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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 23, 2007 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting April 23, 2007 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kathy Keolker called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS TONI NELSON, Council President; RANDY CORMAN; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER; TERRI BRIERE; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; KAREN MCFARLAND, Engineering Specialist; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; TERRY FLATLEY, Parks Maintenance Manager; TINA HARRIS, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; DEPUTY CHIEF CHUCK DUFFY, Fire Department; COMMANDER CHARLES MARSALISI, Police Department. PROCLAMATIONS National Crime Victims' Rights Week - April 22 to 28, 2007 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker was read declaring the week of April 22 to 28, 2007, to be "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance, as the City is joining forces with victim service programs, criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens throughout the Renton community and America to raise awareness of victims' rights. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Human Services Manager Bergsvik and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate Harris accepted the proclamation. Ms. Bergsvik expressed appreciation to those who support victims of crime. She pointed out that for the residents of Renton, the City allocates funding in the amount of $58,000 to two agencies that help victims: King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and Domestic Abuse Women's Network. Ms. Harris stressed the importance of recognizing that every victim has rights and deserves support. She indicated that the rights of individuals must be respected by holding defendants accountable and by making sure that current laws protect the victims and the community as a whole. Added Arbor Day and Earth Day - April 28, 2007 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker was read declaring the day of April 28, 2007, to be "Arbor Day and Earth Day" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance, as trees increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify the community. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Community Services Administrator Higashiyama, Parks Director Betlach, and Parks Maintenance Manager Flatley accepted the proclamation. Mr. Flatley invited everyone to Renton's newest park, Heritage Park, on April 28 to help celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day by planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Community Services: Tools on Mayor Keolker thanked McLendon Hardware for donating a volunteer trailer and tools to support the Tools on Wheels Program. She pointed out that last April 23, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 146 Wheels Program year, over 3,000 volunteers donated their time to create the kind of community and neighborhoods they want to live in. The Mayor emphasized that the tools and trailer will make their efforts easier. Speaking on behalf of Community Services Resource and Funding Manager Bonnie Rerecich, Community Services Administrator Higashiyama reported that the trailer, which contains over 200 tools, is designed to encourage and enhance the efforts of volunteers in the community. She stated that past volunteer projects included spreading bark at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, filling sandbags during flood season, and clearing a view along the Cedar River Trail. Ms. Higashiyama explained that guidelines have been developed to assist City staff with the scheduling, management, and maintenance of the tools and trailer. City-sponsored volunteer programs may schedule the trailer and tools through the Community Services Department. She introduced Dave and Suzanne Thompson and Gail and Mike McLendon who were recognized for their support of and donation to the Tools on Wheels Program. PUBLIC HEARING Vacation: Index Pl NE, A&D Quality Construction Company, VAC-07-001 This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Keolker opened the public hearing to consider the petition to vacate a portion of Index Pl. NE right-of-way between NE 7th and NE 8th Streets, which is approximately 50 feet in width and 100 feet in length. (Petitioner: Keith Demps on behalf of A&D Quality Construction Company and Kevie Russell.) Engineering Specialist McFarland stated that 100 percent of the abutting property owners have signed the vacation petition, and the area does not contain any City-owned facilities. She reported that the petitioner plans to use the area in the proposed development of the Index Short Plat (LUA-05-047). Ms. McFarland indicated that the vacation request was circulated to various City departments and outside agencies for review and no objections were raised. Ms. McFarland relayed the Transportation Division and Community Services Department's request for retainage of a 15-foot easement for pedestrian access for use in a future trail system. Additionally, she noted Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department's concern that the area falls under the Highlands Study Area moratorium and that new development is currently precluded. Ms. McFarland pointed out that the lots associated with the vacation request are vested and thus excluded from the moratorium, and that the petitioner's short plat has already been approved. In conclusion, Ms. McFarland stated that staff recommends approval of the vacation subject to the following conditions: an easement be retained along the eastern 15 feet of the area, and the petitioner provides satisfactory proof that outside utilities have received and are satisfied with any easements necessary to protect their facilities. Councilmember Persson expressed concern regarding the easement for pedestrian access, and requested more information about the trail. Councilmember Corman inquired whether the property owner can maintain the easement until a trail is developed. Councilmember Briere also expressed concern regarding the upkeep of the easement area. In response to Councilmember Corman's inquiry regarding compensation, Ms. McFarland stated that since the area has been dedicated right-of-way for more April 23, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 147 than 25 years, the City can ask for 100 percent of the compensation. Public comment was invited. Howard McOmber, 475 Olympia Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, stated that although he favors the vacation, he is concerned about the future trail system and wants more information. Discussion occurred regarding the timing of the vacation request and the possibility of moving forward with the request now and addressing the matter of the easement within the coming weeks. Assistant City Attorney Fontes pointed out that two appraisals can be obtained: one that includes the strip with the land and one that excludes it. If an easement is approved, Councilmember Persson noted the importance of informing the future property owner of its existence. Stating the need for additional information regarding the proposed trail, it was MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL 5/7/2007. CARRIED. Councilmember Corman questioned why the moratorium in the Highlands Study Area is still in place. Mayor Keolker indicated that staff will provide that information prior to the next Council meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Chief Administrative Officer 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 2007 and beyond. Items noted included: The Black River Riparian Forest herons have some new neighbors - American bald eagles that have settled into a nest east of the colony. The Recreation Division was recently awarded a "media spotlight' award from the Washington Recreation and Parks Association for the design of the Clam Lights poster. Effective May 21, the City will bring its first full-time Emergency Management Director on board, Debra Needham. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Quesenberry - Political Sign Placement Rosemary Quesenberry, 3609 SE 18th Ct., Renton, 98058, expressed appreciation for the National Crime Victims' Rights Week proclamation, and recognized the fire and police personnel who are on the front lines. Referring to City Code Section 6-14-17, Posting Notices Prohibited, Ms. Quesenberry displayed photographs of campaign signs screwed into public guardrail supports and railroad trestles. She indicated that this is disrespectful of public property and compromises the integrity of the structures, as vermin can penetrate through the holes and cause damage. Ms. Quesenberry suggested review of the sign ordinance, and asked that violations of the ordinance be equally enforced. Councilman Clawson reported that City Code allows the erection of signs on public rights-of-way, and he does not believe there was a violation. Regarding damage to the integrity of the structure, Mr. Clawson said he would want to see an engineer's report regarding the matter. He emphasized that political speech is protected under the First Amendment. Mr. Clawson stated that if a report showed that structures were being damaged, he would not allow his signs to be affixed to those structures. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the April 23, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 148 listing. Council Meeting Minutes of 4/16/2007 Approval of Council meeting minutes of 4/16/2007. Council concur. Court Case: Lai Ping Ip Yim (Yun Ip), CRT-07-003 Court Case filed by Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Coluccio, representing Lai Ping Ip Yim, personal representative of the estate of Yun Ip, alleging that failure to design and operate the intersection at NE Park Dr. and the northbound I-405 on- ramp in a reasonably safe condition was proximate cause of the crash that resulted in the death of Yun Ip. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. Transportation: SW 27th St/Strander Blvd Connection, Tukwila Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with the City of Tukwila regarding participation in the SW 27th St./Strander Blvd. Connection Project. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Transportation: Railroad Bridges Construction, BNSF Railway Company Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a letter of agreement with BNSF Railway Company regarding construction of the Hardie Ave. S., Rainier Ave. S., and Shattuck Ave. S. railroad bridges. City expenditure is $6,750,000. Council concur. Utility: Stonegate II Lift Station Alternatives Analysis, Roth Hill Engineering Partners Utility Systems Division requested approval of an agreement in the amount of $105,800 with Roth Hill Engineering Partners, LLC for services related to the Stonegate II Lift Station Alternatives Analysis Project. Council concur. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 258906 - 259337 and two wire transfers totaling $2,947,829.02; and approval of Payroll Voucher 136, one wire transfer, and 676 direct deposits totaling $2,116,829.21. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Development Services: Fee Revisions (Franchise Permit, Plan Review & Inspection, Vacation) Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the following: 1. Proposed amendments to the plan review and inspection fee, street vacation fee, and franchise permit fee; 2. The definition of "construction cost"; and 3. The placement of street vacation compensation to the Street Construction Fund for capital improvements. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 149 for ordinance.) Transportation (Aviation) Committee Transportation: Sound Transit 2 Amendment re Link Light Rail Routes & Terminals Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding the proposed Sound Transit study of a connection of a Renton-Tukwila-SeaTac- Burien corridor to central link light rail service. The proposed amendment to the "Planning for the Future" section of Sound Transit 2 would include funds for a planning study to evaluate link light rail routes and terminals including an east-west Renton-Tukwila-SeaTac-Burien corridor. The Committee recommended concurrence in the recommendation of staff to authorize the Administration to write a letter and/or testify to the Sound Transit Board in support of this amendment to Sound Transit 2. MOVED BY PALMER, April 23, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 149 SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. EDNSP: Downtown Wayfinding System, Sea Reach Ltd Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a contract with Sea Reach Ltd. in the amount of $78,820 to develop a Downtown Wayfinding System that will improve the system of signage into and around downtown. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Utilities Committee Transportation: I-405 (I-5 to SR-169) Stage 1 Widening, WSDOT Utilities Committee Chair Clawson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding utility adjustments or relocations for the I-405, I-5 to SR-169 Stage 1 Widening Project. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See below for resolution.) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: Resolution #3875 Transportation: I-405 (I-5 to SR-169) Stage 1 Widening, WSDOT A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding utility adjustments or relocations for the I-405, I-5 to SR-169 Stage 1 Widening Project. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 5/7/2007 for second and final reading: Development Services: Fee Revisions (Franchise Permit, Plan Review & Inspection, Vacation) An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-180 of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations) and 9-14-8 of Chapter 14, Vacations, of Title IX (Public Ways and Property) of City Code by adjusting fee schedules. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 5/7/2007. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and adoption: Ordinance #5277 Annexation: Hudson, Benson Rd S & SE 168th St An ordinance was read amending Ordinance 5236 by changing the effective date of the Hudson Annexation to the City of Renton to 7/31/2007 or ten days after the effective date that King County awards the signalization contract at the intersection of Benson Rd. S. and S. 31st St., whichever occurs first. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Quesenberry - Political Sign Placement Rosemary Quesenberry, 3609 SE 18th Ct., Renton, 98058, referred to City Code Section 6-14-17, Posting Notices Prohibited, and noted the language that states "…except as may be authorized or required by law." She pointed out that screwing campaign signs into public posts is disrespectful of public property. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. April 23, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 150 CARRIED. Time: 7:59 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann April 23, 2007