HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-01RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
November 26, 2001 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:35 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jesse Tanner 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, Council President; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN; TONI NELSON.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; MARILYN PETERSEN, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator;
JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; VICTORIA RUNKLE, Finance & Information Services Administrator; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; DENNIS CULP, Facilities Director;
ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Director; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; CLARK PETERSEN, Library Director; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, Fire Department;
CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON and COMMANDER KATHLEEN MCCLINCY, Police Department.
PRESS
Oscar Halpert, Renton Reporter
Wendy Giroux, South County Journal
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Council: Swearing-In of Terri Briere & Dan Clawson
Marilyn Petersen, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to Terri Briere, Position No. 6, and Dan Clawson, Position No. 2, who were recently elected to complete vacated four-year
terms, due to expire on December 31, 2001. Ms. Briere was appointed on October 23, 2000, and Mr. Clawson was appointed on January 24, 2000, to fill unexpired Council positions due
to vacancies created by the resignations of Tim Schlitzer and Bob Edwards.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Budget: 2002 Annual City of Renton
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 2002 Annual
City of Renton Budget and related ordinances.
Victoria Runkle, Finance and Information Services Administrator, reported that the total proposed 2002 Budget for the City of Renton is $147,936,200. The General Government Funds are
$61,646,000, the Capital Funds are $28,651,800 and the Enterprise Funds are $46,147,600. She noted that the largest increase for the Enterprise Funds is a pass-through waste treatment
rate increase that King County is imposing.
Continuing, Ms. Runkle explained that due to the cooling economy, a "status quo budget" is being proposed and some reallocations are recommended, but no new programs. The City's goal
is to wait and see what occurs in the economy before anything is changed. Detailing major changes to the total budget base, Ms. Runkle pointed out that salaries, which have increased
by 5.4%, comprise 26% of the total budget; and benefits have increased by 21.6%, comprising 9.4% of the total budget.
Ms. Runkle indicated that the property tax rate is expected to remain the same or decrease due to new construction, the 2002 levy is recommended to begin at $17.1 million, and the budget
complies with Initiative 747. She reviewed the recommended park rate changes which include increasing the driving range fees, facility rental fees and Community Center rates. In addition
she also reviewed the utility rate changes as follows: City water, sewer and surface water rate changes are not being recommended; King County's rate increase of $3.40 per month per
household will be passed through to Renton residents; and a solid waste rate increase of 5% is recommended.
Ms. Runkle indicated that the property tax rate is expected to remain the same or decrease due to new construction, the 2002 levy is recommended to begin at $17.1 million, and the budget
complies with Initiative 747. She reviewed the recommended park rate changes which include increasing the driving range fees, facility rental fees and Community Center rates. In addition
she also reviewed the utility rate changes as follows: City water, sewer and surface water rate changes are not being recommended; King County's rate increase of $3.40 per month per
household will be passed through to Renton residents; and a solid waste rate increase of 5% is recommended.
In conclusion, Ms. Runkle explained that when putting together the budget, $100,000 was left unallocated. She stated that Council has indicated their preference to use $26,000 of the
unallocated funds for human services, and to also use the unallocated funds to hire a full-time animal control officer.
Councilman Parker detailed the reasons for the increase in solid waste rates, explaining that the City has been subsidizing the fees collected and is dipping into the solid waste account
reserves.
Public comment was invited.
Richard Brooks, Executive Director of Renton Area Youth Family Services (RAYS), 1025 S. 3rd St., Renton, 98055, thanked the Council for its continued support of RAYS, and for its consideration
of increasing the human services budget with the unallocated funds. He stated that human services needs in South King County are increasing, and, unfortunately, more and more people
are being turned away due to the poor economy. He urged Council to increase the human services budget over the upcoming years.
Responding to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry regarding a listing in the budget of which human services programs are being funded, Human Services Manager Karen Bergsvik stated
that the agencies are not listed by line item in the budget, but as an allocation total.
Ron McDonald, 216 NW 5th St., Renton, 98055, representing Way Back Inn, explained that the organization provides 90 days of traditional housing for homeless families with children.
Stating that City funds are used to pay rent for houses and apartments and for its rental assistance program, Mr. McDonald expressed his appreciation for the City's support.
Kathleen Southwick, Executive Director of Crisis Clinic, 1515 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle, 98109, thanked the City for its support of the Crisis Clinic and for the increase to the human
services budget Council is proposing. Explaining that the Crisis Clinic provides a 24-hour crisis line and a teen-link program for Renton citizens, she described how the teen-link
program provides help to teens though the use of a help line that is manned by trained teens.
Mary Ellen Stone, PO Box 300, Renton, 98057, representing King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, expressed her appreciation for the City's support of the agency, and for its continued
support of human services in Renton. She also expressed her pleasure that the Council approved the lease agreement with the Resource Center for its new facility at the 200 Mill Building.
Eileen Rasnack, Program Manager for the Volunteer Chore Services Program of Catholic Community Services, 12116 SE 22nd St., Bellevue, explained that Volunteer Chore Services connects
community volunteers with adults with disabilities and elders, and the program's goal is to have people live independently in their own homes. Ms. Rasnack thanked the Council for preserving
human services in Renton.
Linda Rasmussen, Regional Director of the YWCA, 1010 S. 2nd St., Renton, 98055, expressed her appreciation for the City's support in 2001 for the YWCA's emergency housing for homeless
families and the community advocacy services for victims of domestic violence. Stating her support for the increase in the human services budget, Ms. Rasmussen detailed how the emergency
housing and advocacy services have helped Renton citizens.
Linda Rasmussen, Regional Director of the YWCA, 1010 S. 2nd St., Renton, 98055, expressed her appreciation for the City's support in 2001 for the YWCA's emergency housing for homeless
families and the community advocacy services for victims of domestic violence. Stating her support for the increase in the human services budget, Ms. Rasmussen detailed how the emergency
housing and advocacy services have helped Renton citizens.
Ardene Niemer, 6116 122nd Ave. SE, Bellevue, 98006, stated that she represents the Even Start program which is a partnership between Renton Technical College and Renton School District
to provide intergenerational family literacy services. Ms. Niemer described the services provided by Even Start, and thanked the Council for its recommendation of $10,000 in contingency
funding for the program.
Claus Hackenberger, 3607 NE 6th Pl., Renton, 98059, said he volunteers as a telephone worker at the Crisis Clinic which provides vital services to the community. He thanked the City
for including the Crisis Clinic in its budget, saying that the money allotted will be well spent.
Bob Gevers, 900 Kirkland Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, asked that Council consider increasing the supply budget for the Senior Center in order to acquire more scanners and printers for training
purposes. Mr. Gevers also inquired as to why the recreation budget was cut even though Renton's population has increased.
Mayor Tanner said that the City would look into supplying the Senior Center with some scanners and printers. Finance & Information Services Administrator Victoria Runkle explained that
the Community Services Department's total budget has increased; however, the money allocated to the different entities within the Department has shifted, such as the increase in staff
at the Community Center.
Correspondence was read from Michaelene Manion, 608 Tacoma Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, urging Council to fund an additional part-time animal control officer.
Correspondence was read from Jan Hickling, 1919 Talbot Rd. S., Renton, 98055, suggesting that the City cut from its proposed 2002 Budget: $35,000 for a farmer's market and updating
the City float, and $30,000 for the community calendar, and fund those items when there is extra money. She indicated that like home budgets, items are cut out that are not necessary
and City should do the same with its Budget.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED.
Vacation: Lyons Ave NE between NE 2nd & NE 4th, Conner Homes (VAC-01-004)
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 petition
for street vacation for portions of Lyons Ave. NE, between NE 2nd and NE 4th Streets; Petitioner, Conner Homes.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL DECEMBER 3, 2001. CARRIED.
Vacation: NW 5th St (Rainier to 91st), Chang Brothers & Miller (VAC-01-005)
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 consider
the street vacation petition for portion of NW 5th St. from Rainier Ave. N. to 91st Ave. S.; Petitioners, Chang Brothers, Inc. and Wayne and Debra Miller.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL DECEMBER 3, 2001. CARRIED.
Vacation: NW 5th St (Rainier to 91st), Chang Brothers & Miller (VAC-01-005)
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 consider
the street vacation petition for portion of NW 5th St. from Rainier Ave. N. to 91st Ave. S.; Petitioners, Chang Brothers, Inc. and Wayne and Debra Miller.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL DECEMBER 3, 2001. CARRIED.
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 Renton City Concert Band performs its annual holiday concert on Thursday, December 13th, at 7:30 p.m. at Carco Theater.
The Renton Youth Symphony Orchestra performs its Centennial Concert at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th at Carco Theater.
The Transportation Department intends to install traffic access improvements along NE 4th St. adjacent to the Highlands Post Office before Christmas.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of Council President Clawson, item 7.d. was removed for separate consideration.
Council Minutes of November 19, 2001
Approval of Council minutes of November 19, 2001. Council concur.
Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission
Mayor Tanner reappointed Paul F. Webb, 541 Wells Ave. N., Renton, 98055; Diana Hagen, 14230 147th Pl. SE, Renton, 98059; Renne Saling, 17560 SE 136th St., Renton, 98059; and Doug Keyes,
3924 NE 11th Pl., Renton, 98059, each to the Municipal Arts Commission for a three-year term expiring on 12/31/2004. Council concur.
Appeal: Debar Preliminary Plat, Brad Nicholson (PP-01-058)
City Clerk submitted appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision regarding the Debar preliminary plat (PP-01-058); 14 single-family lots on 2.69 acres located on NE 28th St. Appeal filed
by Brad Nicholson, accompanied by required fee. Refer to Planning & Development Committee.
CAG: 01-043, Boeing Renton Plant 10" Water Meters Relocation, Archer Construction Inc
Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-01-043, Boeing Renton Plant 10-inch Water Meters Relocation; authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $1,175.04, commencement of
60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $8,277.20 to Archer Construction, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Approval was also requested to transfer
$120,000 of unused funds from other projects to cover the increase in costs ($56,767.49) associated with additional work. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 7.d. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 7.d.
Community Services: City Hall 7th Floor Conferencing Center Electronics Contract, SPL Integrated Solutions
Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract with SPL Integrated Solutions, Inc. to procure, install and test the electronics for the City Hall seventh floor conferencing
center in the amount of $131,659.67.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL TABLE THIS ITEM INDEFINITELY. ROLL CALL: FOUR AYES: CLAWSON, KEOLKER-WHEELER, BRIERE, PERSSON; THREE NAYS: PARKER, CORMAN,
NELSON. CARRIED.
Councilmembers Parker, Corman and Nelson expressed disappointment with the Council's decision not to approve the electronics contract for the seventh floor conferencing center.
Separate Consideration
Item 7.d.
Community Services: City Hall 7th Floor Conferencing Center Electronics Contract, SPL Integrated Solutions
Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract with SPL Integrated Solutions, Inc. to procure, install and test the electronics for the City Hall seventh floor conferencing
center in the amount of $131,659.67.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL TABLE THIS ITEM INDEFINITELY. ROLL CALL: FOUR AYES: CLAWSON, KEOLKER-WHEELER, BRIERE, PERSSON; THREE NAYS: PARKER, CORMAN,
NELSON. CARRIED.
Councilmembers Parker, Corman and Nelson expressed disappointment with the Council's decision not to approve the electronics contract for the seventh floor conferencing center.
OLD BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Budget: 2001 Year-End Budget Adjustments
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending adoption of the 2001 Year-End Budget Adjustment ordinance, which appropriates funds from fund balance and new revenue,
increasing 2001 expenditures in various funds and departments. This ordinance will increase the 2001 Budget by $4,637,900. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding
this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 422 for ordinance.)
CAG: 00-138, Liberty Skate Park/Highlands Annex Improvements, Wyser Construction
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending final approval of the Liberty Park Skate Park/Highlands Annex Improvements project and release of retainage in the amount
of $15,752.43 once all releases are obtained. The Committee further recommended that the $13,613.72 expenditure required beyond the original project budget be funded from the completed
City Hall Floodwall project ($7,460.48) and the projected surplus on "Park Play Equipment" ($6,153.35). MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Council President Clawson's inquiry regarding the quality of the cement work at the Skate Park, Community Services Administrator Jim Shepherd stated that the contractor
met the City's specifications for the project. In addition, Mr. Shepherd reported that the Skate Park has sustained damage from bicycles and the installation of non-authorized obstacles
in the bowl.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Public Safety Committee
Police: Community Patrol Resource Team, Sergeant Promotion
Public Safety Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the upgrade of a police officer to sergeant. The Committee recommended concurrence with the request of the Police
Department for the promotion of one additional Police Sergeant to provide seven-day per week supervisory coverage for special downtown patrols between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00
p.m. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Police: Litter Regulations Violations
Public Safety Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding violations of litter regulations. The proposed amendment to Renton Code Section 6-14-22 would remedy an ambiguity
in the penalties imposed for subsequent violations of Renton Code Section 6-14. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Council inquiry regarding the purpose of the Code amendment, Councilman Corman explained that the change tightens up the law regarding littering and the compilation of
junk on private property. Stating that offenders of the law will now suffer escalating penalties for repeated violations, Mr. Corman added that the Code amendment compliments the nuisance
ordinance adopted in May, 2001.
*MOTION CARRIED. (See page 422 for ordinance.)
Police: Litter Regulations Violations
Public Safety Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding violations of litter regulations. The proposed amendment to Renton Code Section 6-14-22 would remedy an ambiguity
in the penalties imposed for subsequent violations of Renton Code Section 6-14. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Council inquiry regarding the purpose of the Code amendment, Councilman Corman explained that the change tightens up the law regarding littering and the compilation of
junk on private property. Stating that offenders of the law will now suffer escalating penalties for repeated violations, Mr. Corman added that the Code amendment compliments the nuisance
ordinance adopted in May, 2001.
*MOTION CARRIED. (See page 422 for ordinance.)
Community Services Committee
Appointment: Planning Commission
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report recommending concurrence in the Mayor's appointment of Eric Cameron to the Planning Commission to fill Richard Wagner's
unexpired term, which expires on 6/30/2003. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Eric Cameron expressed his appreciation for being appointed to the Planning Commission, saying that he is looking forward to serving on the Commission.
EDNSP: 2001 Neighborhood Grant Program Awards
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the 2001 Neighborhood Program grants. The Committee met on November 20, 2001, to review staff's recommendations
for the 2nd round of the 2001 neighborhood grant projects. After review of the applications, the Committee recommended approval of the following grant applications:
Kennydale Neighborhood Association – Tree planting project along Camas Ave. NE and on NE 20th St. Includes planting and neighborhood maintenance of 28 trees. ($1,465)
Valley Vue Homeowners Association – Neighborhood entrance sign and beautification. ($2,197.02)
Kennydale Neighborhood Association – Neighborhood entrance sign and landscaping to be located on the eastside of I-405. This sign would be identical to the existing sign located on
the west side of I-405. ($5,170)
Steeplechase Hills Homeowners Association – Installation of two floodlights on buildings near the dead end of S. 18th St., for improved safety. ($661)
The Committee further recommended that Council have a special presentation to award the grant certificates to the grant recipients on December 3, 2001. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY
PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry regarding the Renton Hill neighborhood groups, Councilwoman Nelson explained that the Renton Hill Neighborhood Association applied
for grant funding to landscape a traffic circle, and in 1999, a separate group, the Renton Hill Community Association, received a grant for a holiday tree. She indicated that the Committee
felt that there should not be two groups representing the same neighborhood; therefore, representatives from each neighborhood group will meet with the Community Services Committee
at its next meeting to discuss the matter.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler described the circumstances that led to the emergence of a new neighborhood group, and pointed out that the traffic circle is located in a newer development
in River Ridge and a determination needs to be made whether a homeowners association was formed for that development and whether that association is responsible for maintaining the
traffic circle.
Economic Development Director Alex Pietsch stated that the Renton Hill Neighborhood Association has applied for officially recognized neighborhood status, but it is the objective of
the Neighborhood Program to recognize groups representing entire neighborhoods. Staff will continue to work with the two groups in an effort to resolve the issue. In addition, he
addressed the issue of the Renton Hill Community Association's desire to use a City facility for a meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of City facilities by the Association, and Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington explained the City's policy on the use of facilities by outside
groups. City Attorney Larry Warren emphasized that decisions regarding the use of City facilities are not based on the reason for the meeting, or free speech issues, but rather on
City policies relating to the facilities themselves. Mayor Tanner pointed out that the Renton Hill Community Association did use a City facility for its meeting and paid the appropriate
fee.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Economic Development Director Alex Pietsch stated that the Renton Hill Neighborhood Association has applied for officially recognized neighborhood status, but it is the objective of
the Neighborhood Program to recognize groups representing entire neighborhoods. Staff will continue to work with the two groups in an effort to resolve the issue. In addition, he
addressed the issue of the Renton Hill Community Association's desire to use a City facility for a meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of City facilities by the Association, and Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington explained the City's policy on the use of facilities by outside
groups. City Attorney Larry Warren emphasized that decisions regarding the use of City facilities are not based on the reason for the meeting, or free speech issues, but rather on
City policies relating to the facilities themselves. Mayor Tanner pointed out that the Renton Hill Community Association did use a City facility for its meeting and paid the appropriate
fee.
*MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following added resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Added
Resolution #3543
Acquisition: Property Purchase in Kennydale for Fire Station
A resolution was read authorizing the Administration to purchase a potential fire station site located at 1404 N. 30th St. in Kennydale above the appraised value. MOVED BY CLAWSON,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and advanced to the Council meeting of 12/3/2001 for second and final reading:
Budget: 2001 Year-End Budget Adjustments
An ordinance was read providing for the 2001 Year-End Budget Adjustments in the amount of $4,637,900. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING ON 12/3/2001. CARRIED.
Police: Litter Regulations Violations
An ordinance was read amending Section 6-14-22 of Chapter 6, Litter, of Title VI, Police Regulations, of City Code by amending the penalties provision for first and subsequent offenses.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 12/3/2001. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #4924
Annexation: Piele, 142nd Ave SE & NE 6th St
An ordinance was read annexing approximately 20 acres located approximately 600 feet north of NE 4th St. in two ten-acre tracts located along both sides of 142nd Ave. SE (Piele Annexation).
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4925
Annexation: Piele, R-8 Zoning
An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification for the Piele Annexation area from R-4 (Urban Residential, four dwelling units per acre; King County zoning) to R-8 (Residential
Single Family; eight dwelling units per acre). MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:13 p.m.
Marilyn Petersen, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
November 26, 2001