HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 8, 2007
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 8, 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. MOVED BY NELSON,
SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT
COUNCILMEMBER DAN CLAWSON. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney;
BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN,
Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA,
Community Services Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director;
PETER RENNER, Facilities Director; GERALD RERECICH, Recreation
Director; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; ERIKA
CONKLING, Senior Planner; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; DEPUTY
CHIEF CHUCK DUFFY, Fire Department; COMMANDER DAVID
LEIBMAN, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Community Services: Summer
Activities/Henry Moses
Aquatic Center Report
Community Services Administrator Higashiyama presented a report on the
programs, events, and activities offered by the Community Services Department
during the summer. She highlighted events such as the opening of Heritage
Park, the completion of the first public property tree inventory, and the annual
kids fishing derby; programs such as summer lunches, day camps, and
scholarships; and activities such as Summerfest 2007 (drop-in playground
activities), senior co-ed softball team, and numerous classes.
Ms. Higashiyama noted the volunteer opportunities and programs, saying that
year-to-date, volunteer hours total 20,990. She also noted the partnerships with
cities, agencies, and City departments. Regarding the Henry Moses Aquatic
Center, Ms. Higashiyama stated that attendance totaled 63,273, and the new
twilight swim sessions were held on 28 evenings. In conclusion, she indicated
that in 2008, the Community Services Department will maintain and increase
partnerships, expand marketing opportunities, and support a healthy community
through wellness programs and physical activity.
Mayor Keolker expressed her appreciation for all of staff's hard work.
Regarding the beach closures during the summer (due to unacceptable levels of
bacteria), Councilmember Corman noted Renton's contribution to the regional
effort to clean up the lake water, and the department's efficient management of
the closures.
PUBLIC HEARING
Finance: Impact Fees, Issaquah
& Kent School Districts
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 collection of impact fees for the Issaquah and Kent school
districts.
Senior Planner Conkling explained that Renton currently collects an impact fee
on behalf of the Issaquah School District in the amount of $6,136 per new
single-family home built within the City limits. She pointed out that the school
district is now requesting the collection of a fee in the amount of $6,021.
October 8, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 349
Ms. Conkling reported that the City collects an impact fee in the amount of
$4,928 per new single-family home on behalf of the Kent School District. She
relayed the school district's request for the collection of a fee in the amount of
$5,110. Additionally, the school district is requesting an impact fee in the
amount of $3,146 for each new multi-family unit. Ms. Conkling explained that
multi-family units may occur if the Benson Hill Communities Annexation area,
which has proposed prezoning that would allow the construction of new multi-
family units, is annexed into the City of Renton.
Continuing, Ms. Conkling explained that both of the school districts are
responding to growth by proposing improvements to schools serving Renton
residents. Assessment of the full impact fees ensures that those who contribute
to growth pay a share of the growth-related costs. Ms. Conkling stated that
staff recommends adoption of the requested single-family impact fee for both
school districts, and adoption of the new multi-family impact fee for the Kent
School District. She noted that this matter will be reviewed by the Finance
Committee on October 22.
Public comment was invited.
Craig Christensen (Mill Creek), representing the Issaquah School District,
explained that the school district annually updates its Six-Year Capital
Facilities Plan, which identifies how growth will be accommodated, and
calculates impact fees that help fund capital requirements. He indicated that
funds designated to build a middle school in the 2006 plan were reallocated in
the 2007 plan to instead increase the size of the high schools to accommodate
the growth. Mr. Christensen pointed out that the reduction in the impact fee is
due to this reallocation.
Gwenn Escher-Derdowski (Kent), Kent School District Planning Administrator,
stated that impact fees from new developments in the proposed annexation
areas (Anthone´ and Benson Hill Communities) represent a continued savings
to existing taxpayers in the form of reduction in the dollar amounts of new
construction bond issues, as well as savings in interest. She explained that
impact fees that may be assessed in future construction proposals will not be
new fees but rather replacement of fees that would have been assessed when the
property was under King County's jurisdiction. Ms. Escher-Derdowski noted
that Panther Lake Elementary School, which is located in the general vicinity of
the two annexation areas, is to be replaced.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY NELSON,
SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
Councilmember Corman expressed his appreciation for the input from the
representatives of the school districts, particularly the information about the
new schools being built and the reasons for the reduction in the Issaquah
School District impact fee.
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORT
Assistant CAO Wine 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:
Everyone is invited to stroll the streets of downtown Renton to enjoy
scarecrows and festive fall decorations in business windows and
October 8, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 350
storefronts.
Sunset Court Park will be closed while the existing 30-year-old irrigation
system is removed and replaced between October 29 and November 1.
BNSF Railway Company is in the process of replacing four railroad bridges
in Renton. The Cedar River Bridge near the library has been rolled to the
south and is no longer in position over the river. It will be dismantled and
transported away this week. Meanwhile, pile driving for the replacement
bridge on Hardie Ave. SW is complete and has moved to Rainier Ave. The
Shattuck Ave. Bridge replacement should be completed in the near future.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
10/1/2007
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 10/1/2007. Council concur.
Finance: Bond Issuance,
Utility Capital Projects
Finance and Information Services Department requested approval of the
issuance of Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, 2007, in the approximate amount
of $21.2 million for various utility capital projects and to refinance outstanding
bonds to lower overall costs. The projects include: Hazen 565-Zone Reservoir,
Emergency Power to Pump Stations, Summerwind/Stonegate Lift Station
Replacement, Renton Village Storm System Improvement, Gypsy Basin/Ripley
Lane Storm System Improvement, Central Plateau Interceptor Phase 2, and SW
34th St. Culvert Replacement. Refer to Committee of the Whole.
Finance: King County
Directors Association
Purchase Agreement, Field
Turf for Maplewood Golf
Course
Finance and Information Services Department recommended approval of a
purchasing agreement with King County Directors' Association in order to
purchase the installation and repair of field turf for the Maplewood Golf Course
from Atlas Track and Tennis. Council concur. (See page 352 for resolution.)
Fire: Defibrillators & Renton
Heart Month Funding
Campaign, Budget Amend
Fire Department requested authorization for the appropriation and expenditure
of money to purchase six public access defibrillators ($10,000), and to fund the
2007 ($9,200) and 2008 ($10,000) Renton Heart Month campaigns. Council
concur. (See page 353 for ordinance.)
Transportation: Maple Valley
Hwy (SR-169) HOV/Queue
Jump Phase 2, WSDOT
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with
Washington State Department of Transportation who is providing funding in
the amount of $292,100 towards the Maple Valley Hwy. (SR-169),
HOV/Queue Jump Phase 2 project. Council concur.
Added Item
7.f.
Legal: Settlement Agreement,
Plat Application, MT
Development
Legal Division recommended approval of a settlement agreement with MT
Development, LLC regarding processing a plat application for 18 single-family
building lots, located in the vicinity of Talbot Rd. S. and S. 55th St., based upon
applicable King County development regulations in effect prior to annexation
(Anthone´) of the MT property. Council concur. Refer to Committee of the
Whole.
Added Item
7.g.
CAG: 04-013, North Renton
Infrastructure Improvements,
W&H Pacific
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Supplemental
Agreement No. 9 to CAG-04-013, agreement with W&H Pacific, Inc., for the
design of the Logan Ave. N. Bike Lane in the amount of $45,000 for the South
Lake Washington Roadway Improvements Project. Approval was also sought
to allocate the funding from Fund 318, South Lake Washington Infrastructure
Project. Council concur.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE
October 8, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 351
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO CHANGE ITEM 7.f. FROM
"Council concur" TO "Refer to Committee of the Whole." CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
Utility: Cost of Service Water
Rate Structure
Council President Nelson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding
the 2008 cost of service water rate structure proposal. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the 2008
cost of service rate structure as proposed: expand to five customer classes with
adjusted commodity rates, expand to three consumption blocks for single
family/duplex (0 to 599, 600 to 1,400 and over 1,400 cubic feet per month), and
adjust meter charges for all customer classes.
It is understood that formal Council action on the City's 2008 cost of service
water rate structure will be conducted as part of the City Council's upcoming
2008 Budget review and approval process, and will be implemented as part of
the 2008 utility rates ordinance. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY
CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Utility: Senior & Disabled &
Low-Income Utility Rates
Council President Nelson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding
the 2008 senior/disabled/low-income rates proposal. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to lower the eligibility
age to 61 years, and to use the King County income threshold for property tax
relief programs for the 40 percent discount level ($35,000 for 2007) for the
senior/disabled/low-income rates program. It is understood that formal Council
action on the City's 2008 senior/disabled/low-income rates will be conducted as
part of the City Council's upcoming 2008 Budget review and approval process,
and will be implemented as part of the 2008 utility rates ordinance. MOVED
BY NELSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utility: NPDES Stormwater
Permit Program Request &
Surface Water Utility Rates
Council President Nelson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II
Municipal Stormwater Permit new program and rate increase. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the Surface
Water Utility's new program request required to comply with the NPDES Phase
II permit, authorizing 4.7 new FTEs (full time employees) and a surface water
utility rate increase of $1.32 per month for single-family customers (23 percent
for all other customers) in 2008 necessary to fund the new program.
The Committee further authorized the use of the equipment rental fund (Fund
501) to purchase the equipment (vactor truck) needed for the new program with
the Surface Water Utility repaying the equipment rental fund over a five-year
period. It is understood that formal Council action on the City's 2008 NPDES
Phase II permit compliance will be conducted as part of the City Council's
upcoming 2008 Budget review and approval process, and will be implemented
as part of the 2008 utility rates ordinance. MOVED BY NELSON,
SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval
of Claim Vouchers 264578 - 265075 and two wire transfers totaling
$3,563,369.75; and approval of 145 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and
675 direct deposits totaling $2,151,798.44. MOVED BY PERSSON,
October 8, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 352
SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance: Utility Bill
Adjustment, Maplewood LLC
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the request for
utility bill adjustment by Maplewood LLC (apartment community).
Maplewood LLC requested an adjustment to their utility bills for two billing
periods (four months) due to a leak. The adjustment requested was $16,455.76.
The total bill for these billing periods is $24,571.75. The leak period covered
three billing periods, August through December 2006.
Ordinance 5210 specifies adjustment to a maximum of two billing periods (four
months). The ordinance requires that a request for adjustment be made within
60 days of discovery of the leak. Notices of high consumption were sent to
Maplewood LLC on 8/24/2006 and 12/20/2006. The leak was not repaired
within the 60-day period after the date of the first high consumption notice.
The request for a billing adjustment was received more than 60 days from the
first notice.
The Committee recommended granting an adjustment in the amount of
$8,346.78 for the August 2006 consumption and for half of the October 2006
consumption. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance: Utility Bill
Adjustment, Friends of Youth
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the request for
utility bill adjustment by Friends of Youth. Friends of Youth requested an
adjustment to a back utility bill representing 4 1/2 years of unbilled
consumption totaling $10,426.04. The unbilled consumption resulted from a
stuck meter that did not register usage. Friends of Youth has paid $5,200
towards this back utility bill, leaving a balance of $5,226.04. Friends of Youth
is a non-profit organization and as such this unexpected back utility bill impacts
their budget.
The Committee recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to
approve Friends of Youth's request for an adjustment in the amount of
$5,226.04. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation: Principal Civil
Engineer-Transportation
Systems Division Position
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the reclassification of a
Civil Engineer III position to a new position of Principal Civil Engineer-
Transportation Systems Division. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
SAD: Earlington Sewer
Interceptor
Utilities Committee Vice Chair Briere presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the preliminary Earlington
Sewer Interceptor Special Assessment District. The Committee further
recommended that staff proceed with the establishment of the final special
assessment district upon completion of the construction of the Earlington Sewer
Interceptor project. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3908
Finance: King County
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an
interlocal cooperative agreement between the City of Renton and King County
October 8, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 353
Directors Association
Purchase Agreement, Field
Turf for Maplewood Golf
Course
Directors' Association to purchase certain merchandise, such as field turf for
the Maplewood Golf Course. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 10/15/2007 for second and final reading:
Fire: Defibrillators & Renton
Heart Month Campaign
Funding, Budget Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 Budget by using $29,200 from Fund
010 fund balance for the purpose of funding the City of Renton's 2007 and 2008
Renton Heart Month campaigns ($19,200) and for purchasing six public access
defibrillators ($10,000). MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL
READING ON 10/15/2007. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5309
Planning: Owner-Occupied
Housing Incentive Extension
and Modification
An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-210, Waived Fees, of Chapter 1,
Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations) of
City Code by extending and modifying the waiver of certain development and
mitigation fees related to owner-occupied housing incentives. MOVED BY
LAW, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE
AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5310
Police: Time Limit on
Extended Parking on ROW or
Municipal Property
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 10-10 of Title X (Traffic) of City
Code by adding a new Section 10-10-14, Extended Unauthorized Parking,
related to establishing a time limit on extended parking on City right-of-way
and imposing fines. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY BRIERE,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5311
Police: VSRT Armored
Personnel Carrier Purchase,
Budget Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 Budget by reflecting incoming
revenue in the amount of $50,000 from Valley Narcotics and Enforcement
Team to the General Fund balance and an expenditure for the purpose of
purchasing an armored personnel carrier for the Valley Special Response Team.
MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Development Services:
Basketball Hoops on Public
ROW
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER
THE ISSUE OF BASKETBALL HOOPS ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY TO
THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Utility: Low-Income & Senior
Utility Rates
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER
THE ISSUE OF LOW-INCOME AND SENIOR CITIZEN UTILITY RATES
TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Police: Misdemeanant Jail
Facility Study
MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE
MISDEMEANANT JAIL FACILITY STUDY TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
EDNSP: Downtown
Wayfinding System
Councilmember Corman pointed out that examples of the downtown
wayfinding system signage can be found on the City's website.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:07 p.m.
October 8, 2007 Renton City Council Minutes Page 354
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
October 8, 2007