HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
April 22, 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; RANDY CORMAN; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER; TERRI BRIERE; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; DAN CLAWSON.
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; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director; GERALD RERECICH, Recreation Manager; SUE CARLSON, Economic
Development Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Director; REBECCA LIND, Planner Manager; GIL CERISE, Senior Planner; SANDRA MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; NICK
AFZALI, Transportation Planning & Program Manager; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; JENNIFER TOTH HENNING, Principal Planner; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER CURTIS
SMALLING, Police Department.
PROCLAMATIONS
Renton Youth Day – April 27, 2002
A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring the day of April 27, 2002, to be "Renton Youth Day" in the City of Renton, and urging all citizens to take part in Renton Youth Day
which provides area youth with activities and events that will enhance their health and personal growth
Marlena Rose, Renton Youth Day Co-Founder, accepted the proclamation and expressed her appreciation to those who are helping and have helped with the event over the past six years.
Ms. Rose introduced Randy Holt, Renton Youth Day Co-Founder, who thanked the City and the community for helping to support Renton Youth Day.
Renton School District Teacher Appreciation Week – May 5 to May 11, 2002
A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring the week of May 5 to May 11, 2002, to be "Renton School District Teacher Appreciation Week" in the City of Renton, and encouraging
all citizens to honor teachers and recognize their vital contributions to Renton's youth.
Suzette Cooke, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, accepted the proclamation and stated that Renton teachers are honored annually at an awards ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATIONS AS READ. CARRIED.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Legislature: 2002 Session Report (Fred Jarrett)
Representative Fred Jarrett presented a brief report on the 2002 legislative session. Mr. Jarrett reported that the legislature passed two landmark transportation bills and he welcomed
the City's support in helping to bring forth a transportation package to the voters this fall. He indicated that the downside of the session was that some of the problems cities are
facing were not adequately addressed. Explaining that the next biennium's budget will be worse than this one, Mr. Jarrett indicated that the amount of spending not covered by
current revenues will be approximately $1 billion for the next biennium, short of any continued deterioration of the economy.
Mr. Jarrett stated that he is proud to represent Renton and he often uses Renton as an example of how government can be done right. Since Renton is represented by a number of legislators,
he suggested that a caucus be developed in which Renton legislators meet together on a recurring basis to discuss issues that impact Renton.
Mayor Tanner stated that a Renton caucus is a good idea and offered to host the caucus at City Hall. Councilman Parker suggested that representatives from the School District, Chamber
of Commerce and Renton Technical College be included in the caucus as well.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Legislature: 2002 Session Report (Fred Jarrett)
Representative Fred Jarrett presented a brief report on the 2002 legislative session. Mr. Jarrett reported that the legislature passed two landmark transportation bills and he welcomed
the City's support in helping to bring forth a transportation package to the voters this fall. He indicated that the downside of the session was that some of the problems cities are
facing were not adequately addressed. Explaining that the next biennium's budget will be worse than this one, Mr. Jarrett indicated that the amount of spending not covered by
current revenues will be approximately $1 billion for the next biennium, short of any continued deterioration of the economy.
Mr. Jarrett stated that he is proud to represent Renton and he often uses Renton as an example of how government can be done right. Since Renton is represented by a number of legislators,
he suggested that a caucus be developed in which Renton legislators meet together on a recurring basis to discuss issues that impact Renton.
Mayor Tanner stated that a Renton caucus is a good idea and offered to host the caucus at City Hall. Councilman Parker suggested that representatives from the School District, Chamber
of Commerce and Renton Technical College be included in the caucus as well.
WSDOT: I-405 Corridor Program (Concurrence Point #3)
Transportation Systems Director Sandra Meyer introduced Craig Stone, I-405 Project Director for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), who presented a report on
the I-405 Corridor Program Concurrence Point #3. Mr. Stone stated that by 2020, 700,000 people will be living in South and East King County; therefore, there is great need for transportation
planning in this area. Describing the work that has been done on the I-405 Corridor project since 1999, he stated that the Executive Committee selected the Preferred Alternative in
November 2001. Mr. Stone reviewed the components of the Preferred Alternative which are: Transit (bus rapid transit and HOV projects); Roadway (added lanes and arterial improvements);
and Transportation Demand Management (van pools and HOV lanes).
Continuing, Mr. Stone described the proposed transportation improvements in the Renton area and he discussed how detailed project analysis would be conducted in order to determine the
impact of the improvements on residents, especially in the Kennydale area. He reviewed considerations such as noise, visual issues, the environment, watersheds, Growth Management Act,
and the Comprehensive Plan; and discussed how they factored into the I-405 Corridor Program planning process.
Explaining that the I-405 Corridor Program is asking for concurrence in Point #3, Mr. Stone defined the concurrence points as follows: Concurrence Point #1 - Purpose and Needs Statement;
Concurrence Point #2 – Alternatives; and Concurrence Point #3 - Adoption of Plans and Programs. He stated that the City of Renton is being asked to: 1) concur or agree that the preferred
alternative and mitigation concept is appropriate; 2) pursue adoption of plans and programs to implement the I-405 Corridor Program; and 3) not revisit previous concurrences unless
there is substantive new information or changes occur. Mr. Stone concluded by reviewing the benefits of the I-405 Corridor Program.
Councilman Don Persson explained that this topic has been discussed at length in the Transportation Committee, and it is evident that Renton's concerns are being addressed. Stating
that the concurrence point pertains to the entire stretch of I-405, he commented that as the various projects progress, Renton will continue to have input regarding the mitigation,
and he encouraged Council to agree with Concurrence Point #3.
Ms. Meyer stated that staff recommends approval of Concurrence Point #3 including staff's conditions of approval, and that all previous requirements and comments communicated to WSDOT
and the I-405 Corridor Management Team remain in effect. This includes all concurrence point information, expertise report comments, Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement
comments and Draft Environmental Impact Statement comments. She said that the conditions of approval noted at this concurrence point are as follows:
All arterial improvements previously identified as part of the I-405 Corridor Program within the Renton area including: a) the north/south arterial of Duvall/Coal Creek Parkway with
a connection to Maple Valley Hwy., b) the east/west arterial of SW 43rd St./Carr/Petrovitsky Rd., and c) SW 27th St./Strander Blvd. from SR-167 to West Valley Hwy. will be eligible
for funding as part of a cooperative partnership.
The planned SW 27th St. interchange at SR-167 is identified as a fully funded WSDOT project as part of the I-405 Corridor Program. The NE 44th St. interchange is identified as a partially
funded project as part of the I-405 Corridor Program.
The Rainier Ave./Grady Way intersection continues to need further evaluation and serious consideration in finalizing the SR-167/I-405 interchange improvement. WSDOT must work with
the City to ensure that any improvement to the interchange is compatible with the Rainier Ave./Grady Way intersection operations and that operations are improved as a result of the
improvement to the SR-167/I-405 interchange. Economic development considerations must be considered in any solutions and coordinated with and approved, by the City.
The Sound Transit capital program and routing needs must be confirmed and found to be compatible with the I-405 Corridor Program. The City must be involved in this assessment and agree
to all Sound Transit capital investments. Current voter approved capital investments include two HOV direct access interchanges (or equivalent). Three express bus routes as defined
in the approved plan must be provided. Potential Sound Transit bus routes could include N. 6th St./Logan Ave. or Park Ave./S. 2nd and S. 3rd Streets, and Rainier Ave. As identified,
these streets and others identified to the south need to be recognized as eligible for partnering in the securement of grants.
The lane-balancing proposal will potentially add hill climbing and/or collector distributor lanes to portions of the I-405 Corridor between SR-169 and I-90. Additional lanes in this
area beyond the two general-purpose lanes in each direction within the Preferred Alternative will create larger impacts to residential communities in Renton, particularly the Kennydale
neighborhood. Such proposals, if seriously pursued must demonstrate transportation benefits to the I-405 Corridor and be designed in a way to avoid, limit, minimize, and mitigate impacts
to the neighborhoods to an acceptable level as determined by the City.
Noise impacts are of concern to the City. The Preferred Alternative must demonstrate that it does not increase noise in the corridor by including sufficient mitigation to keep noise
levels at or below current levels.
Although the Watershed Based Mitigation concept may be a reasonable approach to mitigation for the project impacts, some impacts may have to be mitigated for onsite and cannot be mitigated
for offsite. The floodplain, increased quantity of run-off, water quality impacts, groundwater, some fish habitat and wetland impacts may have to be mitigated for onsite, if the
impacts to the local jurisdiction are too great to be allowed for mitigation on a watershed (WRIA) level.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE I-405 CORRIDOR CONCURRENCE POINT #3 INCLUDING THE CITY'S CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AS STATED. CARRIED.
Although the Watershed Based Mitigation concept may be a reasonable approach to mitigation for the project impacts, some impacts may have to be mitigated for onsite and cannot be mitigated
for offsite. The floodplain, increased quantity of run-off, water quality impacts, groundwater, some fish habitat and wetland impacts may have to be mitigated for onsite, if the
impacts to the local jurisdiction are too great to be allowed for mitigation on a watershed (WRIA) level.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE I-405 CORRIDOR CONCURRENCE POINT #3 INCLUDING THE CITY'S CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AS STATED. CARRIED.
Sound Transit: HOV Improvement Projects
Sandra Meyer introduced Agnes Govern, Sound Transit Regional Express Director; Jim Edwards, Sound Transit Capital Projects Manager; and Tim Beven, CH2M Hill Project Manager; who presented
an update on the status of the Renton HOV Improvement Projects. Ms. Govern stated that in 1996, Puget Sound voters agreed to tax themselves to fund a regional high-capacity transit
system. Sound Move is the adopted ten-year regional transit plan that provides for light rail, commuter rail and express bus services and facilities.
Ms. Govern stated that originally, two I-405 freeway HOV interchanges were identified - a full interchange at Park Ave. N. and a half interchange at Talbot Rd. S. at a cost of $87 million.
She explained how the proposed interchanges were to improve transit speed and reliability for buses, and said that an intensive project definition study was conducted to determine
whether these interchanges were the best capital investments for Renton. Based on this effort, an HOV interchange at N. 8th St., located just south of Park Ave. N., was recommended
for North Renton. However, the interchange on Talbot Rd. S. was not recommended for South Renton because of the potential incompatibility with I-405/SR-167 interchange improvements.
Continuing, she explained that in lieu of the Talbot Rd. S. interchange, recommendations were made to wait until Renton conducted its Rainier Ave. planning study to see if there are
potential arterial HOV investments identified; and to request that the I-405 Corridor Program address HOV access needs in South Renton. Ms. Govern reported that in August, 2002, Sound
Move was amended to reflect the recommendations of the project definition study.
Mr. Edwards described the design options for the I-405 HOV interchange at N. 8th St. He stated that the following design goals were established for the design team in the 15% design
effort: 60 mph design speed, I-405 Corridor Program compatibility, asymmetrical widening of southbound I-405 to the west, and minimal northbound I-405 and property impacts.
Mayor Tanner expressed his displeasure with the 60 mph design speed for the exit ramp, as this higher line-of-sight standard creates increased cost.
Continuing, Mr. Edwards detailed the three 15% design options, their requirements and their impact on surrounding interchanges. He indicated that due to the complexity of the project,
all three options exceed the available budget. Since the project costs are two times the available budget, Mr. Edwards stated that Sound Transit cannot deliver the project on its own.
Council discussion ensued regarding the escalating project costs and the upcoming transportation package going before the voters, and whether the N. 8th St. interchange project will
come to fruition. Ms. Govern agreed that this project is somewhat uncertain and Sound Transit will work with Renton on potential contingency planning.
Ms. Govern detailed the partnering opportunities with WSDOT, and stated that even if a mutual project is defined, its funding would be contingent on a successful statewide funding ballot
measure. She indicated that Sound Transit's next steps are as follows: 1) Work with WSDOT to identify a viable project; 2) Provide staff support to City re-evaluation efforts; 3)
Await the Rainier Ave. planning study; and 4) Await the I-405 Corridor south-end HOV improvement identification. In conclusion, Ms. Govern stated that Sound Transit will continue to
make cost effective HOV efforts in Renton.
Ms. Govern detailed the partnering opportunities with WSDOT, and stated that even if a mutual project is defined, its funding would be contingent on a successful statewide funding ballot
measure. She indicated that Sound Transit's next steps are as follows: 1) Work with WSDOT to identify a viable project; 2) Provide staff support to City re-evaluation efforts; 3)
Await the Rainier Ave. planning study; and 4) Await the I-405 Corridor south-end HOV improvement identification. In conclusion, Ms. Govern stated that Sound Transit will continue to
make cost effective HOV efforts in Renton.
Responding to Council inquiry, Ms. Govern explained that the Sound Transit Board has adopted a policy of sub-area equity, which means that any money raised in a particular sub-area
will remain in that sub-area.
Council discussion ensued regarding the Sound Transit feasibility study on the potential acquisition of Burlington Northern right-of-way; partnering Sound Transit efforts with the I-405
Corridor Program; the authority of sub-areas to issue bonds; the lending of money from one sub-area to another; and the need for the N. 8th St. interchange. Concern was also expressed
that the taxes collected for Sound Transit projects are not being spent to improve the transit needs in the City of Renton.
RECESS
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. CARRIED. Time: 8:57 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:06 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning: Development Regulations (Title 4) Revisions
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 proposed
2001 Title 4 (Development Regulations) revisions to zoning interpretations, use table, use notes and related City Code amendments.
Gil Cerise, Senior Planner, explained that the goals of amending Title 4 are as follows:
Create a more user-friendly zoning code.
Eliminate duplication in the land use tables.
Clarify conflicting regulations.
Reduce codification costs.
He pointed out that the revisions were designed to retain the regulatory intent of the zones, remove obsolete uses, and consolidate similar uses under new titles. Undefined uses were
defined to close gaps and eliminate overlap in definitions. Mr. Cerise pointed out that whenever substantive issues were raised, they were placed on a docket of issues to be taken
up in future work programs.
Mr. Cerise stated that the majority of changes were made to two Chapters in Title 4: Chapter 2 – Land Use Districts (zoning districts, use tables and development regulations), and
Chapter 11 – Definitions. He reviewed the issues discussed in the Planning & Development Committee which related to accessory use interpretations, and existing and new commercial laundries.
Mr. Cerise pointed out that Title 4 sections concerning "wild and dangerous animals" were moved to Title 6, Police Regulations, and he noted that Title 6 amendments will be included
in a separate ordinance.
In conclusion, Mr. Cerise detailed additional proposed changes to Title 4 which affect: lighting standards, residential zone lists, setbacks, screening,
nonconforming uses, Green River Valley administrative determination, effective dates in development standard tables, and the parking use table.
Responding to Council President Nelson's inquiry, Mr. Cerise affirmed that the proposed changes do include regulations for residential nuisance lighting, and that the regulations can
be applied to existing situations.
Audience comment was invited.
Bob Raphael, co-owner of Service Linen Supply, Inc., 903 S. 4th St., Renton, 98055, said that he appreciated being included in discussions regarding the Title 4 revisions concerning
commercial laundries, and that he supported the changes that were made. In addition, he announced that the Service Linen building expansion project was recently completed, and he thanked
the Council and City staff for their assistance throughout that process.
There being no further audience comment, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. 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 2002 and beyond. Items noted included:
The Renton float, featuring elements of a Farmers Market, debuted at the Tacoma Daffodil Parade on Saturday, April 20th, and received a 2nd Place award in the category of cities and
communities over 10,000 in population.
The Renton Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform a classical music concert at Carco Theatre on Sunday, May 5th, at 7:00 p.m.
According to Tukwila's project manager for the S. 180th St./SW 43rd St. project, business logo signs were to be installed on April 15th; however, this was not accomplished due to a technical
problem encountered at the King County sign shop. The City has been informed that the signs will be installed this week.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus – Highlands Community Association
Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) President, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, announced that HCA is hosting a meeting on Thursday, April 25th, at the Renton
Housing Authority, consisting of a forum panel of community services representatives, including Senator Margarita Prentice. Ms. DeMastus stated that the meeting is open to the public,
and she invited everyone to attend.
Citizen Comment: Quesenberry – Renton Youth Day
Rosemary Quesenberry, 3609 SE 18th Ct., Renton, 95058, thanked the City for the use of Carco Theatre for the Renton Youth Day event on Saturday, April 27th, and she expressed her appreciation
to the community and the City for the supporting this event.
Citizen Comment: Hardy – Caring About Our Rich Environment, Environmental Awareness Organization
Dave Hardy, 19235 108th Ave. SE, #206, Renton, 98055, stated that he is a member of an environmental awareness organization called Caring About Our Rich Environment (CARE) that was
originally established in the City of Snoqualmie. Mr. Hardy described how the organization is administered, and asked that Council support CARE's efforts.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of April 15, 2002. Council concur.
Appointment: Library Board
Mayor Tanner reappointed Catherine Corman, 2216 Harrington Pl. NE, Renton, 98056, to the Library Board for a five-year term expiring on 6/01/2007. Council concur.
Human Services: General Funds, Change to Two Year Funding Cycle
Human Services Division requested approval to change the human services programs General Fund funding cycle from a one-year to a two-year funding cycle. This does not include Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG) which will continue to be allocated on an annual basis. Refer to Community Services Committee.
Human Services: General Funds, Change to Two Year Funding Cycle
Human Services Division requested approval to change the human services programs General Fund funding cycle from a one-year to a two-year funding cycle. This does not include Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG) which will continue to be allocated on an annual basis. Refer to Community Services Committee.
Solid Waste: Green Garden Program Contract Adden, Cascadia Consulting Group, CAG-99-180
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum #3 to CAG-99-180, contract with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc., in the amount of $62,000 to continue the Green Garden Program
activities for 2002-2003. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
Added
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Various – Reservoir Short Plat Appeal (SHP-01-169)
Correspondence was read from Patrick Yamamoto, 405 Seneca Ct. NW, Renton, 98055; Wilma E. Wells, 12818 84th Ave. S., Seattle, 98178; Deborah Gregor, 12811 84th Ave. S., Seattle, 98178;
Patricia Wells, 8232 S. 121st St., Seattle, 98178 (two letters); and Deborah Storey, 14310 156th Ave. SE, Renton, 98059; regarding the appeal of the Reservoir Short Plat (SHP-01-169).
The parties expressed concern regarding: storm water drainage issues; developer compliance with City Codes regarding water drainage and run-off control; public safety; and increased
traffic and parking needs due to additional density.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND CITY ATTORNEY. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Clawson/Mayor – Response to Property Tax Information Request by Currys
A letter was read from Councilman Clawson (dated 4/22/2002) to Jim and Shawn Curry in response to Finance Committee Chair Parker's letter (dated 4/16/2002) to the Currys. Mr. Parker's
letter responded to questions the Currys had regarding the City's property tax figures. Mr. Clawson's letter to the Currys contained comments relating to the property tax figures,
the increased assessed valuation of the Curry's property, and the 1% tax levy limit as a result of Initiative 747. In addition, he expressed concern about the slowdown of the economy
and indicated that he was surprised by the 2001 year-end fund surplus. Mr. Clawson also stated his opposition to going forward with any new projects until full and accurate information
regarding the financial condition of Renton is received from the Mayor.
A letter was read from Mayor Tanner to Councilman Clawson regarding Mr. Clawson's letter to the Currys. In his letter, Mayor Tanner expressed concern regarding Mr. Clawson's implication
that full and accurate information concerning the financial condition of Renton had not been provided. He noted that the Finance Committee (of which Mr. Clawson is a member) regularly
receives financial and budget updates and pointed out that the City's finances are audited each year by the State Auditor's office. Mayor Tanner also stated in his letter that if any
Councilmembers have questions regarding the financial
information of the City, he will provide the information or discuss concerns directly with the Councilmember.
Councilman Clawson stated that he did not mean to imply in his letter that information supplied by the Mayor is inaccurate. Due to the complexity of upcoming issues, Mr. Clawson indicated
that he will continue to ask for more information and appreciates the Mayor's willingness to provide it.
OLD BUSINESS
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Airport: US Customs Facility
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending that Council authorize the placement of a temporary utility-type trailer on Northwest Seaplanes' leased
property for use by the U.S. Customs Service. An expenditure of up to $25,000 has already been authorized for this activity. The source of funding for this project will come from
the Airport Reserve account. The Committee recommended that Council allocate the $25,000 towards the placement and operation of the temporary U.S. Customs facility. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Airport: US Customs Facility
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending that Council authorize the placement of a temporary utility-type trailer on Northwest Seaplanes' leased
property for use by the U.S. Customs Service. An expenditure of up to $25,000 has already been authorized for this activity. The source of funding for this project will come from
the Airport Reserve account. The Committee recommended that Council allocate the $25,000 towards the placement and operation of the temporary U.S. Customs facility. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 203053 - 203496 and two wire transfers totaling $1,964,724.74; and approval of Payroll Vouchers
37516 - 37752, one wire transfer and 553 direct deposits totaling $1,664,436.64. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Fenner – Storm Water Drainage Problems, Reservoir Short Plat (SHP-01-169)
Acknowledging the receipt of correspondence (previously referred to the Utilities Committee on March 11, 2002) from James A. and Carolyn R. Fenner, 402 Seneca Ct. NW, Renton, 98055,
regarding storm water drainage problems as a result of the proposed Reservoir Short Plat (SHP-01-169), it was MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE
TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND CITY ATTORNEY. CARRIED.
Transportation: S 3rd St/Shattuck Ave S Sidewalks, Wheelchair Accessibility
Councilman Persson reported the concern of a citizen who is unable to use his wheelchair on sidewalks at S. 3rd St. and Shattuck Ave. S., and he requested that the sidewalks be repaired.
Continuation of Discussion from Committee of the Whole Meeting
Finance: Year-End Fund Balance Use
Following discussion, the Mayor and Council agreed to carry forward the discussion which occurred during the preceding Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the subject of the year-end
fund balance use.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler acknowledged the merit of the suggestions made by the Mayor and Councilmembers for the use of the excess funds. Stating that a lot of time has been spent
on the subject, she pointed out that the right questions were not being asked. Ms. Keolker-Wheeler listed the questions that should be asked, which included:
What is the current state of the economy and how will that impact Renton?
What is Renton's plan for the 1% tax limitation?
Is Renton budgeting properly and forecasting accurately?
What is the source of the excess fund balance?
Does the City have additional needs that need to be addressed?
Ms. Keolker-Wheeler stated that Council needs to attain closure on the current proposals, and she presented the following recommendations: 1) Fund the Veterans Memorial Park; 2) Review
the pool proposal using current dollars and include the costs for a covered pool, maintenance cost projections and revenues; 3) Review the studies previously conducted regarding the
Pavilion Building and develop a vision for its use; 4) Assess the need for a Parks Maintenance Facility; and 5) Continue to explore the open space purchase, historical society needs
for storage, and the need for additional police officers.
She suggested that after the Veterans Memorial is funded, the remaining fund balance be put into investments for now. She also suggested that the pool and Pavilion Building decision
be revisited in July, and by then, six months of information will be available on the 2002 economy, and the work that she recommended on the additional items will be completed. She
emphasized that there is no need to rush making these decisions.
Ms. Keolker-Wheeler stated that Council needs to attain closure on the current proposals, and she presented the following recommendations: 1) Fund the Veterans Memorial Park; 2) Review
the pool proposal using current dollars and include the costs for a covered pool, maintenance cost projections and revenues; 3) Review the studies previously conducted regarding the
Pavilion Building and develop a vision for its use; 4) Assess the need for a Parks Maintenance Facility; and 5) Continue to explore the open space purchase, historical society needs
for storage, and the need for additional police officers.
She suggested that after the Veterans Memorial is funded, the remaining fund balance be put into investments for now. She also suggested that the pool and Pavilion Building decision
be revisited in July, and by then, six months of information will be available on the 2002 economy, and the work that she recommended on the additional items will be completed. She
emphasized that there is no need to rush making these decisions.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE FUNDING OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL. CARRIED.
Councilman Parker stated that he would like to make a decision regarding the pool now, and recommended going forward with the pool as proposed in 1997. He commented that the information
presented so far is satisfactory, and the decision to use the excess funds on a pool would represent a willingness on the part of Council to reinvest back into the community. Regarding
the Pavilion Building, Mr. Parker stated that there are many possible future uses for the building even if they are not readily apparent at this time.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler expressed her support for the pool; however, she questioned the type of pool that should be built, and stated that a two-month decision delay should not
cause a problem with either the pool or the Pavilion Building. Councilman Corman expressed his displeasure with a protracted pool study, and said that he would prefer to go forward
with the pool as previously proposed. Council President Nelson agreed that the pool proposal may need to be fine-tuned, but felt confident with the proposal as presented. She also
pointed out that the Pavilion Building would be an added attraction to the City.
Councilwoman Briere stated that she also supports the pool; however, she is not yet ready to make a decision and is currently reviewing all information. She commented that the same
holds true with the Pavilion Building. Ms. Briere expressed her concern that all of the options for use of the excess funds have not yet been evaluated, such as the potential need
for additional parks. Councilman Persson expressed his support for the pool, and pointed out that he also needs more time in order to make an informed decision.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler suggested that Council hold a half-day Council retreat in order to study all of the proposals. Discussion ensued regarding the Council retreat proposal
and it was agreed to hold a Council retreat in the Council Chambers from 1:00 to 5:00, at a date yet to be determined, and then following the retreat, hold an informal public meeting/open
house.
Councilman Clawson stated that he also favors going forward with a pool; however, he would like the issue of a covered versus an uncovered pool to be reviewed in more depth. Regarding
the Pavilion Building, he suggested that the administration approve funding to make the building more presentable by painting it, washing the windows and improving the landscaping.
Council President Nelson also suggested that $5,700 be spent to repair the Pavilion Building doors. Mayor Tanner stated that the improvements would be made.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Richter – Veterans Memorial Park
Marge Richter, 300 Meadow Ave. N., Renton, 98055, thanked Council for funding the Veterans Memorial Park, and she hoped it would be completed in time to be dedicated on November 11,
2002 (Veteran's Day).
Citizen Comment: Williamson – Parade Request to Honor Fire & Police Personnel
Gary Williamson, 2011 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, asked Council to consider holding a parade in the time frame of September 11th, in appreciation of the efforts of police and
fire personnel, and invite local police and fire departments and veterans to attend. Mayor Tanner commented that the parade could coincide with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial,
which could possibly occur on November 11th. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE IDEA OF HOLDING A PARADE TO HONOR POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 23 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LABOR NEGOTIATIONS. CARRIED. Time: 10:40 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 11:03 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 11:04 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
April 22, 2002