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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes 05-04-20261. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT Ruth Pérez, Council President James Alberson, Jr., Council Position No. 1 Carmen Rivera, Council Position No. 2 Valerie O'Halloran, Council Position No. 3 Ryan McIrvin, Council Position No. 4 Ed Prince, Council Position No. 5 Kim-Khánh Vaҽn, Council Position No. 7 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRESENT Armondo Pavone, Mayor Ed VanValey, Chief Administrative Officer Shane Moloney, City Attorney Jason Seth, City Clerk Kristi Rowland, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks & Recreation Administrator Gina Estep, Community & Economic Development Administrator Kari Roller, Finance Administrator Martin Pastucha, Public Works Administrator Matt Herrera, Planning Director Amanda Free, Economic Development Director Jennifer Spencer, Recreation Director Laura Pettitt, Communications & Engagement Director Stephanie Rary, Property Services Specialist Commander Sue Hassinger, Police Department ATTENDED REMOTELY Judith Subia, Chief of Staff Melissa McCain, Public Disclosure Program Manager/Deputy City Clerk CITY OF RENTON MINUTES – REGULAR 7:00 PM - MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 Council Chambers, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Street Vacation Petition for S Tillicum St and Alley and S Tobin St (VAC-26-001; Petitioner Renton School District): This being the date set, and notices having been properly posted and published, Mayor Pavone opened the public hearing to consider the Renton School District’s Street Vacation Petition for S Tillicum St and Alley and S Tobin St (VAC-26-001). Prior to the start of the public hearing, Councilmember McIrvin noted that his spouse is a member of the Renton School District’s Board of Directors and recused himself from the discussion. He left council chambers at 7:01 p.m. and returned after this public hearing ended at 7:44 p.m. Property Services Specialist Stephanie Rary reported that the Renton School District’s petition was verified on March 8, 2026, and is a request to vacate approximately 15,210 square feet of right-of-way along S Tillicum St and Alley, and 48,427 square feet along S Tobin St. She stated that the Renton School District is expanding and renovating Renton High School campus and buildings. Continuing, Ms. Rary displayed renderings of the proposed changes to the Renton High School campus and maps indicating where the vacation would occur. To conclude, Ms. Rary stated that the petition was circulated to various city departments and outside agencies and noted that there were no objections to the petition but easements for various utilities will be required during the construction phase of the district’s project. She reported that the staff recommendation is that certain public and private utility easements are required and shall be obtained by the school district, and that compensation for the vacated right-of-way will be set after the construction phase of the project commences. Mayor Pavone requested public comments: • Angie Laulainen, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation. She submitted a document containing her comments and the comments she made at the February 24, 2025 Council meeting. • Ronald Bensley, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation due to traffic concerns. • Sarah Becker, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation due to traffic concerns and noted that S Tobin St is an essential east/west corridor in downtown. • Randy Corman, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation due to traffic impacts and airport expansion concerns. He also noted that in the past the city had vacated a street for the PACCAR company and ended up having to build a bypass route at a significant cost. • Matt Hanbey, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation until the S 2nd St two-way conversion project is completed. He noted that S Tobin St is an essential east/west corridor and should not be closed until another route is opened. • Bob Baker, unincorporated King County, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation until the S 2nd St two-way conversion project is completed because of traffic concerns. • Sheryl Friesz, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation until the S 2nd St two-way conversion project completed because of traffic concerns. • Tristan Kochen, Renton, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacation because S Tobin St is an essential east/west corridor and designated bicycle trail. He stated that he could support the vacation after the S 2nd St two-way conversion project was completed. City Clerk Seth noted that correspondence on this topic was received by Amelia Peacock, Nora Schultz, and Margaret Brower, Renton residents who all opposed the proposed street vacation. There being no additional correspondence or public comments, it was MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ALBERSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ALBERSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE STREET VACATION PETITION WITH CONDITIONS CITED BY STAFF. **MOTION CARRIED. Discussion ensued about the street closure’s impact on traffic and waiting to approve the street vacation petition after the S 2nd St two-way conversion project was completed. MOVED BY RIVERA, SECONDED BY VAҽN, COUNCIL AMEND THE MAIN MOTION BY STRIKING THE WORDS “APPROVE THE STREET VACATION PETITION WITH CONDITIONS CITED BY STAFF” AND INSERTING THE WORDS “PUT OFF (APPROVING) THE (STREET) VACATION UNTIL WE CAN GET A BETTER TIMELINE OF CONSTRUCTION IN ALIGNING IT WITH OUR S 2ND ST TWO-WAY CONVERSION PROJECT. *MOTION DEFEATED. *AYES: VAҽN, RIVERA NAYES: ALBERSON, PRINCE, O’HALLORAN, PÉREZ Main Motion **AYES: ALBERSON, PÉREZ, PRINCE NAYES: RIVERA, O’HALLORAN, VAҽN Mayor Pavone broke the tie by voting in favor of the motion. b) Moratorium related to Detention Facilities and their Associated Transportation and Food Services Operations (ORD 6187): This being the date set, and the notices having been properly posted and published, Mayor Pavone opened the Public Hearing to consider the Moratorium related to Detention Facilities and their Associated Transportation and Food Services Operations (ORD 6187). Planning Director Matt Herrera reported that Council adopted Ordinance No. 6187 on March 9, 2026. He stated that the ordinance placed a six (6) month moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications for the change of use, establishment, expansion, or development of facilities for the detention, transportation, or food services for people detained by local, state, or federal law enforcement. Concluding, Mr. Herrera stated that staff had no recommendation to provide at tonight’s hearing. Mayor Pavone requested public comments: • Zach Moore, Renton, stated he opposes ending the moratorium. • Michael Westgaard, Renton, requested the moratorium be extended due to recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity in the area. • Gabriel Dias, Renton, expressed support in maintaining the moratorium. They noted that 50 people had died in federal detention centers in the past two years compared to 24 people during the previous administration’s four years in office. • Gabrielle Weidling, Renton, requested the moratorium be extended. There being no correspondence or additional public comments, it was MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY PÉREZ, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. 4. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT CAO Ed VanValey reviewed a written administrative report summarizing the City’s recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2026 and beyond. Noted items were: • Renton River Days is turning 40! Mark your calendars now for a full weekend of festivities July 24-26. Events will take place at Liberty Park, the Renton Community Center, Cedar River Park, Coulon, and other locations. The festival will include annual favorite traditions and new events such as River Nights in Downtown Renton and a pickleball tournament. Admission to all events is free! Watch for more information soon at www.rentonwa.gov/riverdays. • As we get closer to summer, the City of Renton is actively recruiting for summer supplemental positions. This is a great first step into the labor force for those 16 and older who are looking to learn a skill, meet new people, earn competitive wages, and work towards improving the Renton Community. For more information and to apply, please visit www.rentonwa.gov/careers. • May 3–9 is Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week. We recognize and appreciate the essential role our City Clerk’s Office plays in ensuring transparency in our operations for the community and in serving all aspects of our organization. We also extend our congratulations to our Public Disclosure Program Manager and Deputy City Clerk, Melissa McCain, on receiving the 2026 Washington Municipal Clerks Association Inspiration Award. This award honors individuals who have made a significant impact on the Association or a WMCA member within the past year. • The City of Renton is preparing the 2027–2028 biennial budget, which guides the services we provide, and community input is essential. Our community-wide budget survey is available through May 13 and can be accessed at rentonwa.gov/budgetsurvey. Some residents may have already received an email or text from our research partner, ReconMR, to participate in the survey and we appreciate the feedback we have received. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Russian. • Information about preventative street maintenance, traffic impact projects, and road closures happening this week can be found at http://rentonwa.gov/traffic. All projects are weather permitting and unless otherwise noted, streets will always remain open. 5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS • Ellie Robershaw, Renton, requested the city to turn its FLOCK and ALPR cameras off again. She also expressed support for the detention center moratorium. • Wyatt Fitzpatrick, unincorporated King County, requested the city to turn off its FLOCK and ALPR cameras off. He noted several instances of law enforcement officers using the systems improperly. • Gabrielle Weidling, Renton, requested the city to turn its FLOCK and ALPR cameras off again. She stated that the program should be paused until the end of the contract. • Leslie Jensen, Renton, stated opposition to the use of FLOCK and ALPR cameras. She stated that in 2024 the system was used by 228 law enforcement officials to stalk their former spouses and/or significant others. • Emma Foster, Renton, stated that she opposes the use of FLOCK and ALPR cameras. She noted that she works in the field of artificial intelligence and stated that most redactions made by the system to private information are easily removed by current technology. • Dylan Mayo, Renton, requested that the FLOCK and ALPR cameras be disabled and the contract canceled. He stated he does not want his privacy invaded. • Brian Hughes, Renton, expressed opposition to the use of FLOCK and ALPR cameras due to the harm it can cause the community. • Gabriel Dias, Renton, expressed opposition to the use of FLOCK and ALPR cameras. They noted that the system has been used illegally to stalk people. They also stated that they are being stalked using the Public Records Act. • Kim Colwell, Renton, urged Council to shut down the FLOCK and ALPR cameras. 6. CONSENT AGENDA The following items are distributed to Councilmembers in advance for study and review, and the recommended actions will be accepted in a single motion. Any item may be removed for further discussion if requested by a Councilmember. Councilmember Pérez requested separate consideration of Item 6.b. a) Approval of Council Minutes of April 27, 2026. Council Concur b) Community & Economic Development Department – Economic Development Division requested acceptance of the final design for the Stage Doors at Legacy Square Art project. This design reflects input from Council, the Renton Arts Commission, and community stakeholders. Council Concur c) Executive Services Department – Emergency Management Division requested execution of the 25EMPG Emergency Management Performance Grant E26-160 with the Washington State Military Department to accept $50,644 in grant funds to support emergency management services. Refer to Finance Committee d) Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended adjusting revised AFSCME Local 2170 salaries per recent market analysis conducted by Compensation Connections. The adjustments would take effect on July 1, 2026, September 1, 2026, or January 1, 2027 based on a Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME Local 2170. Refer to Finance Committee e) Finance Department recommended adoption of a resolution ratifying and amending the City of Renton Investment Policy. Refer to Finance Committee f) Parks & Recreation Department – Parks & Trails Division recommended execution of an agreement with Bruce Dees & Associates, in the amount of $278,873 for 30% design and permitting services for the Cleveland-Richardson Park Design project. Refer to Finance Committee g) Police Department recommended execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Seattle Police Department to accept Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) grant funds in the amount of $5,000 to support ICAC investigations in Renton; and approval to adjust the department’s budget to accept the additional appropriations. Refer to Finance Committee h) Public Works Department – Administration recommended execution of an Air Quality VW EV Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology, to accept $40,000 in grant funds with a city match of $26,666.67, to install four electric vehicle chargers at the airport; and approve an adjustment to Airport budget to accept the additional appropriations. Refer to Finance Committee i) Public Works Department – Facilities Division recommended execution of Amendment No. 1 to CAG-25-151, vendor Pacific Security, in the amount of $308,402.74, to extend the agreement through May 14, 2027 and for additional security services at Piazza 233 Burnett Ave S and Legacy Square 510 S 3rd St.; and requests additional appropriations in the amount of $53,403 to be included in the next budget amendment to cover the budget shortfall. Refer to Finance Committee MOVED BY PÉREZ, SECONDED BY MCIRVIN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA, MINUS ITEM 6.b. CARRIED. 6. Separate Consideration, Item 6.b b) Community & Economic Development Department – Economic Development Division requested acceptance of the final design for the Stage Doors at Legacy Square Art project. This design reflects input from Council, the Renton Arts Commission, and community stakeholders. Council Concur MOVED BY PÉREZ, SECONDED BY ALBERSON, COUNCIL PAUSE PUBLIC ART FOR THE LEGACY SQUARE DOORS TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC INPUT. *MOTION CARRIED. *AYES: PÉREZ, PRINCE, MCIRVIN, O’HALLORAN, RIVERA NAYES: VAҽN 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Topics listed below were discussed in Council committees during the past week. Those topics marked with an asterisk (*) may include legislation. Committee reports on any topics may be held by the Chair if further review is necessary. a) Utilities Committee: Chair Vaҽn presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Kent for implementing the 2026- 202 Re+ City grant. MOVED BY VAҽN, SECONDED BY ALBERSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. 8. LEGISLATION Ordinance for second and final reading: a) Ordinance No. 6192: An Ordinance of the City of Renton, Washington, Amending the City of Renton Fiscal Years 2025/2026 Biennial Budget; ratifying and authorizing the Administration’s practice of filling positions within a classification series at or below the level authorized in the salary table; authorizing position changes; amending the 2026 salary table; and establishing an effective date. (First Reading 4/27/2026) MOVED BY O’HALLORAN, SECONDED BY MCIRVIN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. 9. NEW BUSINESS Includes Council Committee agenda topics; visit rentonwa.gov/cityclerk for more information. MOVED BY RIVERA, SECONDED BY VAҽN, COUNCIL DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATION TO PUT A PAUSE ON THE USE OF ALPR AND FLOCK CAMERAS IN THE CITY OF RENTON. *MOTION CARRIED. Responding to Council inquiries, Commander Hassinger explained that state laws and department policies direct the use of the ALPR and FLOCK camera systems. She also explained how and when the system is authorized for use. *AYES: PÉREZ, MCIRVIN, RIVERA, VAҽN NAYES: PRINCE, O’HALLORAN, ALBERSON 10. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY ALBERSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. TIME: 9:26 PM Jason A. Seth, MMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder Monday, MAY 4, 2026 Council Committee Meeting Calendar May 4, 2026 May 11, 2026 Monday 3:30 p.m. Community ServicesCommittee, Chair McIrvin Location: Council Conference Room/Videoconference 1. Emerging Issues in Parks & Recreation 4:15 p.m. Finance Committee, Chair O’Halloran Location: Council Conference Room/Videoconference 1. Emergency Management Performance Grant E26-160 2. AFSCME Local 2170 Salary Review and Adjustments 3. Resolution for Ratifying and Amending the Investment Policy 4. Agreement with Bruce Dees & Associates for the Cleveland-Richardson Park Design 5. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Grant 2026 6. Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for Air Quality VW EV Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Grant 7. Agreement with Pacific Security for Security Services 8. Vouchers 9. Emerging Issues in Finance 5:15 p.m. Planning & Development Committee, Chair Prince Location: Council Conference Room/Videoconference 1. Valley Community Planning Process Update 2. Emerging Issues in CED 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole, Chair Pérez Location: Council Chambers/Videoconference 1. Benson Hill Community Plan Update 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting Location: Council Chambers/Videoconference