HomeMy WebLinkAboutmi051809RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
May 18, 2009 Council Chambers
Monday, 7 p.m. M I N U T E S 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
COUNCILMEMBERS
RANDY CORMAN, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON;
TERRI BRIERE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR. MOVED BY
TAYLOR, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT
COUNCILMEMBER KING PARKER. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
DENIS LAW, Mayor; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; LAWRENCE J.
WARREN, City Attorney; JASON SETH, Deputy City Clerk; GREGG
ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY,
Economic Development Director; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications
Director; ANGIE MATHIAS, Associate Planner; FIRE CHIEF/EMERGENCY
SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR I. DAVID DANIELS and DEPUTY CHIEF
ROBERT VAN HORNE, Fire Department; COMMANDER CLARK WILCOX,
Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Community Event: 2009
Renton FilmFrenzy
Economic Development Director Suzanne Dale Estey announced the second
annual Renton FilmFrenzy, sponsored by the Renton Community Marketing
Campaign (RCMC), a joint effort including the City of Renton, the Renton
Chamber of Commerce, the Renton Visitor’s Connection, Renton Technical
College, the Renton School District, Valley Medical Center, and in partnership
with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Remarking that the 2008 Renton
FilmFrenzy was a great success that garnered a tremendous amount of publicity,
she also stated that the hope is for the program to eventually grow into a film
festival while retaining its unique filmmaking competition. Ms. Dale Estey
announced that the 2009 Renton FilmFrenzy will be a 50-hour film making
competition that runs from Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18. She
stated that filmmakers must write, shoot, edit and turn in a film within the time
period that is shot in Renton and is up to four minutes in length. She noted that
filmmakers will be given curveball challenges when the competition starts, such
as incorporating certain dialogue or locations into the films.
Ms. Dale Estey reported that the registration deadline is October 9, 2009, and
that top films will be presented “Curvee” awards and cash prizes. She invited
the public to attend the awards ceremony on October 27, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the
IKEA Performing Arts Center. She concluded by presenting a short video
promoting the event prepared by the winners of last year’s Renton FilmFrenzy.
PUBLIC HEARING
Annexation: Shamrock,
NE 10th St & Jericho Pl NE
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to
consider the Petition to Annex and R-4 zoning for the proposed Shamrock
Annexation; 123.69 acres, located generally south of NE 10th St. and east of
Jericho Pl. NE.
Associate Planner Angie Mathias reported that a closing letter approving final
action for the Shamrock Annexation has been received from the Boundary
Review Board. She explained that a public hearing was held on 2/9/2009 and
that tonight’s hearing is a second hearing regarding zoning and is required prior
to effectuating the annexation.
May 18, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 145
Ms. Mathias reported that the annexation site contains 142 single-family homes,
approximately 35 acres containing vested projects, steep slopes, and wetlands.
Reviewing the site's zoning, Ms. Mathias stated that the existing King County
zoning is R-4 (four dwelling units per gross acre). She stated that the City's
Comprehensive Plan designates the site as eligible for three possible low density
residential zones: Resource Conservation (one dwelling unit per net 10 acres),
R-1 (one dwelling unit per net acre), or R-4 (four dwelling units per net acre).
She noted that the proposed zoning for the area is R-4.
Responding to Councilmember Persson’s inquiries, Ms. Mathias confirmed that
the vested projects are set at King County R-4 zoning and could result in higher
densities than the City would allow. She explained that King County does not
remove critical areas from their zoning calculations and allows the transfer of
development rights to buildable areas. She noted that there are three separate
projects vested to King County standards that must be honored within the
annexation area.
Public comment was invited.
Rosemary Rashell (King County) inquired as to whether her address and garbage
hauling service would change if annexed. Mayor Law suggested that Ms.
Rashell speak to Ms. Mathias at the conclusion of the hearing.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED. (See page 149 for ordinances.)
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORT
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Wine reviewed a written administrative
report summarizing the City’s recent progress towards goals and work programs
adopted as part of its business plan for 2009 and beyond. Item noted included:
City Hall and most City offices will be closed Friday, May 22, to observe a
furlough day to help balance the City’s budget. With the exception of
essential police, fire, and maintenance staff, Renton employees will be
taking the day off without pay.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Johnson -
Annexation to King County
Library System
Arland “Buzz” Johnson (Renton) expressed concern regarding the proposed
annexation to the King County Library System.
Council President Corman stated that the issue of annexing to the King County
Library System ultimately lies within the hands of Renton voters. He remarked
that Council is not voting to annex, rather they are voting to put the issue of
annexation on the ballot. He noted that the issue will probably come up in
Spring of next year, giving citizens on both sides of the issue the opportunity to
promote their opinions.
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Wine remarked that the Committee of the
Whole will take up the issue in June and will have to weigh the options of
remaining independent and making capital investments to the existing system, or
asking Renton voters if they would be interested in annexing to the King County
Library System.
Citizen Comment: Hauschildt -
Eagle Scout Blood Drive
Project
Joshua Hauschildt (Kent), Eagle Scout candidate, reported that he is planning a
blood drive and requested permission to conduct the blood drive within Renton.
He also requested help locating a suitable facility to host the blood drive.
Mayor Law granted permission to conduct the blood drive. MOVED BY
CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF
LOCATING A SUITABLE FACILITY FOR MR. HAUSCHILDT TO HOST A
BLOOD DRIVE TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED.
May 18, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 146
Citizen Comment: Wolk -
Waste Management Rates for
Multi-Family Units
Ray Wolk (Renton), Tall Firs Townhomes, requested an update regarding the
recent hike in waste hauling fees impacting his community. He reported that the
Tall Firs homeowners’ association recently took a $5,000 loan to cover the
increased fees.
Public Works Administrator Zimmerman confirmed that commercial multi-
family solid waste customers saw a significant rate increase at the beginning of
the year. He reported that this increase affected approximately 800 customers.
Mr. Zimmerman explained that rate scenarios and service approaches are
currently under review in an effort to reduce the fee increase for this customer
class. He stated that these alternative scenarios will be reviewed by the Utilities
Committee for approval and then presented to affected homeowners’
associations within a few weeks.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that a rate rebate approach for 2009 and a reduction of
the rate for 2010 and beyond is the probable approach that will be recommended
to Council. He emphasized that the administration is being overly cautious so as
not to impact any other customer rates. He surmised that the goal of reducing
the rate for commercial multi-family customers while not impacting other
customer rates is achievable. Mr. Zimmerman also reported that all
organizations affected by the rate increase have been notified that the City is
working to alleviate the issue.
Discussion ensued regarding the difficulty of allowing retroactive rate
adjustments without impacting other rate payers, cash flow issues, speeding-up
the process, residential rates compared to commercials rates, reasons why
condominium owners retained weekly garbage service, notification requirements
when changing garbage rates, complaints from citizens, and policy decisions
regarding retroactive rate adjustments.
Further discussion ensued regarding changing customer classifications, whether
solid waste fees are pass-through fees, and Waste Management’s authority to
make rate offers to City of Renton solid waste customers.
MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE
ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT RATES FOR MULTI-FAMILY UNITS
FROM THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Cook -
Waste Management Rates for
Multi-Family Units
Jeanette Cook (Renton), Tall Firs Townhomes, submitted a petition signed by
condominium homeowners requesting their status of commercial multi-family
be changed to residential. She stated that the solid waste rate increase has
jeopardized their budget and expressed appreciation for Council’s concern
regarding the situation.
Citizen Comment: Orr -
Waste Management Rates for
Multi-Family Units
Brian Orr (Renton), Tall Firs Townhomes, expressed concern over the amount of
bureaucracy involved with something as simple as a garbage bill. He
emphasized that townhomes are no different than other homes in the area and
should be classified at residential rates. He also spoke in support of annexing to
the King County Library System.
Citizen Comment: McOmber -
Community Blood Drive &
Townhall Style Meeting Event
in Renton Highlands
Howard McOmber (Renton) stated that a community blood drive will be held at
the LDS church at 816 Field Ave. NE from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May
30. He also requested that a townhall style meeting be conducted in the
Highlands to afford citizens the opportunity to speak to City officials and staff.
May 18, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 147
CONSENT AGENDA Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
5/11/2009
Approval of Council Meeting minutes of 5/11/2009. Council concur.
Appointment: Parks
Commission
Mayor Law reappointed Ronald J. Regis and Timothy J. Searing to the Parks
Commission, each for a four-year term expiring 6/1/2013. Council concur.
Appointment: Library Board Mayor Law reappointed John DuBois to the Library Board for a five-year term
expiring 6/1/2014. Council concur.
Latecomer Agreement: Gill,
NE 7th Pl, LA-09-001
City Clerk submitted request from Daljit and Hardip Singh Gill, 278 Harrington
Ave. SE, 98056, for a latecomer agreement for a sanitary sewer extension along
NE 7th Pl. between Field Ave. NE and Hoquiam Ave. NE. Refer to Utilities
Committee.
Fire: Structural Collapse
Rescue Planning, Bellevue
Fire Department MOU
Fire and Emergency Services Department recommended approval of a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Bellevue Fire Department for joint
Structural Collapse Rescue planning. Council concur.
Airport: T-Hangar Lease Rate
Increase
Transportation Systems Division requested approval of a rent increase for all
City-owned T-Hangar units at the airport from $301.31 to $372.21 per month
plus leasehold excise tax. Council concur.
Transportation: Shattuck Ave
S Stormwater Bypass System,
WSDOT Grant
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with
the Washington State Department of Transportation for a $2 million grant for the
Rainier Ave. S. Improvement Project - Phase I Shattuck Ave. S. Stormwater
Bypass System. Council concur.
Utility: West Hill Reservoir
Recoat, RH2 Engineering
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of
$59,829 with RH2 Engineering, Inc. to provide engineering services for the
West Hill Reservoir Recoat 2009 project. Council concur.
Public Works: Cedar River
Section 205 Flood Damage
Reduction 2009 Monitoring
Plan, Integrated Aquatics
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of
$50,977.12 with Integrated Aquatics to implement the 2009 Monitoring Plan for
the Cedar River Section 205 Flood Damage Reduction project. Council concur.
CAG: 08-089, Renton
Highlands 565 Zone Water
Main Improvements, Buno
Construction
Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-08-089, Renton Highlands 565 Zone
Water Main Improvements; and requested approval of the project, authorization
for final pay estimate in the amount of $5,475, commencement of a 60-day lien
period, and release of retainage bond, to Buno Construction, LLC, contractor, if
all required releases are obtained. Council concur.
SAD: Highlands Water Main
Improvements
Utility Systems Division requested authorization to establish the Highlands
Water Main Improvement Project Special Assessment District in the amount of
$1,193,240 to ensure that project costs are equitably distributed to those who
benefit. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
Lease: Addendum #2,
AirO Inc, LAG-03-002
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the
addendum to AirO, Inc.’s lease that defers rent payments and late fees to
8/15/2009, in exchange for a significant penalty and collateral. The Committee
further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the
addendum to the AirO, Inc’s lease, LAG-03-002. MOVED BY PALMER,
SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
May 18, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 148
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of
Claim Vouchers 283005 - 283352 and two wire transfers totaling $5,468,126.47;
and approval of 110 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 819 direct deposits
totaling $2,701,169.94. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Museum
Master Plan, Gyroscope Inc
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the agreement with
Gyroscope, Inc. in the amount of $90,000 to provide consulting services for
development of a Museum Master Plan. The Committee further recommended
that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the contract. MOVED
BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services
Committee
CED: 2009 Neighborhood
Program Grants
Community Services Committee Chair Briere presented a report regarding 2009
Neighborhood Program Grants (first round). The Committee recommended
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the following grant awards:
1. Aster Park Homeowners Association - Take an area within the neighborhood
and beautify it into a user-friendly park. ($8,942)
2. Downtown/South Renton Neighborhood Association - Assist downtown
businesses to host a variety of events and invite the community to visit
downtown. ($3,275)
3. Earlington Hill Neighborhood Association - Place a neighborhood entrance
sign on Hardie Ave. & SE Langston Ave. ($4,701)
4. Heritage Gardens Estates Neighborhood Association - Install lighting to an
existing neighborhood entry sign. ($10,028)
5. Honey Creek Homeowners Association - Dig out a path located in the
common area and filling it with gravel. ($1,490)
6. Laurelwood/Glencoe Neighborhood Association - Install two neighborhood
entrance signs with lighting. ($2,998)
7. May Creek Homeowners Association - Add bark in the HOA playground,
traffic circles, and stain the existing fence. ($565)
8. Rolling Hills Condominium Association - Plant shrubs and trees within the
neighborhood. ($2,672)
9. Rolling Hills Homeowners Association - Build a new play system in the
neighborhood children’s park. ($5,218)
10. Summit Park Homeowners Association - Renovate an entrance sign, plant
drought resistant plants and add low voltage lighting to illuminate the sign,
which is located on a main arterial. ($1,786)
11. The Orchards Homeowners Association - Landscape a highly visible
location at the intersection of NE 6th St. and Bremerton Ave., which is one
of the gateways into the neighborhood. ($958)
12. Tiffany Park Homeowners Association - Install a neighborhood identity sign
in the neighborhood park and landscape with drought-resistant plants.
($1,280)
13. Victoria Homeowners Association - Install two new spring toys and remove
an existing monkey-bar structure. ($2,836)
14. Windwood Homeowners Association - Improve landscaping at the front
entrance and place signs within the neighborhood to identify areas where
children play as well as signs to encourage residents to clean up after their
pets. ($2,280)
May 18, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 149
The Committee further recommended approval of funding for the following
administrative newsletter applications:
1. Earlington Neighborhood Association - Annual costs for a newsletter printed
quarterly and distributed door-to-door and by United States Postal Service
(USPS.) ($440)
2. Rolling Hills Homeowners Association - Annual costs for a newsletter
printed monthly and distributed door-to-door and by USPS ($300)
3. Summit Park Homeowners Association - Annual costs for a newsletter
printed and distributed door-to-door twice a year. ($48)
4. Tiffany Park Homeowners Association - Annual costs for a newsletter
printed and distributed once a year by USPS. ($89)
5. Tiffany Park Neighborhood Association - Annual costs for a newsletter
printed and distributed door-to-door quarterly ($506)
6. Victoria Park Homeowners Association - Annual costs for a newsletter
printed quarterly and distributed by USPS. ($248)
The first round of applications totals $50,660, leaving a balance of $31,340. A
second round will follow, with a deadline for applications of 10/9/2009.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN
THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
Utility: Release of Drainage
Easement Request, Jim
Hanson
Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to classify the subject easement as a
Class “B” easement and grant a Release of Easement of the drainage easement
shown on the Stollenmayer Addition Plat recorded 3/5/1969 (King County
Recording No. 6903056478697). The Committee recommended that the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary release of easement
documents. The Committee further recommended that the collection of the
processing fee for the applicant be waived since the main purpose of this request
is to clear up the applicant’s title. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY
BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 6/1/2009 for second and final reading:
Annexation: Shamrock,
NE 10th St & Jericho Pl NE
An ordinance was read annexing approximately 124 acres of property generally
located south of NE 10th St. and east of Jericho Pl. NE; Shamrock Annexation.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE
ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 6/1/2009.
CARRIED.
Annexation: Shamrock, R-4
Zoning
An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification for approximately
124 acres, south of NE 10th St. and east of Jericho Pl. NE, annexed within the
City of Renton from R-4 (Urban Residential - four dwelling units per acre, King
County zoning) to R-4 (Residential - four dwelling units per acre, Renton
zoning); Shamrock Annexation. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING ON 6/1/2009. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
ORDINANCE #5457
Development Services:
Contractor Liability for Street
Repairs/Maintenance
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 6, Street Utility Standards, of Title IV
(Development Regulations) and Chapter 10, Street Excavations, of Title IX
(Public Ways and Property) of City Code, changing references regarding permits
from the Public Works Department to the Department of Community and
Economic Development; to specify the requirement for liability insurance as a
May 18, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 150
permit condition; and to extend the duration of maintenance bonds from one
year to two years. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL. ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Police: Annual Report
Councilmember Taylor announced that the Police Department published their
annual report. He remarked that people may not be aware of the many different
services the department provides and stated that the report succeeds in providing
valuable information with clarity and brevity.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Mitchell -
Noise Ordinance Clarification,
Center Village Zoning
Diane Mitchell (Renton) shared her experiences as owner of the old “Joe’s
Tavern” in the Renton Highlands and acknowledged that the bar used to have a
rough reputation. She remarked that she and her husband have been working
hard to clean up the bar and that most nights it is a very quiet place. Ms.
Mitchell stated that in an attempt to be a good neighbor and to mitigate noise,
pads are added to walls and windows when bands are playing. She requested
clarification of the noise ordinance as it relates to the zoning of her property,
noting that when confronted by the police, each officer has a different opinion as
to what the regulations mean. Ms. Mitchell also requested information regarding
a police task force that is investigating noise complaints received by the Mayor’s
office.
Mayor Law stated that numerous complaints about the business have been
received in the past and expressed appreciation for Ms. Mitchell’s willingness to
work with the City to alleviate the issues. He stated that the police and planning
departments will work with her to help make sure the laws and ordinances are
clarified. He also stated that all complaints are handled in the same way and that
unless there is illegal activity occurring at the business, it would not receive any
special focus or attention.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:15 p.m.
Jason Seth, Deputy City Clerk
Jason Seth, Recorder
May 18, 2009