HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-01RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
June 25, 2001 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:30 p.m. M I N U T E S Municipal Building
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Dan Clawson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order.
ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS
DAN CLAWSON, Mayor Pro Tem; TONI NELSON, Council President Pro Tem; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER; TERRI BRIERE; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMAN RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; MARILYN PETERSEN, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; SANDRA
MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; NICK AFZALI, Transportation Planning & Programming Supervisor; ACTING COMMANDER TIMOTHY TROXEL, Police Department.
PUBLIC HEARING
Transportation: Six-Year TIP (2002-2007)
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Tanner opened the public hearing to consider the annual update
of the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), 2002 – 2007.
Transportation Systems Director Sandra Meyer explained that each year, the Transportation Division makes every effort to ensure the TIP is consistent with the City's business plan objectives
and goals in addition to making sure that all State requirements are met. Nick Afzali, Transportation Planning & Programming Supervisor, explained the purpose of the TIP and reviewed
the transportation goals which include developing a balanced multi-modal transportation system, maximizing the use of transit, and obtaining project and program funding.
Mr. Afzali explained that transportation projects are placed in five categories within the TIP and he detailed the transportation challenges and opportunities the City faces which include:
I-405/NE 44th St. Multimodal Interchange; Oakesdale Ave. SW Phase II; SR-169 (Maple Valley Hwy.) HOV and Queue Jump Improvements; Duvall Ave. NE – Sunset Blvd. NE to northern City
limits; and Rainier Ave. S. – SR-167 to S. 2nd St. In regards to transportation project funding, Mr. Afzali described the various funding sources and reviewed the 2001 grants received
by the City which total $3,643,000. He also noted that the estimated expenditure plan over the next six years totals $86,204,004.
Continuing, Mr. Afzali described the new projects added to the TIP which are as follows: Lake Washington Blvd. – Coulon Park/Southport Access Rd. to NE 44th St.; Monster Rd. Guardrail;
Logan Ave. S. Bridge Seismic Retrofit; S. Renton Project (Burnett Ave. S./S. 4th St.); NE 8th St. – Union Ave. NE. to Duvall Ave. NE; and Transportation GIS Needs Assessment. In conclusion,
he reviewed the projects that were or will be completed this year, which are: NE 44th St. Interchange 30% Design; Transit Center; East Valley Rd. & SW 43rd St.; Strander Blvd. Project
Definition; Transit Plan; Walkway & Curb Ramps; Loop & Sign; and Model Calibration & Documentation.
Responding to Council inquiry regarding the Duvall Ave. NE project, Mr. Afzali said that the City is working with King County and the City of Newcastle on this project and the estimated
cost is $3.8 million. He explained that the project includes intersection improvements at Sunset Blvd. NE and Duvall Ave. NE to alleviate traffic backups and business access blockages,
sidewalk and HOV improvements, and examination of how additional traffic can be accommodated.
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. (See page 203 for committee report.)
Continuing, Mr. Afzali described the new projects added to the TIP which are as follows: Lake Washington Blvd. – Coulon Park/Southport Access Rd. to NE 44th St.; Monster Rd. Guardrail;
Logan Ave. S. Bridge Seismic Retrofit; S. Renton Project (Burnett Ave. S./S. 4th St.); NE 8th St. – Union Ave. NE. to Duvall Ave. NE; and Transportation GIS Needs Assessment. In conclusion,
he reviewed the projects that were or will be completed this year, which are: NE 44th St. Interchange 30% Design; Transit Center; East Valley Rd. & SW 43rd St.; Strander Blvd. Project
Definition; Transit Plan; Walkway & Curb Ramps; Loop & Sign; and Model Calibration & Documentation.
Responding to Council inquiry regarding the Duvall Ave. NE project, Mr. Afzali said that the City is working with King County and the City of Newcastle on this project and the estimated
cost is $3.8 million. He explained that the project includes intersection improvements at Sunset Blvd. NE and Duvall Ave. NE to alleviate traffic backups and business access blockages,
sidewalk and HOV improvements, and examination of how additional traffic can be accommodated.
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. (See page 203 for committee report.)
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 2001 and beyond. Items noted included:
Nominations are being accepted until August 10th for Renton Citizen of the Year. Download a nomination form from the City's website at www.ci.renton.wa.us.
The clock tower in the transit center was moved last weekend to its final location on a new traffic island across from the Metro Credit Union between S. 3rd and S. 4th Streets.
Renton and King County Fire Training Officers hosted the 4th annual Automobile Extrication Academy for two days last week during which sixty firefighters trained on air bag deployment,
hybrid vehicle safety, and the latest techniques in removing victims trapped in wrecked vehicles.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Richter – North Renton Neighborhood Picnic
Marge Richter, 300 Meadow Ave. N., Renton, 98055, announced that the North Renton Neighborhood's 3rd annual picnic will be held on Sunday, July 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Jones Park. She
described the activities planned for the event and commented that the Neighborhood Program has been successful in her area.
Citizen Comment: Pace – Development Policies
Sam Pace, 29839-154th Ave. SE, Kent, 98042, representing the Seattle-King County Association of Realtors, explained that the Association holds periodic housing issue forums at which
various topics are discussed such as the jobs/housing balance issue, infrastructure issues and case studies of best practices. He explained that the City of Renton has been a focal
point of the case studies and serves as an good example for neighboring jurisdictions in regards to its goals and business plan, development policies and demonstration projects. Expressing
his thanks to Economic Development Administrator Sue Carlson, the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Pace congratulated the City on its progress saying that the City's success contributes
to the long term health and economic vitality of the entire region.
Citizen Comment: Alder – Sewer Assessment Fee Payment to Connect to City Sewer
David Alder, 1829 Aberdeen Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, reported that sewers were recently installed along Aberdeen Ave. NE, and in order to hook-up to the City sewer system, families must
pay their total sewer assessment plus a contractor's fee to make the connection. He explained that families are finding it difficult to pay the assessment all at once and requested
that they be allowed to spread payment of the sewer assessment over a ten-year period. Mr. Alder submitted a petition signed by 38 residents in support of this proposal.
Councilman Parker commented that according to City policy, sewer assessments must be paid all at one time and since a number of people would like to hook-up to the City's system and
are unable to due to economic factors, he requested review of the policy. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE MATTER TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE AND THEN TO THE FINANCE
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Clifford – Lande Feed Building Closure, Declared Dangerous Building
Chris Clifford, 2721 Talbot Rd. S., Renton, 98055, stated his unhappiness with how the City conducted the inspection and closure of the Lande Feed building, and specifically pointed
out his displeasure that the closure occurred on a Friday, thus causing the store to lose its weekend revenues. To prevent this from happening to another business, Mr. Clifford requested
that the City change its building closure procedures in two ways. First, change the building inspection code so that building inspectors can only "red-tag" a building Monday through
Thursday, and if the building is "red-tagged," require an inspection by a structural engineer within 24 hours to verify the decision. Second, modify the appeal process to allow building
owners the opportunity to seek a hearing within 24 hours of the building closure.
Councilman Parker stated that business owners are responsible for maintaining their buildings and Craig Lande had been advised in the past to bring the building up to code. Mayor Pro
Tem Clawson added that he opposed any City Code change that would take away the ability of the City to shut down a building that it deemed unsafe.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Minutes of June 18, 2001
Approval of Council minutes of June 18, 2001. Council concur.
Court Case: Rosemary Grassi, CRT-01-006
Court Case filed in King County Superior Court by Susan Bonnell, 237 SW 153rd St., Seattle, 98166, on behalf of Rosemary Grassi who seeks compensation for medical expenses and economic
loss allegedly due to falling over a raised strip of asphalt in the crosswalk while crossing the street in the vicinity of S. 5th St. and Cedar Ave. S. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance
Services.
Human Resources: 2001 Relassifications
Human Resources & Risk Management Department requested the reclassification of 31 positions in the Finance, Community Services and Planning/Building/Public Works Departments; and requested
the allocation of $131,195 from unallocated fund balance to cover the costs of the reclassifications in 2001. Refer to Finance Committee.
Human Resources: 2001 Reclassifications (Information Services Division)
Human Resources & Risk Management Department recommended the reorganization and reclassification of 11 positions within the Information Services Division; and requested the allocation
of $19,404 from unallocated fund balance to cover the cost of the reclassifications in 2001. Refer to Finance Committee.
Utility: Earthquake-Damaged Elevated Water Tanks Repair, GeoEngineers
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a consultant agreement in the amount of $63,380 with GeoEngineers for post earthquake repair and upgrade of Rolling Hills and Highlands
Elevated water tanks. Council concur.
CAG: 00-165, Monterey Dr NE & NE 3rd St Storm System Replacement Project, Monarch Excavating
Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-00-165, Monterey Dr. NE & NE 3rd St. Storm System Replacement Project; and recommended approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate
in the amount of $2,886.46, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of
$3,257.70 to Monarch Excavating, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Stahl – Railroad Crossing Hazard at Kennydale Beach
Councilman Persson reported receipt of electronic mail from Annik Stahl, 1106 N. 33rd Pl., Renton, 98056, in which she expressed her concerns regarding the lack of warning devices at
the railroad crossing near Kennydale Beach at Lake Washington Blvd. N. and N. 36th Street. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Community Services Committee
EDNSP: 2001 Neighborhood Grants
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the final funding for 2001 neighborhood grant projects. After review of the applications, the Community Services
Committee recommended the approval of the following grant applications:
Maplewood Glen Entrance Sign (#0023) – Maplewood Glen Neighborhood Association; $3,269
Daffodil & Tulip Plantings (#0025) – North Renton Neighborhood Association; $1,061.02
Colorful Plantings in Neighborhood Traffic Circles (#0026) – Honey Creek Ridge Homeowners Association; $667.60
Bus Stop Bench (#0028) – Summerwind Homeowners Association; $598
Neighborhood Entrance Upgrades – Rolling Hills Homeowners Association; $3,846.70
"Lost Black River" Mural (#0031) – Piazza Renton; $8,618.90
Beautification of Traffic Circles (#0032) – Tiffany Park Homeowners Association; $2,000
Beautification of Traffic Circles (#0035) – Highbury Park Homeowners Association; $1,746.64
The Committee further recommended that Council have a special presentation to award the grant certificates to the recipients on July 2, 2001. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Councilwoman Briere's inquiry regarding the location of the "Lost Black River" mural, Councilwoman Nelson explained that the mural will be applied to the west wall of the
Gene Sens building located on the south side of S. 3rd St. and Burnett Ave. S. Ms. Nelson added that the mural is a reproduction of a painting by artist Doug Kyes that is currently
displayed in the Renton Historical Museum.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Executive: Sister City Establishment with Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the potential sister city relationship with Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico. The Committee reviewed the Administration's
request and believes that the Renton community would benefit from a sister city relationship with Cuautla through cultural, educational, and business exchanges.
The Committee recommended that the City Council authorize the Administration to begin the process of establishing a sister city relationship with Cuautla by identifying and organizing
interested members of the Renton community, corresponding with municipal officials in Cuautla to determine that City's interest, and completing the appropriate processes necessary to
officially establish the sister city relationship. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Executive: Sister City Establishment with Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the potential sister city relationship with Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico. The Committee reviewed the Administration's
request and believes that the Renton community would benefit from a sister city relationship with Cuautla through cultural, educational, and business exchanges.
The Committee recommended that the City Council authorize the Administration to begin the process of establishing a sister city relationship with Cuautla by identifying and organizing
interested members of the Renton community, corresponding with municipal officials in Cuautla to determine that City's interest, and completing the appropriate processes necessary to
officially establish the sister city relationship. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Airport: Moratorium on Approval of Leases & Subleases
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report on the moratorium on the approval of leases and subleases on the Renton Airport. The Committee recommended that:
The City Council extend the moratorium on the approval of leases, subleases and operating permits on the Renton Airport for a three month period, ending October 31, 2001, with the exception
of one operating permit for World Wind Helicopters, Inc. which is still pending approval.
The City Council adopt a resolution establishing a public hearing date of July 9, 2001, for the purpose of accepting testimony on whether or not the City should continue this moratorium.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 204 for resolution.)
Transportation: Downtown Renton Temporary Parking
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding Downtown Renton temporary parking. The Committee recommended that the City parking lot on Main Ave. S.
between S. 2nd and 3rd Streets be changed to three hour parking. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation: Aberdeen Ave NE Sidewalk Installation
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the proposed Aberdeen Ave. NE interim pedestrian improvements. To improve pedestrian safety on Aberdeen
Ave. NE, from NE 12th St. to NE 27th St., the Transportation Committee recommended Council authorize the Administration to install the following traffic improvements:
Provide a better vehicle-to-pedestrian buffer by installing an additional edge line with rumble bars spaced on 50 foot centers on both sides of Aberdeen Ave. NE between NE 12th St. and
NE 27th St.
Install additional walk way signs on both sides of Aberdeen Ave. NE between NE 12th St. and NE 27th St.
Assess and prioritize this project as part of the Walkway Comprehensive Plan.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation: Six-Year TIP (2002-2007)
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report on the annual update of the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Committee has reviewed the proposed
2002 – 2007 Six-Year TIP and recommended adoption of the resolution updating the TIP. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
(See page 204 for resolution.)
Transportation: 2001 Street Overlay Project
Responding to Councilman Persson's inquiry regarding the 2001 Street Overlay Project, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman said he would provide Council with
maps of SW 7th St. and he affirmed that the overlay of Lind Ave. SW between SW 16th and SW 27th Streets will occur this year, either with a change order to the 2001 Street Overlay contract,
or under a separate contract.
Transportation: Curb Ramp Installation (ADA Compliant)
In response to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry, Councilman Persson affirmed that the report regarding the installation of ADA compliant curb ramps will be reported out of Transportation
Committee at the next Council meeting.
Transportation: Curb Ramp Installation (ADA Compliant)
In response to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry, Councilman Persson affirmed that the report regarding the installation of ADA compliant curb ramps will be reported out of Transportation
Committee at the next Council meeting.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3512
Transportation: Six-Year TIP (2002-2007)
A resolution was read updating the City's Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (2002 – 2007). MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3513
Airport: Moratorium on Approval of Leases & Subleases
A resolution was read declaring a moratorium on the approval of leases and subleases on the Renton Airport, establishing a public hearing date of July 9, 2001, and establishing a termination
date of September 25, 2001. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Airport: Noise Issues & Business Plan
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THE AIRPORT NOISE ISSUES AND AIRPORT BUSINESS PLAN TO THE AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Development Services: Lande Feed Building Preservation
Pointing out that the Lande Feed building has been identified as a significant structure in the inventory of historic places by King County, it was MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON,
COUNCIL REFER TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON 7/2/2001 THE REQUEST FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE RELOCATION AND RESTORATION OF THE LANDE FEED CENTRAL
BUILDING, INCLUDING IDENTIFICATION OF COSTS, TIMING, PROSPECTIVE LOCATIONS, OWNERSHIP, POTENTIAL FINANCING SUCH AS PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, AND POSSIBLE USES FOR THE BUILDING, IF
RELOCATED.*
Responding to Councilwoman Nelson's inquiry regarding moving the building so that it can continue to operate as a feed store or for saving it as a historic structure, Councilwoman Briere
explained that it is her intent to save the Lande Feed building as a historic structure but the building could be viable as a business.
Council discussion ensued regarding clarification of the scope and timing of information requested.
Referencing past discussion to relocate the building to the City-owned parking lot located on Wells Ave. S and S. 4th St. (behind McGowans Restaurant), Councilwoman Nelson expressed
her opposition to the idea, saying that the loss of parking would be detrimental to the neighboring businesses. Councilman Parker agreed with Ms. Nelson, and pointed out that the City
already contributes generously towards historic preservation; therefore he is reluctant for the City to engage in a lengthy study of this issue due to the potential costs.
Councilmembers Persson, Keolker-Wheeler and Mayor Pro Tem Clawson agreed that additional sites and all options need to be explored. Councilwoman Briere added that the City needs to
respond to the community's interest in preserving this structure, and emphasized that the issue is the historic value of the building rather than maintaining the feed store business.
Councilwoman Nelson commented that many citizens expressed concerns about the loss of the Lande Feed store business, and she felt that the historical society should be laying the groundwork
for the preservation of the building and not the City. Mayor Pro Tem Clawson emphasized that he does not expect the Administration to develop a plan to save the building, but rather
to investigate what options are available with regards to using City property, the legal ramifications, and other related issues.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmembers Persson, Keolker-Wheeler and Mayor Pro Tem Clawson agreed that additional sites and all options need to be explored. Councilwoman Briere added that the City needs to
respond to the community's interest in preserving this structure, and emphasized that the issue is the historic value of the building rather than maintaining the feed store business.
Councilwoman Nelson commented that many citizens expressed concerns about the loss of the Lande Feed store business, and she felt that the historical society should be laying the groundwork
for the preservation of the building and not the City. Mayor Pro Tem Clawson emphasized that he does not expect the Administration to develop a plan to save the building, but rather
to investigate what options are available with regards to using City property, the legal ramifications, and other related issues.
*MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:25 p.m.
Marilyn Petersen, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
June 25, 2001