HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
August 12, 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; TERRI BRIERE; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; DAN CLAWSON. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER
KING PARKER. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator;
SUE CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator; VICTORIA RUNKLE, Finance and Information Services Administrator; PAUL KUSAKABE, Fiscal Services Director; SYLVIA DOERSCHEL, Finance
Analyst Supervisor; JILL MASUNAGA, Finance Analyst; DAWNA TRUMAN, Finance Analyst; SONJA MEJLAENDER, Community Relations Specialist; COMMANDER KATHLEEN MCCLINCY and COMMANDER KEVIN
MILOSEVICH, Police Department.
Added
PROCLAMATION
Farmers Market Week – August 10 to 17, 2002
A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring the week of August 10 to 17, 2002, to be "Farmers Market Week" in the City of Renton, and urging all citizens to recognize the many
benefits of local farmers markets. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED.
Council President Toni Nelson accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Renton Farmers Market, and encouraged everyone to visit the market.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Community Event: Renton River Days Recap
Community Relations Specialist Sonja Mejlaender introduced Chuck Tiernan, IKEA Renton River Days Board of Directors Chairman, who presented a report on the 2002 City of Renton community
festival held during the week of July 23rd through July 28th. He thanked the sponsors and contributors for their support of the festival and acknowledged the assistance and support
provided by the City of Renton. Mr. Tiernan also expressed his gratitude to the volunteers, which included 158 committee volunteers (1550 hours) and 507 festival volunteers (4477 hours).
Displaying photographs of the festival, he reviewed the festival events and noted the increase in participation in many of the activities. In conclusion, Mr. Tiernan stated that the
festival received four awards from the Washington Festival and Events Association, and he announced that volunteer stage announcer Jeff Lukins was the recipient of the Outstanding Service
Award.
Finance: Mid-Year Financial Report
Victoria Runkle, Finance and Information Services Administrator, presented an overview of the 2002 Mid-Year Financial Report which provides a comparison of the 2002 Budget to actual
revenues through June 30th. Ms. Runkle reviewed the revenue sources within the General Fund and highlighted the following: property tax and utility tax receipts are as expected, sales
tax receipts are approximately $600,000 short of expectations, and fees received from building activity are higher than expected. She also reviewed revenues received from the different
types of sales and noted that in every category except auto sales, sales receipts were lower than last year, and she stated that the largest area of concern was the decrease in sales
tax from telecommunication companies.
Finance: Mid-Year Financial Report
Victoria Runkle, Finance and Information Services Administrator, presented an overview of the 2002 Mid-Year Financial Report which provides a comparison of the 2002 Budget to actual
revenues through June 30th. Ms. Runkle reviewed the revenue sources within the General Fund and highlighted the following: property tax and utility tax receipts are as expected, sales
tax receipts are approximately $600,000 short of expectations, and fees received from building activity are higher than expected. She also reviewed revenues received from the different
types of sales and noted that in every category except auto sales, sales receipts were lower than last year, and she stated that the largest area of concern was the decrease in sales
tax from telecommunication companies.
Continuing, Ms. Runkle reviewed other funds and noted that real estate excise tax collections were better than expected, pointing out that 598 homes have been sold in the first six
months of 2002 which is 100 more than in the first six months of 2001. The median home value has increased from $204,000 in June 2001 to $220,000 in June 2002. She also reported that
impact fees are higher than anticipated, utility rate revenue is lower than budgeted, and expenditures are under budgeted levels. In addition, Ms. Runkle noted that the Maplewood Golf
Course activity has picked up this summer after a rough start this year due to a wet spring. Regarding investment interest, Ms. Runkle expressed her concern that not enough interest
is being earned due to the low interest rates. She indicated that the current economic climate, which allows the City to sell its debt at good rates, has another side in that the City
is unable to earn enough interest on its own investments.
In conclusion, Ms. Runkle stated that the building activity in Renton remains healthy, and some unanticipated revenue is expected from Circue Du Soleil. On the down side, employment
is decreasing, sales tax revenue is lower than expected, and the interest earned on investments continues to be low. Ms. Runkle indicated that she expects the City to have a budget
surplus this year, but not at the same level the City has experienced in the past.
Responding to Councilmember Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry regarding Circue Du Soleil revenue, Ms. Runkle stated that she anticipates revenue in the amount of $375,000. In regards to Ms.
Keolker-Wheeler's question concerning the interest rate expected from the City's investment in Certificates of Deposit, Ms. Runkle indicated that the interest rate will range from three
to four percent.
Responding to Councilmember Clawson's inquiries, Ms. Runkle said that although the City has more money to invest, the interest rates are significantly lower. In response to his question
regarding real estate tax collections, she indicated that the City anticipates receiving the same amount in the second half of 2002 as received in the first six months.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler thanked staff for their preparation of the 2002 Mid-Year Capital Improvement Report, which contains information regarding individual projects and the amounts
spent to date on each project.
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:
As part of an ongoing community effort to help the City's residents learn to speak and read English, the Renton Public Library has expanded and upgraded its Learn to Speak English collection.
Olympic Pipeline Company will temporarily shutdown the 20-inch Allen to Renton petroleum pipeline for four days starting August 15th so that the company can conduct routine maintenance
on the line.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Evans – Seaplane Noise
Ralph Evans, 3306 NE 11th Pl., Renton, 98056, reported that several years ago a committee, consisting of property owners, the airport manager, and seaplane operator representatives,
was formed to address concerns regarding seaplane noise and wake action and a compromise was reached; however, he pointed out that the problems created by seaplanes have increased this
year. He suggested that the increase may stem from 1) the new airport manager not being aware of past problems, and 2) reconstruction of the seaplane dock. Mr. Evans described two
occasions when seaplanes started their takeoff within 100 yards of the dock, and asked for the City's help in reducing the problems associated with seaplanes.
Mayor Tanner recommended reconvening the committee and discussing the issue with the seaplane operators. He stated that the City of Renton has no authority over the matter, explaining
that the Coast Guard has authority over navigable water, and the Federal Aviation Administration has jurisdiction in air space. He added that the most Renton can do is to try to improve
the situation through volunteer means.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Evans – Seaplane Noise
Ralph Evans, 3306 NE 11th Pl., Renton, 98056, reported that several years ago a committee, consisting of property owners, the airport manager, and seaplane operator representatives,
was formed to address concerns regarding seaplane noise and wake action and a compromise was reached; however, he pointed out that the problems created by seaplanes have increased this
year. He suggested that the increase may stem from 1) the new airport manager not being aware of past problems, and 2) reconstruction of the seaplane dock. Mr. Evans described two
occasions when seaplanes started their takeoff within 100 yards of the dock, and asked for the City's help in reducing the problems associated with seaplanes.
Mayor Tanner recommended reconvening the committee and discussing the issue with the seaplane operators. He stated that the City of Renton has no authority over the matter, explaining
that the Coast Guard has authority over navigable water, and the Federal Aviation Administration has jurisdiction in air space. He added that the most Renton can do is to try to improve
the situation through volunteer means.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of August 5, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of August 5, 2002. Council concur.
CAG: 01-201, Downtown Parking Garage, Security System Installation
Community Services Department recommended approval of a change order in the amount of $79,157.74 to CAG-01-201, Downtown Parking Garage construction contract, for Convergint Technologies
to install the security system. Refer to Finance Committee.
Planning: Secure Community Transition Facilities (for Level III Sex Offenders)
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended approval of an ordinance regulating Secure Community Transition Facilities land uses, which are facilities
for Level III sex offenders. Refer to Planning & Development Committee and Planning Commission.
Utility: 2002 Utility Systems Division Proposed CIP
Utilities Systems Division requested a briefing on the proposed 2003 Utility Systems Division Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Refer to Utilities Committee.
Utility: Utility Fee Code Amendments
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the Utility Fee Code (Renton Municipal Code 4-1-180) which will arrange the Code in a more logical format,
combine similar language from the three utilities, and make the language more readable. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Vice Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 206556 - 207000 and two wire transfers totaling $2,410,742.04; and approval of Payroll
Vouchers 39455 - 39776, one wire transfer and 568 direct deposits totaling $1,848,326.99. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Transportation: Weed Growth on Street Medians
Council President Nelson pointed out the presence of excessive weed growth on many street medians and asked that City staff investigate the matter. Councilwoman Briere noted weed growth
on the median located at the corner of S. 2nd St. and Main Ave. S.
Finance: Home Kidney Dialysis, Reduced Water Rates
Responding to Council President Nelson's inquiry regarding reduced water rates for home kidney dialysis patients, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman reported
that the City does not have reduced water rates for home dialysis patients but does provide reduced rates for low-income persons. Councilman Corman pointed out that patients receiving
dialysis at home are registered with the City, and the City makes sure that their water supply is not interrupted.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he would examine the water usage by home dialysis patients to determine how much water is used and how much it costs.
Community Services: Maplewood Golf Course Green Fees & Non-Resident Parks Usage Surcharge
Councilman Corman reported receipt of an electronic letter from Glenn and Linda Knowle, 2902 Kennewick Pl. NE, Renton, 98056, requesting that the City offer a discount golf course green
fee rate to City residents. Mr. Corman stated that the City has discussed this idea in the past, and suggested that instead of charging residents a consistent lower rate, the City
offer residents reduced-fee coupons to use at the golf course during off-peak times.
Stating that Maplewood Golf Course fees are competitive with other area golf courses, Mayor Tanner pointed out that the golf course is barely breaking even. He indicated that fees should
remain the same for Renton residents, and be increased for non-residents.
Councilman Clawson praised the Maplewood Golf Course and suggested that the City consider raising the green fees, but within the bounds of remaining competitive with other golf courses.
Commenting that Renton parks usage has increased due to the closure of King County parks, Mayor Tanner suggested that Council also consider charging non-Renton residents a surcharge
to use Renton parks.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF A NON-RESIDENT PARKS USAGE SURCHARGE AND THE ISSUE OF GOLF COURSE FEES TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 43 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LITIGATION. CARRIED. Time: 8:45 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:28 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present except Parker, previously excused.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:29 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
August 12, 2002