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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 6, 2009RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting April 6, 2009 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION Volunteer Month - April 2009 PUBLIC HEARING Annexation: Earlington, 80thAveS&S 134th St Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. RANDY CORMAN, Council President; GREG TAYLOR; RICH ZWICKER; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Commumty Services Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; ANGIE MATHIAS, Associate Planner; FIRE CHIEF/EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR I. DAVID DANIELS and DEPUTY CHIEF MARK PETERSON, Fire Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRTDGE, OFFICER SHELLY HAMEL and OFFICER EDWARD SAGIAO, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring April 2009 to be "Volunteer Month" in the City of Renton and encouraging all members of the community to commit a portion of their time to volunteer service. By volunteering and by recognizing those who serve, we can perpetuate the spirit of vitality of this great City. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama accepted the proclamation on behalf of all City departments and encouraged citizens to donate their time to the City. This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to consider the 60% Petition to Annex and zoning for the proposed Earlington Annexation; approximately 100 acres located east of 80th Ave. S, north of S. 134th St. Associate Planner Angie Mathias reported that the site contains single-family homes, vacant land, steep slopes, and a Class 4 waterway. She stated that public services are currently provided by Fire District #20, Renton water and sewer service, and the Renton School District. Reviewing the site's zoning, Ms. Mathias stated that the existing King County zoning is R-6 (six dwelling unit per gross acre), R-8 (eight dwelling units per gross acre), and R-12 (12 dwelling units per gross acre). She reported that the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as eligible for residential single- family and residential medium density zoning. She stated that the proposed City zoning for the site is R-8 (eight dwelling units per net acre), R-10 (ten dwelling units per net acre), and R-14 (14 dwelling units per net acre). Ms. Mathias reported that the proposed annexation is generally consistent with City annexation policies and Boundary Review Board objectives. Regarding the fiscal impact analysis, she stated that a deficit of $16,598 is estimated at current development and a surplus of $116,722 is estimated at full development. April 6, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 97 Responding to Councilmember Palmer's inquiry, Ms. Mathias stated that the area's current population is approximately 292. Correspondence received from Paul G. Monk (King County) expressing opposition to the proposed annexation was acknowledged. Public comment was invited. Phyllis Chandler (King County) expressed opposition to the proposed annexation, explaining that her property is currently connected to a septic tank and that she does not want to pay $1,000 annually to the City for water and sewer service. Ira Sacharoff (King County) commented that unlike most West Hill residents, some Earlington residents receive water and sewer bills from Renton, have Renton addresses, and share the 425 area code. He proposed the following questions: 1) whether residents and businesses in the area want to be annexed and what benefits they may receive, and 2) whether Renton can annex the area without increasing taxes or reducing services for current residents. He pointed out that the petition indicated support for the annexation, and due to the small size of the area, the costs to annex would be negligible. Diane Gaylord (King County) expressed support for the proposed annexation, explaining that the annexation may mean that the Earlington Greenhouse can stay in business longer because of reduced water bills. She also expressed appreciation for the ability to participate in Renton activities and utilize Renton facilities, noting that some communities do not allow non-residents that privilege. Ronald Minter (King County), owner of Earlington Greenhouse, expressed support for the proposed annexation. He stated that many Earlington residents already work, shop, and play in Renton. Mr. Minter emphazied that a major concern in the area is crime and public safety, and noted that although King County is doing the best it can with limited resources, the majority of residents believe that Renton can improve safety in the area. He additionally commented that many residents are enthused about the ability to join the Earlington Hill Neighborhood Association. Carole Davis (King County) stated that she lives in the Earlington Ridge development and would like to be able to join the Earlington Hill Neighborhood Association. She stated that because her neighborhood is considered Skyway, property values in the area are decreasing, and opined that if annexed to Renton, property values would increase. Ms. Davis also stated that she and her husband look forward to the opportunity to volunteer in Renton. Sondra Shira (Renton) expressed support for the proposed annexation and remarked that it is a smart decision to include the Earlington Greenhouse as it is one of the only neighborhood businesses in the area. She also remarked that the Earlington Ridge development should be included in the annexation area. Connie Martin (King County) expressed concern regarding the annexation petition she signed, and possible higher zoning. Councilmember Briere clarified that the City and the County calculate density differently and that there may not necessarily be an increase in density over what could be expected from the King County zoning. Ms. Mathias further explained the methodologies King County and the City use for calculating density, and pointed out that the City's proposed zoning for the annexation area is very comparable to the County's zoning. April 6, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 98 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Police: Employee Recognition CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 3/23/2009 Celeste DeVault (King County) expressed support for the proposed annexation and opined that this area was not being cherry-picked from the broader West Hill annexation proposal. There being no further public comment it was, MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE EARLINGTON 60% PETITION TO ANNEX AND AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO FORWARD THE EARLINGTON ANNEXATION NOTICE OF INTENT PACKAGE TO THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD. CARRIED. Police Chief Milosevich provided background information regarding a March 2008 one-car rollover accident in the area of SW 16th St. and Oakesdale Ave. SW. He stated that the initial call reported a vehicle that was upside down and on fire with three occupants. Several officers responded to the incident including Officers Edward Sagiao and Shelly Hamel. Chief Milosevich reported that Officer Sagiao witnessed Boeing security officers attempting unsuccessfully to extinguish the vehicle fire. He stated that Officer Sagiao went to the vehicle and was able to crawl through the broken passenger side window in an attempt to extricate the driver. Chief Milosevich reported that Officer Hamel arrived and approached the vehicle to help Officer Sagiao remove the driver while also keeping track of the fire and smoke that was entering the interior of the vehicle. Chief Milosevich stated that the driver was the only occupant and was moved to safety by the officers. He reported that Officer Sagiao suffered smoke inhalation and minor lacerations on his hands, and that both officers received cuts to their legs while rescuing the driver. Chief Milosevich stated that Sergeant Christine Matthews reported that this was truly a selfless act that came automatically to Officers Sagiao and Hamel, both of whom knew the danger involved. He also stated that Sergeant Steve Richie, their supervisor, reported that both officers demonstrated extreme courage during the life threatening incident, that the danger to them as well as the vehicle driver was obvious, and that both officers knowingly risked substantial injury by placing themselves in and next to a burning vehicle to rescue the driver. Sergeant Richie also reported that this accident would have resulted in a fatality if they had not chosen their course of action. Officer Shelley Hamel was then awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for placing herself in imminent danger to her personal safety to assist another officer and the driver of the vehicle. Officer Edward Sagiao was awarded the Medal of Valor for placing himself in substantial risk of harm to his personal safety to rescue the driver. Chief Milosevich proclaimed that these officers represented all of the dedicated, smart, aggressive, and compassionate men and women of the Renton Police Department who are willing to help others regardless of the potential risk they may personally face. Councilmember Taylor commended Officers Hamel and Sagiao for putting their life and limb on the line for the community. Mayor Law remarked that most encounters with the police are for traffic violations and it is sometimes forgotten how law enforcement officers put their lives on the line, and have lost their lives, for our protection. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council Meeting minutes of 3/23/2009. Council concur. April 6, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 99 Appointment: Advisory Commission on Diversity Utility: Release of Easement Request, Certified Land Services Corporation Appeal: Ram Short Plat Variance, Varma & Ram, V-08-123 CED: Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption, Liberty Square Apartments Lease: Park & Ride Garage Agreement, City Center Parking Garage, King County Finance: Carry Forward Ordinance Transportation: Stage II Lake Washington Trail South Lake Connector, WHPacific UNFINISHED BUSINESS Utilities Committee SAD: Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Community Services Committee Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Mayor Law appointed Kathleen Booher to the Advisory Commission on Diversity for an unexpired term expiring 12/31/2009 (position previously held by Jennifer Knickerbocker). Refer to Community Services Committee. City Clerk submits request for release of easement by Kristine Maristela, Certified Land Services Corporation, for approximately 1,347 square feet of property located in the area of 536 - 606 Mill Ave. S. Refer to Utilities Committee. City Clerk reported appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision regarding the Ram Short Plat Variance (V-08-123); appeal filed by Kushal Varma and Kajal Ram; accompanied by required fee. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. Commumty and Economic Development Department recommended approval of the multi-family housing property tax agreement for the Liberty Square Apartments project. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of Amendment Two of LAG-04-003, King County Park & Ride Garage agreement, to extend the termination date to 12/31/2009 at existing rates and conditions. Refer to Finance Committee. Finance and Information Services Department requested approval of the carry forward ordinance in the amount of $37,203,924, which increases the 2009 Budget by carrying forward funds from 2008 for projects that were not completed in 2008. Refer to Finance Committee. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $72,464 with WHPacific for the Stage II Lake Washington Trail South Lake Connector project. Council concur. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation that the Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Special Assessment District No. 0038 be approved. The Special Assessment District will establish new connection charges of residential units as shown in Zone "A" on the Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Special Assessment District Map as $6,512.40 per dwelling unit. New connections of residential units as shown in Zone "B" on the Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Special Assessment District Map shall pay a fee of $7,366.22 per dwelling unit. In addition, simple interest will accrue at a rate of 5.30 percent for a period often years. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance finalizing the Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Special Assessment District be presented for first reading. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page for 100 ordinance.) Community Services Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in Mayor Law's appointment of Robert J. Ingersoll (Airport Leaseholder alternate position) to the Airport Advisory Committee for an unexpired term expiring on May 7, 2010. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. April 6, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 100 Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Community Services: Fee Waivers Human Resources: Position Reclassification (One Position) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES SAD: Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor ORDINANCE #5453 Franchise: Comcast Cable Television Extension Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 282005 - 282366 and two wire transfers totaling $2,801,433.48; and approval of 107 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 803 direct deposits totaling $2,695,860.77. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding fee waivers for the Community Services Department. The Committee reviewed the staff recommendation to give the Community Services Administrator the authority to waive certain fees that are less than a pre-determined amount. The Committee requested staff to explore the option of drafting a policy that would create greater efficiency and structure the policy to be consistent with how the City is applying waivers to other fees in the City. Additionally, staff reported the establishment of a Special Events Committee. The Committee recommended postponing any formal action on fee waivers until next year. The additional time will allow the City the time to implement the Special Events Committee and will allow staff the opportunity to collect data regarding the frequency of requests for fee waivers, the types of fees that are involved, the impact on revenues, and how other fee waivers are being applied elsewhere in the City. The Committee further recommended revisiting the issue of fee waivers in 2010. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to reclassify positions and adjust pay ranges for the Public Works Department effective January 1, 2009. The funds to implement this recommendation will be absorbed by the 2009 Water Utility Operations budget for intermittent wages. Engineering Specialist TJJ reclassified to Civil Engineer HI, grade a23 to a28, $5,496 budget change 2009. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 4/13/2009 for second and final reading: An ordinance was read establishing an assessment district for sanitary sewer service for properties adjacent to the Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor and establishing the amount of the charge upon connection to the facilities. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/13/2009. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and adoption: An ordinance was read amending Ordinance #4412, granting to TCI Seattle, Inc, a franchise to operate a cable communication system within the City of Renton and repealing Ordinance #5410. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. April 6, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 101 NEW BUSINESS MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE Streets: Benson Rd S, Potential TOPIC OF A POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BENSON RD. S. OVER 1-405 TO Temporary Closure THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT Jason A. Seth, Recorder April 6, 2009 MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 7:52 p.m. *3&J>UPVU^' J- LlJajttfr^ Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 6, 2009 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON, 4/13 5:30 p.m. Photo Enforcement Program Report; Puget Sound Regional Council - Transportation 2040 COMMUNITY SERVICES (Briere) FINANCE (Persson) MON, 4/13 4:30 p.m. 2009 Carryover Budget Amendment; Lease Amendment with King County for City Center Parking Garage Park & Ride Agreement PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT THURS, 4/9 (Parker) 2:30 p.m. Liberty Square Apartments Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption Agreement PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) THURS, 4/9 (Palmer) 3:00 p.m. Contractor Liability for Street Repairs/Maintenance; Local & Regional Transportation Issues Update (briefing only) UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS, 4/9 CANCELED NOTE: Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. All other committee meetings are held in the Council Conference Room unless otherwise noted.