HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2026 - Letter from Hanbey - a Better Renton CITY OF RENTON
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RENTON' MAY 0 8 2026
SENT VIA EMAIL
RECEIVED
May 8, 2026 CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
City Attorney Moloney,
For a Better Renton is challenging the legitimacy of the vote having to do with the Public Hearing held on
May 4th "Regarding the adoption of an ordinance vacating a portion of city-right-way,S Tillicum St and
Alley from Shattuck Ave S to Logan Ave S and S Tobin St from Shattuck Ave S to Logan Ave S."
Per two RCW's, RCW 35A.12.100 and RCW 35.23.211,we do not believe an appropriate process was
followed; moreover,we do not believe the city can authorize the vacation of the street based on the vote
that occurred.
There are at least two statues in State Law that govern laws that pertain to the consideration of a street
vacation:
RCW 35A.12.100 Duties and authority of the mayor—Veto—Tie-breaking vote
The statute reads, in part:
... The mayor shall... have a vote only in the case of a tie in the votes of the councilmembers
with respect to matters other than the passage of any ordinance, grant, or revocation of
franchise or license, or any resolution for the payment of money...
RCW 35.23.211 Ordinances—Style—Requisites—Veto.
This statute specifies:
... No ordinance and no resolution or order shall have any validity or effect unless passed by
the votes of at least four councilmembers...
Based on the first RCW,the Mayor did not have the authority to vote and break the tie.And, per the
second RCW,without four councilmembers voting in favor of the Ordinance,the actions taken on
Monday do NOT constitute an approval of the Ordinance. The vote instead was a rejection of the
Ordinance.
We urge you to not sign this illegal ordinance into law. If you do so,we are considering filing a legal
challenge to declare the ordinance void. In the course of that we will be considering seeking
compensation for attorney's fees.
For Better Renton
Matt Hanbey President
Bob Baker,Vice President
Sheryl Friesz,Secretary
Sarah Becker, Interim Treasurer 1
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