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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting August 19, 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; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; SANDRA MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; NEIL WATTS, Development Services Director; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director; JULIE BREWER, Community Relations Manager; TERRI VICKERS, Community Program Coordinator; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON, Police Department.  SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AJLS: Sister City Visit to Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico Julie Brewer, Community Relations Manager, introduced the delegates who visited Renton's Sister City, Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico in July, and the Cuautla Sister City Committee members. Delegate Nancy Hoben reported on the Cuautla visit and described the various activities undertaken during the visit, as well as sites seen. Displaying photographs of the trip, she detailed the delegation's journey to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and then Cuautla where the delegates were warmly welcomed, and accepted and treated like family. Ms. Hoben concluded that all of the delegates returned home with a greater understanding of life in Mexico, and look forward to welcoming the Cuautla delegation in 2003. Ms. Brewer noted that all delegates paid their own trip expenses.  Council: Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) Sandra Meyer, Transportation Systems Director, gave an overview of Referendum 51, the statewide ten-year transportation funding plan that will go before voters on the November ballot. Stating that Referendum 51 is projected to raise $7.7 billion in new transportation funding, she reviewed the major highway investments project list which includes $1.77 billion for I-405 improvements from Tukwila to Lynnwood. She reviewed the local government funding portion of transportation funding plan which amounts to $446 million, and highlighted the revenue sources for the plan which include increasing the gas tax, authorizing a State sales and use tax on new and used motor vehicles, increasing weight fees, and authorizing gas tax and general obligation bonds.   Continuing, Ms. Meyer listed the following guiding principles for implementation of the major projects: address the worst first, build to the vision, keep projects moving, balance the investments, and leave the environment better than it was found. She concluded by describing the proposed I-405 Corridor projects and the impact of the improvements on the City of Renton. Ms. Meyer introduced Kim Henry from Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and explained that the City invited both a proponent and an opponent of Referendum 51 to make five-minute presentations of their position before the Council this evening. Peter Hurley from Transportation Choices Coalition presented the "con" argument, and King County Councilman Rob McKenna presented the "pro" argument.   Councilman Clawson inquired if the I-405 projects proposed by the referendum coordinate with the current I-405/SR-167 grade separation ramp construction project. Mr. Henry stated that unfortunately there is no way to incorporate them with the current project; however, he noted that the through cost benefit analysis, it was determined that the current project will pay for itself in one year and will be in place for five years or longer depending on future I-405 improvements funding.   Mr. Hurley stated that Referendum 51 would move Washington State backwards, and he supplied three reasons why people should vote no. First reason: Referendum 51 is poorly planned and fiscally irresponsible. He equated the proposed transportation funding to a down payment, saying that it will take 96 years and nine future tax increases to complete the proposed mega-projects. Second reason: Referendum 51 contains the wrong priorities and neglects safety and maintenance, particularly related to seismic issues.   Continuing with his third reason, Mr. Hurley stated that Referendum 51 is the wrong way to solve traffic problems, explaining that the State cannot build its way out of congestion. Noting that little money has been proposed for transit, he stressed that adding more lanes leads to more traffic, and encourages more driving and more sprawl. In conclusion, Mr. Hurley suggested a positive alternative to Referendum 51 that will: prioritize safety and maintenance as number one, add and expand choices like mass transit, invest in smart roads, and change the WSDOT to focus on moving more people and more freight, not just more vehicles.   Councilman McKenna acknowledged that Renton sits at the center of some of the most significant transportation corridors in Central Puget Sound, if not the State of Washington. He reported that the State has consistently underinvested in its transportation system for the last 20 to 30 years, and transportation funding has relied mostly on a gas tax that has not kept up with inflation. Stating that while other areas of the State's infrastructure are maintained such as the supply of electricity, and the supply and treatment of water, he noted that the same has not been achieved with transportation.   Continuing, Mr. McKenna stated that Referendum 51 is not the whole answer, but it is a good start. It provides money for some of the most pressing transportation problems in King County such as the I-405 Corridor, particularly the rebuilding of the I-405/SR-167 interchange. The referendum also pays for a number of critical traffic safety improvements, and without an increase in the gas tax, the State will inevitably have to start cutting into its maintenance and operation budget.   Councilman McKenna indicated that the referendum will not solve traffic congestion but will put a dent in it. King County citizens especially will see measurable benefits if Referendum 51 is approved, and the referendum includes accountability through quarterly audits which will be reported to taxpayers. He stated that even though this plan provides only a portion of the $34 billion needed for the large transportation projects, it is a good start. He concluded by saying that even if only a portion of the projects are completed, enormous benefits can be achieved.   In response to Councilman Clawson's inquiry as to what happens if the money runs out after a project is started, Councilman McKenna used I-405 as an example, explaining that the improvements to I-405 is not one large project but rather a series of approximately 130 different projects. Local officials, along with WSDOT, are in the process of identifying which projects within the I-405 corridor can be completed with the proposed funding.   In response to Councilman Clawson's inquiry as to what happens if the money runs out after a project is started, Councilman McKenna used I-405 as an example, explaining that the improvements to I-405 is not one large project but rather a series of approximately 130 different projects. Local officials, along with WSDOT, are in the process of identifying which projects within the I-405 corridor can be completed with the proposed funding.   In rebuttal, Mr. Hurley stated that although he agrees that some of the I-405 projects would be completed, he pointed out that some I-405 projects entail adding additional lanes which will then have to merge down to the existing I-405 lanes. The additional lanes will create bottlenecks, and if funds run short, that situation will be exasperated. He stated that the completion of only portions of the I-405 projects will result in even worse traffic over the next ten years. In rebuttal, Mr. McKenna stated that the calculated timesavings from completing Referendum 51-funded projects takes into account just those parts of projects being completed. He explained that the additional lanes will drop off at major intersections, and noted that the State has determined that traffic congestion will be reduced even if only some of the projects are completed.   In response to Council inquiry, Mr. McKenna said that if voters also approve the Regional Transportation Plan, the entire set of projects from both plans could be completed within ten to fifteen years. Reporting on the status of the Regional Transportation Plan, he said that the Executive Board is aiming towards a May 2003 election date for a vote on the regional package.   In response to Mayor Tanner's question whether there is any level of funding he supports, Mr. Hurley stated that he did support a past legislation package in the amount of $6 billion that proposed funding for various highway projects, safety and maintenance, and a range of transit options. He explained that a package of recommended investments in the $6 to $7 million range will be released in September, and noted that the revenue sources for this alternative package would be similar to Referendum 51 revenue sources. Responding to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry, Mr. Hurley stated his support for the addition of two lanes on I-405, rather than the addition of six lanes which will result in more cars and less transit usage. At the request of Ms. Keolker-Wheeler, Mr. Hurley listed some of the groups that oppose Referendum 51, and he agreed to forward the entire list to the Council.  Police: Volunteer Recognition Chief of Police Garry Anderson and Community Program Coordinator Terri Vickers announced that Betty Kirkland was chosen as the Police Department Volunteer of the 2nd Quarter 2002. Chief Anderson praised Ms. Kirkland for her 533 hours of volunteer service in the records division and as an administrative receptionist.  PUBLIC HEARING Budget: 2003 Annual City of Renton 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 2003 Annual City of Renton Budget. Public comment was invited. Mary Ellen Stone, PO Box 300, Renton, 98057, representing the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, urged Council to increase funding for human services, saying that the need for such services continues to escalate. She pointed out that the maintenance of a good human services system that grows and responds to people's needs as they change is essential. Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., #221, Renton, 98055, praised Renton for its many assets including the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. Mr. Johnson expressed his admiration for the landscaping at the train station and suggested that the landscaping at Tonkins Park, located near the station on Williams Ave. S., could be improved with the addition of a flagpole and the planting of flowers. He also suggested that the City improve the appearance of Houser Way S. by widening the sidewalks, removing dead trees, and planting flowering trees.   PUBLIC HEARING Budget: 2003 Annual City of Renton 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 2003 Annual City of Renton Budget. Public comment was invited. Mary Ellen Stone, PO Box 300, Renton, 98057, representing the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, urged Council to increase funding for human services, saying that the need for such services continues to escalate. She pointed out that the maintenance of a good human services system that grows and responds to people's needs as they change is essential. Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., #221, Renton, 98055, praised Renton for its many assets including the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. Mr. Johnson expressed his admiration for the landscaping at the train station and suggested that the landscaping at Tonkins Park, located near the station on Williams Ave. S., could be improved with the addition of a flagpole and the planting of flowers. He also suggested that the City improve the appearance of Houser Way S. by widening the sidewalks, removing dead trees, and planting flowering trees.   Karen Zammit, no address given, relayed statistics regarding the annual income needed to sustain a single parent with two children, and noted that 37% of Renton residents earned less than that. She pointed out that due to the poor economy and the cancellation of the King County childcare program, there is a higher demand for human services, especially for assistance with childcare. Ms. Zammit encouraged Renton to make child and youth care a priority and include a statement as such in its Comprehensive Plan. She asked the City to use its budget surplus to fund a pilot subsidy childcare program for families who do not qualify for State subsidies, and recommended coordinating with the cities of Bellevue and Seattle who have childcare programs. If the pilot program is successful, Ms. Zammit asked that the City commit to including the program in its budget.   Kim Browne, 1003 N. 28th Pl., Renton, 98056, thanked the City for its support of the Neighborhood Grant Program and encouraged the continued support of the program. She described how the Kennydale neighborhood has benefited from the funding and praised the neighborhood picnic program. In addition, Ms. Browne described how Kennydale Beach Park, located on Lake Washington Blvd. N., was transformed into a beautiful view area with benches and landscaping, and she invited everyone to attend the park's dedication ceremony on September 6th at 7:30 p.m.   Captain Christine Giffey-Brohaugh, The Salvation Army, 2230 NE 27th St., Renton, 98055, stated that the demand for food from The Salvation Army food bank has increased 16% since 2001. This translates to an additional 144 families receiving food each month. In order to meet the needs of the hungry at-risk families in Renton, she asked for funding in the amount of $23,300 which will be used to extend the hours of operation, improve the quality of the food baskets, and provide half the salary for an additional staff position. Debra Fullerton, no address given, described circumstances which led up to her being homeless because she could not afford childcare and was not able to get assistance with childcare due to her income level. She stressed the importance and need for childcare funding assistance saying that many parents fall through the cracks, and asked the City to consider instituting a childcare pilot program as suggested by a previous speaker.   Kathleen and Darian Mitchell, 2020 Grant Ave. S., Renton, 98055, asked for the City's help in funding childcare. Ms. Mitchell stated that paying for childcare is especially difficult during the summer months, and fortunately they were able to obtain childcare assistance from the YMCA this summer. She pointed out that even though she and her husband both have full-time jobs, they cannot afford childcare. Jennifer Summers, no address given, expressed her support for a childcare assistance program and stated that even though she was employed full-time, she was unable to afford childcare and did not qualify for assistance.   An electronic letter was read from Tim & Paige McGrath, 900 N. 34th St., Renton, 98056, requesting the continued funding of the Neighborhood Grant Program, and recommending that the City consider expanding the planned Kennydale Fire Station to include a library branch and police annex. An electronic letter was read from Paige McGrath, 900 N. 34th St., Renton, 98056, asking Council to consider the following: the allocation of more funds to the library and the sidewalk program, and the continuation of funding to the Neighborhood Grant Program.   An electronic letter was read from Tim & Paige McGrath, 900 N. 34th St., Renton, 98056, requesting the continued funding of the Neighborhood Grant Program, and recommending that the City consider expanding the planned Kennydale Fire Station to include a library branch and police annex. An electronic letter was read from Paige McGrath, 900 N. 34th St., Renton, 98056, asking Council to consider the following: the allocation of more funds to the library and the sidewalk program, and the continuation of funding to the Neighborhood Grant Program.   A letter was read from the City of Renton Library Board requesting the addition of a part-time Library Assistant I position to the Renton Public Library in order to maintain an adequate level of customer service, as the library workload continues to grow and regular staff has not been added since 1970. A letter was read from Richard Brooks, Executive Director of Renton Area Youth & Family Services (RAYS), 1025 S. 3rd St., Suite B, Renton, 98055, asking that Council increase the General Fund funding awarded to RAYS for 2003 in the amount of $57,000 to the level of the 2002 General Fund award in the amount of $60,000. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, 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: Last weekend at Cedar River Park, Renton hosted a men's Lacrosse tournament with teams participating from Canada and America. As part of the new Outdoor Adventures programming for special populations, participants in Renton's special needs program enjoyed a day of sea kayaking last week. This program also includes snowshoeing, hiking, caving, and family snow tubing.  AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Burwell - Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) Eugene Burwell, Renton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman, 10302 SE 186th St., Renton, 98055, stated his support for Referendum 51, stressing that if goods and services cannot be efficiently transported, the State's economy will suffer. He urged the Council to support the referendum.  Citizen Comment: Chase - Highlands Neighborhood Center Child Safety Sandy Chase, 853 Aberdeen Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, expressed her concern about the safety of children in public recreation facilities such as the Highlands Neighborhood Center. She described an incident that occurred where a man seemed to show unusual interest in two children while they were at the center. She reported that City staff did talk with the children about the man, and when the children left the center and the man followed them, staff called the police. Ms. Chase questioned why staff did not separate the children from the man. She also questioned why the staff names were crossed out on the police report. Mayor Tanner stated that if a child is being harmed, he would assume that anyone that was around would come to the child's aid. City staff cannot interfere if someone is just talking to a child, and calling the police when the man was seen following the children out of the building was the correct course of action.   Councilman Corman clarified that the Highlands Neighborhood Center does not provide scheduled classes or childcare, and it is expected that children play there under the supervision of parents. He stated that the center is not set up to provide that level of supervision, and there may be an assumption by the community that it is. Council Corman pointed out that people may mistake the level of supervision at the Highlands Neighborhood Center to be similar to that of a school.   Councilman Corman clarified that the Highlands Neighborhood Center does not provide scheduled classes or childcare, and it is expected that children play there under the supervision of parents. He stated that the center is not set up to provide that level of supervision, and there may be an assumption by the community that it is. Council Corman pointed out that people may mistake the level of supervision at the Highlands Neighborhood Center to be similar to that of a school.   In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Chase stated that the children were ages nine and ten. She reiterated her belief that staff should have pulled the children away from a potentially dangerous situation. Police Chief Garry Anderson commented on the crossing out of the staff names on the police report, saying that unless the Police Department is given specific permission to release personal information it is crossed out. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington stated that the Highlands Community Center is not a day care center and people should not expect that type of supervision. Recreation Director Sylvia Allen reported that the center is staffed by only one or two people, and a large number of people of all ages use the center. She confirmed that the facility is set up as a drop-in center, not a day care center.  Citizen Comment: Stroben - Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) Ronald Stroben, Renton Chamber of Commerce Chair-Elect, 22401 236th Ave. SE, Maple Valley, 98038, expressed his support for Referendum 51, saying that the Chamber supports the referendum because it addresses public safety, quality of life due to commute time, the economy, and moving product on the highways.  Citizen Comment: Cooke - Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) Suzette Cooke, Renton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, 300 Rainier Ave. N., Renton, 98055, stated her support for Referendum 51, saying that while not a solution for every problem, the referendum does list the projects and provides for accountability with quarterly audits. She indicated that traffic safety concerns will be addressed by the reduction of traffic congestion, and emphasized that a substantial portion of the project funding proposed by Referendum 51 goes towards public transportation.  CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.  Council Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2002 Approval of Council meeting minutes of August 12, 2002. Council concur.  CAG: 02-118, Traffic Management Center, Unimark Construction Group City Clerk reported bid opening on 8/13/2002 for CAG-02-118, Traffic Management Center Construction; six bids; engineer's estimate $140,000; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the second low bidder, Unimark Construction Group, in the amount of $169,669. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee for discussion regarding the irregularity with the low bid.  CAG: 02-120, Springbrook Springs Watershed Property Fencing Installation, F & H Fence Co City Clerk reported bid opening on 8/13/2002 for CAG-02-120, Springbrook Springs Watershed Property Fencing Installation; two bids; engineer's estimate $59,312.32; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, F & H Fence Co., Inc., in the amount of $54,270.80 (budgeted amount $50,000). Refer to Utilities Committee for discussion of funding.  Council: Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommended adoption of a resolution in support of Washington State's Referendum 51 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6347), to be placed on the November 2002 ballot, which is for the funding of statewide transportation projects including an SR-167 Corridor Study, improvements to increase capacity of I-405 in Renton, and completion of HOV lanes on SR-167. Council concur. (See page 333 for resolution.)   Council: Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommended adoption of a resolution in support of Washington State's Referendum 51 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6347), to be placed on the November 2002 ballot, which is for the funding of statewide transportation projects including an SR-167 Corridor Study, improvements to increase capacity of I-405 in Renton, and completion of HOV lanes on SR-167. Council concur. (See page 333 for resolution.)  Utility: Sunnydale Downstream Storm System Replacement, Harborside Inc, CAG-02-096 Surface Water Utility Division requested authorization to use $27,918.08 from the Misc./Emergency Storm Projects 421 Account for Change Order #1 to CAG-02-096, Sunnydale Downstream Storm System Replacement contract, due to a change in the site condition that requires the repair of an erosional scar. Council concur.  Utility: Aquifer Protection Code Amendments Utility Systems Division submitted proposed amendments to City Code related to aquifer protection which will align the regulations with current aquifer protection priorities. Refer to Utilities Committee.  Utility: Maplewood Pump Station Emergency Roof Replacement Utility Systems Division requested authorization to use funds in the amount of $40,000 from the Emergency Response Projects Account to contract for the emergency replacement of the Maplewood Pump Station roof prior to the start of rainy season. Council concur.   MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.  CORRESPONDENCE Citizen Comment: Smith - Dangerous Dog Ordinance A letter was read from Andrea & Bill Smith, 3111 Smithers Ave. S., Renton, 98055, describing an incident involving a vicious dog in their neighborhood, and asking Council to adopt a dangerous dog ordinance that protects citizens. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.  OLD BUSINESS Finance Committee CAG: 01-201, Downtown Parking Garage, Security System Installation Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the Downtown Parking Garage security system installation. The Committee concurred with the staff recommendation to authorize the Administration to execute a construction change order to CAG-01-201, Downtown Parking Garage construction contract with E. Kent Halvorson, to install a surveillance/security system. The amount of the change order is $79,157.74. The budget for this change order is $75,000; therefore, $4,157.74 will be used from the project's construction contingency reserve, estimated at $418,000. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.  Utilities Committee CAG: 00-098, WA City & County Pipeline Safety Consortium Utilities Committee Chair Briere recommended concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council approve the amendment for the one-year renewal of the Washington City and County Pipeline Safety Consortium interlocal agreement (CAG-00-098), and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the amendment. The Committee further recommended that Council authorize the funding for the renewal of the agreement from the Water Utility's 2002 budget for 401-fund balance (account number 401.000000.018.5340.002 0.41.000116). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.  Utility: Harbour Homes, Reimbursement for Oversizing the Sewer Line at Parkside Court Utilities Committee Chair Briere presented a report regarding the sanitary sewer oversizing request by Harbour Homes for Parkside Court Plat (PP-01-012). The Committee recommended concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council approve Harbour Homes' request for oversizing in the amount of $7,296.76, and authorize staff to prepare payment to Harbour Homes in that amount. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.   Utility: Harbour Homes, Reimbursement for Oversizing the Sewer Line at Parkside Court Utilities Committee Chair Briere presented a report regarding the sanitary sewer oversizing request by Harbour Homes for Parkside Court Plat (PP-01-012). The Committee recommended concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council approve Harbour Homes' request for oversizing in the amount of $7,296.76, and authorize staff to prepare payment to Harbour Homes in that amount. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.  Planning: Secure Community Transition Facilities (for Level III Sex Offenders) Councilmember Keolker-Wheeler stated that the Planning Commission will discuss the subject of Secure Community Transition Facilities, facilities for Level III sex offenders, on August 21st. She noted that a public hearing will be held on the subject within the next two months; and in the meantime, City staff is gathering information pertaining to this State legislation which requires cities to provide for siting of these facilities.  ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:  Resolution #3585 Council: Referendum 51 (Statewide Ten-Year Transportation Funding Plan) A resolution was read supporting Washington State's Referendum 51, which is for the funding of statewide transportation projects. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  NEW BUSINESS Council: Meeting Cancellations (8/26/2002, COW and Regular Meeting) MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CANCEL THE REGULARLY-SCHEDULED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 26, 2002. CARRIED.  Transportation: S 2nd St Sidewalk Sign Hazard Councilman Persson reported that due to construction, signs are laid face down on the S. 2nd St. sidewalk, from Williams Ave. S. past Renton High School, causing a hazard to pedestrians.  Transportation: Pipeline Road Pedestrian Walkway, Motorcyclist Prevention Councilman Persson recommended that an ecology block be installed to prevent motorcyclists from using the pedestrian walkway as a shortcut on the City of Seattle water pipeline road.  Legal: Bonding for Small Contracts MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF BONDING FOR SMALL CONTRACTS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.  EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 26 MINUTES TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION. CARRIED. Time: 9:41 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:07 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present.  ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 10:08 p.m.    Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk  Recorder: Michele Neumann August 19, 2002