HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 7, 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
KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER, Council President Pro Tem; RANDY CORMAN; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER; DAN CLAWSON. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS
TONI NELSON AND TERRI BRIERE.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator; SUE CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator; NORMA MCQUILLER, Neighborhood Coordinator; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director;
LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department.
PROCLAMATION
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October, 2002
A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring the month of October, 2002, to be "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the City of Renton, and encouraging community members
to take an active role in supporting all victims of domestic violence so they can lead healthy lives safe from violent and abusive behavior. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED.
Celia Forrest, Renton Domestic Violence Task Force Co-Chair, accepted the proclamation, and stated that the task force members are working hard to raise awareness of the issue of domestic
violence and make it unacceptable in this community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Community Services: Summer Recreation Program Report
Sylvia Allen, Recreation Director, reviewed the programs and activities the Recreation Division offered during the summer. She described the many senior programs, cultural arts programs,
special populations activities, aquatics activities, youth and adult sports programs, kids camps, leisure classes and special events. In conclusion, Ms. Allen expressed her appreciation
for the Council's continuous support of the City's recreation programs.
EDNSP: Neighborhood Program Recap
Norma McQuiller, Neighborhood Coordinator, reported on the progress of the Neighborhood Program, saying that three neighborhoods have recently joined the program that is now comprised
of a total of 22 officially recognized neighborhoods. She expressed her appreciation for the 18 volunteer City staff members that serve on the Neighborhood Liaison Program, explaining
that they serve as a bridge between the City and the communities. Describing the activities and projects the neighborhood groups participate in, Ms. McQuiller pointed out that $15,000
in neighborhood grants have been awarded so far in 2002, and the City is currently accepting applications for the second round of grants. She concluded by stating that future plans
for the Neighborhood
Program include providing grants for bigger and more innovative projects, and establishing neighborhood group networking meetings.
Public Works: Eastside Interceptor Project, Street Closures
Gregg Zimmerman, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, explained that the King County Metro Eastside Interceptor project entails the installation of a sanitary sewer interceptor
in South Renton in order to restore capacity that was lost due to earthquake-related damage which occurred in the 1960s, and he introduced Glen Hiraki with King County Metro to provide
an update on the related street closures. Stating that the project required the closure of three intersections, Mr. Hiraki reported that work has been completed on the Houser Way S.
and Morris Ave. S. intersection, and the intersection will be opened once Puget Sound Energy completes its work on a transformer. The intersection of S. 7th St. and Morris Ave. S.
is expected to open the week of October 21st, and the Houser Way S. and Burnett Ave. S. intersection should be completed by mid-November.
Councilman Persson stated that the some of the streets should have been opened by now, and expressed his disappointment that King County did not inform the City of the delays or ask
for an extension. Mr. Hiraki reported that difficulties were encountered with the project, and agreed that King County should have asked for more time.
Suggesting that the matter be referred to the Transportation Committee, Councilman Persson recommended that work be stopped on the project until it is reviewed. Councilman Parker stated
that the work should not be stopped, but agreed that King County should have asked for an extension. Mayor Tanner stressed that the Administration will work with Metro to ensure that
they are making progress.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THE METRO EASTSIDE INTERCEPTOR PROJECT STREET CLOSURES TO THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. 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:
Elway Research recently conducted a Citywide survey of 400 randomly selected Renton households. The survey results will be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday,
October 14th, at 6:00 p.m.
Beginning September 30th, new playground equipment will be installed, along with a reconfigured play area, at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park with an estimated completion date of February
2003.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has scheduled public open houses to review design concepts being developed for I-405 improvements. For more information call
206-768-5888, or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/I-405.
The Police Department Crime Prevention Division is offering free Halloween safety classes. Call 425-430-7521 to schedule a class.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Johnson – Hanging Flower Baskets
Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., Apt. 221, Renton, 98055, spoke on the subject of the City's hanging flower baskets, noting that baskets are hung on poles that are located
mid-block, and two baskets are hung on opposite sides of each pole. He displayed a photograph of a hanging flower basket in the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and pointed out that Lake
Oswego hangs one large basket on each pole, and on poles that are located on street corners. Suggesting that the City create a test area and hang some baskets in this fashion, Mr.
Johnson recommended that the City of Lake Oswego be contacted to find out more about their hanging basket program.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Johnson – Hanging Flower Baskets
Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., Apt. 221, Renton, 98055, spoke on the subject of the City's hanging flower baskets, noting that baskets are hung on poles that are located
mid-block, and two baskets are hung on opposite sides of each pole. He displayed a photograph of a hanging flower basket in the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and pointed out that Lake
Oswego hangs one large basket on each pole, and on poles that are located on street corners. Suggesting that the City create a test area and hang some baskets in this fashion, Mr.
Johnson recommended that the City of Lake Oswego be contacted to find out more about their hanging basket program.
Councilman Parker noted that before starting the hanging flower basket program in Renton, staff reviewed the matter thoroughly and evaluated factors such as pole strength, and the blockage
of traffic signals and signs.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of September 23, 2002. Council concur.
Appointment: Nishiwaki Sister City Committee
Mayor Tanner appointed Michael Buscher, 12638 SE 160th St., Renton, 98058; Lawrence A. Rude, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, 98055; and Ray Sled, 17033 130th Ave. SE, Renton, 98058, to the
Nishiwaki Sister City Committee for unspecified terms to fill the positions vacated by Sylva Coppock, Peter Daniels, and Kathy Kaseburg who resigned. Refer to Community Services Committee.
School District: Performing Arts Center Agreement
Administrative, Judicial and Legal Services Department requested approval of an interlocal agreement with the Renton School District to clarify roles and responsibilities governing
the use of the Renton Community IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School. Refer to Community Services Committee.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage Signage, CK Doty & Associates/Widmeyer Design
Community Services Department recommended approval of an agreement with CK Doty & Associates Widmeyer Design in the amount of $73,837.60 for the design, manufacture and installation
of signage at the Downtown Parking Garage. Refer to Finance Committee.
EDNSP: Boeing Renton Plant Site Future Redevelopment Resolution
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended adoption of a resolution that expresses the intent of The Boeing Company and the City to work together
in the review and evaluation of future redevelopment of the Boeing Renton plant site. Refer to Planning & Development Committee.
Planning: South Renton Neighborhood Plan, Zoning Map Amend
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended adoption of an ordinance amending the zoning map to implement the South Renton Neighborhood Plan adopted
on 6/10/2002. Council concur. (See page 381 for ordinance.)
EDNSP: Fry's Electronics Mitigation Fee Waivers
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended waiver of fire mitigation fee, traffic mitigation fee, and special utility connection fees for the
Fry's Electronics store, with the understanding that revenues will be recovered within the first year of the store's operation. Refer to Finance Committee.
Library: Computer Upgrade, epixtech inc
Library Division requested approval of a contract with epixtech, inc. in the amount of $57,096 for an upgrade to the library's catalog, materials acquisition, and circulation tracking
system. Refer to Finance Committee.
Transportation: S 180th St/SW 43rd St Grade Separation Project, Tukwila
Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommends approval of an interlocal agreement with the City of Tukwila regarding the S. 180th St./SW 43rd St. Grade Separation project which
is managed by Tukwila. Approval was also sought for the transfer of $467,000 from several transportation capital project funds in relation to this project, to reimburse the Utility
Systems Division. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
Transportation: S 180th St/SW 43rd St Grade Separation Project, Tukwila
Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommends approval of an interlocal agreement with the City of Tukwila regarding the S. 180th St./SW 43rd St. Grade Separation project which
is managed by Tukwila. Approval was also sought for the transfer of $467,000 from several transportation capital project funds in relation to this project, to reimburse the Utility
Systems Division. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
CAG: 02-129, Oakesdale Ave SW Ph 1 Wetland Reconstruction, Ohno Const Withdrawal of Bid
Transportation Systems Division reported withdrawal of the bid which was awarded to Ohno Construction Company on 9/9/2002 for the Oakesdale Ave. SW Phase 1 Wetland Reconstruction and
Planting project (CAG-02-129), and the resulting reevaluation of the project by the City and the Department of Ecology. Information.
CAG: 01-133, Airport Seaplane Dock Facilities, Culbertson Marine Const
Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-01-133, Airport Seaplane Dock Facilities; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of
$4,027, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $43,306.58 to Culbertson Marine Construction, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained.
Council concur.
Utility: Utility Easement, Camas Ave NE (Orman Claxton)
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of Orman Claxton's request for a five-foot side sewer utility easement across City-owned property located to the south of his property
which is at 1832 Camas Ave. NE. Council concur.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Planning & Development Committee
Planning: Residential Multi-Family Urban Zone, Density Bonus
Planning and Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the density bonus in the Residential Multi-Family Urban (RM-U) zone north of S. 2nd St. The Committee
reviewed the issue paper entitled Density Bonuses in the RM-U Zone and the ordinance amending Title IV (Development Regulations) to implement a density bonus. The proposal allows a
density bonus of up to 25 additional dwelling units per acre within the RM-U zone north of S. 2nd St. dependent upon compliance with certain additional design guidelines currently existing
within City Code (RMC 4-3-100) as optional guidelines.
The Committee recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED. (See page 382 for ordinance.)
EDNSP: Planning Commission Member Reduction, Department Organization
Planning and Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the reduction in the number of Planning Commission members. The Committee met on October 3, 2002,
to consider reducing the number of Planning Commissioners from nine to seven. It is increasingly difficult to recruit sufficient community members to fill the nine-person board and
over the last several years the Planning Commission rarely had the full complement of members. It is also difficult at times to meet a quorum of five members to hold a meeting. Reducing
the membership from nine to seven members will require a quorum of four members rather than five. In a survey of other cities in the County, a majority have seven-member boards.
Minor housekeeping amendments are also proposed to change division names
and staff titles to have City Code reflect the current City departmental organization.
The Committee recommended that the City Council support amending City Code Title II (Commissions and Boards) to establish a seven-member Planning Commission, amend Title II to accomplish
division name and title updates, and refer this issue to the City Attorney's Office for preparation of an ordinance.*
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler noted that the Planning Commission supports the reduction of members.
*MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
The Committee recommended that the City Council support amending City Code Title II (Commissions and Boards) to establish a seven-member Planning Commission, amend Title II to accomplish
division name and title updates, and refer this issue to the City Attorney's Office for preparation of an ordinance.*
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler noted that the Planning Commission supports the reduction of members.
*MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
Utility: Water Well EW-3 Replacement, Fund Transfer from Reservoir Recoating
Utilities Committee Vice Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report recommending concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council approve
the transfer of $45,000 within the 2002 appropriation of funds for Water Utility capital improvement projects. The additional funding is needed to reestablish a contingency fund to
complete the construction of the Water Well EW-3 Replacement project (CAG-01-024). The transfer will be from the Reservoir Recoating project budget (account no. 421.000500.018.5960.0034.65.055260)
to the Water Well EW-3 Replacement project budget (account no. 421.000500.018.5960.0034.65.055400). The transfer will not increase the total appropriation of the Water Utility 2002
capital improvement project budget. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services Committee
Community Services: Maplewood Golf Course Green Fees & Non-Resident Parks Usage Surcharge
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending that fees charged for all recreation programs, events, activities, and services sponsored by the Community
Services Department should be increased by approximately 20%, with Renton residents receiving a 20% discount. These fee adjustments will partially compensate for the support provided
to these programs by Renton taxpayers. The adjustments will be included in the 2003 budget process. The Committee will consider appropriate fees for the Renton Aquatic Center at a
later date.*
Mayor Tanner questioned the wording of the Committee report, saying that the fee reduction for Renton residents should be equivalent to the increase in rates.
*Stating that was what the Committee intended, it was MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT WITH THE AMENDMENT THAT THE INTENT IS A 20% DIFFERENTIAL
OF THE COST BETWEEN RENTON RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS. CARRIED.
Stating that the fee changes will be implemented during the budget process, Councilman Clawson noted that other cities are also adjusting their non-resident recreation fees due to King
County's budget shortfall.
Responding to Council inquiry regarding the Maplewood Golf Course fees, Community Services Administrator Jim Shepherd stated that due to an agreement with King County, the City cannot
charge different fees for residents and non-residents at the golf course.
Councilman Corman stated for the record that Maplewood Golf Course and Ron Regis Park are not included in this fee adjustment.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 208302 - 208725 and two wire transfers totaling $2,602,402.97; and approval of Payroll Vouchers
40642 - 40883, one wire transfer and 559 direct deposits totaling $1,740,558.14. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage, PSE Relocation of Electrical Switch
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report concurring with the staff recommendation to authorize the Administration to reimburse Puget Sound Energy for the cost of relocating
their electrical switch that is located above ground on the sidewalk at Logan Ave. S. and S. 2nd St. by the main entrance of the Downtown Parking Garage, to an underground vault. The
cost of this relocation is $67,421.76. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage, PSE Relocation of Electrical Switch
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report concurring with the staff recommendation to authorize the Administration to reimburse Puget Sound Energy for the cost of relocating
their electrical switch that is located above ground on the sidewalk at Logan Ave. S. and S. 2nd St. by the main entrance of the Downtown Parking Garage, to an underground vault. The
cost of this relocation is $67,421.76. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Councilman Clawson reported that he did not sign the Committee report, saying that due to the City's current financial situation, the money could be better spent for another purpose.
Stating that the switch has been there for a long time, he suggested that it be painted, or the exterior upgraded in some way to make the structure more appealing. Mr. Clawson indicated
that the electrical switch does not need to be relocated at this time, and he urged the other Councilmembers to vote against funding the relocation of the switch.
Speaking in favor of the Committee report, Councilman Parker stressed that the electrical switch is unsightly, and its removal will enhance the downtown area. He reported that the Downtown
Parking Garage is under budget, and the money for the switch relocation will be funded by the contingency fund. Mr. Parker agreed that it is a lot of money; however, he added that
with the construction of the garage, now is the time to relocate the switch.
Responding to Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry, Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington stated that Puget Sound Energy does not cost share underground projects. Councilwoman
Keolker-Wheeler pointed out that Puget Sound Energy may charge less, or even more for switch location depending on how the project goes.
Councilman Persson shared Mr. Clawson's concern regarding spending money on the relocation of the switch, but indicated that he supports its relocation due to aesthetics and public safety
reasons.
Responding to Councilman Clawson's inquiry regarding why the switch needs to be relocated now, Community Services Administrator Jim Shepherd stated that this is a convenient and less
costly time for the relocation since new sidewalks are going to be installed as part of the parking garage construction.
*MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 10/14/2002 for second and final reading:
Planning: South Renton Neighborhood Plan, Zoning Map Amend
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of certain properties within the South Renton sub-area of the City of Renton, and implementing the South Renton Neighborhood
Plan (South Renton Neighborhood Plan and associated rezones and Code text amendments, File R-02-031). MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 10/14/2002. CARRIED.
Planning: Residential Multi-Family Urban Zone, Density Bonus
An ordinance was read amending Chapters 4-2 and 4-9 of Title IV (Development Regulations) of City Code to implement a density bonus program for properties in the Residential Multi-Family
Urban (RM-U) zone north of S. 2nd St. in downtown Renton. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 10/14/2002. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Airport: Aerodyne Bldg (Sky Harbor), Site Hazard Assessment
At the request of Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman gave a briefing on the Sky Harbor Aviation site hazard assessment (now known
as the Aerodyne building airport leased area). He explained that until 1976, the site contained an aviation gas pump island with a single-wall, underground storage tank system (UST),
and in 1985, the existing Aerodyne hangar was constructed above the location of the former UST site.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) has completed a site hazard assessment and determined the site to be a category 5, where category 1 represents
the highest relative risk and 5 the lowest. Noting that airport leases written before 1995 did not address responsibilities for remedial actions in the event of a hazardous substance
release, he reported that when the Aerodyne hanger is demolished, the site will need to be retested and may need to be cleaned up if the pollutant levels remain above the DOE's threshold.
Mayor Tanner stated that since Sky Harbor Aviation no longer exists, the City would be liable for any cleanup costs. He added that the City's airport leasing policies will be reviewed.
NEW BUSINESS
Airport: Aerodyne Bldg (Sky Harbor), Site Hazard Assessment
At the request of Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman gave a briefing on the Sky Harbor Aviation site hazard assessment (now known
as the Aerodyne building airport leased area). He explained that until 1976, the site contained an aviation gas pump island with a single-wall, underground storage tank system (UST),
and in 1985, the existing Aerodyne hangar was constructed above the location of the former UST site.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) has completed a site hazard assessment and determined the site to be a category 5, where category 1 represents
the highest relative risk and 5 the lowest. Noting that airport leases written before 1995 did not address responsibilities for remedial actions in the event of a hazardous substance
release, he reported that when the Aerodyne hanger is demolished, the site will need to be retested and may need to be cleaned up if the pollutant levels remain above the DOE's threshold.
Mayor Tanner stated that since Sky Harbor Aviation no longer exists, the City would be liable for any cleanup costs. He added that the City's airport leasing policies will be reviewed.
Transportation: Queen Ave NE/NE 6th St Traffic Concern
Councilman Clawson reported a citizen concern regarding the intersection of Queen Ave. NE and NE 6th St. where a collision recently occurred, and requested investigation of the intersection.
Transportation: I-405 Corridor Program
Councilman Corman reported on the I-405 Executive Committee's commitment to a multi-phase plan for the I-405 corridor, and described the potential impact of adding additional lanes
to I-405, including an additional truck climbing lane in the Kennydale area. He stated that now is the time for citizens to express their opinions on the I-405 improvements design
concepts.
Airport: Noise Mitigation
Reporting that the City of SeaTac has an ordinance requiring additional noise mitigation for new houses built in the vicinity of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's fly zone,
it was MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THE SUBJECT OF AIRPORT NOISE MITIGATION TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:36 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
October 7, 2002