HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-00RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
July 17, 2000 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:30 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jesse Tanner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order.
ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS
RANDY CORMAN, Council President; TONI NELSON; DAN CLAWSON; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER; TIMOTHY SCHLITZER.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; MARILYN PETERSEN, City Clerk; SANDRA MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; DEREK
TODD, Assistant to the CAO; SUE CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator; REBECCA LIND, Principal Planner; RON STRAKA, Utility Engineering Supervisor; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services
Administrator; DENNIS CONTE, Housing Assistance Specialist; LARRY MECKLING, Building Official; CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON, Police Department.
PRESS
Robert Teodosio, Renton Reporter
APPROVAL OF
COUNCIL MINUTES
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY SCHLITZER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2000 AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
PROCLAMATION
“A. J. Ladner Day” – 7/20/00
A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring July 20, 2000 as “A.J. Ladner Day”. Mr. Ladner has faithfully served the City of Renton as Executive Director of the Renton Housing
Authority for over 26 years and has worked to provide a variety of affordable housing programs to hundreds of community residents. Mr. Ladner will be succeeded by Tom L. Tasa effective
August 1, 2000. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED.
Mr. Ladner accepted the proclamation, and thanked Mayor Tanner, Councilmembers, and City employees for their long term support.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Utility: FEMA Community Rating System, Flood Insurance Program
Ron Straka, Utility Engineering Supervisor, explained that the objective of the Community Rating System is to reward communities for implementing measures to reduce flood hazards to
residents and property. Explaining that under this system, flood insurance rates are reduced to reflect the additional community activities that are implemented, he pointed out that
this is an ongoing program requiring recertification every five years.
Mr. Straka introduced Tammy Doherty, Deputy Regional Director for FEMA Region 10. Ms. Doherty reported that there are nearly 900 communities receiving flood insurance premium discounts
based on their implementation of local mitigation, outreach, and educational activities. She explained that the Community Rating System has ten rating classes, class one being the
largest reduction in premiums. Ms. Doherty announced that the City has received a class seven rating which results in a 15% insurance premium reduction.
Ms. Doherty presented a plaque to Mayor Tanner which signifies the City’s successful participation in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Chief Administrative Officer Jay 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 2000 and beyond. Items noted included:
Renton staff and members of the Kennydale neighborhood will testify before the Sound Transit Executive Committee on Friday, July 21st, regarding including a flyer stop at I-405/N. 30th
St. when Sound Transit route #560 is implemented.
The Pipeline Safety Consortium, of which Renton is a member, has agreed to put together a scope of work and enter into a consultant contract with a pipeline internal inspection expert
to review the Olympic Pipeline internal inspection “pig test” results currently being evaluated.
Over 550 children participated in the Creative Kids Fair held at Liberty Park on July 13th.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Chief Administrative Officer Jay 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 2000 and beyond. Items noted included:
Renton staff and members of the Kennydale neighborhood will testify before the Sound Transit Executive Committee on Friday, July 21st, regarding including a flyer stop at I-405/N. 30th
St. when Sound Transit route #560 is implemented.
The Pipeline Safety Consortium, of which Renton is a member, has agreed to put together a scope of work and enter into a consultant contract with a pipeline internal inspection expert
to review the Olympic Pipeline internal inspection “pig test” results currently being evaluated.
Over 550 children participated in the Creative Kids Fair held at Liberty Park on July 13th.
Transportation: Public Transit in Kennydale Neighborhood
Councilman Persson reported that the Eastside Transportation Partnership voted unanimously to forward the City’s letter supporting a bus stop in Kennydale to the Sound Transit Board.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: See – Dean Sherman Apartments (Williams Ave S)
John See, 438 Burnett Ave. S., Renton, 98055, said he wanted to clarify information that was reported at last week’s Council meeting regarding the proposed Dean Sherman Apartments on
Williams Ave. S. He advised that the area in question consists of .92 acres and the proposed parking garage will provide parking for 93 cars with space for approximately 22 cars on
the street frontage. Mr. See questioned why the street parking is being counted towards the required parking for the apartment complex. He also expressed concern regarding the density
of the zoning which allows 100 dwelling units per acre, and emphasized that the entrance to the apartment complex should be from Williams Ave. S and not from the adjacent alley.
Mayor Tanner announced that a community meeting will be held later this month by the developer to address these questions. He encouraged residents to attend the meeting and voice their
concerns.
Citizen Comment: Olson – Dean Sherman Apartments (Williams Ave S)
Nita Olson, 430 Burnett Ave. S., Renton, 98055, expressed concern regarding the availability of street parking for the existing residents once the Dean Sherman Apartments are constructed
and she stressed that the developer should provide adequate parking in the garage. She encouraged Council to think of the resident’s concerns, not the developer who will not even be
living in the complex.
Responding to Ms. Olson’s inquiry, Sue Carlson, Economic Development Administrator, said the meeting is tentatively planned for July 31st. She stated that the residents will receive
information in the mail regarding the meeting.
Citizen Comment: Downs – Dean Sherman Apartments (Williams Ave S)
Gary Downs, 407 Williams Ave. S., Renton, 98055, expressed his opposition to the Dean Sherman Apartments project. He said that the apartments pose too high of an impact on a mostly
single family residential area. Mr. Downs detailed his concerns regarding congestion of the proposed alley entrance to the apartments, the impacts to street parking, and the combined
use of parking facilities with a nearby medical clinic.
Citizen Comment: Klatt – Dean Sherman Apartments (Williams Ave S)
Gary Klatt, 411 Williams Ave., S., Renton, 98055, stated that not only does he live in the area but he also runs a business out of his house and expressed concern that the Dean Sherman
Apartments will have a large impact on the availability of street parking. He described the difficulty he had in meeting City requirements to construct a garage off of the alley and
voiced his concerns regarding how the garage will be constructed for the apartment complex. In addition, Mr. Klatt said he was worried about the effect of the proposed apartment development
on traffic congestion and noise levels.
Citizen Comment: Klatt – Dean Sherman Apartments (Williams Ave S)
Gary Klatt, 411 Williams Ave., S., Renton, 98055, stated that not only does he live in the area but he also runs a business out of his house and expressed concern that the Dean Sherman
Apartments will have a large impact on the availability of street parking. He described the difficulty he had in meeting City requirements to construct a garage off of the alley and
voiced his concerns regarding how the garage will be constructed for the apartment complex. In addition, Mr. Klatt said he was worried about the effect of the proposed apartment development
on traffic congestion and noise levels.
Citizen Comment: Moran – Dean Sherman Apartments (Williams Ave S)
Bob Moran, 425 Wells Ave. S., Renton, 98055, expressed his opposition to the proposed Dean Sherman Apartments and echoed previously stated concerns regarding the impact the proposal
will have on parking.
Council President Corman commented that the current zoning was put in place with the intention of providing a more urban character to the South Renton neighborhood. However, he suggested
that the zoning issue be revisited so that the City and the neighborhood are in agreement as to the direction on which the neighborhood wants to go.
Councilmember Keolker-Wheeler said the Planning & Development Committee is considering recommending to Council that a sub-area plan be developed for the South Renton neighborhood. She
felt the neighborhood had not transitioned as the City had envisioned when zoning changes were implemented in the early 1990s. Ms. Keolker-Wheeler emphasized that it is important for
the City to fully understand the effects and implications any Zoning Code changes may have.
Councilman Clawson remarked that the Planning & Development Committee has had many discussions regarding the South Renton neighborhood and the City’s parking requirements. Explaining
that there are advantages to increasing density in that it will bring vitality to the City, he asserted that it needs to be approached in a way as to not greatly impact the neighborhood.
Responding to Councilman Persson’s question about the possibility of imposing a building moratorium in the area, City Attorney Larry Warren said that although a moratorium is an option
to provide interim protection until the matter is resolved, that option should be used sparingly and only in the direst of cases.
Mayor Tanner said he’s sympathetic to the neighborhood’s concerns but noted that it is also important to revitalize the downtown area and make it a vibrant center of the City. He expressed
concern that if a moratorium were implemented, it would deter the progress of the downtown revitalization efforts.
Citizen Comment: Miller – Local 2170 Concerns re: Employee Turnover
Pat Miller, 1st Vice President of Renton Employees Local 2170, commented that the City is losing employees at an alarming rate and closing dates on job applications are being extended
due to the lack of qualified applicants. He stated that discussions with terminated employees reveal that money is a significant factor in the decision to leave the City’s employment.
Mr. Miller said that during past contract negotiations Local 2170 has been aware that Council deems the 60% rule appropriate for the union. Indicating that although the labor contract
does not expire until 2003, Mr. Miller said Local 2170 feels that the City should act now to start looking at ways to recruit and maintain a top-notch work force, including offering
a more competitive wage and other incentives.
Mayor Tanner explained that City employees are compensated at or above a 60th percentile rate compared to all public employees. He explained that there is a difference between 60% and
60th percentile. For example, compared to all other public employees, 60% of them make less than City of Renton employees. Jay Covington, Chief Executive Officer, added that the City
pays between the 60th and 75th percentile for non-uniformed employees.
Responding to Mr. Miller, Mayor Tanner explained that many cities are losing employees and are having a difficult time recruiting good people due to the healthy economy in which jobs
are plentiful.
Councilman Persson asked for a list of employees that have left the City’s employment within the last three years. Mr. Covington said that the information would be prepared, and he
pointed out that there are a number of reasons, in addition to compensation, why people leave the City’s employment.
Citizen Comment: Miller – Local 2170 Concerns re: Employee Turnover
Pat Miller, 1st Vice President of Renton Employees Local 2170, commented that the City is losing employees at an alarming rate and closing dates on job applications are being extended
due to the lack of qualified applicants. He stated that discussions with terminated employees reveal that money is a significant factor in the decision to leave the City’s employment.
Mr. Miller said that during past contract negotiations Local 2170 has been aware that Council deems the 60% rule appropriate for the union. Indicating that although the labor contract
does not expire until 2003, Mr. Miller said Local 2170 feels that the City should act now to start looking at ways to recruit and maintain a top-notch work force, including offering
a more competitive wage and other incentives.
Mayor Tanner explained that City employees are compensated at or above a 60th percentile rate compared to all public employees. He explained that there is a difference between 60% and
60th percentile. For example, compared to all other public employees, 60% of them make less than City of Renton employees. Jay Covington, Chief Executive Officer, added that the City
pays between the 60th and 75th percentile for non-uniformed employees.
Responding to Mr. Miller, Mayor Tanner explained that many cities are losing employees and are having a difficult time recruiting good people due to the healthy economy in which jobs
are plentiful.
Councilman Persson asked for a list of employees that have left the City’s employment within the last three years. Mr. Covington said that the information would be prepared, and he
pointed out that there are a number of reasons, in addition to compensation, why people leave the City’s employment.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
City Clerk: 2000 Renton Population
City Clerk reported the official population for the City of Renton as of April 1, 2000 to be 48,270 as calculated by the State of Washington Office of Financial Management. Information.
City Clerk: Police Department’s State Audit
City Clerk reported the Washington State Auditor’s Office has completed a special audit of the Renton Police Department. Information.
CAG: 99-079, Cedar River Trail Relocation, Philip Environmental Services
Community Services Department submitted CAG-99-079, Cedar River Trail Relocation; and recommended approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $11,780.10,
commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $7,655.65 to Philip Environmental Services Corporation, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council
concur.
Court Case: 00-006, Quennet v Renton, et al.
Court Case filed by Ralph A. Alfieri, 211 14th Ave. E., Seattle, 98112, representing Maria K. Quennet, who seeks compensation for medical expenses and economic loss due to injuries
sustained on 7/9/97 when Parks Department Employee Dennis Petchnik, allegedly failing to stop at a red light, collided into the rear-end of her vehicle. Refer to City Attorney and
Insurance Services.
Human Services: Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG), 1999 Funds
Human Services Division recommended setting a public hearing on August 7, 2000 on the 1999 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. Council concur.
Human Services: 2000 CDBG Funds Reallocation & 2001 CDBG Funding
Human Services Division recommended setting a public hearing on August 7, 2000 on the reallocation of 2000 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) capital funds and the 2001 funding
recommendations for CDBG funds. Refer to Community Services Committee; set a public hearing for August 7, 2000.
Special Assessment District: Aberdeen Ave NE
Planning/Building/Public Works Department requested authorization to establish the Aberdeen Ave. NE Sanitary Sewer Special Assessment District in the total amount of $642,814.26 to
ensure that project costs are equitably distributed to those who benefit. Refer to Utilities Committee.
Utility: Landsburg Gravel Supplementation Mitigation Project, King County
Surface Water Utility Division recommended approval of a contract with King County committing to pay the first year’s costs of the Landsburg Gravel Supplementation Mitigation Project;
estimated amount to be $35,000. Council concur. (See page 257 for resolution.)
Public Works: 1999 Sewer Lift Station (Talbot Crest) Replacement, Hisey Const
Wastewater Utility Division submitted CAG-99-160, Talbot Crest Lift Station Replacement; and recommended approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount
of $8,839.15, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $12,579.53 to Hisey Construction, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council
concur.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Steward – Fireworks Ban
Electronic mail was read by Lon and Leda Steward, 2217 Lyons Ave. NE, Renton, 98059, requesting that the City ban the use of fireworks.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Steward – Fireworks Ban
Electronic mail was read by Lon and Leda Steward, 2217 Lyons Ave. NE, Renton, 98059, requesting that the City ban the use of fireworks.
OLD BUSINESS
Regional Issues: King County County-wide Planning Policies (Proposed Changes)
Planning & Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the proposed 2000 King County Comprehensive Plan amendments. King County has proposed certain amendments
to the King County Comprehensive Plan that may have implications for the City of Renton. Among other policy changes is a proposed policy direction to facilitate residential rezones
within Renton’s Potential Annexation Area (PAA) to increase densities up to 48 units per acre. The Committee has reviewed these amendments and recommended that the Administration and
Council transmit a letter to the Metropolitan King County Council opposing creation of one Comprehensive Plan designation for all residential zones from 4 to 48 dwelling units per acre,
and opposing policy amendments that facilitate rezoning to higher multi-family densities in Renton’s PAA. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY, CORMAN COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT.*
Councilmember Keolker-Wheeler thanked staff members Rebecca Lind and Owen Dennison for their work in studying the issues and preparing the letter. She reported that the King County
Council will be meeting on this issue tomorrow, at which time the City’s letter will be submitted.
Responding to Council inquiry, Councilmember Keolker-Wheeler stated that the Suburban Cities Association (SCA) has not taken an official position on this issue since it is on summer
hiatus, but is acting as a conduit for information. She explained that some cities that belong to the SCA are not directly affected by this issue because they do not have potential
annexation areas. However, these cities’ urban centers are in jeopardy because the proposed amendments push the density of 48 units per acre to the urban growth line.
Mayor Tanner indicated his intent to request SCA to take an official position regarding this issue, pointing out that the policies affect all cities regardless of whether they have potential
annexation areas or not.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Executive: Community Relations Specialist Hire at Step D
Finance Committee Chair King Parker presented a report recommending that the Community Relations Specialist position be filled at Step D of the Grade 12 salary range. MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Public Safety Committee
Police: Jail Inmates Health Services, Occupational Health Services
Public Safety Committee Chair Schlitzer presented a report regarding the Occupational Health Services Contract. The Committee recommended extending the annual agreement with Public
Hospital No. 1, dba Occupational Health Services, for medical services at the Renton jail from April 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001. The annual cost has increased from $110,916 to
$118,680. Basic services include routine on-site services at the jail provided by a licensed nurse professional forty hours per week, Monday through Friday, and an additional four
hours per week on Sundays (contingent upon staff availability). A physician assistant will provide on-site services four hours per week, the schedule to be arranged in advance by the
parties. There are no other changes in the contract. MOVED BY SCHLITZER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Police: False Alarms Ordinance
Public Safety Committee Chair Schlitzer presented a report recommending that the False Alarms Ordinance be approved and presented for first reading. MOVED BY SCHLITZER, SECONDED BY
NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilman Corman requested that Section 6-3-2 of the proposed ordinance be tightened to include reference to unmonitored alarm systems.
Police: False Alarms Ordinance
Public Safety Committee Chair Schlitzer presented a report recommending that the False Alarms Ordinance be approved and presented for first reading. MOVED BY SCHLITZER, SECONDED BY
NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilman Corman requested that Section 6-3-2 of the proposed ordinance be tightened to include reference to unmonitored alarm systems.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3464
Utility: Landsburg Gravel Supplementation Mitigation Project, King County
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an agreement between King County Department of Transportation Roads Maintenance Division and the City of Renton
for the purpose of implementing the Landsburg Gravel Supplementation Mitigation project. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 15 MINUTES TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL LITIGATION. CARRIED. Time: 8:47 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:02 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:03 p.m.
Marilyn Petersen, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
July 17, 2000