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Home My WebLink About03-17-08RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 17, 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; RANDY CORMAN; GREG TAYLOR; RICH ZWICKER; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; DEPUTY CHIEF MARK PETERSON, Fire Department; DEPUTY CHIEF CHARLES MARSALISI, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Human Services: One Night Count (of the Homeless) Human Services Manager Bergsvik and Renton Vision House Program Supervisor Anne Snook reported on One Night Count, a count of unsheltered homeless that occurred on January 25. Ms. Snook stated that this is the second year the City has participated in One Night Count, and with the help of over 50 volunteers, 44 homeless people were counted in Renton. Although this represents a slight drop from Renton's 2007 count, she reported that overall in King County, the count increased by 15 percent. Ms. Snook acknowledged the community agencies that contributed to this effort, and she also thanked City staff for their assistance. Ms. Bergsvik reported that in 2006/2007, the Renton School District identified 327 homeless kids. As of February 29, 2008, 189 were identified, which shows that family homelessness is very real in Renton. She further reported that 574 homeless or recently homeless people served by King County and Seattle Public Health in 2007 indicated a Renton zip code as the last place they lived. Ms. Bergsvik noted that a South King County plan to end homelessness has been written, and after review by City staff and the Human Services Advisory Committee, the plan will be forwarded to the Council. In conclusion, she listed ways that citizens can help the homeless in Renton. In response to Councilmember Taylor's inquiries, Ms. Bergsvik explained that homeless people identified under "other" on the 2008 Homeless Count Summary are those who ride buses all night. Additionally, she explained that Renton is divided into nine count areas to ensure counting consistency, and new count areas will be added as needed. 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: The Renton Neighborhood Program will hold a Picnic Workshop on March 19 at City Hall to help neighborhoods plan, organize, and implement a successful neighborhood picnic. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Hardy - Transit Advisory Board Service Dave C. Hardy (King County) expressed interest in serving on a City board or committee, noting that he submitted an application to that effect. Mr. Hardy indicated that he is particularly qualified to serve on the Transit Advisory Board, as he has been a user of public transit for the past ten years. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Hardy - Transit Advisory Board Service Dave C. Hardy (King County) expressed interest in serving on a City board or committee, noting that he submitted an application to that effect. Mr. Hardy indicated that he is particularly qualified to serve on the Transit Advisory Board, as he has been a user of public transit for the past ten years. Citizen Comment: Various - Windsor Hills Neighborhood, Construction and Height Limitations The following speakers commented on development in the Windsor Hills neighborhood and the protection of views: Robert Walker (Renton); Betty Pernaa (Renton); Loretta Hash (Renton); Carolyn Buck (Renton) who also submitted letters from Joseph Masterson (Renton), and from Delena Phillips (Renton) and Lynette and Dale Hall (Renton); and James Williams (Renton). Comments and concerns expressed included: the runaway development of large houses; the loss of views; the lack of a view protection ordinance in Renton; the close proximity of homes to one another; the need to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood; the importance of building smaller houses; the need for smaller houses for single people; the loss of privacy; the loss of the neighborhood's character; and the matter of deeds indicating that property owners cannot obstruct views. The following recommendations were expressed: implement a temporary moratorium on new construction in the Windsor Hills neighborhood, implement a 30-day notice of proposed land use action to allow for public comment, revise R-8 zoning regarding replacement homes, eliminate loopholes that allow for larger and taller homes, and review the current code. Councilmember Parker noted his intent to refer this matter to committee. Councilmember Corman commented that the City has not changed the law recently; however, the marketplace has changed, which may be why residents are motivated to express their concerns to Council at this time. Councilmember Persson asked that the matter concerning deeds that address obstruction of views be reviewed as well. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF CONSTRUCTION AND HEIGHT LIMITATIONS IN THE WINDSOR HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Citizen Comment: Hash - Leash Law Enforcement In response to the concern of Loretta Hash (Renton) that the leash law is not being observed, Councilmember Parker recommended that she call 911 to report incidents of off-leash dogs. Citizen Comment: Kumar - Parking, Loading & Driveway Regulations Bimal Kumar (Renton) reading from his letter, expressed concerns regarding driveways and sidewalks at property he previously owned in the vicinity of 1500 Index Ave. NE. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ALLOW THE SPEAKER TWO ADDITIONAL MINUTES FOR HIS COMMENTS. CARRIED. Continuing, Mr. Kumar also expressed concerns about the potential violation of City Code 4-4-080 (Parking, Loading, and Driveway Regulations). MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED. Citizen Comment: Johnson - Homeowners and Bank Protection Act of 2007 Jacob Johnson (Seattle) expressed concern regarding the mortgage foreclosure crisis resulting from the collapse of the housing bubble. He reviewed key features of the proposed Homeowners and Bank Protection Act of 2007, which aims to create protection for people and banks affected by the crisis. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL EXTEND THE AUDIENCE COMMENT PERIOD. CARRIED. Citizen Comment: Fugate - Homeowners and Bank Protection Act Joseph Fugate (Seattle) also spoke on the topic of the proposed Homeowners and Bank Protection Act of 2007. He reviewed the evolution of the mortgage foreclosure crisis, noting that the banking system is now collapsing. Mr. Fugate expressed concern that the federal government keeps putting forth the same policies as those that led to the crisis. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of 3/10/2008 Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/10/2008. Council concur. Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Mayor Law appointed Lee Chicoine to the Airport Advisory Committee, North Renton neighborhood primary position, for an unexpired term expiring 5/7/2010 (position previously held by Richard Zwicker). Refer to Community Services Committee. CAG: 08-001, Duvall Ave NE Reconstruction, Northwest Cascade City Clerk reported bid opening on 2/26/2008 for CAG-08-001, Duvall Ave. NE/Coal Creek Parkway SE Reconstruction; eight bids; engineer's estimate $12,373,699.93; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to low bidder Northwest Cascade, Inc., in the amount of $10,081,569.23. Council concur. Appeal: RTC Short Plat, Voght, SHP-07-088 City Clerk reported appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision regarding the RTC Short Plat application by James L. Voght, accompanied by required fee. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. EDNSP: Dry Docks Removal Waiver of Permit Fees, Budget Amend Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval to waive permit fees related to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources' removal of derelict and abandoned dry docks on Lake Washington. Approval was also sought to amend the 2008 Budget to allocate $200,000 from the unallocated reserve fund for the project. Council concur. (See page 87 for ordinance.) Community Services: Thomas Teasdale Park Landscaping, MacLeod Reckord Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $37,100 with MacLeod Reckord to design new irrigation and grading at Thomas Teasdale Park. Council concur. Development Services: Robersons 24th St Short Plat, ROW Dedication, NE 24th St, SHP-05-050 Development Services Division recommended acceptance of a deed of dedication for additional right-of-way at High Ave. NE and NE 24th St. and at NE 24th St. and Jones Ave. NE to fulfill a requirement of the Roberson's 24th Street Short Plat. Council concur. Human Resources: Reclassifications & Classifications for 7 Positions Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of the position classifications and salary grades for existing and new positions, effective 1/1/2008. Refer to Finance Committee. CAG: 07-188, Fiber Optic Connection North, RL Alia Company Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-07-188, Fiber Optic Connection North; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $7,775, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $2,305 to R.L. Alia Company, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. Transportation: Duvall Ave NE Reconstruction, WSDOT Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $1,115,929.76 with the Washington State Department of Transportation for construction management services for the Duvall Ave. NE/Coal Creek Parkway SE Reconstruction Project. (King County will reimburse the City approximately 50 percent of the cost.) Council concur. (See later this page for resolution.) CAG: 06-114, Lake WA Trail South Lake Connector, WSDOT Grant Transportation Systems Division requested approval of Supplement Agreement No. 1 to CAG-06-114, agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, to accept $500,000 for the Lake Washington Trail South Lake Connector Project. Council concur. (See page 87 for resolution.) Utility: Dennys Lift Station Replacement, RH2 Engineering Utility Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $124,306 with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for services related to the Denny's Lift Station Replacement Project. Council concur. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Services Committee Board/Commission: Municipal Arts Commission Revisions Community Services Committee Vice Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the ordinance revising City Code 2-8, Municipal Arts Commission, in order to: 1) introduce a five-year Master Plan for Arts and Culture; 2) set a specific timeframe for the annual review of the two-year plan to determine which capital projects will be slated for the 1% for Art Fund; 3) clarify how monies are budgeted into the 1% for Art Fund; and 4) develop a conservation plan for the maintenance of public art. The committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 87 for ordinance.) Finance Committee Community Services: Parks Maintenance Facility at Monroe Ave NE & NE 3rd St, King County Purchase Agreement, United Rentals Sublease Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a purchase and sale agreement with King County for "Lot B" of the Cassidy Cove subdivision in the amount of $2,255,646.77. Funds can be appropriated from the 316 Reserve Fund through an ordinance. The Committee further recommended that an additional $300,000 be appropriated for continuing lease costs for the temporary Parks Maintenance Facility at the United Rentals Northwest building (LAG-07-001), and for site development costs of "Lot B." These funds are also to be appropriated from the 316 Reserve Fund through an ordinance. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 87 for ordinance.) Public Works: Surface Water Maintenance Worker II Hire at Step D Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the request to fill the new Surface Water Maintenance Worker II position (Grade A08) at Step D of the 2008 salary schedule. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: Resolution #3935 Transportation: Duvall Ave NE Reconstruction, WSDOT A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for construction management services for the Duvall Ave. NE/Coal Creek Parkway SE Reconstruction Project. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3936 CAG: 06-114, Lake WA Trail South Lake Connector, WSDOT Grant A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to obtain construction funds for the Lake Washington Trail South Lake Connector Project (Sam Chastain Trail). MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3936 CAG: 06-114, Lake WA Trail South Lake Connector, WSDOT Grant A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to obtain construction funds for the Lake Washington Trail South Lake Connector Project (Sam Chastain Trail). MOVED BY CORMAN, 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 3/24/2008 for second and final reading: EDNSP: Dry Docks Removal Waiver of Permit Fees, Budget Amend An ordinance was read amending the 2008 Budget, allocating $200,000 from the unallocated reserve fund balance from 2007 for derelict vessel removal projects. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/24/2008. CARRIED. Board/Commission: Municipal Arts Commission Revisions An ordinance was read amending Chapter 8, Municipal Arts Commission, of Title II (Commissions and Boards) of City Code by introducing a five-year Master Plan for Arts and Culture; clarifying how funding is established and adjusted for the 1% for Art Fund; and scheduling the annual review of the two-year plan for projects slated for the 1% for Art Fund, to be completed during the annual City budget preparation process. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/24/2008. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS AJLS: Mayor's State of the City Address Councilmember Palmer announced that Mayor Law will present his State of the City address at the Renton Chamber of Commerce luncheon on March 19. City Clerk: Cable Franchise Renewal MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE RENEWAL OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH COMCAST TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Johnson - Windsor Hills Neighborhood, Construction and Height Limitations Ben Johnson (Renton) expressed his support for the maintenance of the views in the Windsor Hills neighborhood. He noted the importance of balancing the needs of the neighborhood and the needs of development. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:04 p.m. Michele Neumann, Deputy City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann March 17, 2008