HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 13, 2007
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
August 13, 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; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN,
Deputy City Clerk; PETER HAHN, Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator - Transportation; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development
Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director;
MICHAEL BAILEY, Finance and Information Services Administrator;
DEPUTY CHIEF CHUCK DUFFY and FIRE MARSHALL/BATTALION
CHIEF STAN ENGLER, Fire Department; COMMANDERS FLOYD
ELDRIDGE and KATIE MCCLINCY, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Finance: Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award
Mike Bailey, Finance and Information Services Administrator, announced that
the City of Renton had once again received the Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association
(GFOA), for the fiscal year beginning 1/1/2007. He noted that the City has a
long tradition of earning the award. Mr. Bailey presented a plaque from the
GFOA, congratulated staff members who worked on the budget, and thanked
the Mayor and Council for their support.
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORT
Streets: Rainier Ave S &
Shattuck Ave S & Hardie Ave
SW Closures for RR Bridge
Replacements
Mayor Keolker announced that Rainier Ave. S., which was closed for BNSF
Railway Company’s railroad bridge replacement project, reopened ahead of
schedule. She invited Peter Hahn, Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator – Transportation, to speak on the matter. Mr. Hahn presented
photos illustrating the progress of work that occurred at various railroad bridge
construction sites. He noted that local residents and businesses did provide
some positive feedback about the various disruptions. Concluding, Mr. Hahn
thanked City officials, staff, and the contractor for their hard work on the
project. Councilmember Palmer also extended her thanks to City staff for their
hard work.
Continuing, 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:
Maplewood Golf Course hosted the 55th GSWPGA State Tournament last
week. Eighty women competed in this very successful three-day event,
with a member from Maplewood winning the championship.
The Downtown Wayfinding Project will unveil preliminary designs for
signage, gateways, and kiosks for downtown Renton. Citizens are invited
to provide input on the wayfinding elements at two public meetings on
August 16.
August 13, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 279
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Russell –
Index Pl NE, A&D Quality
Construction Company, VAC-
07-001
Kevie Russell, 2906 NE 7th St., Renton, 98056, spoke on the topic of the
vacation of a portion of Index Pl. NE. He objected to the City’s retainage of a
15-foot-wide strip, which is to be used for a walkway, out of the east portion of
the right-of-way that is to be vacated. He noted the existence of a pedestrian
right-of-way one building lot away from his house, saying that two parallel
walkways are not necessary. Pointing out that the vacation will make an
unattractive, junk-car and litter-attracting area, a productive area, Mr. Russell
requested that the Council equally divide the right-of-way.
Citizen Comment: McOmber –
Index Pl NE, A&D Quality
Construction Company, VAC-
07-001
Howard McOmber, 425 Olympia Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, displayed
photographs of the portion of Index Pl. NE under consideration for vacation.
Mr. McOmber asked Council to vacate the entire area and to accelerate the
process. He stated that Index Pl. NE is not an asset for the Highlands
neighborhood and objected to the current proposal to retain a 15-foot-wide
easement for a pedestrian right-of-way when another pedestrian walkway
already exists near the vacation area. (See page 281 and 283 for further
discussion on this matter.)
Citizen Comment: Ellifrits –
T-Mobile Monopole
Placement, SE 3rd Pl, CU-07-
065
Newton Ellifrits, 4218 SE 3rd Pl., Renton, 98059, expressed his opposition to
T-Mobile’s proposal to locate a cell phone tower in his neighborhood. Mr.
Ellifrits also asked if there were any ordinances restricting the placement of cell
phone towers in residential neighborhoods.
City Attorney Warren commented that the Environmental Review Committee is
currently reviewing the application for the cell phone tower. He indicated that
a decision from the Development Services Director should be available within
the next couple of weeks.
Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated that an ordinance does not exist
that specifically prohibits monopoles from residential neighborhoods, but noted
that staff reviews each application for potential impacts to neighborhoods.
Councilmember Corman reflected on the past and present efforts of Council
and staff to enforce rules regarding cell phone towers as allowed by Federal
regulations. He stated his assumption that companies applying for these types
of permits would know that placement of monopoles in commercial areas was
preferred over residential areas.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. As requested by Councilmember Persson, item 6.e. was removed for
separate consideration.
Appointment: Airport
Advisory Committee
Mayor Keolker reappointed the following individuals to the Airport Advisory
Committee for three year terms expiring on 5/7/2010: Highlands neighborhood
representative Michael O’Halloran, 4420 SE 4th St., Renton, 98059, primary;
North Renton neighborhood representative Richard Zwicker, 446 Pelly Ave. N.,
Renton, 98057, primary; Renton Hill/Monterey Terrace neighborhood
representatives Michael Schultz, 150 Monterey Dr. NE, Renton, 98056,
primary, and Dina Davis, 433 Cedar Ave. S., Renton, 98057, alternate; Airport
Leaseholders representatives Michael O’Leary, 22823 NE 54th St., Redmond,
98053, primary, and Frank Marshall, 3521 SW 327th St., Federal Way, 98023,
alternate; and Airport-at-Large representative Diane Paholke, 325 Edmonds
Ave. SE, Renton, 98056, primary. Council concur.
August 13, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 280
Appointment: Planning
Commission
Mayor Keolker appointed the following individuals to the Planning
Commission: Casey Bui, 1150 Sunset Blvd. NE, #216, Renton, 98056 (term
expires 6/30/2010); Yong Lee, 2103 Kennewick Pl. NE, Renton, 98056 (to fill
the unexpired term, 1/31/2008, of Joshua Shearer who resigned); and Brad
Miller, 1807 NE 26th Pl., Renton, 98056 (term expires 6/30/2010). Refer to
Community Services Committee.
Development Services: Hunny
Short Plat, ROW Dedication,
Thomas Ave SW, SHP-06-154
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of a deed of
dedication for additional right-of-way at the southeast corner of Thomas Ave.
SW and SW 3rd Pl. to fulfill a requirement of the Hunny Short Plat (SHP-06-
154). Council concur.
Annexation: Anthone’, Talbot
Rd S & S 55th St
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended setting a public hearing on 9/10/2007 to consider the proposed
Anthone’ Annexation and R-4 zoning of the 4.85-acre site located south of S.
55th St. and Talbot Rd. S. Council concur.
Police: Red Light School Zone
Photo Enforcement, American
Traffic Solutions
Police Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of
$306,000 (full year) with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. for red light school
zone photo enforcement services. Council concur.
Transportation: 2007 Walkway
Improvement Project, Pacific
Engineering Design
Transportation Systems Division requested approval of a contract in the amount
of $152,056.63 with Pacific Engineering Design, LLC, for the 2007 Walkway
Improvement Project. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
Airport: Noise Study Cost
Sharing, Mercer Island
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with
the City of Mercer Island regarding cost sharing for an airport noise study.
Council concur. (See page 282 for resolution.)
Airport: Noise Study, Harris
Miller Miller & Hanson
Transportation Systems Division requested approval to transfer $149,000 from
the Airport 608 Hangar Expansion and Airport 622 Hangar Rehabilitation
projects to the Airport Layout Plan project for a noise study, and approval of a
contract in the amount of $131,050 with Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, Inc. to
conduct the airport noise study. Council concur.
Utility: Benson Rd S Water
Line Relocation, WSDOT
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with
Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the construction of
the relocation of the water line at Benson Rd. S. and I-405. City’s estimated
share of the construction cost is $580,000. Refer to Utilities Committee.
Added Item 6.k.
CAG: 07-140, Benson Rd S
Water Line Relocation,
Ceccanti
City Clerk reported bid opening on 8/9/2007 for CAG-07-140, Water Line
Relocation for Realignment of Benson Rd. S. and I-405 Overpass Project; six
bids; engineer’s estimate $958,918.95; and submitted staff recommendation to
award the contract to the low bidder, Ceccanti, Inc., in the amount of
$869,421.66. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO ADD ITEM 6.k. AND
REMOVE ITEM 6.e. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 6.e.
Transportation: Roads &
Transit Ballot Measure,
November 2007
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended a public meeting be set on 8/20/2007 to consider supporting the
regional Roads and Transit ballot measure.*
In response to Councilmember Persson’s inquiry, City Attorney Warren stated
that parties representing both sides of the issue would be present at the public
August 13, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 281
meeting.
*MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE
ITEM 6.e. AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
Council: Policies
Council President Nelson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding
the Council policies. The Committee recommended that Council adopt the
revisions to City of Renton Policies and Procedures 800-01, 800-02, 800-03,
and 800-04. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval
of Claim Vouchers 262337-262809 and four wire transfers totaling
$4,378,309.53; and approval of 315 Payroll Vouchers, two wire transfers, and
733 direct deposits totaling $3,368,501.48. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance: Water Shut Off
Charge Adjustments for
Special Circumstances
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence with the staff recommendation that the Finance and Information
Services Administrator, or his/her designee, be given authority to adjust $60
water shut off charges on utility accounts, under special circumstances. The
committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be
presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See
page 282 for ordinance.)
Finance: Capital Expenditure
Reimbursement from Utility
Bond Revenue
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to declare the City’s intent that certain
capital expenditures be made for water, wastewater and surface water utility
projects, and that reimbursement be made from utility revenue bonds to be
issued in the Fall of 2007. The projects are as follows:
Utility Project Budget Timing
Water Highlands 565 $3,280,000 2007/2008
Wastewater Central Plateau $2,225,000 2007/2008
Surface Water SW 34th $1,335,000 2007/2008
Renton Village $1,115,000 2007/2008
The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter
be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED
BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED. (See page 282 for resolution.)
Court Case: Scoccolo
Construction, CRT-98-008
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the Scoccolo
lawsuit costs. The Committee was briefed on 8/13/2007 and recommended
closure of the referral. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development
Committee
Vacation: Index Pl NE, A&D
Quality Construction
Company, VAC-07-001
Noting that the report concerning the vacation of Index Pl. NE is being held in
Committee, Councilmember Briere commented on the location of the 15-foot
walkway easement, the agreement between the two affected property owners,
the existence of other walkways in the area, and the Trails and Bicycle Master
Plan study. She indicated that within approximately one year, the City should
August 13, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 282
know the results of the trail study, and at that point affected property owner
Kevie Russell could petition for a vacation of the easement-affected property if
it was found that the City did not need the easement.
Responding to Councilmember Corman’s questions, Ms. Briere confirmed that
by upholding Council’s approval of the vacation petition, which includes
retention of an easement for a walkway, one property owner can move forward
with his project and the other must wait. Ms. Briere noted that she wants the
Committee report to reflect that the filing fees for Mr. Russell’s future vacation
petition will be waived.
Councilmember Clawson noted that neither party would benefit if the property
were vacated down the middle. (See page 283 for further discussion on this
matter.)
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3899
Airport: Noise Study Cost
Sharing, Mercer Island
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an
interlocal agreement between the cities of Renton and Mercer Island regarding
an Aviation Noise Study. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY LAW,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3900
Finance: Capital Expenditure
Reimbursement from Utility
Bond Revenue
A resolution was read approving certain expenditures for reimbursement from
the proceeds of debt to be issued in the future. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS
READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 8/20/2007 for second and final reading:
Finance: Water Shut Off
Charge Adjustments for
Special Circumstances
An ordinance was read amending Section 8-4-34 of City Code by adding
Subsection C. providing for discretion in administration of the fees provided for
therein. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL
REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON
8/20/2007. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5298
Human Services: Summer
Lunch & Housing Repair
Assistance Programs, Budget
Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 General Fund Budget to appropriate
$37,734 for the 2007 Summer Lunch and Housing Repair Assistance Programs,
which are funded by grant revenues. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED
BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL
CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5299
Utility: Upper Springbrook
Creek Restoration, King
Conservation District Number
9, Budget Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 Budget by increasing the amount of
funds in the Surface Water revenue account and expenditure account by
$50,000 pursuant to the Upper Springbrook Creek Restoration project
agreement with the King Conservation District Number 9. MOVED BY
CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Community Services:
Maplewood Golf Course,
RiverRock Restaurant Noise
Councilmember Persson inquired about the status of the complaint of noise
emanating from the RiverRock Restaurant at Maplewood Golf Course. Chief
Administrative Officer Covington stated that numerous attempts to measure the
noise level from the complainant’s property have been unsuccessful due to the
August 13, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 283
complainant not allowing City employees on his property. Mayor Keolker
reported that City employees had been sent to the area at 1:00 a.m. on a night
when music was playing and they could not hear the music. City Attorney
Warren stated that a sound barrier was being installed to further reduce noise
emissions from the band area.
Public Works: Graffiti on
Private Property
In response to Councilmember Persson’s inquiry, City Attorney Warren stated
that there is no specific ordinance regulating the removal of graffiti from
private property. Mayor Keolker pointed out that the City does have a policy
regarding removal of graffiti from public property. MOVED BY LAW,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF GRAFFITI
ON PRIVATE PROPERTY TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.
CARRIED.
Development Services:
Driveway Widths
Councilmember Law voiced concerns over the width of allowed driveways, and
access in and out of the driveways. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY
PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF THE WIDTH OF
DRIVEWAYS TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.*
Councilmember Persson noted the safety issues related to accessing the
driveways.
*MOTION CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Demps -
Index Pl NE, A&D Quality
Construction Company, VAC-
07-001
Keith Demps, 2308 NE 24th St., Renton, 98056, spoke on the issue of his
request to vacate a portion of Index Pl. NE. Indicating that he has already gone
through the vacation process, Mr. Demps asked Council to consider vacating
the entire area, rather than retaining a portion for a walkway, as it is holding up
his development project. He also noted the existence of another trail that is
approximately 150 feet away from the vacation area.
Discussion ensued regarding the appropriateness of vacating the entire area
while the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan study is pending, the need for two
walkways in the area, concern about short-circuiting the study, providing for
input from the Highlands neighborhood, accelerating the walkway study, the
benefits of the potential development projects, the possibility of allowing a
variance due to the lot sizes, the underlying ownership of the property, and the
need for the City to clean up and maintain the property.
Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated that the Trails and Bicycle
Master Plan study is to be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on
August 20, and staff will be prepared to discuss this specific area.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON , COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:03 p.m.
Michele Neumann, Deputy City Clerk
Recorder: Jason Seth
August 13, 2007