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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmi032309RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 23, 2009 Council Chambers Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF RANDY CORMAN, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON; COUNCILMEMBERS KING PARKER; TERRI BRIERS; GREG TAYLOR. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RICH ZWICKER. CARRIED. CITY STAFF IN DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ATTENDANCE ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Services Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; JIM SEITZ, Transportation Planning Supervisor; DEPUTY CHIEF ROBERT VAN HORNE, Fire Department; and COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. SPECIAL Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman reported that the Lake to Sound PRESENTATIONS Regional Trail is a joint project between King County and the cities of Renton, King County: Lake to Sound Tukwila, Sea-Tac, Burien, and Des Moines. He stated that the project team is Regional Trail Update also coordinating with Sound Transit, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Cascade Bicycle Club. Mr. Zimmerman introduced project team members King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, King County Parks Capital Project Manager Jason Rich, Renton Parks Director Leslie Betlach, Renton Transportation Planning Supervisor Jim Seitz, and consultants Jenny Bailey and Ryan Abbotts from Parametrix, Inc. King County Councilmember Julia Patterson stated that just as the Burke/Gilman Trail connects Seattle to north and east King County, the Lake to Sound Trail will connect south King County to its cities and east King County. She reported that the trail will start at Lake Washington in Renton, near the terminus of the Cedar River Trail, and will provide a connection between the Cedar River Trail and the Green River and Interurban trails, giving Renton residents access to the south all the way to the City of Pacific, and to the east all the way to the City of Maple Valley. She reported that the trail will go through Renton's redeveloping downtown core to Tukwila and will make a connection with Tukwila's light rail station. She stated that the trail will then wrap around the western side of the airport where it will touch the cities of Burien and Normandy Park and will connect with the Des Moines Creek Trail which leads to Puget Sound. She reported that the trail will be 17 miles long, and will connect urban centers, transit centers, community centers, and many schools throughout south King County. Councilmember Patterson reported that $705,000 was committed last year for the construction of the trail. She stated that this money is from a voter -approved parks levy fund, and that an additional $3.75 million in the parks levy fund will be dedicated to the project over the next five years. Councilmember Patterson also reported that additional funding for design and construction purposes will be requested from the Puget Sound Regional Council. March 23, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 89 Continuing, Councilmember Patterson stated that the first step in the process of building the trail is to determine its potential alignments. She reported that over the past six months a team of city and county staff have been working together to create a coalition of local agencies to address the need to request funds from the Puget Sound Regional Council. She noted that Parametrix, Inc. was hired to help determine the best alignment for the trail based on the following principles, 1) land availability, 2) cost constraints, and 3) the ability to connect the trail with other major trails in the region. She introduced Jenny Bailey and Ryan Abbotts from Parametrix, Inc. Jenny Bailey reported that Parametrix, Inc. is in the process of finalizing the trail feasibility study and will be issuing the final report in the next couple of weeks. She stated that the report was primarily prepared by reviewing planning documents from the five different municipalities, as well as by talking to city staff. She noted that time was also spent on the ground looking at potential alignment sites. Ms. Bailey reported that a preferred alignment and recommended interim solutions have been prepared for trail segments that may take time to develop or involve construction delays. Ryan Abbotts reported that the trail will begin at Lake Washington and will connect through a number of cities to reach Puget Sound. He stated that the preferred alignment is from the Cedar River Trail where it will connect west along Houser Way S. and will continue over a number of railroad crossings, including Shattuck Ave. S., Rainier Ave. S, and Hardie Ave. S. Mr. Abbotts remarked that the trail will continue west into the Black River Riparian Forest, crossing at Monster Rd. SW, where it will connect to a casually used trail at Fort Dent Park. He stated that the trail will continue south through Fort Dent Park to Southcenter Blvd., continuing west into Tukwila, and then into Sea-Tac by utilizing the recent improvements on S. 154th St. He commented that the trail will connect to and then head south on Des Moines Memorial Dr. S. skirting the west side of the airport and connecting to the Des Moines Creek Trail, which eventually leads to Puget Sound. Mr. Abbotts reported that the Black River Riparian Forest trail segment, which creates the connection between Renton and Tukwila, and the Des Moines Memorial Dr. S. sidepath in Sea-Tac and Burien are being recommended for initial grant consideration from the Puget Sound Regional Council. Responding to Councilmember Persson's inquiry, Ms. Bailey stated that parking would likely be retained on the north side of Houser Way S. and lost on the south side to accommodate the preferred alignment of the trail. She clarified that there will be no travel lane reduction required. Responding to Councilmember Parker's inquiry, King County Councilmember Patterson stated that Renton and Sea-Tac segments have been prioritized for funding. She noted that the project will take time to complete and will require the cooperation of many different jurisdictions. Ms. Bailey clarified that the two segments recommended for funding are the most ready to move forward and also represent the least cost per lineal foot. Mr. Zimmerman emphasized that the project is in the planning stages and that there will be a tremendous amount of outreach conducted in the future. He noted that the project team will receive input from the community and will study alternatives to address parking issues and other concerns that may arise. March 23, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 90 Council President Corman expressed appreciation for Councilmember Patterson's work championing the project, and noted that she was promoting the trail as one of the best possible uses of funding that is available for parks and trails. He also expressed appreciation for Councilmember Patterson's comments regarding bringing parity to south King County, considering the many trails that north and east King County residents enjoy. Councilmember Taylor stated that his family utilizes many of the trails in south King County and is excited about the new biking opportunities this trail will provide. He commented that he is optimistic that an agreement will be achieved regarding parking and any other unforeseen issues that may arise during the planning process. AUDIENCE COMMENT: Howard McOmber (Renton) encouraged Council to set up a townhall-style Citizen Comment: McOmber - meeting in the Renton Highlands to promote communication between City Townhall Meeting Event in residents and City officials. Renton Highlands Council President Corman suggested that public meetings could be held in conjunction with the new Community Planning Initiative, noting that the meetings could be held in each of the eight different planning areas. Mayor Law stated that areas and sites for public meetings will be selected as part of the planning process. He remarked that a meeting in the Renton Highlands to discuss the Highlands Task Force recommendations will be held in the near future. Citizen Comment: Arnold - Mark Arnold (Renton) requested that a world -class skate board park be New Skate Park constructed in Renton. He stated that skate culture has long been a part of Renton, noting that Gravity Sports, a Renton business, has been in operation since 1976. He proposed establishing a new committee to study the feasibility of such a project. Mr. Arnold stated that a world -class skate facility will draw skaters from around the country and the world to visit and spend money in Renton. Mayor Law stated that the Community Services Department will keep Mr. Arnold advised regarding skate park issues. Councilmember Briere pointed out that a new area for skate boards has been designated in the Tri-Park Master Plan. She noted, however, that funding for the project will not be available for some time. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/16/2009. Council concur. 3/16/2009 Franchise: Comcast Cable Administrative, Judicial, and Legal Services Department recommended approval Television Extension of an ordinance amending and extending the Comcast Cable television franchise through 2013. Council concur. (See page 91 for ordinance.) Human Resources: Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of Reclassification (One Position) the reclassification of one position in the Public Works Department from Engineering Specialist III (Grade a23) to Civil Engineer III (Grade a28), effective I/l/2009, with no additional budget appropriation required. Refer to Finance Committee. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. March 23, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 91 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Finance Committee Claim Vouchers 281552 - 282005 and three wire transfers totaling Finance: Vouchers $4,940,737.49; and approval of 209 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 806 direct deposits totaling $2,783,449.28. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. RESOLUTIONS AND The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the ORDINANCES Council meeting of 4/6/2009 for second and final reading: Franchise: Comcast Cable An ordinance was read amending Ordinance #4412, granting to TC1 Seattle, Inc., Television Extension a franchise to operate a cable communication system within the City of Renton and repealing Ordinance #5410. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/6/2009. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and adoption: ORDINANCE #5452 An ordinance was read amending Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, of Planning: Land Use Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, extending the period of Application Expiration Date validity of land use and subdivision approvals. MOVED BY BRIERS, Extension SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL AYES. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Council President Corman announced that he and Councilmember Briere toured Public Works: Howard Hanson Howard Hanson Dam. He reported that they inspected the deterioration and Dam/Green River Flooding related sink -hole occurring to the right -side abutment to the dam. He Issues commended tour guide Colonel Anthony Wright, head of the Seattle Corps, for effectively communicating the Army Corps of Engineers' concerns regarding the dam. He noted that Colonel Wright recommended that everyone living in the flood zone consider purchasing flood insurance. Council President Corman clarified that funding is not holding back repairs at the dam. He stated that technical engineering evaluations need to occur before work can begin and commented that it may be well into summer before the evaluations are done. He remarked that it could take a couple of years before the repairs are completed. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 7:37 p.m. Bonnie 1. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Recorder: Jason Seth March 23, 2009 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 23, 2009 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) COMMUNITY SERVICES (Briere) FINANCE (Persson) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Parker) PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Palmer) MON., 3/30 NO MEETINGS (5th Monday) MON., 4/6 Legislative Update; 6:00 p.m. Regional Issues Update *7th Floor Conferencing Center* MON., 4/6 Robert J. Ingersoll Appointment to Airport 5:15 p.m. Advisory Committee MON., 4/6 Vouchers; 5:30 p.m. Fee Waivers - Community Services Department; Position Reclassification - Public Works Department THURS., 3/26 Growth Targets (briefing only) 3:30 p.m. MON., 4/6 CANCELED THURS., 3/26 Contractor Liability for Street 4:00 p.m. Repairs/Maintenance; Local & Regional Transportation Issues Update UTILITIES THURS., 3/26 Earlington Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Special (Zwicker) 3:15 p.m. Assessment District NOTE: Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. All other committee meetings are held in the Council Conference Room unless otherwise noted.