HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 14, 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; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator;
SUE CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator; LESLIE BETLACH, Parks Director; DENNIS CULP, Facilities Director; ABDOUL GAFOUR, Water Utility Supervisor; AARON OESTING, Systems Librarian;
JULIE BREWER, Community Relations Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE and COMMANDER KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department.
Added
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
AJLS: City Services Public Opinion Survey Findings (Carried over from the Preceding Committee of the Whole Meeting)
Stuart Elway of Elway Research, Inc., briefed Council on the findings of the City services public opinion survey. Between September 12th and 16th, 400 Renton residents were interviewed
by telephone in order to better understand citizen priorities for City services and how citizens find information about City government. The survey was organized around eight categories
of City services, which represent the bulk of the City budget. The categories were: Police Services; Fire Services; Economic Development; City Streets; Parks and Recreation; Zoning,
Land Use, and Development; City Utilities; Libraries and Museum.
Mr. Elway reviewed the questions asked of the respondents and the results of the survey. He also highlighted the key survey findings, pointing out that most respondents rated Renton
as an "Excellent" (12%) or "Very Good" (51%) place to live; City services rated a grade "B" overall in performance; and a strong majority of respondents think that their taxes are well
spent by the City of Renton.
Councilmembers questioned Mr. Elway on various aspects of the survey results, including the cablecast of the Renton City Council meetings, police services, economic development, human
services, and code enforcement.
PROCLAMATION
Make a Difference Day – October 26, 2002
A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring October 26, 2002, to be "Make a Difference Day" in the City of Renton, and urging citizens to observe this day by connecting with friends,
fellow employees, and relatives, and with religious, school, and civic groups to engage in projects benefiting the community. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. 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:
Keith Renfrew was selected as the 2002 Citizen of the Year at a banquet last week recognizing six outstanding citizens including Nancy Hoben, Roger Lewis, Roger Paulsen, Al Talley, Sr.,
and Chuck Tiernan.
Ken Ragland, Renton Public Library Board member, recently donated $7,500 to the library for the purchase of new books, in memory of his wife Rajeane.
The Transportation Systems Division is in the process of conducting a corridor study to develop a comprehensive set of transportation system improvements and actions that will fully
address the existing and future access needs of the entire NE 3rd and 4th St. corridor. The first of three scheduled open houses to solicit comments from citizens and area businesses
will be held on Thursday, November 14th, from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College.
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:
Keith Renfrew was selected as the 2002 Citizen of the Year at a banquet last week recognizing six outstanding citizens including Nancy Hoben, Roger Lewis, Roger Paulsen, Al Talley, Sr.,
and Chuck Tiernan.
Ken Ragland, Renton Public Library Board member, recently donated $7,500 to the library for the purchase of new books, in memory of his wife Rajeane.
The Transportation Systems Division is in the process of conducting a corridor study to develop a comprehensive set of transportation system improvements and actions that will fully
address the existing and future access needs of the entire NE 3rd and 4th St. corridor. The first of three scheduled open houses to solicit comments from citizens and area businesses
will be held on Thursday, November 14th, from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of October 7, 2002. Council concur.
CAG: 02-161, Seneca Ave NW/NW 2nd St Water Main Replacement, B&L Utility
City Clerk reported bid opening on 10/08/2002 for CAG-02-161, Seneca Ave. NW and NW 2nd St. Water Main Replacement; five bids; project estimate $222,187.01; and submitted staff recommendation
to award the contract to the low bidder, B & L Utility, Inc., in the amount of $189,877.76 (budgeted amount $100,000). Refer to Utilities Committee for discussion of funding.
CAG: 01-201, Downtown Parking Garage, Retail Space Construction
Community Services Department recommended approval of a change order in the amount of $187,306.83 to CAG-01-201, Downtown Parking Garage construction contract with E. Kent Halvorson,
for the construction of retail space. Refer to Finance Committee.
Transportation: Strander Blvd/SW 27th St Extension, Boeing
Planning/Building/Public Works Department recommended approval of an agreement with Boeing to establish joint responsibilities and financial participation for the Strander Blvd./SW
27th St. extension project. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Police: Jail Services Contracts, Yakima County & King County
Police Department recommended approval of a contract with King County for jail services, and approval of an addendum to CAG-02-099, the Yakima County jail services contract. Amount
budgeted is $551,300. Refer to Public Safety Committee.
Utility: Seattle Public Utilities Cedar River Sockeye Hatchery Draft EIS
Utility Systems Division requested a briefing on the Seattle Public Utilities Cedar River Sockeye Hatchery Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which concerns the proposed
siting of the hatchery and associated facilities on the Cedar River. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Halinen – Liberty Ridge LLC Annexation Election Request (Tydico Site)
A letter was read from David L. Halinen, Halinen Law Offices, 10500 NE 8th St., Suite 1900, Bellevue, 98004, on behalf of Liberty Ridge LLC, requesting that the City authorize and arrange
an annexation election to annex to the City, the Tydico site and adjacent existing street right-of-way located in the vicinity of 136th Ave. SE. The letter included support petition
signed by Frank J. Ribera, 13011 136th Ave. SE, Renton, 98059, one of two residents who reside on the subject property.
At the request of Mayor Tanner, City Attorney Larry Warren, reviewed the annexation election process, noting that the petition requires certification of a determination of sufficiency
by the King County auditor prior to the election.
Stating that the cost of the annexation election would be approximately $1,500, Economic Development Administrator Sue Carlson noted that the property owner would pay for the election
costs. She pointed out that in order to expedite the election process, the Council is being asked to adopt a resolution initiating the annexation election, rather than wait for the
petition certification.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELECTION TO BE HELD TO SUBMIT THE TYDICO SITE ANNEXATION PROPOSAL
TO THE VOTERS WITH THE PROVISION THAT LIBERTY RIDGE LLC PAY ALL COSTS OF THE ELECTION. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Transportation (Aviation) Committee
Public Works: Eastside Interceptor Project, Street Closures
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the extension of the approved street closures for the Eastside Interceptor project. King County is installing
approximately 1,800 feet of 72-inch pipe in the area of Houser Way S., Burnett Ave. S., and Morris Ave. S. On June 11, 2001, the Council approved street closures for three intersections
for this project. Due to unexpected delays, construction on this project is now behind schedule, and King County Metro has requested extension of the approved street closures.
The project experienced delays early in the construction process. The special new tunneling machine used for the project arrived about two months late, delaying the start of the tunneling
work. Additionally, problems with extensive groundwater in the vicinity of Houser Way S. and Burnett Ave. S. required considerably more dewatering efforts than originally planned.
The project contractor has attempted to get the project back on schedule by expanding work hours to 12 to 14 hours per day, six days a week through the summer. This extra effort has
reduced the schedule delays, but additional time is still required to complete the work in the three street closure areas.
The intersection at Houser Way S. and Morris Ave. S. was originally approved to be closed through October 31st. Work at this intersection is nearing completion, pending removal of
a temporary transformer at S. 5th St. and Morris Ave. S. by the contractor for Puget Sound Energy. This transformer was set as a community relation gesture to eliminate the noise impacts
of using diesel generators.
The intersection at Burnett Ave. S. and Houser Way S. was originally approved to be closed through August 30th. The groundwater problems at this location resulted in modifications to
the tunneling schedule, which resulted in significant delays in starting work at this intersection. The concrete structure will need to be completed, with a concrete cure of about
one week. The manhole riser will then be installed; the site backfilled; steel plates removed; and the road returned to normal traffic operations.
The intersection at S. 7th St. and Morris Ave. S. was originally approved to be closed though September 30th. The remaining work at this intersection is to set the manhole top, backfill,
and remove the shoring system.
The Committee recommended approving the extension of the previously approved street closures at the intersections of Houser Way S. and Morris Ave. S., and Morris Ave. S. and S. 7th St.
through November 1, 2002. The Committee recommended approving the extension of the previously approved street closures at the intersection of Houser Way S. and Burnett Ave. S. through
December 6, 2002. The Committee recommended that any requests for further extensions of these closure dates be subject to monetary penalties, and strongly encouraged the timely completion
and reopening of these three intersections.
The intersection at S. 7th St. and Morris Ave. S. was originally approved to be closed though September 30th. The remaining work at this intersection is to set the manhole top, backfill,
and remove the shoring system.
The Committee recommended approving the extension of the previously approved street closures at the intersections of Houser Way S. and Morris Ave. S., and Morris Ave. S. and S. 7th St.
through November 1, 2002. The Committee recommended approving the extension of the previously approved street closures at the intersection of Houser Way S. and Burnett Ave. S. through
December 6, 2002. The Committee recommended that any requests for further extensions of these closure dates be subject to monetary penalties, and strongly encouraged the timely completion
and reopening of these three intersections.
The Committee further recommended that the conditions placed on the street closures continue to be applied to the extended street closures. S. 7th St. will be open to the public only
on weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. westbound, and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastbound. Additional angle parking will be provided on a temporary basis along the west side of Morris
Ave. S. between S. 6th and S. 7th Streets during the closure of Morris Ave. S. Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and the approved traffic control plan
will be implemented and maintained by the contractor to the satisfaction of the Transportation and Development Services Divisions.
The Committee noted that the completion date for the overall project has also been delayed from November, 2002, to approximately February, 2003. The City and County entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement outlining mitigation responsibilities for the significant impacts to the South Renton neighborhood based upon the November, 2002, completion date. The Committee
therefore recommended that King County provide additional mitigation measures for the affected neighborhood to address the additional impacts from the extended construction period.
Suitable mitigation measures could include additional sidewalk improvements, or other physical improvements to the neighborhood. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Councilman Clawson and Mayor Tanner questioned the Committee report language concerning the provision that King County provide additional mitigation measures for the affected neighborhood.
Councilman Persson explained that at the Transportation Committee meeting, King County representatives stated that additional mitigation for the neighborhood may be possible. Explaining
that the project is within budget, and some funds may be available for mitigation measures, Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler stated that King County agreed that it would be a good idea
to do something for the neighborhood to make up for the extended disruption, and King County agreed to meet again with the Committee with suggestions for mitigation measures.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Library: Computer Upgrade, epixtech inc
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation that the contract with epixtech, inc., for the purchase of an upgrade to the Renton
Public Library catalog, materials, acquisition, and circulation tracking system in the amount of $57,096 be approved. The library computer upgrade will update the existing operating
system and hardware, and add a web-based public interface to the catalog. The current software and hardware are nearing the end of the manufacturer's support obligation. Thus, the
upgrade of the system is needed to ensure future serviceability. The addition of a web-based interface to the library's catalog will improve the system's ease of use for the public,
both from their homes and within the library. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the contract. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage Signage, CK Doty & Associates/Widmeyer Design
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the contract for signage for the Downtown Parking Garage. The Committee concurred with the staff recommendation to authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with CK Doty & Associates Widmeyer Design, Joint Venture, to procure and install signage at the Downtown Parking Garage. The signage
contract is in the amount of $73,837.60. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Councilman Parker reported that although the contract amount is $5,000 over the budgeted amount for the signage project, it is within the overall garage construction budget. Councilman
Persson added that the extra cost is for the addition of an exit sign on S. 2nd St.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage Signage, CK Doty & Associates/Widmeyer Design
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the contract for signage for the Downtown Parking Garage. The Committee concurred with the staff recommendation to authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with CK Doty & Associates Widmeyer Design, Joint Venture, to procure and install signage at the Downtown Parking Garage. The signage
contract is in the amount of $73,837.60. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Councilman Parker reported that although the contract amount is $5,000 over the budgeted amount for the signage project, it is within the overall garage construction budget. Councilman
Persson added that the extra cost is for the addition of an exit sign on S. 2nd St.
*MOTION CARRIED.
EDNSP: Fry's Electronics Mitigation Fees Waiver
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report regarding the Fry's Electronics store mitigation fees waiver. Fry's Electronics has requested a waiver of mitigation and utility connection
fees totaling $295,171.07 in association with the construction of its 150,000 square foot store in North Renton. As estimates show, Fry's is expected to generate $2.6 million in City
tax and fee revenues in its first five years of operation. The Committee met on October 14, 2002, and determined that the economic benefits of Fry's Electronics to the City of Renton
will far outweigh the initial loss of these fees. Therefore, the Committee recommended that the City Council waive the fire mitigation fee, traffic mitigation fee, special utility
connection fee (water and special utility connection fee), sewer for the Fry's Electronics project, as requested, thereby stimulating construction of this facility. The Committee recognized
that the waiver of those fees will have an impact on these specific mitigation fund accounts and recommended review of potential reimbursement of these funds during each annual budget
cycle.*
Councilman Parker emphasized that the matter was carefully reviewed, and he explained that if deficits result in the mitigation fund accounts because of this action, money can be transferred
from the City's general fund to cover any obligations the City has on those accounts.
*MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development Committee
EDNSP: Boeing Renton Plant Site Future Redevelopment Resolution
Planning and Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the environmental impact statement (EIS) resolution with The Boeing Company. Boeing may consolidate
its aircraft assembly operations at its Renton Plant. If Boeing moves forward with the consolidation, a portion of the site may no longer be needed by Boeing and could be surplused
for redevelopment. In order to determine potential impacts of redevelopment scenarios, an environmental review will be initiated. A resolution has been drafted that outlines how the
City of Renton and Boeing will work together to complete the environmental review.
The resolution delineates the key activities and commitments by both Boeing and the City to support planning, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental evaluation, and possible
future redevelopment of portions of the Boeing Renton site. The Committee reviewed the proposed resolution and recommended its adoption by the City Council. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER,
SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.)
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler emphasized that the City wants Boeing to remain in Renton; however, if Boeing decides to move, the City wants to be involved in discussions concerning how
the Boeing Renton Plant property will be redeveloped.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler emphasized that the City wants Boeing to remain in Renton; however, if Boeing decides to move, the City wants to be involved in discussions concerning how
the Boeing Renton Plant property will be redeveloped.
Public Safety Committee
Legal: Harbor Regulations Ordinance
Public Safety Committee Chair Clawson presented a report regarding harbor regulations. The Committee convened on October 14, 2002, to consider the ordinance regarding harbor regulations.
In order to keep Renton's harbor regulations in line with Washington State statutes, and to enable the City's harbor patrol officers to better enforce City Code, the Committee recommended
that the following references in the City's harbor regulations (Section 9-3 of City Code) be updated: speed regulations, accidents, equipment and numbering requirements, criminal offenses,
civil infractions, and definitions. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading.*
Councilman Clawson explained that the ordinance defines what a wake is, and updates City Code to conform to State law.
*MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.)
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3589
EDNSP: Boeing Renton Plant Site Future Redevelopment Resolution
A resolution was read expressing the intent of Boeing and the City of Renton to work together in the review and evaluation of the Boeing Renton Plant site. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER,
SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 10/21/2002 for second and final reading:
EDNSP: Planning Commission Member Reduction, Department Title Updating
An ordinance was read amending Sections 2-10-2, 2-10-4, and 2-10-5, of Chapter 10, Planning Commission, of Title II (Commissions) of City Code by reducing the number of Planning Commission
members from nine to seven, and updating the titles of City departments and divisions. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL
READING ON 10/21/2002. CARRIED.
Legal: Harbor Regulations Ordinance
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 9-3, Harbor Regulations, of Title IX (Public Ways and Property) by updating references related to harbor regulations to the Revised Code of Washington
(RCW), and revising definitions. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 10/21/2002. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #4984
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 BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ.
ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4985
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 PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4985
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 PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
EDNSP: Highbury Park Homeowner Association, Request for Additional Funds
Councilman Corman requested that Council consider a request for additional funds by the Highbury Park Homeowners Association for their neighborhood identification sign project. The
association was granted $3,558 for the project by the City's Neighborhood Grant Program, and due to an additional expenditure on rental equipment, the project is over budget by $689.
Economic Development Administrator Sue Carlson explained that this is a dedicated neighborhood group and they can match the additional funds with sweat equity. She stated that staff
recommends approval of the association's request for additional funds; and since this is the first time a request such as this has been made, she recommended that a process be developed
for these types of requests in the future. Ms. Carlson confirmed that there is enough money in the Neighborhood Grant Program's budget to cover the additional expenditure.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $689 FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM'S BUDGET FOR THE HIGHBURY PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION'S NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER DEVELOPING A PROCESS FOR APPROVING ADDITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT FUNDING FOR AN EXISTING PROJECT TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Police: Drug Dealing at Shopping Center (between Rainier & Shattuck Ave S)
Councilman Persson requested investigation of a citizen report that people are openly dealing drugs in the area of the shopping center located between Rainier Ave. S. and Shattuck Ave.
S., south of the railroad tracks.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage, Pay Station
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler and Council President Toni Nelson expressed concern about the proposed pay station at the Downtown Parking Garage, stating that people's vehicles may be
locked in the garage after hours. They requested that a direct telephone line be installed at the garage to the Police Department, and the Police Department be equipped with a remote
way of opening the garage door. Mayor Tanner stated that he was under the impression that the garage would be open 24 hours, and asked staff to look into the matter.
Council: Initiative 790 (LEOFF Plan 2 Pension System) & Initiative 776 (Motor Vehicle License Fees)
Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer, gave a briefing on two initiatives that will appear on the November 5, 2002, General Election ballot: Initiative 790 and Initiative 776.
He reported that Initiative 790 would change the method of governing the LEOFF 2 pension system for police and firefighters, and the way that earnings from investments would be handled.
The initiative would remove the LEOFF 2 pension fund from its current status of being managed by State appointed boards to a new administration with the majority of members being police
and fire representatives. Explaining that Renton would have to pay an additional $1.5 to $1.8 million annually to the pension fund if I-790 is approved by voters, Mr. Covington stated
that the Administration recommends that Council adopt a resolution stating its opposition to the initiative.
Reporting on Initiative 776, Mr. Covington explained that the initiative:
Requires license tab fees for motor vehicles to not exceed $30;
Eliminates the authorization for voter-approved local option Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) for transit;
Requires outstanding bonds for light rail be retired;
Repeals local option vehicle license fee; and
Repeals MVET related statues – exemptions, valuation requirements, and revenue distribution statutes that were in effect when MVET was collected by the State.
Pointing out that the estimated cost impact on the City is $450,000 to $500,000 annually if the initiative is passed, Mr. Covington stated that the Administration also recommends that
Council adopt a resolution stating its opposition to I-776.
Reporting on Initiative 776, Mr. Covington explained that the initiative:
Requires license tab fees for motor vehicles to not exceed $30;
Eliminates the authorization for voter-approved local option Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) for transit;
Requires outstanding bonds for light rail be retired;
Repeals local option vehicle license fee; and
Repeals MVET related statues – exemptions, valuation requirements, and revenue distribution statutes that were in effect when MVET was collected by the State.
Pointing out that the estimated cost impact on the City is $450,000 to $500,000 annually if the initiative is passed, Mr. Covington stated that the Administration also recommends that
Council adopt a resolution stating its opposition to I-776.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler expressed her concern that Council has not had adequate time to consider the initiatives, and suggested that a pro and con presentation be scheduled for
each initiative for the Council and public's benefit.
Councilman Persson agreed that pro and con presentations should be held on both initiatives. Councilmembers Clawson, Parker and Corman all stated that they were prepared to oppose I-776;
however, they would like more information on I-790.
Mayor Tanner stated that the Administration would try to schedule pro and con presentations for both I-776 and I-790 at the next Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:15 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
October 14, 2002