HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-08RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 25, 2008 Council Chambers
Monday, 7 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Denis Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS
MARCIE PALMER, Council President; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER; TERRI BRIERE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator;
NEIL WATTS, Development Services Director; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; TIM LAWLESS, Housing Repair Coordinator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; DEPUTY CHIEF ROBERT
VAN HORNE and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR DEBORAH NEEDHAM, Fire and Emergency Services Department; DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Human Services: Housing Repair Assistance Program
Housing Repair Coordinator Lawless announced that this year is the 30th anniversary of the Housing Repair Assistance Program. He reported that this is the first year that the program
will receive support from the General Fund, and the second year that First Savings Bank of Renton has donated $30,000 to the program, for a total contribution of $185,000 over the past
12 years. Mr. Lawless reviewed the program's history and its expansion in 2008, which includes a new field staff position and service van, and new guidelines.
Mr. Lawless discussed the need for the program, pointing out that direct and referral services assist in the preservation, maintenance, and improvement of existing affordable housing.
Examples of services offered include: clearing drain and sewage blockages; installing toilet, tub, and shower disability aids; installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; and installing
locks, grab bars, hand rails, and access ramps. In conclusion, Mr. Lawless displayed before and after photographs of some repair projects, and he shared how grateful clients are for
the services provided by the Housing Repair Assistance Program.
Community Services Administrator Higashiyama explained that this program is one of the elements of affordable housing in that residents are able to stay in their homes and feel valued,
and the housing stock is maintained. In the case of seniors, when they are ready to move into senior/assisted living facilities, they are able to sell their homes with some profitability,
and then young families are able to purchase the homes thus starting the cycle again.
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 2008 and beyond. Items noted included:
An open house for the City Walkway Plan Update will be held on February 26 at the Renton High School Commons.
The Highlands Task Force is holding a public input meeting on neighborhood revitalization in the Highlands community on February 28 at Highlands Elementary School.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Marczewski - Private Road Maintenance (Cedar Ridge Dr SE)
In response to Stanley Marczewski's (Renton) inquiry regarding how to amend a City ordinance, Chief Administrative Officer Covington explained that the issue concerns the private road
(Cedar Ridge Dr. SE) into a subdivision (Falcon Ridge) that was constructed as part of an overall development agreement several years ago. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL
REFER THIS ITEM TO THE ADMINISTRATION. COUNCIL CONCUR.
Citizen Comment: Sartnurak - King County Fire District #40 Contract, CAG-08-015
Linda Sartnurak (King County) indicated that she had been following the progress of the operating contract between Renton and King County Fire District #40. Now that the contract has
been approved, she stated that Fire District #40 firefighters are satisfied with the contract and are looking forward to working for the Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Ms. Sartnurak thanked the City for making them feel welcome.
Citizen Comment: McOmber - Highlands Task Force Meeting
Howard McOmber (Renton) encouraged citizens to attend the Highlands Task Force meeting on February 28 and to provide input on improving the Highlands community.
Citizen Comment: Johnson - Flower Program, Off-Leash Dog Park
Arland "Buzz" Johnson (Renton) encouraged the City to continue its flower program, and to work with the Renton Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses to help pay for the flowers.
He also suggested the siting of an off-leash dog park in the area located between the Cedar River Trail and the Cedar River (Narco site; 1500 Houser Way S.) Councilmember Parker noted
that the Community Services Committee will meet on March 3 to discuss the flower program.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of 2/11/2008
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 2/11/2008. Council concur.
Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee
Mayor Law appointed Michael Krohn to the Airport Advisory Committee, Highlands neighborhood alternate position, for an unexpired term expiring on 5/7/2010 (position previously held
by Michael O'Halloran). Refer to Community Services Committee.
Latecomer Agreement: Conner Homes, Puget Colony Development, LA-07-002
City Clerk submitted request from Robert Stevens with Core Design, Inc. on behalf of Conner Homes Company for a latecomer agreement for sanitary sewer extension to serve Puget Colony
Short Plats located in the vicinity of SE 2nd Pl. and Hoquiam Ave. NE. Refer to Utilities Committee.
Latecomer Agreement: McDowell Estates, LA-07-001
City Clerk submitted request from Warrick McDowell with McDowell Estates LLC for a latecomer agreement for sanitary sewer extension in the vicinity of 148th Ave. SE and SE 102nd St.
Refer to Utilities Committee.
Community Services: Parks Maintenance Facility, King County Purchase Agreement, United Rentals Sublease
Community Services Department recommended approval of a purchase and sale agreement with King County in the amount of $2,255,646.77 for an 8.0162-acre parcel of land located west of
Monroe Ave. NE and south of NE 3rd St. to be used for a future maintenance facility. Authorization was also sought for an additional $300,000 for continued lease expenses for the United
Rentals Northwest building for 2008, and for additional site development expenses. Refer to Finance Committee.
Community Services: Flower Program (2008-2010), Kaleidoscope Services
Community Services Department recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $50,235.57 with Kaleidoscope Services for the 2008-2010 flower program. Refer to Community Services
Committee.
Community Services: Flower Program (2008-2010), Kaleidoscope Services
Community Services Department recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $50,235.57 with Kaleidoscope Services for the 2008-2010 flower program. Refer to Community Services
Committee.
Development Services: Benson Hill Communities Annexation Vested Permits, King County
Development Services Division recommended approval of an agreement with King County to allow King County to continue with reviews and inspections of vested permits in the Benson Hill
Communities Annexation area. Approval was also sought for King County to continue to charge for project reviews and inspections under its existing fee structure. Council concur.
(See page 59 for resolution and ordinance.)
Finance: Utility Tax Non-Payment, Penalty and Interest Collection
Finance and Information Services Department requested approval to accrue and collect penalty and interest for non-payment of utility tax. Refer to Finance Committee.
Public Safety: Declaration of Local Emergency Termination
Fire and Emergency Services Department requested approval to terminate the declaration of local emergency, adopted on 12/3/2007 by Resolution 3921, as emergency conditions no longer
exist related to the December 3 rainstorm. Council concur. (See page 58 for resolution.)
Legal: Criminal Trespass & Menacing
Legal Division recommended approval to repeal City Code sections 6-18-10, Criminal Trespass, and 6-18-12, Menacing, and rely on adopted and referenced State laws concerning criminal
trespass and harassment. Council concur. (See page 59 for ordinance.)
Public Works: Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic I Hire at Step E
Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommended approval to hire a Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic I position at Step E of the salary schedule. Council concur.
Public Works: Surface Water Maintenance Worker II Hire at Step D
Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommended approval to hire a Surface Water Maintenance Worker II position at Step D of the salary schedule. Refer to Finance Committee.
CAG: 06-069, Rainier Ave S, Hardie Ave SW & SW 27th St/Strander Blvd Funding, Sound Transit
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an amendment to CAG-06-069, agreement with Sound Transit, to describe commitments of the parties relative to the Rainier Ave.
Arterial Railroad Overpass Improvement sub-project. Council concur.
Added Item 6.n.
Human Resources: Communication Specialist I & II Positions, Salary Grades
Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of salary grades for the following new positions (as a result of the Benson Hill Communities Annexation): Communication
Specialist I - Grade a12; Communication Specialist II - Grade a21; and Communication Specialist II - Grade m21. Council concur.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
AJLS: Renton Pool, Renton School District
Council President Palmer presented a Committee of the Whole report recommending that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute an interlocal agreement with Renton School District
#403 to provide financial support for the Renton Pool at Lindbergh High School. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading
and adoption. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 59 for resolution.)
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 269147 - 269560 and one wire transfer totaling $2,669,175.62; and approval of 163 Payroll
Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 698 direct deposits totaling $2,723,594.24. MOVED BY PERSSON, 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 269147 - 269560 and one wire transfer totaling $2,669,175.62; and approval of 163 Payroll
Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 698 direct deposits totaling $2,723,594.24. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Municipal Court: Judicial Specialist Hire at Step E
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the hiring of a Judicial Specialist at Grade 08, Step E, with a start
date of 3/3/2008. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development Committee
Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV) Docket Review
Planning and Development Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the City Code Title IV (Development Regulations) docket. The Committee recommended concurrence in the staff
recommendation to set a public hearing on 3/10/2008 to consider the following two docket items: 1) Helipad Use in the R-8 Zone; and 2) Amendments to the Commercial Office Residential
Zone. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services Committee
Human Services: Housing Repair Assistance Program Policies
Community Services Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt the revised policies of the Housing Repair Assistance Program.
Revisions include:
Annual expenditure limits will be based on the three-tier qualifying income criteria for the program's clients, and the ten-year expenditure limit will be raised to $10,000 for all clients,
regardless of income;
Services will not be provided until a year after the home is purchased; and
The health and safety repairs that the program provides will be more clearly defined.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Airport: Leasing Policy
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the Airport leasing policies. The policies were last amended in 2002. Since that time, there have been
changes in the tenancies and needs at the Airport, as well as the vision for the Airport. Further, the Council will be considering an Airport Layout Plan as based on the revised Airport
development policies. The leasing policies need to be consistent with those documents.
Recommendations for changes included the creation of a lease application form, developing a new process to analyze a prospective lessee's financial capacity, creating a new appeal process,
and reformatting the document to improve readability. The leasing policies have undergone two separate legal reviews for suggestions and the City Attorney's office has approved the
document.
After consideration of these proposed changes, the Committee recommended that Council approve the Airport leasing policy amendments. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR
IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3931
Public Safety: Declaration of Local Emergency Termination
A resolution was read terminating the declaration of a local emergency declared on 12/3/2008 by Resolution 3921. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS
READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3932
Development Services: Benson Hill Communities Annexation Vested Permits, King County
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with King County to authorize King County to assist the City of Renton in processing
projects, permits, and applications for property in the Benson Hill Communities Annexation area, which are vested under King County's rules and regulations prior to the annexation.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3933
AJLS: Renton Pool, Renton School District
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement between the City of Renton and Renton School District #403 relating to financial support
for the Renton Pool at Lindbergh High School. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 3/3/2008 for second and final reading:
Legal: Criminal Trespass & Menacing
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 18, Penal Code, of Title VI (Police Regulations) of City Code by repealing Sections 10, Criminal Trespass, and 12, Menacing. MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/3/2008. CARRIED.
Development Services: Benson Hill Communities Annexation Vested Permits, King County
An ordinance was read adopting, for the purposes of processing vested permits in Renton's Benson Hill Communities Annexation area, and to the extent that they apply, the King County
codes, regulations, and fees. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/3/2008. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #5352
Vacation: Queen Ave NE, Newfourth, VAC-07-003
An ordinance was read vacating a portion of right-of-way, six feet wide and approximately 293 feet in length, of Queen Ave. NE, south of NE 4th St. (VAC-07-003; petitioner Steve Beck,
Newfourth, LLC). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5353
Vacation: Whitworth Ave S, TEAM Properties, VAC-07-002
An ordinance was read vacating a portion of right-of-way, approximately 60 feet in width and 100 feet in length, of Whitworth Ave. S., south of S. 4th St. (VAC-07-002; petitioner Brian
Allen, TEAM Properties, LLC). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5354
Annexation: Benson Hill Communities, State Funding
An ordinance was read setting the threshold and tax rates in accordance with RCW 82.14.415 with respect to the Benson Hill Communities Annexation. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5355
Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV) Docket, Housekeeping Amendments
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement; Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards; Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts;
Chapter 4, Citywide Property Development Standards; Chapter 9, Permits - Specific; and Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations); and Chapter 1, Garbage, of Title
VIII (Health and Sanitation) of City Code to complete housekeeping amendments to Title IV
amendments made during docket review. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5355
Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV) Docket, Housekeeping Amendments
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement; Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards; Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts;
Chapter 4, Citywide Property Development Standards; Chapter 9, Permits - Specific; and Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations); and Chapter 1, Garbage, of Title
VIII (Health and Sanitation) of City Code to complete housekeeping amendments to Title IV
amendments made during docket review. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5356
Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV) Docket, Animal Regulations
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement; Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards; Chapter 4, Citywide Property Development Standards; Chapter
8, Permits - General and Appeals; Chapter 9, Permits - Specific; and Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations); Chapter 4, Animal Licenses, of Title V (Finance
and Business Regulations); and Chapter 6, Animals and Fowl at Large, of Title VI (Police Regulations) of City Code to amend the regulations regarding the keeping of animals. MOVED
BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5357
Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV) Docket, Downtown Core
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards; and Chapter 4, Citywide Property Development Standards, of Title IV (Development Regulations) of City
Code to amend regulations in effect for downtown Renton, including removing the Downtown Core Area designation, amending the boundary of the Downtown Pedestrian District, amending the
commercial zoning designations, amending the parking regulations for commercial businesses, and amending the City Center District sign regulations. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Citizen Comment: Beck - Property Purchase, SE Petrovitsky Rd & 135th Ave SE
Councilmember Parker reported receipt of a letter from Steven A. Beck, Manager, Nikolick/Beck, Inc. (Renton), regarding a 33-acre property he wants to sell to the City that is located
in the Cascade Vista and Fairwood area in the vicinity of SE Petrovitsky Rd. and 135th Ave. SE. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
CARRIED.
Policy: Bilingual City Notices
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF A POLICY REGARDING BILINGUAL CITY NOTICES TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Solid Waste: Clean Sweep Program
MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER A BRIEFING ON THE UPCOMING CLEAN SWEEP RENTON EVENT, SPECIFICALLY ON ANY ANTICIPATED ISSUES REGARDING THE BENSON HILL COMMUNITIES
ANNEXATION, TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Toebe - Red Light School Zone Photo Enforcement Program
At the request of Councilmember Taylor, a letter was read from Martin Douglas Toebe (Renton) expressing his support for the traffic enforcement cameras for red light and speeding installed
at certain intersections, and suggesting the installation of more cameras around school areas. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Paholke - Criminal Trespass & Menacing
Responding to Diane Paholke's (Renton) question regarding the repeal of City Code sections pertaining to criminal trespass and menacing, Assistant City Attorney Fontes explained that
Renton still has a criminal trespass ordinance because the City has adopted the State law by reference. She assured that enforcement of the law remains the same.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:02 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
February 25, 2008