HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
July 15, 2002 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:30 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Toni Nelson 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, Mayor Pro Tem; DAN CLAWSON; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER, Council President Pro Tem; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; DEREK
TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON, Police Department; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director; TINIA HARTMANN, Recreation Program Coordinator; NEIL WATTS, Development Services
Director; LESLEY NISHIHIRA, Senior Planner.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Community Services: “Honk!” Teen Musical Performance Excerpts
Tinia Hartmann, Recreation Program Coordinator, announced Renton’s 2002 summer teen musical “Honk!” which will run from July 18th to August 10th at Carco Theatre. Ms. Hartmann introduced
performers Curtisa Phillips and Emmanuel Hodge who entertained the audience with sample numbers from the show.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer, 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:
Fifteen members of the Renton community, including Mayor Jesse Tanner, departed today on a trip to visit Renton's new sister city, Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico. The visit will provide an
opportunity for an economic, educational, and professional exchange.
The American Association for State and Local History awarded a Certificate of Commendation to the Renton Historical Society and Museum for the Century to Century exhibit for achievement
in the preservation and interpretation of local, state, and regional history.
The 2002 Overlay Program contract has been awarded and a notice to proceed given to ICON, the contractor. One significant section of roadway is located along Grady Way from Rainier
Ave. west to the city limits. The major portion of this work is anticipated to start July 15th and take three weeks to complete. Traffic control will be set up at intersections to
help keep traffic flowing.
Police: Street Racing
Police Chief Garry Anderson gave a briefing concerning illegal street racing in various sections of the City. He explained that the City has always banned street racing and participants
can be fined $500 and serve up to six months in jail. Spectators can be fined $250 and serve up to six months in jail for trespassing. The offenders use a combination of electronic
devices to avoid or outrun police officers, or move to other racing locations, and hundreds of racers and spectators have been cited or arrested since November. Chief Anderson reported
that the Police Department purchased 500 “No Trespassing” signs to provide to property owners free of charge, and when posted, allows officers to arrest/cite racing spectators on private
property. The Police Department is participating in a multi-jurisdictional task force with other area law enforcement agencies, which provides additional staffing for law enforcement
efforts. The Police Department is also working with City departments on traffic calming and roadway design options, and with private property owners in an attempt to curtail the illegal
activity. He also reported that the City Attorney is reviewing the matter to determine if any additional laws would benefit the City’s enforcement efforts.
Police: Street Racing
Police Chief Garry Anderson gave a briefing concerning illegal street racing in various sections of the City. He explained that the City has always banned street racing and participants
can be fined $500 and serve up to six months in jail. Spectators can be fined $250 and serve up to six months in jail for trespassing. The offenders use a combination of electronic
devices to avoid or outrun police officers, or move to other racing locations, and hundreds of racers and spectators have been cited or arrested since November. Chief Anderson reported
that the Police Department purchased 500 “No Trespassing” signs to provide to property owners free of charge, and when posted, allows officers to arrest/cite racing spectators on private
property. The Police Department is participating in a multi-jurisdictional task force with other area law enforcement agencies, which provides additional staffing for law enforcement
efforts. The Police Department is also working with City departments on traffic calming and roadway design options, and with private property owners in an attempt to curtail the illegal
activity. He also reported that the City Attorney is reviewing the matter to determine if any additional laws would benefit the City’s enforcement efforts.
Stating his concern for the safety of the responding officers who are often confronted by intoxicated groups, Councilman Clawson expressed his support of the Police Department’s efforts
to curtail this illegal activity.
Advancement to Planning & Development Committee Report
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL SUSPEND THE RULES AND ADVANCE TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE WHITWORTH AVE. S. STREET VACATION. CARRIED.
Planning & Development Committee
Vacation: Whitworth Ave S, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Planning and Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report recommending approval of the proposed street vacation requested by St. Anthony’s Catholic Church subject
to the execution and recording of a development agreement which addresses the following issues:
1. PARTIES. The parties to the Development Agreement shall be the City of Renton, the Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, a corporation sole, (the “Archdiocese”) and
the St. Anthony’s Parish (the “Parish”).
2. APPLICABLE PROPERTY. The Development Agreement applies to the property informally described as follows and designated as:
(A) multiple parcels bounded by, on the east Morris Ave. S., on the west Shattuck Ave. S., on the north the alley between S. 3rd and South 4th Streets, and on the south by S. 4th St.,
and
(B) multiple parcels currently developed with the Parish Social Hall located at S. 4th St. and Morris Ave. S. (the “Bounded Property”).
The Bounded Property lies within the Center Downtown District of Renton, generally bounded by on the east I-405, on the west Shattuck Ave. S., on the north Airport Way and the Cedar
River, and on the south by Houser Way. The Development Agreement applies to those portions of the “Bounded Property” owned by the Archdiocese. Formal property descriptions will be
included with the Development Agreement.
3. ADDITION TO APPLICABLE PROPERTY. The Development Agreement will expand to cover any property within the Bounded Property that is acquired by the Archdiocese.
4. VACATION CONTINGENT ON APPROVED BUILDING PERMITS. The approved street vacation shall be contingent upon the issuance of approved building permits that are consistent with the site
plan approved for the campus.
5. LIMIT ON PARISH EXPANSION AND ACQUISITION.
A. St. Anthony’s Parish will limit its development of church, rectory, school, and social outreach uses in the Center Downtown District to the Bounded Property. The Parish will withdraw
its current proposal to remodel a home at 215 Whitworth Ave. S. for use as a rectory.
B. Nothing in the agreement shall prohibit the Parish or Archdiocese or other affiliated organizations from acquiring nearby lands for other primary uses, including but not limited to
residential uses, senior housing, low-income housing, and nursing services.
C. Nothing in the agreement shall prohibit the Parish or Archdiocese from holding title to additional property within the Center Downtown District, including property acquired by gift,
donation or devise, so long as the Parish or Archdiocese does not seek land use entitlements for church, rectory, school, and social outreach uses for any property that is outside the
Bounded Property.
D. After the completion of Phase I, the available on-site parking for the parish will have markedly improved.
5. LIMIT ON PARISH EXPANSION AND ACQUISITION.
A. St. Anthony’s Parish will limit its development of church, rectory, school, and social outreach uses in the Center Downtown District to the Bounded Property. The Parish will withdraw
its current proposal to remodel a home at 215 Whitworth Ave. S. for use as a rectory.
B. Nothing in the agreement shall prohibit the Parish or Archdiocese or other affiliated organizations from acquiring nearby lands for other primary uses, including but not limited to
residential uses, senior housing, low-income housing, and nursing services.
C. Nothing in the agreement shall prohibit the Parish or Archdiocese from holding title to additional property within the Center Downtown District, including property acquired by gift,
donation or devise, so long as the Parish or Archdiocese does not seek land use entitlements for church, rectory, school, and social outreach uses for any property that is outside the
Bounded Property.
D. After the completion of Phase I, the available on-site parking for the parish will have markedly improved.
6. VESTING.
A. City zoning and development standards, including but not limited to parking requirements and permit procedures, will be vested to the date of the Development Agreement for the Bounded
Property, with the exception of any applicable Uniform Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, and other regulations pertaining to public health, safety and welfare.
B. The City agrees that future phases of development generally disclosed in the 20-year St. Anthony Master Plan, are appropriate for the Bounded Property, subject to subsequent detailed
permit review. As part of a later phase, the Master Plan indicates that the portables will be removed from the campus.
C. If a policy, zoning or development regulation is amended that eases development requirements within those boundaries, then the Parish/Archdiocese unilaterally may opt to apply the
revised regulations to future development applications.
7. STRUCTURE DESIGN. Phase I and II development approved for the site under land use application file no. LUA-02-054 shall be constructed with appropriate footings and foundations
capable of supporting additional stories pursuant to the Uniform Building Code as adopted by the City.
8. TERM. Term of Agreement is 40 years, but shall terminate sooner as to any portions of the Bounded Property that the Parish and Archdiocese sell. The Agreement may be amended at
any time, and the parties will specifically agree to a good faith review of the Agreement for amendment upon the 10th, 20th and 30th anniversaries of the Agreement. In addition, if
the Center Downtown zoning designation is re-zoned to call for less intense development, then the parties will specifically agree to a good faith review of the Agreement for possible
amendment.
The Committee further recommended that a draft of the development agreement document be reviewed by the City Attorney and the Development Services Division prior to processing its approval.
Environmental (SEPA) Review, a public hearing before the City Council, and the adoption of the enacting resolution are all required prior to the recording of the agreement. The draft
development agreement shall be submitted to the Planning and Development Committee for review prior to the public hearing.
This street vacation for St. Anthony’s is fact specific and shall not set precedent for any future Council decisions. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN
THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Councilman Corman’s question concerning the duration of the vacation, Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler stated that the vacation is for perpetuity but the development agreement
is for a 40-year term as long as St. Anthony’s follows their master plan in a timely fashion. She added that the Committee report is only a conceptual framework for the agreement which
will be finalized by the attorneys.
The Committee further recommended that a draft of the development agreement document be reviewed by the City Attorney and the Development Services Division prior to processing its approval.
Environmental (SEPA) Review, a public hearing before the City Council, and the adoption of the enacting resolution are all required prior to the recording of the agreement. The draft
development agreement shall be submitted to the Planning and Development Committee for review prior to the public hearing.
This street vacation for St. Anthony’s is fact specific and shall not set precedent for any future Council decisions. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN
THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Responding to Councilman Corman’s question concerning the duration of the vacation, Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler stated that the vacation is for perpetuity but the development agreement
is for a 40-year term as long as St. Anthony’s follows their master plan in a timely fashion. She added that the Committee report is only a conceptual framework for the agreement which
will be finalized by the attorneys.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler asked for comments from the Parish relating to the agreement. Nancy Bainbridge Rogers, attorney for St. Anthony Parish, 524 2nd Ave., Suite 500, Seattle,
98104, expressed her support of the Planning and Development Committee report and encouraged Council to adopt it. She stated that she is looking forward to working with the City Attorney
on the details of the agreement.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler detailed the reasons why she supports the report. Mayor Pro Tem Nelson pointed out that the street will not be closed until it is necessary to do so.
City Attorney Larry Warren clarified that the vacation is contingent upon the issuance of approved building permits.
Councilmembers Parker, Persson and Corman expressed their support for approving the vacation and complimented the Parish and City for their work on the project.
*MOTION CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Burns - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Cynthia Burns, 2007 NE 12th St., Renton, 98056, expressed her appreciation for the Council’s efforts and stated that the result will be good for redevelopment efforts in the downtown
area. She also encouraged citizens to attend the “Honk!” teen musical performance at Carco Theatre.
Citizen Comment: Zender - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Father Gary Zender, Pastor of St. Anthony Parish, 314 S. 4th St., Renton, 98055, expressed his gratitude to Council for approving the street vacation. He stated that the Development
Agreement would be beneficial for the Parish and the City.
Citizen Comment: Arline - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Brenda Arline, 5535 56th Ave. S., Seattle, 98118, expressed her thanks for the Council’s action, stating that the vacation will be a benefit to the City such as the vacations were for
the Automall area several years ago.
Citizen Comment: Klepach - Additional Police Patrol Request, Morris Ave S
Fran Klepach, 515 Morris Ave. S., Seattle, 98055, summarized a letter she wrote to Frank Coluccio Construction Co., Eastside Interceptor project contractor, complimenting them on the
wonderful job they are doing. She expressed her concern for the safety of residents on Morris Ave. S. since they are unable to park on the street during the second phase of construction,
and requested additional police monitoring of the area at night. She also asked for traffic enforcement in the vicinity of Morris Ave. S. and S. 6th St. due to speeding.
Citizen Comment: Cross - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Wade Cross, 322 Morris Ave. S., Renton, 98055, stated his displeasure with the Council’s approval of the Whitworth Ave. S. street vacation, especially in light of the Administration’s
recommendation against the street closure. He pointed out that the City is losing considerable pubic parking spaces and the Church has not shown interest in sharing its parking lots
with the residents of the neighborhood after hours. He stated that the Council acquiesced to a campaign by people who do not live in the City, and that there was little support in
the neighborhood for the vacation. He also expressed concern that the ethics section of the City Code had been violated and questioned why several Councilmembers did not recuse themselves
from voting on the issue.
Citizen Comment: Cross - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Wade Cross, 322 Morris Ave. S., Renton, 98055, stated his displeasure with the Council’s approval of the Whitworth Ave. S. street vacation, especially in light of the Administration’s
recommendation against the street closure. He pointed out that the City is losing considerable pubic parking spaces and the Church has not shown interest in sharing its parking lots
with the residents of the neighborhood after hours. He stated that the Council acquiesced to a campaign by people who do not live in the City, and that there was little support in
the neighborhood for the vacation. He also expressed concern that the ethics section of the City Code had been violated and questioned why several Councilmembers did not recuse themselves
from voting on the issue.
Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington explained that although the Administration stated its position on the matter, Council is responsible for developing City policy, and it determined
that it was in the best interest of the City to vacate the street.
Councilman Parker emphasized that the decision was not made hastily, and Council spent many hours reviewing and analyzing the information regarding the vacation.
Councilman Corman commented on the high-density zoning planned for the South Renton area and stated that the vacation action by the Council is part of the growth process. He indicated
it is not unusual to decide against the Administration’s recommendation, and careful consideration was given to all material presented in order to arrive at the best decision for the
area as well as for the City.
Councilman Persson advised that it took over a year of study to reach a decision. Safety concerns for the children were paramount in his review of the proposal. He stated that downtown
redevelopment will be enhanced by the project, and assured everyone that this decision was not made in haste and that much citizen input was reviewed and considered.
Councilman Clawson also expressed his support for the project, and noted that the street was mostly being used for Parish parking.
Regarding Councilman Clawson’s comments regarding appealing the Council’s decision, Attorney Larry Warren pointed out that an appeal is not possible until the street vacation ordinance
is adopted. He added that the Council could ultimately decide not to adopt the ordinance at a later time.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of July 15, 2002. Council concur.
City Clerk: 2002 Renton Population
City Clerk reported the official population for the City of Renton as of April 1, 2002, to be 53,840 as calculated by the State of Washington Office of Financial Management. Information.
Community Services: Pavilion Building Renovation, Mithun Architects
Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract with Mithun Architects for the Pavilion Building renovation design. Refer to Finance Committee.
Transportation: Duvall Ave NE Surveying Services, W & H Pacific
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $81,350 with W & H Pacific, Inc. for surveying services for the Duvall Ave. NE widening project.
Council concur.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Johnson - Fireworks Ban
An electronic letter was read from Marci Johnson, 510 Stevens Ave. SW, S308, Renton, 98055, requesting that the City ban the use of fireworks and only allow organized firework venues.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Johnson - Fireworks Ban
An electronic letter was read from Marci Johnson, 510 Stevens Ave. SW, S308, Renton, 98055, requesting that the City ban the use of fireworks and only allow organized firework venues.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Various - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
The following correspondence was read into the record in support of the Whitworth Ave S. street vacation request by St. Anthony Parish (VAC-00-003): Nancy Bainbridge Rogers, Counsel
for St. Anthony Parish, 524 2nd Ave., Suite 500, Seattle, 98104; Janet Whitworth, 1122 N. 38th St., Renton, 98056; Tom & Cynthia Curran, 2118 SE 2nd Pl., Renton, 98056; Ralyn Baird,
14300 SE 171st Way, L-10, Renton, 98058; Rosalie Dahlvang, 10204 SE 205th St., Kent, 98031; Jeanette Millmann, 10620 SE 186th St., Renton, 98055; Barbara Novak Clifford, 14120 SE 180th
Pl., Renton, 98058; Richard H. Bossi, 14813 SE 145th Pl., Renton, 98059; and 12 form letters received from Parishioners of St. Anthony Parish. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL FORWARD THE CORRESPONDENCE TO THE VACATION FILE (VAC-00-003). CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Utilities Committee
Utility: Request for Sewer Connections Outside City Limits (Holmes)
Utilities Committee Chair Brier presented a report regarding the request for sewer service outside Renton City limits submitted by Robert A. Holmes. The Utilities Committee recommended
that Council approve Mr. Holmes’ request to be allowed to connect his two existing lots to the City’s sewer system, for the construction of one single-family residence on each legal
lot, subject to the passing of an ordinance revising City Code to allow Council to approve such connection. The approval of Mr. Holmes’ request shall be subject to conditions identified
in the revised Code. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utility: Sewer Service Connections Outside City Limits, City Code Amend
Utilities Committee Chair Brier presented a report regarding the recommended change to City Code pertaining to sewer service outside Renton City limits related to a request by Robert
A. Holmes (see Utilities Committee report above). The Utilities Committee recommended that Council approve the ordinance amending the recent Code change for provision of sewer service
outside the City limits. Said amendment adds language to allow for the connection of one existing single-family residence, or the connection to sanitary sewer for the construction
of one single-family residence on an existing legal lot as conditioned by the code and subject to the approval of the Council. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance
regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 205690-206130 and two wire transfers totaling $3,111,838.12; and approval of Payroll Vouchers
38797-39124, one wire transfer and 560 direct deposits totaling $1,834,139.13. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation Committee
Transportation: Railroad Crossing Improvements, Southport & Lake WA Blvds
Transportation Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the Southport Blvd. and Lake Washington Blvd. railroad crossing improvements. The City of Renton has negotiated
with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad for two separate agreements to replace and improve the railroad crossings over Southport Blvd. and over Lake Washington Blvd. This
work is required to accommodate the new Southport development and will include installation of shoulder mounted cantilevers, signal, and gates on Southport Blvd.
The developer, Southport LLC, will pay for this work, which is expected to cost $337,610.00. Funds in the amount of $209,937.24 have already been deposited with the City of Renton,
and any remaining funds required will be deposited at a later date.
The Transportation Committee recommended that Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into the agreements between the City of Renton and BNSF. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED
BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilman Persson noted that the new cement crossing will be much nicer and last longer.
Community Services Committee
Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission
Community Services Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the Mayor’s appointment of Ava Hammond to the Municipal Arts Commission for an unexpired four-year term
that expires on December 31, 2002. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee
Community Services Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the Mayor’s appointment of Kurt Boswell as primary, and Michael Rice, as alternate, Airport Leaseholder
representatives to the Airport Advisory Committee, both for three-year terms expiring May 7, 2005. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilman Corman stated that Ms. Hammond will be a very good addition to the Municipal Arts Commission because of her extensive experience, especially in the performing arts. He also
stated that both Mr. Rice and Mr. Boswell are very experienced in airport matters and aviation.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #4977
Finance: Bond Issuance, Fire Station #12 Construction
An ordinance relating to the incurrence of indebtedness; providing for the sale and issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 2002, to provide part of the costs of acquiring,
constructing and equipping Fire Station #12; providing for the date, denominations, form, terms, registration privileges, maturity, interest rates and covenants of the bonds; providing
for the annual levy of taxes to pay the principal thereof and the interest thereon; establishing a debt service fund and project fund for the bonds; and providing for the sale and delivery
of such bonds to D.A. Davidson & Co., Seattle, Washington. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4978
Budget: 2002 Amendment, Police Department Evidence Technician Position Addition
An ordinance was read adding the position of Evidence Technician to the Police Department, effective September 1, 2002, and authorizing the increased Budget appropriation of $21,500.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED
Ordinance #4979
Budget: 2002 Amendment, Police Department Crime Analyst Position Addition
An ordinance was read adding the position of Crime Analyst to the Police Department, effective September 1, 2002, and authorizing the increased Budget appropriation of $26,800. MOVED
BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: FIVE AYES: NELSON, KEOLKER-WHEELER, BRIERE, PARKER, CORMAN; TWO NAYS: CLAWSON, PERSSON. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4979
Budget: 2002 Amendment, Police Department Crime Analyst Position Addition
An ordinance was read adding the position of Crime Analyst to the Police Department, effective September 1, 2002, and authorizing the increased Budget appropriation of $26,800. MOVED
BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: FIVE AYES: NELSON, KEOLKER-WHEELER, BRIERE, PARKER, CORMAN; TWO NAYS: CLAWSON, PERSSON. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4980
Fire: Secretary 1 Position Addition
An ordinance was read adding the position of Secretary 1 to the Fire Department, effective September 1, 2002. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ.
ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Budget: Policies
Councilman Clawson suggested that the Committee of the Whole review City budget policies for possible revision. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF BUDGET
POLICIES TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
Council: Policies and Procedures
Councilman Clawson suggested a review of the current Council meeting policies and procedures. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF COUNCIL MEETING
PROCEDURES AND POLICIES TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
Budget: Soliciting Citizen Involvement
Councilman Clawson expressed interest in finding ways to actively involve the public in the budget process and suggested outreach through the mail, the City’s web site, newspaper ads
or other methods.
Councilman Parker also expressed his interest in obtaining more citizen comment and encouraged Councilmembers to solicit citizen input while attending events such as the Farmers Market
and neighborhood meetings.
Councilman Corman expressed his concern that some citizens may use the meetings as a forum to ask for assistance for Human Services programs in light of the budget constraints of King
County. He cautioned that Council needs to be specific as to the type of input it is soliciting.
Councilman Persson agreed with the need to obtain specific information from citizens at the 2003 City Budget public hearing scheduled for August 19th. He suggested creating a flier
that could be passed out at neighborhood meetings to assist in soliciting citizen participation. Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler advised that a flier was being prepared and requested
additional Councilmember input regarding what to state on the flier.
Councilman Clawson reminded Council of the success of the pool survey conducted by the Community Services Department, saying that may be a good way to solicit citizen input. He stated
that being creative and offering citizens different ways to contribute may result in more participation.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF WAYS TO SOLICIT MORE CITIZEN INPUT IN THE BUDGET PROCESS TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
Transportation: Handicapped Parking Stalls
Councilman Parker relayed a citizen’s request regarding the need for marked handicapped parking stalls near the vehicle license office on Williams Ave. S. and possibly in other places
around the City. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF PROVIDING MARKED HANDICAPPED PARKING STALLS AT THE VEHICLE LICENSE OFFICE AND OTHER AREAS AS NEEDED
TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Streets: Temporary Alley Closure (between Williams and Burnett Aves S)
Reporting on the previously-approved temporary alley closure located between Williams Ave. S. and Burnett Ave. S. through July, 2002, Councilman Persson requested an extension until
August 23, 2002, for completion of the 55 Williams Condominium project. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL EXTEND THE ALLEY CLOSURE BETWEEN WILLIAMS AVE. S. AND BURNETT
AVE. S. UNTIL AUGUST 23, 2002. CARRIED.
Sound Transit: HOV Improvement Projects, Perpetual Easement for BNSF Railroad
Councilman Persson relayed a conversation he had with a Sound Transit representative at a recent Eastside Transportation Partnership meeting pertaining to the City's refusal to grant
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad an easement until the City obtains an agreement from Sound Transit for the development of a contingency plan of Renton projects, and assurances
that money reserved for Renton projects will be spent in Renton. He warned of potential litigation against the City by Sound Transit for failing to grant the easement.
Councilman Clawson commented that Council’s decision concerning the easement may have an adverse effect on other cities in the area. While generally supportive of the City’s decision,
Mr. Clawson stated that he does not want to alienate other jurisdictions. He indicated that funds generated for Sound Transit from various cities was apportioned throughout the region,
not necessarily in the city where collected, resulting in the construction and operation of the Sounder Commuter Train, which services a number of cities.
Councilman Persson pointed out that Sound Transit had two years notice that they needed to obtain the easement, but Renton was not contacted until two months before the easement was
actually needed.
Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer, stated that Sound Transit has made a commitment to the City and the City wants it to honor its commitment, but notes that over the years,
Sound Transit has backed away from its commitment. He indicated that Council's decision to take a strong stand on behalf of the voters is important. Pointing out that it is inappropriate
for Sound Transit to change its mission without any stakeholder input, Mr. Covington stressed that they should be upfront about their mission and goals. He added that while waiting
for Sound Transit to make decisions on HOV direct-access improvements, the service levels have decreased and travel times have increased.
Councilman Corman stated his desire for Sound Transit to discuss the easement issue directly with Renton instead of through other forums.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Johnson - Whitworth Ave S Vacation, St. Anthony Church (VAC-00-003)
Arland “Buzz” Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., Renton, 98055, thanked the Council for their action on the Whitworth Ave. S. street vacation and stated that the street closure will result
in a redirection of traffic which will benefit the neighborhood.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:25 p.m.
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MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk
Recorder: Suzann Lombard
July 15, 2002