HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2002 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:30 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
TONI NELSON, Council President; DAN CLAWSON; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director; GERALD RERECICH, Recreation Manager; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; SUE
CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator; ABDOUL GAFOUR, Water Utility Supervisor; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER CURTIS SMALLING,
Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Human Services: Human Services Advisory Member Introduction, Laura Brock & Robin Jones
Human Services Manager Karen Bergsvik introduced Laura Brock, the newest member of the Human Services Advisory Committee and stated that another new member, Robin Jones, could not be
present for her introduction. Ms. Bergsvik described Ms. Brock's qualifications, saying that she is looking forward to working with her.
PUBLIC MEETING
Annexation: Falk, S 47th St & Smithers Ave S
Mayor Tanner announced the cancellation of the public meeting regarding the 10% Notice of Intent Petition to Annex for the proposed Falk Annexation due to the recent Supreme Court decision
which invalidates the petition method of annexations.
Responding to Councilman Clawson's inquiry regarding the decision, Mayor Tanner explained that the cities of Moses Lake and Yakima challenged the validity of the petition method for
annexations, claiming it gave inordinate influence to property owners. He noted that the election method of annexation has been left in place. (See Administrative Report for additional
information regarding this subject.)
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 2002 and beyond. Items noted included:
The State Supreme Court struck down the petition method of annexation in Washington in a decision published Monday, March 11, 2002. Concluding that "the petition method of annexation
offers privileges to a favored minority and is therefore unconstitutional as a violation of the privileges and immunities clause, Article I, Section 12 of the Washington State Constitution,"
the Court's decision effectively suspends the eight proposed annexations currently underway in Renton. The proposed annexations are: Vuong, Maplewood, Shamrock, Wofford, Falk, Greenwood
(revised
Johnson), Bales, and Honeycreek East. The administration will suspend activity on these proposals until clarification is received on how to process annexations.
Human Services Division will host a South King County pre-application workshop for non-profit agencies interested in applying for 2003 General Funds and Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds public services on Friday, March 22nd, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Carco Theatre, after which there will be a regional pre-application workshop for CDBG Capital funds from
10:30 a.m. until noon.
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 2002 and beyond. Items noted included:
The State Supreme Court struck down the petition method of annexation in Washington in a decision published Monday, March 11, 2002. Concluding that "the petition method of annexation
offers privileges to a favored minority and is therefore unconstitutional as a violation of the privileges and immunities clause, Article I, Section 12 of the Washington State Constitution,"
the Court's decision effectively suspends the eight proposed annexations currently underway in Renton. The proposed annexations are: Vuong, Maplewood, Shamrock, Wofford, Falk, Greenwood
(revised
Johnson), Bales, and Honeycreek East. The administration will suspend activity on these proposals until clarification is received on how to process annexations.
Human Services Division will host a South King County pre-application workshop for non-profit agencies interested in applying for 2003 General Funds and Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds public services on Friday, March 22nd, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Carco Theatre, after which there will be a regional pre-application workshop for CDBG Capital funds from
10:30 a.m. until noon.
Streets: S 180th St/SW 43rd St Closure (Tukwila's Grade Separation Project)
Mr. Covington stated that City of Tukwila is considering agreeing to a no-cost change order with their contractor, who is building the S. 180th St./SW 43rd St. project, to close this
street by April 3rd, a month earlier than anticipated. The reason is that some utility contractors and the railroads are behind schedule, and the contractor wants to get started on
other work so they will not be delayed (and pass on delay costs to Tukwila). Mr. Covington pointed out that the Renton City Council approved the street closure proposal to begin approximately
May, 2002, and the administration is opposed to the early street closure because Oakesdale Ave. SW will not be open to traffic until the beginning of May. In addition, the Lind Ave.
SW rehabilitation work is scheduled for April. Mr. Covington explained that these north/south corridors need to be available to traffic before the closure of S. 180th St./SW 43rd St.
Stating that businesses and commuters are expecting a street closure in May, not April, he reported that Tukwila was advised that they would need to obtain Council approval to move
up the street closure date to April 3rd.
Mayor Tanner added that if the street is closed earlier then planned, there will be only one approach to the area due to projects on Lind Ave. SW and Oakesdale Ave. SW. This will negatively
impact surrounding businesses through the loss of sales, and the City will experience a loss of revenue. Referring to a map of the area, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator
Gregg Zimmerman reviewed the street closure and the alternative routing. He reported that City staff will meet with Tukwila on March 20th to discuss the matter.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus – Highlands Community Association
Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) President, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98033, invited the Mayor and Council to the next HCA meeting on March 28th to view
the new Highlands Neighborhood entry signs. In addition, she announced the speakers scheduled to talk at upcoming HCA meetings.
Citizen Comment: Petersen – Property Taxes
Inez Petersen, 3306 Lake Washington Blvd. N. #2, Renton, 98056, expressed her concerns about the increase in property taxes and quoted statistics comparing and ranking Renton's tax
rates to other cities' tax rates. Referring to an article in the South County Journal regarding Renton's $5 million budget balance, Ms. Petersen suggested that the City use the money
to pay off current obligations and reduce property taxes.
Discussion ensued regarding the property tax rates, the tax rate statistics, assessed property values, and City services provided as a result of tax collection. It was pointed out that
senior citizens may be eligible for a reduction in property taxes, depending on their income, through a tax-relief program managed by the King County Assessor.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Item 7.k. was deleted due to the recent Supreme Court decision concerning annexations. (See page 92
for information regarding the Supreme Court's decision.)
Council Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of March 11, 2002. Council concur.
CAG: 02-035, NE 2nd St Storm Line Extension, Scarsella Brothers
City Clerk reported bid opening on 3/12/2002 for CAG-02-035, NE 2nd St. Storm Line Extension Project; 16 bids; engineer's estimate $179,585.28; and submitted staff recommendation to
award the contract to the low bidder, Scarsella Brothers, Inc., in the amount of $120,781.06. Council concur.
Vacation: Lyons Ave NE between NE 2nd & 4th Sts, Conner Homes (VAC-01-004)
City Clerk recommended adoption of an ordinance finalizing the Conner Homes street vacation for portions of Lyons Ave. NE between NE 2nd and NE 4th Streets (VAC-01-004). Council approved
the vacation request on 2/11/2002 which included waiving compensation in exchange for additional right-of-way to be dedicated in the Johnson-Loken Plat. Council concur. (See page
96 for ordinance.)
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage Retail Space Construction
Community Services Department recommended authorization to proceed with the construction of retail space in the Renton Municipal Downtown Parking Garage in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
Refer to Finance Committee.
Development Services: Fence Height Regulations
Development Services Division recommended that the fence height regulations be amended to address inconsistencies associated with the existing regulations to provide a more equitable,
enforceable and understandable maximum fence height regulation. Refer to Planning & Development Committee.
Executive: Communities in Schools Contract
Executive Department requested approval of a revised agreement in the amount of $35,500 with Communities in Schools in Renton (CISR) which clarifies the financial and in-kind support
the City provides to CISR. Refer to Community Services Committee.
Human Resources: Probation Officer, Establish at Grade a18
Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended that the new probation Officer position be established at grade a18 which has an annual salary range of $43,176 - $52,584.
Refer to Finance Committee.
Human Resources: Deputy Chief Compensation Plan Modification
Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval to modify the compensation plan for the management positions of Deputy Chief in the Police and Fire Departments.
Refer to Finance Committee.
Transportation: Railroad Grade Crossing Reconstruction, BNSF Railway Agreements
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of agreements with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company in the amount of $170,700 to reconstruct railroad grade crossings
on SW 7th St., Lind Ave. SW, Mill Ave. S. and Bronson Way N. Refer to Transportation Committee.
Transportation: NE Sunset Blvd Signal Synchronization Project, King County Grant
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with King County to receive grant funding in the amount of $50,000 for the signal synchronization project on NE
Sunset Blvd. between N. Park Dr. and Duvall Ave. NE. Refer to Transportation Committee.
Utility: Sewer Connection Outside City Limits, Required Covenant to Annex Forms
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of the declaration of covenant and annexation agreement forms which are required as a condition of receiving sanitary sewer service outside
the Renton City limits and recommended adoption of an ordinance establishing the base criteria required within the agreements. Refer to Planning & Development Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO DELETE ITEM 7.k. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Curry – Property Taxes
Correspondence was read from Jim and Shawn Curry, 1720 Kirkland Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, asking for response to their questions regarding the City of Renton's property tax figures.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Curry – Property Taxes
Correspondence was read from Jim and Shawn Curry, 1720 Kirkland Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, asking for response to their questions regarding the City of Renton's property tax figures.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Bean – Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
An electronic letter was read from Paula Bean, 334 Morris Ave. S., Renton, 98055, expressing her opposition to the closing of Whitworth Ave. S. as proposed by St. Anthony Parish (VAC-00-003).
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Lease: Eoscene, 200 Mill Building (Suite 400)
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report concurring with the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a lease with Eoscene, Inc. to rent a portion
of the 4th floor at the 200 Mill Building. The term of the lease is three years, and the cost to remodel the space is recovered in the rent. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Transportation: Speeding Problems in Neighborhoods, Traffic Calming
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding traffic calming and neighborhood speeding. The Committee recommended that Council authorize the administration
to have the proposed Traffic Calming Task Force rolled into and combined with the Street Standards Committee. This will allow for a comprehensive study of neighborhood street standards
to include incorporating appropriate traffic calming strategies into the standards. The result will be a menu of traffic calming options. Implementation of these options will involve
citizen input and involvement of neighborhoods.
Staff is requested to add the following goal to the Flexible Street Standards Design Team Memorandum of Agreement: "The design team will evaluate available traffic calming measures,
and develop a menu of traffic calming options available for use in the City of Renton."
Staff is requested to report back to the Transportation (Aviation) Committee within three months (by June 6, 2002) with recommendations on a menu of traffic calming options. The Committee
requested that this report include traffic calming options considered but not recommended for use, as well as options that are recommended for use. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services Committee
Community Services: Gene Coulon Park Boat Launch & Parking Fee Changes
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence with the recommendation of the staff and Park Board to approve fee changes for boat launching and
parking at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The fee changes correspond with the new pay system which eliminates the dispensing of change, reduces fees to Renton residents, and increases
fees to non-Renton residents.
The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY
PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.)
Community Services: Park Rules and Regulations Changes
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the Park Rules and Regulations. Several park rules and regulations required minor revisions to make them more
comprehensive, to reflect updated legal review, and to allow the Renton Police Department a more enforceable interpretation of the rules. Therefore, the Committee recommended concurrence
with the recommendation of the staff and Park Board to approve the suggested changes.
The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be adopted. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See
later this page for resolution.)
Community Services: Park Rules and Regulations Changes
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the Park Rules and Regulations. Several park rules and regulations required minor revisions to make them more
comprehensive, to reflect updated legal review, and to allow the Renton Police Department a more enforceable interpretation of the rules. Therefore, the Committee recommended concurrence
with the recommendation of the staff and Park Board to approve the suggested changes.
The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be adopted. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See
later this page for resolution.)
Finance: Funding City Facilities (Bond Issuance)
Councilmember Corman stated that the issuance of bonds is a legitimate tool for funding facilities such as a new parks shop facility or a community swimming pool. He suggested that
is unfair for residents to bear the full cost of a facility today, when it will benefit residents for many years in the future. Using Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park as an example,
Mr. Corman explained that residents who moved to Renton after the establishment of the park are helping to pay for it.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3555
Community Services: Park Rules and Regulations Changes
A resolution was read approving and adopting the Park Rules and Regulations. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 3/25/2002 for second and final reading:
Vacation: Lyons Ave NE between NE 2nd & 4th Sts, Conner Homes (VAC-01-004)
An ordinance was read vacating portions of Lyons Ave. NE between NE 2nd and NE 4th Streets (Petitioner: Conner Homes; VAC-01-004). MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL
REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/25/2002. CARRIED.
Community Services: Gene Coulon Park Boat Launch & Parking Fee Changes
An ordinance was read increasing the 2002 Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park boat launch and parking fees. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND
AND FINAL READING ON 3/25/2002. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Police: Staffing
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE MATTER OF STAFFING FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Public Safety: 800-Megahertz Radio Communication System Reception
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE SUBJECT OF THE 800-MEGAHERTZ COMMUNICATION SYSTEM RECEPTION PROBLEMS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Councilman Persson suggested that the Public Safety Committee consider establishing building regulations which require the installation of repeaters in order to prevent the reception
problems.
Streets: Temporary Alley Closure (between Burnett & Williams Aves S)
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler reported traffic problems related to the temporary alley closure between Burnett Ave. S. and Williams Ave. S. for the construction of a condominium complex
along the Cedar River, and requested additional police monitoring of the area. She also requested that the contractor and subcontractors be informed of the traffic problems.
Citizen Comment: Fillips – Cedar River Spawning Channel Replacement Site
Councilwoman Briere reported receipt of a letter from Judith Fillips and Dale G. Baker, 3405 SE 7th St., Renton, 98058, stating opposition to the proposed replacement site of the Cedar
River spawning channel. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Fillips – Cedar River Spawning Channel Replacement Site
Councilwoman Briere reported receipt of a letter from Judith Fillips and Dale G. Baker, 3405 SE 7th St., Renton, 98058, stating opposition to the proposed replacement site of the Cedar
River spawning channel. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Executive: Sister City Cuatla, Jalisco, Mexico Request for Public Safety Equipment
Responding to Councilwoman Briere's inquiry regarding the letter received from Renton's Sister City Cuatla, Jalisco, Mexico asking for public safety equipment donations, Mayor Tanner
stated that he will respond to the letter and also forward it to the Chamber of Commerce.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:30 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
March 18, 2002