HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 18, 2007
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
June 18, 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; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER;
TERRI BRIERE; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON. MOVED BY NELSON,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT
COUNCILMEMBER RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative
Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City
Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; DON
ERICKSON, Senior Planner; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI
SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; CHIEF I. DAVID DANIELS, Fire
Department; COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATIONS
Regional Issues: Puget Sound
Regional Council Vision 2040
Ivan Miller, Principal Planner with Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC),
gave a presentation on VISION 2040, which updates the 1995 VISION 2020
planning strategy. He explained that the role of VISION 2040 is an
overreaching and long-range growth management, economic, and transportation
strategy for the central Puget Sound region. The functional transportation and
economic plans provide an additional level of detail, and the strategy integrates
regional objectives and provides broad direction. Mr. Miller pointed out that
what drives the VISION update is how and where future growth can be
accommodated while protecting the environment, economic prosperity, and
overall quality of life.
Mr. Miller reviewed each of the four parts that are contained in VISION 2040,
which are: environmental framework, regional growth strategy, multicounty
planning policies, and actions and measures. He stated that the value of the
strategy to local governments is as follows: regional context for local decision
making, work together to bend growth trends, and address issues that are
difficult to resolve at the individual jurisdiction level. In conclusion, Mr.
Miller noted the VISION 2040 participation opportunities at upcoming open
houses.
Economic Development Administrator Pietsch said when the VISION 2040
document is adopted and the multicounty planning policies are established, the
King County Growth Management Planning Council will take the preferred
growth alternative and integrate it throughout King County. He explained that
cities in King County will be expected to accommodate many new people by
2040, and Renton will review its capacity to determine whether any
amendments need to be made to zoning and land use regulations. Mr. Pietsch
noted that Renton is meeting the VISION 2020 growth targets, and will be able
to accommodate growth by 2040 without significant policy shifts.
City Clerk: Comcast Cable
Overview
Assistant CAO Wine noted that the City is considering the renewal of the
franchise with Comcast Cable, and she introduced Terry Davis, Regional
Director of Franchising and Government Affairs for Comcast, who gave an
overview of the services that the cable company provides. Mr. Davis pointed
June 18, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 208
out that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated the barriers to
competition, and since then, Comcast has invested over $40 billion in
broadband technologies. He stated that Renton has approximately 19,000 cable
subscribers and the amount of franchise fees and utility taxes Comcast paid to
the City in 2006 was $1,517,010.
Regarding analog transition, Mr. Davis reported that as of the Congress-set
deadline date of 2/17/2009, broadcasters will no longer be able to broadcast
their signal through the analog spectrum. Therefore, Comcast is working to
make sure its video services, such as bandwidth management, digital simulcast,
and video on demand, are robust, and that digital-quality service demands can
be met. He further reported that technology improvements are increasing high-
speed Internet speeds. Mr. Davis pointed out that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled
that the Internet is not a cable modem service, but an interstate information
service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Continuing, Mr. Davis reported that Comcast has invested in competitive phone
service, and is employing technologies to provide better customer service and
better monitoring of its system. He stated that there are 750 local customer
service representatives based in Fife and Everett, with a third call center
scheduled to open in Lynnwood in July 2007. Concluding, Mr. Davis noted the
FCC 621(a)(1) Report and Order regarding how much can be regulated and
negotiated under a contract, and the proposed Statewide franchising bill.
Councilmember Briere pointed out the lack of a service location where new
cable boxes can be picked up in the Renton area.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Annexation: Aster Park, NE
Sunset Blvd
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 annexation and R-4 zoning of 19.85 acres, including the SR-900
right-of-way, located along the south side of NE Sunset Blvd. (SR-900), west of
148th Ave. SE, north of SE 112th St., if extended, and east of 144th Ave. SE, if
extended (Aster Park).
Senior Planner Erickson reported that the site contains a new 37-lot single-
family subdivision, two existing homes, and the 37-space Fir Grove Mobile
Home Park. Mr. Erickson indicated that the site slopes to the south on its
eastern portion and to the southwest (towards Honey Creek) on its western
portion. Public services are provided by Fire District #10, Water District #90,
Renton sewer, and the Issaquah School District.
Mr. Erickson stated that current King County zoning for the annexation site is
R-48, 48 dwelling units per gross acre, and R-4, which bonuses up to six units
per gross acre. The area is designated Residential Low Density by Renton's
Comprehensive Plan, for which R-4 (four dwelling units per net acre) zoning is
recommended. He noted that staff is currently working on a text amendment to
allow Residential Manufactured Home Park zoning under the Residential Low
Density land use designation.
Turning to the fiscal impact analysis that assumes a potential of 61 single-
family homes at full development and a new assessed home value of $500,000,
Mr. Erickson estimated a deficit of $8,707 at current development, and a
surplus of $23,892 at full development. The estimated one-time parks
development cost is $27,724. Mr. Erickson concluded that the proposed
annexation is within the best interests and general welfare of the City, and
furthers City business goals.
June 18, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 209
Public comment was invited.
Donald Arsenault, PO Box 1492, Tacoma, 98401, stated that he is a
commercial investment real estate broker representing the owner of the Fir
Grove Mobile Home Park property. He noted the loss of property value due to
the rezone, wanting assurance that an 80-unit use is possible on the property.
Additionally, Mr. Arsenault questioned whether zoning bonuses apply to the
mobile home park site.
Mr. Erickson indicated that Renton does not currently provide a bonus
mechanism, and that the allowable use would be determined during the
environmental review process.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL BEGIN
EFFECTUATING THE 19.85-ACRE ASTER PARK ANNEXATION BY
HOLDING FIRST READING OF THE ANNEXATION ORDINANCE, AND
BEGIN CONCURRENT REZONING OF THE NON-STREET PORTIONS OF
THE SITE BY HOLDING FIRST READING OF THE ORDINANCE
REZONING SIX ACRES FROM KING COUNTY'S R-48 ZONE TO
RENTON'S R-4 ZONE AND BY HOLDING FIRST READING OF THE
ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 12.17 ACRES FROM KING
COUNTY'S R-4 ZONE TO RENTON'S R-4 ZONE. CARRIED. (See page
211 for ordinances.)
Annexation: Marshall, Duvall
Ave NE & NE Sunset Blvd
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 60% Petition to Annex and R-8 zoning for the proposed
Marshall Annexation; 7.6 acres located adjacent and immediately west of
Duvall Ave. NE, just north of the commercial development at the northwest
corner of Duvall Ave. NE and NE Sunset Blvd. The western boundary is
Anacortes Ave. NE, if extended, and the northern boundary is NE 17th St., if
extended.
Senior Planner Erickson stated that the site, which is completely surrounded by
the City, contains 26 single-family dwellings. The relatively-flat site drains to
Honey Creek via City facilities on Duvall Ave. NE. Reviewing the public
services, he said the site is served by Fire District #25, Renton water and sewer,
and the Renton School District. Mr. Erickson relayed that the
Planning/Building/Public Works Department noted the following: the 2005
King County Surface Water Design Manual should be used at the time of future
development, existing water mains are old and undersized and need to be
replaced, and existing streets will need resurfacing to come up to City
standards.
Mr. Erickson explained that existing King County zoning is R-4 (four dwelling
units per gross acre), and the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as
Residential Single Family, for which R-8 zoning is proposed. He noted the
existence of a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment for this area, pointing
out that the Planning Commission feels that any rezoning along Duvall Ave. NE
is untimely, as major widening of Duvall is proposed and residential
accessibility will be compromised during construction.
June 18, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 210
Continuing, Mr. Erickson reported that the fiscal impact analysis indicates a
deficit of $3,009 at current development and a surplus of $4,429 at full
development. The one-time parks acquisition and development cost is
estimated at $33,102. In conclusion, he stated that the annexation proposal is
consistent with City policies and Boundary Review Board objectives.
In response to Council inquiries, Mr. Erickson indicated that private roads will
remain private if the area is annexed, and they are not eligible for resurfacing
by the City. He confirmed that the existing CPA business would be
grandfathered in as a non-conforming use, and the site cannot be redeveloped
until it is rezoned.
Public comment was invited.
Charles Grass said he owns the CPA firm property at 10733 138th Ave. SE,
Renton, 98059, which has been vacant since November. Reporting that he
intends to redevelop the property as an office building, Mr. Grass stated his
belief that the property should be commercial as it abuts commercial activity to
the south and has been used in commercial activities in the past. He
encouraged Council to annex and rezone the property into a commercial
activity.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL: ACCEPT
THE MARSHALL ANNEXATION 60% DIRECT PETITION TO ANNEX;
AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUBMIT THE NOTICE OF
INTENT PACKAGE TO THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD, AND
CONSIDER R-8 ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY
DESIGNATION IF THE AREA SUBSEQUENTLY ANNEXES. CARRIED.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment and
the non-conforming legal use status of the existing structure on Mr. Grass's
property.
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 Coulon Family Concert Series will be held every Wednesday, from
June 27 through August 15, with the Renton City Concert Band kicking off
this summer's entertainment schedule.
The City of Renton Clean Sweep! Program continues, with participating
neighborhood organizations taking part in the Neighborhood Cleanup event
on June 23. On June 30, occupants of all single-family residences can
place a variety of unwanted materials at their curbside for free pickup
during the Load Zone Neighbor-to-Neighbor Curbside Cleanup event.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: O'Halloran -
Heritage Park
Mike O'Halloran, 4420 SE 4th St., Renton, 98059, said the dedication of
Heritage Park located on Union Ave. NE occurred last Saturday, and he
thanked the City for funding the new park. Mayor Keolker expressed her
June 18, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 211
appreciation to Mr. O'Halloran and the other Municipal Arts Commission
members for commissioning a piece of artwork for the park.
Citizen Comment: Aquino -
Heritage Park
Tarron Aquino, 4317 SE 4th Pl., Renton, 98059, stated that she also attended
the Heritage Park dedication. She pointed out that on that day, she noticed
many people walking and playing outside, and expressed her hope that the trend
continues. Ms. Aquino voiced her appreciation for the park.
Citizen Comment: Clifford -
Renton Transit Center Safety
Chris Clifford, 2721 Talbot Rd. S., Renton, 98055, expressed concern regarding
the continuing and escalating problems with violence and unacceptable
behavior at the Renton Transit Center. Stating that the Renton police are doing
the best they can, he stressed that King County Metro needs to help Renton deal
with the safety problems and encouraged Council to pursue their assistance.
Mr. Clifford noted that in Everett, an affected bus run was rerouted away from
the transit center in efforts to curb the problems. He feared that problems at the
transit center will negatively affect the vitality of the downtown area.
Councilmember Clawson indicated that statistics are not showing an escalation
of violence at the transit center. He stated that the City, the school district, and
King County have been working together to reduce the problems, and he
emphasized that Renton is actively addressing the matter.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
6/11/2007
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 6/11/2007. Council concur.
Court Case: Jessica Warden,
CRT-07-005
Court Case filed on behalf of Jessica Warden by Albert M. Raines challenging
the alleged unlawful detention of Ms. Warden relating to a 3/16/2007 DUI
charge in Renton Municipal Court. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance
Services.
Court Case: Yakima County,
CRT-07-006
Court Case filed by Yakima County claiming Renton was not entitled to
terminate the agreement for the housing of inmates by Yakima County
Department of Corrections for cause. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance
Services.
Finance: Utility Bill
Adjustment, Renton Housing
Authority
Finance and Information Services Department submitted request from the
Renton Housing Authority for a utility bill adjustment due to a water leak and
recommended granting the adjustment in the amount of $14,158.35. Refer to
Finance Committee.
Fire: Hazardous Materials
Position Conversion
Fire Department recommended approval of the conversion of the Hazardous
Materials Specialist position (Local 2170) to a uniformed Lieutenant position
(Local 864) assigned as a Hazardous Materials Coordinator. Council concur.
CAG: 06-066, Airport
Entrance Rehabilitation,
Construct Co
Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-06-066, Airport Entrance
Rehabilitation; and requested approval of the project, commencement of 60-day
lien period, and release of retained amount of $19,133.42 to Construct Co.,
contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 6/25/2007 for second and final reading:
Annexation: Aster Park, NE An ordinance was read annexing approximately 19.85 acres of property located
June 18, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 212
Sunset Blvd immediately south of NE Sunset Blvd. and immediately west of 148th Ave. SE
(Aster Park Annexation). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING ON 6/25/2007. CARRIED.
Annexation: Aster Park, R-4
Zoning (12.17 Acres)
An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification for approximately
12.17 acres located immediately south of the south side of NE Sunset Blvd. on
the north, west of the west side of 148th Ave. SE, and north of the midpoint of
SE 112th St., if extended, on the south, from R-4 (Urban Residential - four
dwelling units per acre, King County zoning) to R-4 (Residential - four
dwelling units per acre, Renton zoning); Aster Park Annexation. MOVED BY
BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE
ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 6/25/2007.
CARRIED.
Annexation: Aster Park, R-4
Zoning (6 Acres)
An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification for approximately
six acres located immediately south of the south side of NE Sunset Blvd. on the
north, west of the new Aster Park Subdivision, and north of the midpoint of SE
112th St., if extended, on the south, from R-48 (Urban Residential - 48 dwelling
units per acre, King County zoning) to R-4 (Residential - four dwelling units
per acre, Renton zoning); Aster Park Annexation. MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 6/25/2007. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5291
Fire: Assistance to Firefighters
Grant, Purchase of Self-
Contained Breathing
Apparatus, Budget Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 Budget to authorize $429,420 from
grant reimbursement to the general fund balance for the purpose of purchasing
equipment for the Renton Fire Department. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED
BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL
CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5292
Fire: Emergency Management
Performance Grant, WA State
Military Department, Budget
Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 Budget by using $66,714 from the
Fund 000 fund balance for the purpose of supplemental funding to support the
City's emergency management program. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY
BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL:
ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Citizen Comment: Heuschel -
IKEA Performing Arts Center
Reporting receipt of a letter from Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, Renton School
District Superintendent, 300 SW 7th St., Renton, 98057, requesting financial
assistance for the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, it was MOVED BY
LAW, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:40 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
June 18, 2007