HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
March 25, 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. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMAN RANDY
CORMAN. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator;
JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; DENNIS CULP, Facilities Director; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; CHIEF LEE WHEELER and DEPUTY CHIEF GLEN GORDON, Fire Department;
LARRY RUDE, Fire Marshall/Battalion Chief; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Fire: 2001 Firefighter of the Year Award
Fire Chief Lee Wheeler announced that Firefighter Shawn Mendenhall was selected as the 2001 Firefighter of the Year. Chief Wheeler described Mr. Mendenhall's many contributions to
the City which include coordinating the high school DUI drills. Mr. Mendenhall accepted the award from Deputy Fire Chief Glen Gordon, and stated that he is privileged and honored to
work as a Firefighter for the City of Renton.
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 annual Hip Hoppin' Egg Hunt for children six years and under will be held at the Community Center on Saturday, March 30th, at 10:00 a.m., followed by carnival games and activities.
The downtown Renton Transit Center project has won a 2002 Concrete in Transit award presented by the Portland Cement Association. The award recognizes excellence in design and construction
of transit projects that exemplify the use of concrete.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Petersen – Property Taxes
Inez Petersen, 3306 Lake Washington Blvd. N. #2, Renton, 98056, expressed her disappointment with the City of Renton property tax rates and stated that the property taxes figures used
in a recent newspaper article were correct but misleading. Ms. Petersen said that senior citizens like her may be taxed out of their homes because the level of taxation in Renton is
too high. She pointed out that Renton can be a world class City with reasonable taxation.
Clarifying that the tax rate established for new construction is not a tax increase, but a tax on property that did not exist last year, Mayor Tanner detailed the City's tax rate figures.
Discussion ensued regarding property taxes and Councilmembers encouraged citizens to attend the City budget hearings and voice their opinions regarding the best way for the City to
provide services.
Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington pointed out that information about property taxes can be found on the City's website at www.ci.renton.wa.us.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of March 18, 2002. Council concur.
Court Case: Labrador Ventures, CRT-02-004
Court Case (Summons and Land Use Petition) filed in King County Superior Court by James H. Morton of Bonneville, Viert, Morton & McGoldrick, PO Box 1533, Tacoma, 98401, on behalf of
Labrador Ventures, LLC, requesting approval of the rezone related to the Clover Creek II Preliminary Plat (PP-01-034) which was denied by the City Council on February 25, 2002; and
review of the preliminary plat application. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services.
Planning: 2002-2005 Environmental Consultant Roster Amendment
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department requested approval to amend the 2002-2005 Environmental Review and Related Disciplines Consultant Roster (approved
by Council on February 11, 2002) to include Blumen Consulting Group, Inc. Council concur.
Development Services: Permit Review Process 120-Day Goal Exemptions
Legal Division recommended approval of an ordinance which provides for a 120-day time goal to process permits after the date of completeness, except for appeals, which may take more
time. Refer to Planning & Development Committee.
Transportation: FlexPass Program Contract, King County (Metro) & Sound Transit
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a contract with King County (Metro) and Sound Transit for the 2002-2003 FlexPass Commute Trip Reduction Program for all regular
City employees in the amount of $19,800. Council concur. (See page 107 for resolution.)
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
Added
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Bokara by the Lake – Sign Code Amend, Balloons with A-Frame Signs
Correspondence was read from Bokara by the Lake Apartments, 801 Rainier Ave. N., Renton, 98055, requesting that the Sign Code be amended to allow the use of balloons with A-frame signs.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR RESPONSE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Quesenberry – Police Department Staffing
Correspondence was read from Rosemary Quesenberry, 3609 SE 18th Ct., Renton, 98058, stating that growth in the community has placed an increased demand on services provided by the Police
Department, and she urged Council to increase Police Department staffing. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Public Safety Committee
Police: Citing Vehicles Parked Off Roadway (Criteria Used)
Public Safety Committee Chair Clawson presented a report regarding the criteria used for citing vehicles parked off the roadway. The Committee reviewed the information provided previously
on August 6, 2001, regarding enforcement of the Renton Municipal Code 10-12-1. The Committee recommended no modifications to the ordinance or Police Department procedures governing
parking violations. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development Committee
Planning: Development Regulations (Title 4) Revisions
Planning & Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the proposed 2001 City Code Title 4 revisions to the zoning interpretations, use table, use notes,
and related City Code amendments. The Committee reviewed the proposed revisions on February 7, and March 21, 2002. The issue of how to review accessory uses has been resolved as recommended
in Option #1 in the staff materials dated February 7, 2002. In addition, the Committee raised a number of issues, which will result in an edit to the document, or referral to the docket
of Title 4 issues. The Committee recommended that the proposed Title 4 revisions be referred to the City Attorney for preparation of an ordinance and that a public hearing be scheduled
for April 22, 2002. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development Committee
Planning: Development Regulations (Title 4) Revisions
Planning & Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the proposed 2001 City Code Title 4 revisions to the zoning interpretations, use table, use notes,
and related City Code amendments. The Committee reviewed the proposed revisions on February 7, and March 21, 2002. The issue of how to review accessory uses has been resolved as recommended
in Option #1 in the staff materials dated February 7, 2002. In addition, the Committee raised a number of issues, which will result in an edit to the document, or referral to the docket
of Title 4 issues. The Committee recommended that the proposed Title 4 revisions be referred to the City Attorney for preparation of an ordinance and that a public hearing be scheduled
for April 22, 2002. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
Technical Services: Utilities Easement, Kensington Crest Condo Project
Utilities Committee Chair Briere presented a report regarding granting an easement to the developer of the Kensington Crest Condominium project located at 1400 SE Royal Hills Dr. for
storm water facilities. The City required the developer to install a storm water drainage pipeline for this project across City of Renton property. The facility has been installed
and approved. The storm water facility will be maintained by the condominium association; therefore, the developer needs an easement from the City for this pipeline.
The Committee recommended concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council approve the easement and authorize the Mayor to execute it and
have it recorded. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Solid Waste: Local Hazardous Waste Mgmt Program Contract Amend, Dept of Public Health, CAG-95-060
Utilities Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council approve Amendment #7
to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health and the City (CAG-95-060). The memo of understanding authorizes the City's Solid Waste
Utility to receive $36,176 in funding from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Plan in Seattle-King County for household hazardous waste recycling and education projects implemented
in 2001.
The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. It is understood that a new contract with updated language is expected
for 2003. This contract should resolve issues that the City has with some of the disposal requirements imposed by the Department of Public Health. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 107 for resolution.)
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 202161 – 202602 and three wire transfers totaling $2,146,782.20; and approval of Payroll Vouchers
37042 – 37276, one wire transfer and 548 direct deposits totaling $1,657,303.91. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Human Resources: Probation Officer, Establish at Grade a18
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the establishment of a grade for the new Probation Officer position. The new position was included in the 2002 Budget, however
no grade was assigned. Therefore, the Committee recommended the establishment of grade a18, pending AFSCME approval, for the Probation Officer position at a monthly salary range of
$3,598 - $4,382 ($43,176 is the base salary for a full year at step A). The change is effective January 1, 2002, and will not require additional budget appropriations. MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Human Resources: Deputy Chief Compensation Plan Modification
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the proposed compensation practice modification of the Deputy Chief
positions to bring the Deputy Chief position into a management alignment and salary grade.
The Committee recommended that effective April 1, 2002, the Police Deputy Chief position be placed at salary grade m45 with a monthly salary range of $7,102 - $8,653; and current incumbent,
Joseph Peach, be placed at step E. The Committee also recommended that the Deputy Fire Chief position be placed at salary grade m43 with a monthly salary range of $6,759 - $8,235;
and current incumbents, Glen Gordon and Arthur Larson, be placed at step E. In addition to the proposed salary modification, the City will eliminate the education incentive and longevity
pay, as well as the uniform allowances currently provided to the Police Deputy Chief and Fire Deputy Chief.
The cost for the proposed compensation practice modification is outlined below and funds are available in the current budget.
Additional Salary:
Fire Department $3,984.00
Police Department $ 614.00
TOTAL $4,598.00
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage Retail Space Construction
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the Downtown Parking Garage retail space. The Committee concurred with the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor to
proceed with the construction of retail space in the Renton Municipal Downtown Parking Garage at a cost not to exceed $500,000, and using funds available in the garage project budget.
The administration will request Council authorization before signing the retail space change order. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Mayor Tanner explained that the bid for the construction of the Downtown Parking Garage was lower than anticipated; therefore, there are funds left over for the construction of retail
space. He noted that since some of the funding was obtained through the issuance of bonds, the funds must be used on Downtown Parking Garage project.
Finance: 2002 Carry Forward Budget Adjustments
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the 2002 Carry Forward request to adjust the 2002 Budget. The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed budget carry forward
amendments to the 2002 Budget on March 18, 2002. The amendments address 2001 projects, contracts, and other obligations approved by Council, but not completed by year-end. The Committee
recommended approval of the ordinance appropriating from unexpended 2001 funds sufficient resources to complete these projects. The ordinance will increase the 2002 Budget by $4,400,213.
The Committee is still deliberating the administration's proposed use of unallocated fund balance for an Aquatic Center, a Park Maintenance Facility, additional funding to reconstruct
a replacement for the Pavilion Building, and funding to construct the Veteran's Memorial Park. The Committee will bring forward its recommendation for these projects at a later date.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 107 for ordinance.)
Finance: 2002 Carry Forward Budget Adjustments
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the 2002 Carry Forward request to adjust the 2002 Budget. The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed budget carry forward
amendments to the 2002 Budget on March 18, 2002. The amendments address 2001 projects, contracts, and other obligations approved by Council, but not completed by year-end. The Committee
recommended approval of the ordinance appropriating from unexpended 2001 funds sufficient resources to complete these projects. The ordinance will increase the 2002 Budget by $4,400,213.
The Committee is still deliberating the administration's proposed use of unallocated fund balance for an Aquatic Center, a Park Maintenance Facility, additional funding to reconstruct
a replacement for the Pavilion Building, and funding to construct the Veteran's Memorial Park. The Committee will bring forward its recommendation for these projects at a later date.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 107 for ordinance.)
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Transportation: Railroad Grade Crossing Reconstruction, BNSF Railway Agreements
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve agreements with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
Railway Company (BNSF) for concrete replacement of six railroad crossings throughout the City. Three crossings will be replaced on SW 7th St., one on Lind Ave. SW, one on Mill Ave.
S. and one on Bronson Way N. Asphalt approaches will be funded and constructed by the City's Maintenance Division.
Of the $170,000 City portion, $139,000 will come from the approved Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Railroad Crossing Safety Program (Fund 317), and $31,700 from the
317 fund balance to cover the project increase. The BNSF railroad contribution is approximately $198,657. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized
to execute the six at-grade crossing improvement agreements. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation: NE Sunset Blvd Signal Synchronization Project, King County Grant
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the King County signal synchronization grant. The Committee recommended that Council approve the resolution
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into the agreement with King County for the signal synchronization project on NE Sunset Blvd. between N. Park Dr. and Duvall Ave. NE.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 107 for resolution.)
Airport: US Customs Facility (Temporary)
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the temporary U.S. Customs Service building. The Committee recommended that Council authorize the placement
of a temporary utility-type trailer at the Renton Airport at the site of the old restaurant or on the Northwest Seaplanes' leased property for use by the U.S. Customs Service. The
Committee further authorized the expenditure of up to $25,000 for this activity. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Mayor Tanner stated that the City will present the offer of a temporary building to the U.S. Customs Service, and if they find the offer unsatisfactory, he said that he will recommend
to Council that the U.S. Customs Service leave the Renton Airport.
Airport: Restrooms
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding Renton Airport restrooms. The Committee recommended that Council authorize:
The placement of one temporary restroom at the seaplane base and one temporary restroom near the control tower; and
City staff secure access to The Boeing Company's men's and women's restrooms located on Apron C.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilman Persson explained that public restrooms are not currently available for transient pilots who fly into the airport after hours.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3556
Transportation: FlexPass Program Contract, King County (Metro) & Sound Transit
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal cooperative agreement with King County and Sound Transit for the sale of FlexPasses to City of
Renton employees by King County. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3557
Transportation: NE Sunset Blvd Signal Synchronization Project, King County Grant
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an agreement with King County for the City of Renton to receive a $50,000 grant for the NE Sunset Blvd. signal
synchronization project. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3558
Solid Waste: Local Hazardous Waste Mgmt Program Contract Amend, Dept of Public Health, CAG-95-060
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal cooperative agreement entitled "Memorandum of Understanding on the Local Hazardous Waste Management
Program for 2001 Activities." MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 4/01/2002 for second and final reading:
Finance: 2002 Carry Forward Budget Adjustments
An ordinance was read appropriating funds from fund balance, increasing the expenditures in various funds and departments and increasing the 2002 Budget by $4,400,213. MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/01/2002. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #4959
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 KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL
ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4960
Community Services: Gene Coulon Park Boat Launch & Parking Fee Changes
An ordinance was read increasing the 2002 Gene Coulon Beach Park boat launch and parking fees for non-residents. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS
READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Planning: Development Regulations (Title 4) Revisions
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler thanked Senior Planner Gil Cerise for his efforts in assisting the Planning & Development Committee with the preparation of materials pertaining to the
City Code Title 4 revisions.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 72 MINUTES TO DISCUSS A POTENTIAL PROPERTY TRANSACTION. CARRIED. Time: 8:33 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:44 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present except Corman, previously excused.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:45 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
March 25, 2002