HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-01RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
July 16, 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; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN; TONI NELSON, Council President Pro Tem.
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; JIM
SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; SANDRA MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; SUE CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator;
DENNIS CULP, Facilities Director; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER CURTIS SMALLING, Police Department.
PRESS
Oscar Halpert, Renton Reporter
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
WSDOT: I-405 Corridor Program Update
Mike Cummings, Corridor Planning Supervisor with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), detailed the I-405 Corridor Program timeline, noting that the final Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) and recommendations are scheduled to be issued in October 2001. Don Samdahl, Principal with WSDOT, reviewed the main components of the Preliminary Preferred
Alternative, similar to Alternative 3 (Mixed Mode with High Capacity Transit Emphasis) as follows:
Transportation Demand Model – Increase the number of vanpools (1700 new vehicles), improve public education, expand employer-based programs, and continue analysis of pricing solutions
as part of a regional system.
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) – Complete the series of ramps connecting arterials and freeways directly to HOV lanes on I-405. This allows carpools, vanpools and buses to use the HOV
lanes without weaving across other traffic.
Transit/High Capacity Transit (HCT) – Expand transit service (up to 100%) in the corridor; implement a bus rapid transit (BRT) type service for most north-south transit travel; and explore
automated high capacity (rail or BRT) options for cross-lake (SR-520/I-90 Corridor).
Roadway – Add up to two general-purpose lanes in each direction on I-5 between Tukwila and Lynnwood plus supporting arterial and freeway connections.
SR-167 & Interchange Improvements – Improve the SR-167 and I-405 Interchange; and widen SR-167 by up to two lanes in each direction to accommodate growing demand and the effects of improvements
at the I-405/SR-167 interchange.
Mr. Cummings reviewed the issue of securing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad right-of-way for future transportation opportunities. He acknowledged the City of Renton's
objection to non-trail uses of the BNSF right-of-way in its jurisdiction and its request that the City's portion of the BNSF corridor be removed from the Preliminary Preferred Alternative.
Mr. Cummings reported that the I-405 Corridor Program Steering Committee recommended the following: leave the BNSF right-of-way element in the Preferred Preliminary Alternative; record
Renton's objections; the project management team (PMT) will modify outreach materials to highlight Renton's objection to the element; and the PMT will provide more information on possible
impacts of HCT alignment on I-405 through Renton.
Continuing, Mr. Cummings explained that at its meeting in June, the Executive Committee approved the Steering Committee's recommendation after an in-depth discussion of Renton's position.
The Committee emphasized the need to continue working with the City and other jurisdictions along the BNSF corridor to address neighborhood issues, and expressed support for not allowing
this issue to impact the whole program
Mr. Cummings reviewed the issue of securing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad right-of-way for future transportation opportunities. He acknowledged the City of Renton's
objection to non-trail uses of the BNSF right-of-way in its jurisdiction and its request that the City's portion of the BNSF corridor be removed from the Preliminary Preferred Alternative.
Mr. Cummings reported that the I-405 Corridor Program Steering Committee recommended the following: leave the BNSF right-of-way element in the Preferred Preliminary Alternative; record
Renton's objections; the project management team (PMT) will modify outreach materials to highlight Renton's objection to the element; and the PMT will provide more information on possible
impacts of HCT alignment on I-405 through Renton.
Continuing, Mr. Cummings explained that at its meeting in June, the Executive Committee approved the Steering Committee's recommendation after an in-depth discussion of Renton's position.
The Committee emphasized the need to continue working with the City and other jurisdictions along the BNSF corridor to address neighborhood issues, and expressed support for not allowing
this issue to impact the whole program
Councilman Corman, who represented the City at the Executive Committee meeting, commented that although the Executive Committee agreed with the Steering Committee's position on the
matter, the Executive Committee expressed an understanding of Renton's position. He noted that other jurisdictions also expressed concerns about the BNSF right-of-way preservation
issue.
In conclusion, Mr. Cummings described potential options to resolving this issue which include: informal discussions among key participants, set up negotiation process (possibly involving
the Executive Committee), and if the element is still included in the Preferred Alternative when the final recommendation is reported in October, Renton can choose not to concur with
the recommendation.
Responding to Councilman Persson's inquiry regarding the I-405 Corridor Program's vision for preserving the BNSF right-of-way, Mr. Cummings stated that the right-of-way corridor may
offer some opportunities in the future for technology that has not yet been developed. He explained that the right-of-way is a unique asset, and the Program does not want to see it
broken into pieces and sold off.
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:
The Special Population program held one of two unique Partner and Pals day camps last week at North Highlands Neighborhood Center. The program creates an opportunity for children with
special needs to experience camp with other children in their age group.
The Community Center will host the United States Corporate Challenge Athletic Association banquet on Sunday, July 22nd. This Microsoft sponsored event includes over 500 athletes participating
in track and field events in the City.
American Bass is hosting its annual tournament at Coulon Park on July 21st and 22nd, during which over 50 boats and fisherman will compete for prizes.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Minutes of July 9, 2001
Approval of Council minutes of July 9, 2001. Council concur.
Appeal: Montemayor Short Plat, Mark DeWitt (SHP-01-005)
City Clerk submitted appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision regarding Montemayor Short Plat (SHP-01-005) filed by Mark DeWitt; four single-family lots on .59 acres located on northeast
corner of Benson Rd. S. and SE 29th St. Refer to Planning & Development Committee. (See page 233 for related correspondence.)
City Clerk: 2001 Renton Population
City Clerk reported the official population for the City of Renton as of April 1, 2001, to be 51,140 as calculated by the State of Washington Office of Financial Management. Information.
CAG: 01-093, Benson Rd S Pedestrian Improvements, RW Scott Const Co
City Clerk reported bid opening on 07/11/2001 for CAG-01-093, Benson Rd. S. Pedestrian Improvements project; five bids; project estimate $240,324.60; and submitted staff recommendation
to award the contract to the low bidder, R.W. Scott Construction Company, in the amount of $262,969. Council concur.
CAG: 00-179, Senior Center Sun Room Installation, Sound Glass
Community Center Department submitted CAG-00-179, Senior Center Sun Room Installation project; and recommended approval of the project, and authorization for final pay estimate in the
amount of $56,210.91 to contractor, Sound Glass. Council concur.
Human Services: 2002 CDBG Funds Allocation
Human Services Division recommended setting a public hearing on 08/13/2001 on the allocation of the 2002 funding recommendations for General Fund and Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds. Refer to Community Services Committee; set public hearing for 08/13/2001.
Annexation: Piele, 142nd Ave SE & NE 6th St
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public hearing be set on 08/06/2001 to consider the 60% Notice of Intent to Annex for the proposed
Piele Annexation and proposed R-8 (Residential Single Family; eight dwelling units per acre) zoning; approximately 20 acres located east and west of 142nd Ave. SE (Hoquiam Ave. NE),
south of NE 6th St. (if extended) and west of 144th Ave. SE (if extended). Council concur.
Annexation: Shamrock, NE 4th St & 148th Ave SE
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public meeting be set on 08/06/2001 to consider the 10% Notice of Intent to Annex for the proposed
Shamrock Annexation; approximately 66.6 acres abutting the City boundary north of NE 4th St. and located east and west of 148th Ave. SE between 150th Ave. SE on the east and 144th Ave.
SE, if extended, on the west. Council concur.
Transportation: Passenger Ferry Service on Lake Washington, Dutchman Marine
Transportation Systems Division requested briefing on proposed passenger ferry service over Lake Washington by Dutchman Marine dba Lake Sprite. The ferry would dock at Southport and
possibly Port Quendall, and would provide commuters living and working in Renton with an alternative means of transportation. Refer to Transportation Committee.
Citizen Comment: Hawkins – Montemayor Short Plat Appeal (SHP-01-005)
At the request of Council, Correspondence was read from Dave Hawkins, 10636 SE 166th St., Renton, 98055, supporting the Hearing Examiner's decision to grant his appeal of the Administrative
Determination for the Montemayor Short Plat (item 6.b.); and challenging various points denoted in Mark DeWitt's appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision. Refer to Planning & Development
Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED WITH THE ADDITION OF THE DAVE HAWKINS LETTER. CARRIED.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED WITH THE ADDITION OF THE DAVE HAWKINS LETTER. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Kyes – Fireworks Ban
Correspondence was read from Douglas Kyes, 3924 NE 11th Pl., Renton, 98056, requesting that all fireworks in the City be eliminated, except for those managed by the City. MOVED BY
CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Halinen – Morgan Place Preliminary Plat (PP-01-028) & Lyons Ave NE Vacation Request (VAC-01-002)
Correspondence was read from David L. Halinen, Halinen Law Offices, P.S., 10500 NE 8th St., Suite 1900, Bellevue, 98004, conveying Carlton Development Group's request to withdraw the
street vacation request for Lyons Ave. NE (VAC-01-002); and the request to forward the Morgan Place Preliminary Plat (PP-01-028) to the Council for approval.
Assistant City Attorney Zanetta Fontes explained that the street vacation application is being withdrawn, and the preliminary plat will be forwarded to Council with a minor amendment
to the plat in which proposed lots 21 through 23 will be reconfigured into two lots.
OLD BUSINESS
Airport: US Customs Facility & US Dept of Justice INS Port of Entry Designation
Responding to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry regarding the status of the U.S. Customs Service inspection facility at the Renton Airport, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator
Gregg Zimmerman reported receipt of two letters from U.S. Customs Service requesting that the City move forward with providing a customs inspection facility at the airport. One of
the letters contained an ultimatum in which the Customs Service stated that it may consider removal of the airport's international landing rights if a facility is not provided. Mr.
Zimmerman said that City staff is gathering information and plans to produce an issue paper and agenda bill with a recommendation that the matter be referred to the Transportation (Aviation)
Committee.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that Transportation Systems Director Sandra Meyer has discussed the matter with a representative of the Customs Service, resulting in a temporary reprieve from
the ultimatum while Customs approaches the matter through a public process.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported receipt of a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service in which it states that the airport has not been designated
by the Attorney General as a port of entry for aliens from Canada and other countries. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER BOTH ITEMS TO THE TRANSPORTATION
(AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Councilman Corman suggested that the City consider applying for a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to help fund the construction of a U.S. Customs Service facility on the
Renton Airport.
Vacation: Timing of Street Vacation Decision & Related Land Use Action, Code Revisions
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler discussed the necessity for a final decision on a street vacation being made prior to the required public hearing on the related land use proposal. MOVED
BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER MATTER TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Dobson-Rebar – Renton Western Wear Alley Status (Sheridan Mixed Use Development)
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler requested that Administration respond to a letter dated July 9, 2001, from Diane M. Dobson-Rebar, REN-FOUR, Inc., PO Box 59, Renton, 98057, regarding the
status of the alley adjacent to Renton Western Wear between S. 2nd and S. 3rd Streets.
Community Services: Public Address System Improvements
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER MATTER OF PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS AT CITY FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE USE OF PORTABLE MICROPHONE IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, TO THE
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
King County: Jail Contract
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler requested a status report on the jail contract negotiations with King County. Chief Administrative Office Covington reported that Police Chief Anderson
is a member of the jail negotiation team and stated that reports would be presented to Council during the next informal Committee of the Whole.
Councilman Persson encouraged the City to investigate the possibility of charging King County when Renton holds its prisoners as King County does when it holds Renton prisoners.
Legislature: Legislative Districts Redistricting in Renton (from 6 to 3)
Responding to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry regarding the City's position on the redistricting of legislative districts, Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington said that
after Council discussion of the matter in March, it was decided that the City should encourage the Washington State Redistricting Commission to consider reducing the number of legislative
districts in Renton from six to three. He reported that a letter stating that position was sent to the Redistricting Commission, and a joint letter urging the Commission to consider
the reduction of districts to be signed by the City, Renton School District, Renton Technical College, Valley Medical Center and the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce is being drafted.
Mr. Covington reported that Mayor Tanner and Economic Development Administrator Sue Carlson were planning on attending the August 2nd meeting on the matter, and he noted that the letter
would be completed in time for the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Clawson said he would also be available to attend the meeting.
Finance Committee
Human Resources: Administrator Positions Reclassification
Announcing a potential conflict of interest on the next item, Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler excused herself from the meeting. Time: 8:42 p.m.
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the compensation study for Department Administrators. The Finance Committee recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation
to approve the reclassifications of the Administrator positions. If approved, the following positions will be reclassified from grade m43 to grade m49. Effective July 1, 2001, the
Administrator positions will be placed in salary grade m49 with a monthly salary range of $7,610 - $9,273. Current incumbents Susan Carlson, Economic Development Administrator; Victoria
Runkle, Finance & Information Services Administrator; James Shepherd, Community Services Administrator; Michael Webby, Human Resources Administrator; Fire Chief Lee Wheeler; and Gregg
Zimmerman, Planning/Building Public Works Administrator will be placed at step D, and Police Chief Garry Anderson will be placed at step E. In addition to the proposed salary reclassification,
the City will eliminate longevity for all Administrators. Education incentive, longevity and uniform allowances provided to the Police Chief and Fire Chief will also be eliminated.
The cost for the proposed reclassification is outlined below and funds are not available in the current budget.
Additional Salary:
EDNSP $4,581.74
Finance $4,581.74
Community Services $4,101.74
HR & RM $5,091.74
Fire Department $2,307.74
Police Department $141.26
Public Works $4,341.74
$25,147.70
The Administration also recommended that the City Council allocate $25,147.70 from unallocated fund balance in the general fund to each of the individual department's budget to cover
the additional costs of this reclassification. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (Councilman Persson requested that his no vote
be recorded.)
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler returned to the meeting. Time: 8:45 p.m.
Additional Salary:
EDNSP $4,581.74
Finance $4,581.74
Community Services $4,101.74
HR & RM $5,091.74
Fire Department $2,307.74
Police Department $141.26
Public Works $4,341.74
$25,147.70
The Administration also recommended that the City Council allocate $25,147.70 from unallocated fund balance in the general fund to each of the individual department's budget to cover
the additional costs of this reclassification. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (Councilman Persson requested that his no vote
be recorded.)
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler returned to the meeting. Time: 8:45 p.m.
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 194473 - 194931, and two wire transfers totaling $1,186,757.02; and approval of Payroll Vouchers
32332 - 32677 and 548 direct deposits and one wire transfer, totaling $1,712,246.09. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage Project, LMN Architects
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the consultant selection for the Downtown Parking Garage. The Committee concurred with the staff recommendation to authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a consultant agreement with LMN Architects to design, bid, and oversee construction of a parking garage located on S. 2nd St. between Burnett Ave. S.
and Logan Ave. S. The fee for those basic services contained in the draft agreement is $555,340 with an option for retail design services at $41,655. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY
NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Committee of the Whole
Transportation: Downtown Parking Garage
Council President Pro Tem Nelson presented a report regarding the bond issuance for funding of the Downtown Parking Garage. The Committee of the Whole recommended building a six-floor
parking garage with 590 spaces at S. 2nd St. between Burnett Ave. S. and Logan Ave. S. The recommendation includes building the first floor with a higher ceiling and conduit placement
to permit retail space. This will permit the area to be built out as commercial space, in the future, if there is an interest in this.
The Committee further recommended that the bond issuance process begin immediately. This will ensure the lowest cost possible for the bond costs as interest rates are at a historical
low. The average annual debt service is estimated to be approximately $483,700 for 20 years. The Finance and Information Services Department is directed to begin the work associated
with the bond issuance. This will include returning to the Council for a bond ordinance before the bonds are issued. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3514
Airport: Moratorium on Approval of Leases and Subleases
A revised resolution was read declaring a moratorium on the approval of leases and subleases on the Renton Airport, establishing a public hearing date (held July 9, 2001) and correcting
the termination date of the moratorium to October 31, 2001. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3514
Airport: Moratorium on Approval of Leases and Subleases
A revised resolution was read declaring a moratorium on the approval of leases and subleases on the Renton Airport, establishing a public hearing date (held July 9, 2001) and correcting
the termination date of the moratorium to October 31, 2001. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Paholke – US Customs Service Facility at Airport
Diane Paholke, 325 Edmonds Ave. SE, Renton, 98056, urged Council to take the matter concerning the U.S. Customs Service facility at the Renton Airport seriously. Stating that the customs
service is valuable to the airport leaseholders, and after speaking with a representative from U.S. Customs, Ms. Paholke felt that the agency is willing to work on a resolution to the
problem. She added that there has been a lot of misinformation regarding the potential use of the restaurant building property located on the airport as a customs facility. She encouraged
the City to resolve the issue with U.S. Customs Service, and agreed that the City should request funding for the facility from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Discussion indicated that Councilmembers were generally supportive of provisions of a customs facility, but noted that the City is currently working on developing the airport business
plan. Transportation Systems Director Sandra Meyer indicated that she tried to convey to U.S. Customs Service that the City is working on a business plan and that the results of the
plan would be forwarded to Customs; however, the customs official indicated that any delay was unacceptable.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATION TO PREPARE A LETTER TO THE U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE FOR THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE EXPRESSING THE CITY'S INTENT
TO PROVIDE A CUSTOMS FACILITY FOR INSPECTIONS AT THE RENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.*
It was noted that the administration is welcome to co-sign the letter, if desired. Councilmembers discussed the need for a customs facility at the airport; and the timing of location
and construction of the facility concurrent with development of the airport business plan. It was noted that the Transportation (Aviation) Committee will be studying this issue and
will make specific recommendations regarding location of the facility at a later date.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Paholke - Special Population Day Camp Information
On another subject, Ms. Paholke requested that the City publish information about the Special Population day camps in the summer day camp section of the What's Happening brochure distributed
by the Community Services Department.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 28 MINUTES TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL MATTER AND POTENTIAL LITIGATION. CARRIED. Time: 9:15 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:43 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:43 p.m.
Marilyn Petersen, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
July 16, 2001