
A proclamation was read by Mayor Law declaring the month of July 2008 to be
“Parks and Recreation Month” in the City of Renton and encouraging all
citizens to join in this special observance as recreation and parks programs
enhance quality of life by contributing to a healthy lifestyle, promoting safety
and security, building self esteem, teaching life skills, and providing places for
enjoyment. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED.
Community Services Administrator Higashiyama accepted the proclamation
with appreciation. She noted that the Community Services Department is one
of only two accredited departments in the state and encouraged citizens to
utilize the available recreation programs and facilities.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Public Safety: Fireworks
Safety
Fire Chief/Emergency Services Administrator Daniels reported that the King
County Fire Chiefs Association passed a resolution in support of public
fireworks events and recommending that discharge of fireworks be left in the
hands of professionals. He remarked that last year there were over 1,000
incidents of either injuries or fires and approximately $21 million in damages
caused by fireworks. Chief Daniels noted that out of the 325 incidents that
occurred in King County, none had occurred in Renton.
Deputy Chief Flora presented a report outlining the purpose, educational
outreach, and goals of the 2008 Fireworks Compliance Plan. He stated that the
purpose of the City fireworks ban is to protect people and property from the
dangers of fireworks. He remarked that from 1999 to 2004 approximately
$575,000 worth of property damage was reported to be directly attributable to
fireworks. He noted that since 2005 only $2,500 worth of property damage has
been reported, which is a clear indication that the ban works.
Deputy Chief Flora commented on compliance efforts, stating that inspector
teams and response operation crews will primarily operate in the Benson Hill
Communities Annexation area. He acknowledged that illegal fireworks will be
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 210
confiscated, and police will issue citations if necessary.
Concluding, Deputy Chief Flora stated that the goals of the plan are to educate
and explain the fireworks ban to citizens. He affirmed that voluntary
compliance is very important and encouraged citizens to attend the City-
sponsored event at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
Councilmember Taylor commended the Fire Department for reaching out to
citizens and noted that citizens should call 911 if they hear fireworks in their
neighborhood.
Councilmember Corman stated that the ordinance approving the fireworks ban
was passed in 2005 and was challenged by an initiative to overturn the ban. He
clarified that Renton voters had affirmed the ban.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning: Multi-Family
Housing Property Tax
Exemption Modifications
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 proposed modifications to the existing multi-family housing property
tax exemptions.
Alex Pietsch, Economic Development Administrator, stated that Renton’s
property tax exemption incentive has been utilized by numerous multi-family
projects. He stated that staff has been working on modifications this year to
take advantage of an additional incentive for affordable housing put in place by
the state legislature.
Senior Economic Development Specialist Mark Santos-Johnson stated that the
tax exemption incentives were adopted in 2003 in three designated areas: South
Lake Washington, the Highlands, and Downtown. He noted that these areas
lacked sufficient available, desirable and convenient residential housing. Mr.
Santos-Johnson stated that to be eligible, a project has to be located in one of
the three designated targeted areas, be a new multi-family housing project with
four or more units per building, and has to have a minimum of ten or thirty
attached dwelling units, depending on the zoning.
Mr. Santos-Johnson explained that the tax exemption applies only to the
building, not the land or appurtenances, and it applies to all local, county and
state taxes, including taxing districts like hospitals. He stated that seven
projects had been approved providing 1,602 affordable housing units. Mr.
Santos-Johnson summarized the proposed modifications to the multi-family
housing property tax exemption into four categories: modifications to the
designated “residential targeted areas;” modifications to implement the
provisions of House Bill 1910; modifications to incorporate affordable housing;
and modifications to project eligibility requirements and fees.
Continuing, Mr. Santos-Johnson stated that proposed modifications to the
designated “residential targeted areas” includes removing “South Lake
Washington” as a residential targeted area, and modifying the “Highlands”
residential targeted area to change the “R-10” zone to the “R-14” zone and
revise the residential targeted areas map to reflect the expanded Center Village
(CV) Comprehensive Plan designation area for the Highlands.
He reported that proposed modifications to implement the Engrossed Second
Substitute House Bill 1910 adopted by the Washington State Legislature in
2007 and to incorporate affordable housing includes:
1. Changing the 10-year exemption for projects submitted on or after July 22,
2007, to an 8-year exemption, or a 12-year exemption if the project
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 211
provides at least 20% of the housing units as affordable rental or for-sale
housing as follows:
a. For rental projects, at least 20% of the units in the project must be
affordable to low income households at 80% or less of median
income.
b. For ownership projects, at least 20% of the units in the project must
be affordable to moderate income households at 120% or less of
median income.
2. Add definitions for “Affordable Housing”, “Household”, “Low income
Household”, “Median Income Household”, and “Moderate Income
Household”, and designate the residential targeted areas as “targeted for
low-income housing serving households at or below 80% of median
income.”
3. Modify the application, final certificate, and annual certification material in
order to administer the affordable housing element of the Exemption and
comply with the additional reporting requirements included in House Bill
1910.
Concluding, Mr. Santos-Johnson reported that modifications to project
eligibility and fees include increasing the minimum number of housing units for
eligible projects in the Residential Multi-Family Urban Center (RM-U) zone
from 10 to 30 units, omitting the Special Design Regulations now integrated
into the Development Regulations for all eligible zones, increasing the project
application, final certificate, and contract amendment fees, and adding a
definition of “mixed-use” for Exemption projects to further refine eligibility.
Public Comment was invited.
David Halinen (Fircrest) stated that he is the attorney for AnMarCo, owner of
the old Stoneway site located along the SE Maple Valley Hwy (SR 169). He
expressed support for the modifications and submitted a letter via the City
Clerk requesting that the Stoneway site and adjacent properties be added to the
“residential targeted areas” list.
Council discussion ensued regarding the opportunities available to develop the
site, adding the site as a future work program, consideration of the currently
proposed modifications, the impact of implementing measures to comply with
House Bill 1910, and moving the currently proposed modifications forward.
Garrett Huffman (Bellevue), President, Master Builders Association, stated that
his membership generally supports the modifications and would like to see the
South Lake Washington area remain a “residential targeted area.” He also
noted that any fee increases would be passed on to customers.
Councilmember Parker remarked that the tax exemption is a strong incentive
that would help the City meet density issues needed to comply with the Growth
Management Act. He also opined that the incentives would stimulate economic
development and that the fees were fair and just.
Dorothy Lengyel (Bellevue), representing Downtown Action to Save Housing
(DASH), voiced support for the proposed modifications. She noted that
providing housing close to transit hubs is critical during rough economic times.
Greg James (Sammamish) expressed support for the proposed addition of the
Stoneway site and adjacent properties to the “residential targeted areas” list.
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 212
Robert O’Wiley (Burien) stated that he supports the proposed modifications
and expressed pleasure with the ease of dealing with City officials and staff
while working on local projects.
Councilmember Corman remarked that the exemption is targeted for areas
already zoned for multi-family, and it is an incentive to get developers to build
multi-family housing projects in specific areas. He commented that the
exemption is not being used in areas that are already developed.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER MR.
HALINEN’S LETTER TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE. CARRIED. (See page 216 for further discussion regarding this
matter.)
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Johnson -
Sound Transit & Bus Service
Arland “Buzz” Johnson (Renton) requested that Council recommend to Sound
Transit that they increase the frequency of the 101 buses from 30 minutes to 20
minutes during off peak times. Mr. Johnson also inquired about bus lanes on
side streets.
Chief Administrative Officer Covington responded that bus lanes had traffic
signal priority and that the City would welcome more bus traffic in Renton.
Citizen Comment: Davis -
Excessive Helicopter Noise
Dina Davis (Renton), Renton Hill representative to the Airport Advisory
Committee, reported excessive levels of helicopter noise late at night and at
early morning hours emanating from the Renton Airport due to graduation ride
events. She requested that the City adopt an Airport “quite time” and consider
the amount of complaints a tenant receives when negotiating lease renewals.
Mayor Law agreed that the noise was excessive and stated that he will be
meeting with the owners to emphasize the importance of being good neighbors.
He also responded that the FAA allows the flights and the City has little
recourse.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. At the request of Councilmember Zwicker, item 7.i. was removed for
separate consideration.
Council Meeting Minutes of
6/16/2008
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 6/16/2008. Council concur.
Finance: Bad Debt Write Off Finance and Information Services Department requested approval to write off
bad debt in the total amount of $41,462.21. Refer to Finance Committee.
Finance: Business License
Fees & Revocation Revisions
Finance and Information Services Department recommended approval of
proposed changes to the collection of business license fees and revocation of
licenses. Refer to Finance Committee.
Transportation: Duvall Ave
NE Reconstruction Utility
Conversion, Qwest
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a construction
agreement with Qwest resulting in the reimbursement of $100,428 for
underground utility conversion as part of the Duvall Ave. NE Widening/Coal
Creek Parkway SE Reconstruction project. Refer to Transportation (Aviation)
Committee.
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 213
CAG: 07-130, Commute Trip
Reduction Program Grant,
WSDOT
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an addendum to
CAG-07-130, agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation,
to accept funds in the amount of $44,355.10 for the 2008-2009 Commute Trip
Reduction program. Council concur.
CAG: 05-120, SW 27th
St/Strander Blvd Connection,
Gary Merlino Const Co
Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-05-120, SW 27th St./Strander
Blvd. Connection Project Phase I, Segment I; and requested approval of the
project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $8,000,
commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of
$116,120.03 to Gary Merlino Construction Co., contractor, if all required
releases are obtained. Council concur.
Transportation: 2009-2014 TIP Transportation Systems Division submitted the annual update of the Six-Year
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Arterial Street Plan. Refer to
Transportation (Aviation) Committee; set public hearing on 7/14/2008 to
consider the TIP.
CAG: 91-083, Boundary
Agreement, Soos Creek Water
& Sewer District
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of an addendum to CAG-91-
083, boundary agreement with Soos Creek Water and Sewer District, to adjust
the existing boundary and allow connection to the City’s system in exchange
for a portion of the District’s funds. Refer to Utilities Committee.
CAG: 07-160, Duvall Av NE
Water & Sanitary Sewer Main
Installation, Shoreline
Construction
Utilities Systems Division submitted CAG-07-160, Duvall Ave. NE Water and
Sanitary Sewer Main Installation; and requested approval of the project,
authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $23,275.22,
commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of
$44,086.69 to Shoreline Construction Co., if all required releases are obtained.
Council concur.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 7.i. FOR
SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration Item
7.i.
Utility: Surface Water Billing
Adjustments, Benson Hill
Communities Annexation Area
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of surface water utility
billing adjustments for non-profit organizations in the Benson Hill
Communities Annexation area at the King County rate for 2008, and at the City
rate starting in 2009. Refer to Utilities Committee. MOVED BY ZWICKER,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
7.i. TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval
of Claim Vouchers 273226 - 273759 and two wire transfers totaling
$3,141,574.84; and approval of 248 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and
783 direct deposits totaling $2,619,676.74. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
CAG: 08-059, Thomas
Teasdale Park Playfield &
Irrigation Improvements,
Spiritridge Construction
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to award the bid, including one
additive alternate, to Spiritridge Construction, Inc. in the amount of
$264,664.30 to install a new irrigation system, supplemental storm drainage,
and replace the infield soil mix. The Committee also recommended
concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize $40,000 from the 2008
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 214
Parks Major Maintenance Fund (316). The Committee further recommended
that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement for
construction services. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Budget: New Administrative
Assistant Position, Human
Resources
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence with the staff recommendation to amend the 2008 Budget by
adding one full-time Administrative Assistant position, grade n14, in the
Human Resources and Risk Management Department. Additional funds to
implement this recommendation are not required as the Department has
sufficient salary savings to fund the position for the remainder of the year. 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 page 215 for ordinance.)
Community Services: Ron
Regis Park, Washington
Wildlife Recreation Program
Grant
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the resolution for the City
of Renton to apply for funding assistance for $500,000 in matching funds from
the Washington Wildlife Recreation Program (WWRP). Funding assistance
will be utilized for capital improvements to Ron Regis Park. Improvements
include converting one all-weather lighted soccer field to synthetic turf,
constructing one new lighted synthetic turf soccer field, restrooms, playground,
picnic shelter, additional parking, and potable water. Funding would be derived
from the 316 Capital Improvement Fund, the 303 Parks Impact Fee Fund, and
the King County Youth Sports Facility Grant.
The Finance Committee also recommended that the resolution authorizing
application for funding assistance be presented for reading and adoption.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN
THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 215 for resolution.)
Planning & Development
Committee
Planning: Windsor Hills
Neighborhood, Construction
and Height Limitations
Planning & Development Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding
construction and height limitations in the Windsor Hills neighborhood. The
Committee reviewed zoning text amendment proposals filed for the 2008
docket by Robert Walker. These proposed amendments requested
implementation of a 30 day notice of proposed land use action, a revision to
standards in the R-8 zone to restrict replacement homes to 150% of the original
size with a roof line no taller than the original roof line, revision to grading and
height regulations, and revision to the R-8 zone to implement view protection
provisions.
The Committee also reviewed a request for a temporary moratorium on new
construction in Windsor Hills and Windsor Hills Addition to allow time to
implement these zoning requests. The Committee reviewed adopted
Comprehensive Plan policies for Residential Single Family Land Use and
Community Design Policies addressing the residential infill development and
reinvestment in existing neighborhoods, and reviewed a summary of existing R-
8 Code requirements. The Committee determined that the existing regulations
implement and are consistent with adopted polices. The Committee
recommended that these docket work program items not be undertaken by the
City at this time.
The Committee further recommended that the issue of development standards
in single-family neighborhoods be addressed in the future community planning
initiative. The Committee requested that a visioning process be conducted to
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 215
begin a community dialogue about a broad range of community planning issues
important to neighborhoods. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY
ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Planning: Development
Regulations (Title IV) Docket
Review
Planning and Development Committee Chair Parker presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the
following docket items as recommended by the Planning Commission: Alleys
in the R-8 zone. Proposed changes include implementing parking and loading
standards for properties abutting an existing paved and/or crushed rock alley.
New development would be required to locate parking and/or garages in the
side or rear yards with vehicular access to the parking areas through the
abutting alley.*
Councilmember Parker reported that Committee members toured City alleys
and commented that it was an exciting and educational opportunity for them.
*MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR
IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Public Safety Committee
Fire: 2006 International Fire
Code Adoption
Public Safety Committee Chair Taylor presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt the proposed Fire Code with
local amendments and adoption of the related ordinance for the purpose of
bringing the City into line with nine Eastside Zone I Fire Marshal jurisdictions
and Zone 3 Fire Marshals. The committee further recommended that the
ordinance regarding this matter be prepared for reading and adoption. MOVED
BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3953
Community Services: Ron
Regis Park, Washington
Wildlife Recreation Program
Grant
A resolution was read authorizing application for funding assistance for a
Washington Wildlife Recreation Program (WWRP) project to the Recreation
and Conservation Office (RCO) as provided in Chapter 79A.15 RCW,
Acquisition of Habitat Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Lands (Ron Regis
Park, Phase II Capital Improvement Project). MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS
READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 7/7/2008 for second and final reading:
Budget: New Administrative
Assistant Position, Human
Resources
An ordinance was read amending the 2008 Budget by adding the position of
Human Resources Administrative Assistant to the 2008 Budget index of
positions. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL
REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON
7/7/2008.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
ORDINANCE #5392
Planning: Development
Regulations (Title IV) 2006
Docket Review
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and
Standards; and Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations)
of City Code to amend the regulations regarding fast food restaurants and office
and conference uses; and adding a definition of fast food restaurant and
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 216
amending the definition of drive-in/drive-through retail or service.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT
THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ORDINANCE #5393
Rezone: Hudson Annexation
Property, R-10 to CN
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of certain property
(formerly the Hudson Annexation area) within the City of Renton from
Residential Ten Dwelling Units per acre (R-10) to Commercial Neighborhood
(CN). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL
ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES.
CARRIED.
ORDINANCE #5394
Rezone: Hudson Annexation
Property, R-10 to R-14
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of certain property
(formerly the Hudson Annexation area) within the City of Renton from
Residential Ten Dwelling Units per acre (R-10) to Residential Fourteen
Dwelling Units per acre (R-14). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL
CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ORDINANCE #5395
Rezone: Hudson Annexation
Property, R-8 to R-14
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of certain property
(formerly the Hudson Annexation area) within the City of Renton from
Residential Eight Dwelling Units per acre (R-8) to Residential Fourteen
Dwelling Units per acre (R-14). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL
CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ORDINANCE #5396
Rezone: Hudson Annexation
Property, R-8 to R-10
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of certain property
(formerly the Hudson Annexation area) within the City of Renton from
Residential Eight Dwelling Units per acre (R-8) to Residential Ten Dwelling
Units per acre (R-10). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
ORDINANCE #5397
Rezone: Hudson Annexation
Property, R-8 to CN
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of certain property
(formerly the Hudson Annexation area) within the City of Renton from
Residential Eight Dwelling Units per acre (R-8) to Commercial Neighborhood
(CN). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL
ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES.
CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Paholke -
Multi-Family Housing
Property Tax Exemption
Modifications
Diane Paholke (Renton) asked if the old Stoneway site and adjacent area had
been added as a “designated targeted area” to the multi-family housing property
tax exemption list and requested that adequate studies be done prior to
redeveloping the area.
Council discussion ensued regarding the old Stoneway site, the need to analyze
the situation, the potential impacts to traffic and schools any new development
would have, the idea of redeveloping areas closer in to the City, the topics
considered during the public hearing, and the incentives the tax exemption
could provide.
Annexation: Benson Hill
Communities
Mayor Law thanked staff for a job well done at the Benson Hill Communities
Annexation area picnic held at Cascade Elementary School on Saturday, June
21.
June 23, 2008 Renton City Council Minutes Page 217
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:26 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Jason Seth
June 23, 2008