HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 21, 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; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; DAN CLAWSON. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILWOMAN
TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; RUSSELL WILSON, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Director; REBECCA LIND, Planner Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; FIRE MARSHALL/BATALLION
CHIEF LARRY RUDE, Fire Department; SERGEANT KENT CURRY, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Community Services: Museum "Century to Century" Exhibit Award
Steve Anderson, Museum Supervisor, announced the receipt of a Certificate of Commendation from the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) for the “Renton: Century to
Century” exhibit prepared for the Centennial. He explained that the AASLH awards program is the nation’s most prestigious competition for recognition of achievement in local, state
and regional history, with only 70 such awards given out in the United States for 2002, and only three given out in the State of Washington. Mr. Anderson thanked the Council and all
others involved for collaborative efforts in preparing the exhibit, and for continued support of the museum.
EDNSP: South Renton Neighborhood Planning Award
Rebecca Lind, Planner Manager, Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department, presented a plaque awarded by the American Planning Association in recognition
of the physical plans for the South Renton Neighborhood. She explained that the plan not only suggested new ideas in planning concepts, but also included ideas that were tested with
the market and focus groups, including developers. Ms. Lind thanked all departments for their assistance in the project, and presented certificates to Greg Brower and Fred Jala of
the Berger Partnership for their capital facilities plan, to Bill Kreager of Mithun Partners and Marcia Gamble-Hadley, consultants, and to Suzanne Britsch of Real Vision for marketing.
Ms. Lind expressed her thanks to all the Planning Commission members including those in attendance, Jerrilynn Hadley and Ray Giometti.
Council: Initiative 790
(LEOFF Plan 2 Pension System)
Mayor Tanner explained that the City invited both a proponent and an opponent of Initiative 790 to make brief presentations of their positions before Council. Initiative 790, which
will go before voters to be decided in November, has the following ballot wording: “I-790 concerns law enforcement officers’ and fire fighters’ retirement system, plan 2. This measure
would place management of the law enforcement officers’ and fire fighters’ retirement system, plan 2, in a Board of Trustees consisting of six plan participants, three employer representatives,
and two legislators. Should this measure be enacted into law?” Craig Soucy, Vice President of Local 864, International Association of Firefighters, presented the “pro” argument while
Jim Justin of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) presented the “against” argument. Mr. Justin won the toss and elected to go second in the presentations.
Council: Initiative 790
(LEOFF Plan 2 Pension System)
Mayor Tanner explained that the City invited both a proponent and an opponent of Initiative 790 to make brief presentations of their positions before Council. Initiative 790, which
will go before voters to be decided in November, has the following ballot wording: “I-790 concerns law enforcement officers’ and fire fighters’ retirement system, plan 2. This measure
would place management of the law enforcement officers’ and fire fighters’ retirement system, plan 2, in a Board of Trustees consisting of six plan participants, three employer representatives,
and two legislators. Should this measure be enacted into law?” Craig Soucy, Vice President of Local 864, International Association of Firefighters, presented the “pro” argument while
Jim Justin of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) presented the “against” argument. Mr. Justin won the toss and elected to go second in the presentations.
Craig Soucy, speaking on behalf of police officers and fire fighters in Washington state, explained that I-790 gives the 13,000 retirement plan members fair representation and a voice
in their pension system. He stated that 50% of the contributions are made by the police officers and fire fighters, who currently have no voice in the system. Mr. Soucy further reported
that 46 states have fire fighter and police officer representation for their pension system and 16 of those states have a majority. He stated that I-790 would create a new Board of
Trustees, appointed by the governor, to manage the LEOFF 2 system (Law Enforcement Officers and Fire fighters hired after 1977), and that the Board would consist of three fire fighters,
three police officers, three city representatives and two state legislators. Continuing, Mr. Soucy said that I-790 would not change the current contribution percentages which are 50%
for the employee, 30% for the employer, and 20% for the state, but it would stop any further raids of the pension system. I-790 states that all earnings of the trust shall be used
exclusively for the members and beneficiaries, and it will put a cap on any unfunded liability to the contributors. Mr. Soucy stated that most importantly, I-790 has zero cost to taxpayers,
and he referred to House Bill 2931 presented to the Legislature earlier this year, which attached a fiscal note of zero impact to the taxpayers. Mr. Soucy reiterated that I-790 does
not automatically increase benefits or contributions and that any recommendations by the Board can be denied by the Legislature, protecting both taxpayers and pension members.
Jim Justin presented the opposing position, explaining that when AWC and its member cities adopted a resolution in June, 2002 regarding pension reform, the principles were to have a
Board with equal representation between employees and employers, and to have a Board that serves solely as an advisory function to the Legislature. He stated that I-790 does not meet
those two principles because it creates a Board of six employees, three employers and two legislators, rather than a Board of five, three and two for a truer balance, and also the Board
would have far more authority than simply advisory to the Legislature. He stated that additionally it would be costly to local governments as well as the state. Quoting from I-790,
Sec. 6, Part (5), which reads: “All earnings of the trust in excess of the actuarially assumed rate of investment return shall be used exclusively for additional benefits for members
and beneficiaries,” he pointed out that the AWC believes this means that annually, when the trust earns in excess of the assumed rate, which is currently 8%, that those funds are put
aside in a separate account to be used solely for additional benefits. He explained that the interest earnings in the 1990s were in excess of 8%, the assumed rate of return, but for
the foreseeable future may be as low as 4%, necessitating an increase in contribution rates for employees, employers and the state. He reported that if the assumed interest earnings
rate of 8% declines to 4%, contribution rates would have to be increased for employees, employers and the state. Continuing, Mr. Justin explained the difference between the fiscal
notes where the first actuary review dropped the real interest earnings from 8% to 6%, while the second actuary felt 6% was too high, that the real earnings rate would be only 4%, thus
the drop in the interest earnings would necessitate an increase in the contribution rates by employees and employers and the state. He stated that the decrease in earnings for the
fund would cause local governments to be assessed an additional $266 million in the next biennium if interest earnings are not placed in reserve to lower contribution rates (presently
at 2.64%). Mr. Justin stated that by adopting the initiative as written, it will become state law. He cited I-790, Sec. 6 (5) as a conflict with earlier sections that outline the
Board’s authority and that because of the ambiguity of the language of the initiative, an unintended consequence increasing rates through the use of excess earnings may result.
Jim Justin presented the opposing position, explaining that when AWC and its member cities adopted a resolution in June, 2002 regarding pension reform, the principles were to have a
Board with equal representation between employees and employers, and to have a Board that serves solely as an advisory function to the Legislature. He stated that I-790 does not meet
those two principles because it creates a Board of six employees, three employers and two legislators, rather than a Board of five, three and two for a truer balance, and also the Board
would have far more authority than simply advisory to the Legislature. He stated that additionally it would be costly to local governments as well as the state. Quoting from I-790,
Sec. 6, Part (5), which reads: “All earnings of the trust in excess of the actuarially assumed rate of investment return shall be used exclusively for additional benefits for members
and beneficiaries,” he pointed out that the AWC believes this means that annually, when the trust earns in excess of the assumed rate, which is currently 8%, that those funds are put
aside in a separate account to be used solely for additional benefits. He explained that the interest earnings in the 1990s were in excess of 8%, the assumed rate of return, but for
the foreseeable future may be as low as 4%, necessitating an increase in contribution rates for employees, employers and the state. He reported that if the assumed interest earnings
rate of 8% declines to 4%, contribution rates would have to be increased for employees, employers and the state. Continuing, Mr. Justin explained the difference between the fiscal
notes where the first actuary review dropped the real interest earnings from 8% to 6%, while the second actuary felt 6% was too high, that the real earnings rate would be only 4%, thus
the drop in the interest earnings would necessitate an increase in the contribution rates by employees and employers and the state. He stated that the decrease in earnings for the
fund would cause local governments to be assessed an additional $266 million in the next biennium if interest earnings are not placed in reserve to lower contribution rates (presently
at 2.64%). Mr. Justin stated that by adopting the initiative as written, it will become state law. He cited I-790, Sec. 6 (5) as a conflict with earlier sections that outline the
Board’s authority and that because of the ambiguity of the language of the initiative, an unintended consequence increasing rates through the use of excess earnings may result.
In rebuttal, Mr. Soucy stated that 16 other states currently have majority boards that are working fine. He went on to reiterate that because the employees’ contribution rate is so
much greater than any other contributor, the members feel it is only fair to have the greater representation on the Board. The safeguard is in place, he explained, because under the
proposed plan, the Legislature makes the final decision regarding any increases or reductions. Mr. Soucy agreed with his opponent that by keeping the earnings within the system, it
is the only fair way to guarantee the pension benefits for the members and beneficiaries. He also reiterated that the Legislature has the final say as to any recommendation proposed
by the Board.
Mr. Justin, in his rebuttal, stated that the proposed Board structure is not identical to contribution structure in that the employee contributes 50%, so five employees would be more
appropriate. He explained the two types of pension benefits currently available: 1) defined benefits, which in the case of LEOFF is calculated by taking the number of years of service
times 2% times average final compensation, which is a contract between the state and the employee, whether the state has the money or not, and 2) defined contribution where the employee
and employer put money into the fund, the employee often chooses how the money is invested, and withdraws it at retirement. Mr. Justin stated that I-790 sets up a defined benefit with
security of a contract between the state and employee, which is of concern to the AWC.
Acknowledging ambiguities in the initiative, Councilmember Clawson asked why a common sense interpretation of this language could not be applied, stating that voters could not have
intended for a skyrocketing type of defined benefit pension which is not seen anywhere in private industry or any other public pension system in the world, because it could bankrupt
the system. He remarked on the drafters’ intent and stated that the actuarial board would make its best interpretation. Also, Councilman Clawson asked if it was not unlikely employees
would recommend a benefit increase if it would increase the amount taken out of their paychecks.
Mr. Justin responded that he does not see anything in Section 5 of the initiative that gives the Board that kind of authority, and the AWC believes it is clear that any excess funds
are to be used exclusively for additional benefits for members and beneficiaries and the Board would not have power to change that. Continuing, he stated that at some point in the
future the Department of Retirement Systems could implement a rate structure that would be costly to local governments. He explained that a recommendation from the proposed Board regarding
increases would not be the prerogative of the Board, because it would be state law.
Councilmember Parker asked whether interest earnings from the fund have been moved in the past by the state into the general fund for government expenditures, and whether the contribution
rate has been lowered in the past several years because of the excess earnings.
Mr. Soucy confirmed that funds in excess of the 8% earnings rate have been removed in the past and that the initiative prevents that in the future. He also confirmed lower contribution
rates because of excess earnings.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler read excerpts from the initiative stating that the Board of Trustees cannot increase benefits until an actuarial cost benefit has been determined and contribution
rates adjusted as required to maintain the plan with increased benefits presented to the Legislature each year. She inquired if this was similar to what the City does with the Firemen’s
Pension Board, and stated with the dispute over increase of benefits there is a supposition that this Board would increase the actual dollar benefits received by LEOFF 2 employees when
they retire.
Mayor Tanner, as Chair of the Firemen’s Pension Board, confirmed that all interest earnings are maintained in the fund to make sure it is fully funded, and they are not used to increase
benefits which are predefined for a limited population with a finite ending. He also agreed with other council members that the way the initiative is currently drafted, it would appear
that interest earnings in excess of 8% would be used to increase benefits in the future.
Mr. Justin agreed and noted that caps restricting employer/employee contributions as proposed by the initiative do not seem to apply to excess interest earnings. If excess earnings
are used to increase benefits, he explained, in years of lower interest earnings contributions will have to be increased to make up the shortfall.
Mr. Soucy remarked that the Board is not going to look at only the short term, but the long-term goals of the plan and that they would not make a decision putting the plan in debt.
He added that the initiative provides for a third independent actuary if the sides cannot agree, which is a better system than is in place now since there is no cap.
Mayor Tanner concluded by stating that if the system is not funded on a actuarially sound basis, the contributions will have to be increased.
Mr. Soucy agreed, but stated that the caps, 10% for employees, 6% for the employer and 4% for the state can never go up without legislative approval, and that they have 90 days in which
to take action.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler pointed out that if there is a problem with monies coming in a mechanism is in place for members themselves to pay for the increase.
Mr. Justin explained that the caps outlined in the initiative indicate the state’s contribution shall not exceed 20% of the cost, an employer cannot exceed 30% of the cost, but in no
instance shall the employer contributions exceed 6% of the covered payroll. He stated the current rates are about 2.5%, and that rates for employers would have to go to 6%, the state’s
rate would have to go to 4%, and the employee would have to go to 10%, and then if benefits exceeded what those contributions cost, which are in excess of four times what cities are
paying right now, it would be the choice of the employee groups to decide whether they would want to add additional monies on top of their 10% or reduce benefits. He stated again that
the position of the AWC is that the language is flawed leaving too much room for ambiguity.
Mr. Soucy concluded by stating disagreement with the AWC interpretation and that the initiative is written to protect the money put into the pensions at zero cost to the taxpayers,
with the legislators having the final decision.
Council: Initiative 776
(Motor Vehicle License Fees)
Mayor Tanner explained that the City invited both a proponent and an opponent of Initiative 776 to make brief presentations of their positions before the Council. The initiative, which
will go before the voters to be decided in November, has the following ballot wording: “Initiative Measure No. 776 concerns state and local government charges on motor vehicles. This
measure would require license tab fees to be $30 per year for motor vehicles, including light trucks. Certain local-option vehicle excise taxes and fees used for roads and transit
would be repealed. Should this measure be enacted into law?”
Mayor Tanner stated that Steve Eyman’s organization, Permanent Offense, who are proponents of the initiative, was unable to send a representative to speak.
Council: Initiative 776
(Motor Vehicle License Fees)
Mayor Tanner explained that the City invited both a proponent and an opponent of Initiative 776 to make brief presentations of their positions before the Council. The initiative, which
will go before the voters to be decided in November, has the following ballot wording: “Initiative Measure No. 776 concerns state and local government charges on motor vehicles. This
measure would require license tab fees to be $30 per year for motor vehicles, including light trucks. Certain local-option vehicle excise taxes and fees used for roads and transit
would be repealed. Should this measure be enacted into law?”
Mayor Tanner stated that Steve Eyman’s organization, Permanent Offense, who are proponents of the initiative, was unable to send a representative to speak.
Laura McClintock spoke on behalf of a coalition of business, labor, environmental and civic groups to oppose Initiative 776. She explained that the initiative would take existing funds
away from local roads and transit and force a statewide vote on a local issue involving four counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish and Douglas. These four counties have taken action to
make local decisions to fund roads and transit. This statewide vote would repeal that funding, taking away from local communities the opportunity to make decisions in the future.
She explained that as we try to dig out of our transportation crisis, we wonder why anyone would think that taking away existing dedicated funds that are already working locally is
a good idea. Ms. McClintock explained that the initiative takes away funding in the most congested part of the state, that locally-approved funding is the best option to solve our
problems as a region and that the state Legislature has acknowledged this fact by creating a regional authority. Continuing, Ms. McClintock stated that by opposing 776 we are protecting
the local regional authority to make these decisions on their own. She also explained that the roads money raised by the county, the associated cities and unincorporated areas is not
for highways and big bridges; it is money for potholes, for intersections, and to fix local roads projects. In Renton, $2.9 million would be lost with no future opportunity to find
the funds to do that work.
Councilmember Parker commented that we have the local option tax, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax, and asked about the City’s obligation for transportation improvement bonds,
and whether they could be rescinded if the dollars are no longer available to pay them off.
Ms. McClintock felt that there may be a constitutional question on this, as there is a strong opinion bonds are protected once a project is started and when bonds are sold, and that
you cannot take back the funding. She agreed it is possible the courts will have problems with the language of the initiative.
Advancement to Ordinances and Resolutions
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL SUSPEND THE RULES AND ADVANCE TO ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS. CARRIED.
Resolution #3590
Council: Initiative 776
(Motor Vehicle License Fees)
A resolution was read stating the Renton City Council’s opposition to Initiative 776, which concerns state and local government charges on motor vehicles. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED
BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Council: Initiative 790
(LEOFF Plan 2 Pension System)
A resolution was read stating the Renton City Council’s opposition to Initiative 790 which concerns Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System, Plan 2. Motion to
adopt died for lack of a second.
Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler stated her reluctance to vote on the resolution regarding Initiative 790 because the details and ramifications are too confusing to make an informed decision.
Councilmember Parker stated his support for the police and fire fighters and for increased representation on the pension board, but believes this particular legislation is flawed by
putting the city, the state, and the employee at financial risk.
Return to Appeal
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL RETURN TO THE SCHEDULED ORDER OF BUSINESS. CARRIED.
APPEAL
Planning & Development Committee
Appeal: St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Conditional Use Permit, Wade Cross (CU-02-054)
Planning and Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report regarding the appeal of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Conditional Use Permit (CU-02-054). The Committee
convened to consider the Hearing Examiner’s decision dated August 6, 2002. The subject property is located at 314 S. 4th St., Renton, WA 98055. The applicant sought and received approval
of a Conditional Use permit allowing renovation and add-on to the existing St. Anthony’s Parish Campus.
The appellant, Wade Cross, appealed the Hearing Examiner’s approval of the permit. The appellant assigned three errors to the Hearing Examiner decision: 1) The record did not reflect
any consideration by the Hearing Examiner of Mr. Cross’ request to widen Morris Ave; 2) Loss of parking due to the project; and 3) Traffic control had not been dealt with.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Staff recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit contingent on the vacation of Whitworth Ave.
Subject to certain conditions not on appeal, the Hearing Examiner approved the Conditional Use Permit.
The appellant’s first issue (regarding the widening of Morris Ave) and third issue (traffic control) both fall under the general category of traffic.
The appellant’s second issue falls under the general category of parking.
The record contains substantive evidence concerning the project’s impact on both parking and traffic.
The Hearing Examiner’s conclusions specifically address both the parking and traffic.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Hearing Examiner’s conclusions and decision were supported by the record. The Committee found that conclusions and decision contained no error of fact or law. Therefore, the Committee
concluded that the Hearing Examiner’s decision should be upheld.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommended that the City Council uphold the Hearing Examiner’s decision granting the Conditional Use Permit.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilmember Keolker-Wheeler stated for the record that Mr. Cross expressed his apologies for his anger at a previous meeting and that she accepted his apology on behalf of the Council.
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:
Senator Margarita Prentice, from Washington's 11th Legislative District, is scheduled to hold a Senate Committee hearing Friday, October 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Council
Chambers. One of the agenda items will be a discussion about gambling issues.
The recent city-wide survey, conducted by Elway Research, found that 63% of the respondents rate Renton as an excellent or very good place to live; 92% feel safe in Renton; 65% are satisfied
with the City's efforts to keep citizens informed; 75% gave employees either an "A" or a "B" for customer service; and 69% feel their tax dollars are well spent in the City of Renton.
The Renton Domestic Violence Task Force Education Committee designed the display currently displayed on the 1st Floor of City Hall in collaboration with the City, YWCA, and King County
Sexual Assault Resource Center. Outside the display case, there are figures from the Washington State Silent Witness Exhibit. These life-size silhouettes depict several of the approximately
30 women in our state who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. Attached to each silhouette is a shield with the details of the woman's story and information about
the outcome of the case. For more information contact Human Services at 425-430-6650.
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:
Senator Margarita Prentice, from Washington's 11th Legislative District, is scheduled to hold a Senate Committee hearing Friday, October 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Council
Chambers. One of the agenda items will be a discussion about gambling issues.
The recent city-wide survey, conducted by Elway Research, found that 63% of the respondents rate Renton as an excellent or very good place to live; 92% feel safe in Renton; 65% are satisfied
with the City's efforts to keep citizens informed; 75% gave employees either an "A" or a "B" for customer service; and 69% feel their tax dollars are well spent in the City of Renton.
The Renton Domestic Violence Task Force Education Committee designed the display currently displayed on the 1st Floor of City Hall in collaboration with the City, YWCA, and King County
Sexual Assault Resource Center. Outside the display case, there are figures from the Washington State Silent Witness Exhibit. These life-size silhouettes depict several of the approximately
30 women in our state who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. Attached to each silhouette is a shield with the details of the woman's story and information about
the outcome of the case. For more information contact Human Services at 425-430-6650.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus -
Highlands Community Association
Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) President, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056 announced a meeting to be held Thursday, October 24th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Renton
Housing Administration Building at 2900 NE 10th St., and urged the public to attend to hear King County Councilman Dwight Pelz and Renton Councilman Randy Corman speak on the I-405
Corridor transportation and construction issues.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2002
Approval of Council meeting minutes of October 14, 2002. Council concur.
Appointment: Board of Adjustment
Mayor Tanner reappointed George Feighner, 201 Union Ave. SE, Space #92, Renton, 98059, to Position #4 on the Board of Adjustment for a four-year term expiring 9/06/2006. Council concur.
Plat: Brookridge, NE 31st St & Lincoln Ave NE (FP-02-088)
Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Brookridge Final Plat (formerly known as St. Claire); 18 single-family lots on 10.3 acres located in the
vicinity of NE 31st St. and Lincoln Ave. NE (FP-02-088). Council concur. (See page 409 for resolution.)
Development Services: Parikh Short Plat, ROW Dedication, NE 7th St & Index Pl NE
Development Services Division recommended Council acceptance of the dedication of additional right-of-way at the corner of NE 7th St. and Index Pl. NE to fulfill a requirement of the
Parikh Short Plat (SHP-00-106). Council concur.
CAG: 02-077, 2002 Street Overlay, Icon Materials, Inc
Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-02-077, 2002 Street Overlay; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $56,035.94, commencement
of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $40,411.96 to Icon Materials, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
Community Services: Pavilion Building Final Design
Council President Toni Nelson presented a report recommending that the City Council authorize the Administration to proceed with the final design for the Pavilion Building renovation
using the Administration’s recommended design alternative. The preferred design includes an underfloor plenum and air conditioning. During the bid process, the Administration will
structure the bid document to include additives and deductions to provide scope choices if required. This authorization includes an increase in the project budget to $2,000,000, which
is less than the previously appropriated funds reserved for the Pavilion Building renovation.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Councilman Clawson explained that the funds committed for the Pavilion Building at this time is not new spending, but that Council previously allocated the amount of $2,300,000 for
the project.
Community Services Committee
Community Services: Skate Park
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the status of the Skate Park Capital Improvement Project and park improvements associated with the Water Utility
Improvement Project. Skate Park improvements include enlarging the landing area, completing two bowls, adding curbing and installing a perimeter walk. Park-associated Water Utility
improvements include removing the existing concrete walk located on the north side of the library bridge over to the Skate Park and replacing the walk with 7/8” exposed aggregate concrete
pavement, replacing the existing basketball court and tennis backboard, installing new court lighting and reconfiguring the existing parking area. In addition, staff briefed the Committee
on the video surveillance camera installation.
The Community Services Committee decided no further action is required at this time.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
School District: Performing Arts Center Agreement
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the proposed Renton Community IKEA Performing Arts Center (PAC) Interlocal Agreement. The Community Services
Committee reviewed the proposed Renton Community IKEA PAC Interlocal Agreement between the City of Renton and the Renton School District. The City has been an active participant in
the creation of the PAC as part of the Renton High School renovation. To clarify roles and responsibilities governing the use of the PAC, the PAC
Advisory Board approved this Interlocal Agreement between the School District and the City.
The Committee recommended that the City Council approve the Renton Community IKEA Performing Arts Center Interlocal Agreement between the City of Renton and the Renton School District.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 409 for resolution.)
Appointment: Nishiwaki Sister City Committee
Community Services Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending concurrence in the Mayor's appointments of Lawrence A. Rude and Ray Sled to the Nishiwaki Sister City Committee
to fill vacancies resulting from the resignations of Peter Daniels, and Kathy Kaseburg, respectively.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 208726-209134 and one wire transfer totaling $2,876,744.16; and approval of Payroll Vouchers
40884-41113, one wire transfer and 561 direct deposits totaling $1,685,074.16. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Downtown Parking Garage, Retail Space Construction
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence with the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a construction change order in
the amount of $187,306.83 with E. Kent Halvorson to prepare the retail space in the Renton Municipal Parking Garage for leasing. The project budget for this work is $400,000. Once
leases are signed, the lessees would complete the build-out to customize the space for their particular business needs.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
CAG: 02-161, Seneca Ave NW/NW 2nd St Water Main Replacement, B&L Utility
Utilities Committee Vice Chair Keolker-Wheeler presented a report recommending concurrence in the Planning/Building/Public Works Department’s recommendation that Council approve the
transfer of $165,000 within the 2002 appropriation of funds for Water Utility capital improvement projects. The additional funding is needed to cover the entire cost for the construction
of the project along with staff’s contract administration cost and contingency funds.
The transfer will be from the Downtown Core Rehabilitation project budget to the Water Main Replacement project budget. The transfer will not increase the total appropriation of the
Water Utility 2002 Capital Improvement Project budget.
The Committee further recommended that Council award the construction contract for the Seneca Ave. NW Water Main Replacement project to the low bidder, B & L Utility, Inc., in the amount
of $189,877.76.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3591
Plat: Brookridge, NE 31st St & Lincoln Ave NE (FP-02-088)
A resolution was read approving the Brookridge Final Plat (formerly known as St. Claire), 10.3 acres located in the vicinity of NE 31st St. and Lincoln Ave. NE (FP-02-088). MOVED BY
KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3592
School District: Performing Arts Center Agreement
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal cooperative agreement with the Renton School District concerning the Renton Community IKEA Performing
Arts Center. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #4986
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 NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL:
ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4986
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 NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL:
ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #4987
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 ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:05 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Suzann Lombard
October 21, 2002