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Home My WebLink About11-04-02RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting November 4, 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; DAN CLAWSON; KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN. 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; VICTORIA RUNKLE, Finance & Information Services Administrator; SYLVIA DOERSCHEL, Finance Analyst Supervisor; JILL MASUNAGA, Finance Analyst; DAWNA TRUMAN, Finance Analyst; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; SUE CARLSON, Economic Development Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Director; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; DENNIS CULP, Facilities Director; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, Fire Department; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON and COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Board/Commission: Municipal Arts Commission 2002 BRAVO Award Recreation Director Sylvia Allen introduced Municipal Arts Commission members Diana Hagen, Doug Kyes, and Eleanor Simpson. Ms. Hagen announced that Harley Brumbaugh was the recipient of the Municipal Arts Commission's 2002 BRAVO Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the arts in the City of Renton. Stating that Mr. Brumbaugh is the Director of the Renton City Concert Band, she described his background and his musical contributions to the Renton community which includes being a public school music teacher. Mr. Brumbaugh accepted the framed certificate which was decorated with a drawing of him by artist Doug Kyes, and he expressed his appreciation for the award. In addition, Mr. Kyes presented Mr. Brumbaugh's wife with the original drawing. Pointing out that Mr. Brumbaugh was her glee teacher at McKnight Middle School for three years, Councilwoman Briere stated that he was one of her favorite teachers and a great inspiration to her. AJLS: Mayor's Presentation of the 2003 Budget Mayor Tanner presented his proposed 2003 Budget to members of the Council and Renton residents. He stated that the City has focused its resources and attention on improving the City's financial condition, creating a more vibrant local economy, and creating a more livable community. He reviewed the many positive changes occurring in Renton, including the downtown area's transformation with over 255 new housing units, new restaurants, community events, a transit center, a Performing Arts Center, a new parking garage, and a renovated Pavilion Building (to be completed in 2003). Continuing, the Mayor pointed out that through the Community Marketing Campaign, Renton continues to actively recruit new business and promote its attributes. Other positive changes include over 605 new units of housing on the Lake Washington shoreline, neighborhood celebrations and improvements, and the resurfacing and rebuilding of 7.51 miles of streets, most recently Lind Ave. and Grady Way. Continuing, the Mayor pointed out that through the Community Marketing Campaign, Renton continues to actively recruit new business and promote its attributes. Other positive changes include over 605 new units of housing on the Lake Washington shoreline, neighborhood celebrations and improvements, and the resurfacing and rebuilding of 7.51 miles of streets, most recently Lind Ave. and Grady Way. The Mayor stated that the City has been a wise steward of its financial resources, which has permitted the City to set aside monies to maintain its reserves for capital improvement projects and for other critical needs. He noted that the renovation of the Pavilion Building, construction of the new Aquatic Center, completion of the Veterans Memorial Park, and other key projects are all fully funded. Due to the slowing economy, Mayor Tanner emphasized that the City must remain clear about its priorities and objectives. Stating that the proposed 2003 Budget is in the amount of $142,201,100, Mayor Tanner reviewed the highlights of the Budget. He pointed out that general governmental services, which include police, fire, parks, libraries, streets, economic development, neighborhood needs, human services, and administration, amounts to $64,127,100, or 45% of the Budget. Noting that 65% of the general governmental budget is required to pay for personnel costs, the Mayor emphasized that one of the most significant issues the City faces is the rapidly increasing cost to provide health and dental coverage. The 2003 Budget reflects a 25% increase in those costs. With respect to the revenue side of the Budget, Mayor Tanner highlighted the fact that the property tax levy is now limited to 1% plus new construction; sales tax receipts are slowing; the City is earning less interest on its investments; utility tax receipts are decreasing; and because the State and King County are facing their own fiscal crises, the City will lose $235,000 in state-shared revenue in 2003. He stated that established City reserves could be used to transition impacts to residents, should current initiatives on the ballot pass. The Mayor reviewed the City's five Business Plan goals, which are the guiding principles for the development of the 2003 Budget, and emphasized areas where the Budget directly responds to these goals as follows: Promote Citywide economic development Council approved the reallocation of existing funds in order to develop a long-term economic strategy for property adjacent to and including property Boeing intends to surplus. Inaugurated in 2002, the Farmers Market will continue in 2003. Promote neighborhood revitalization Funds in the amount of $50,000 have again been set aside for the Neighborhood Grant Program. The City will continue to work with developers to bring new businesses to the Highlands and waterfront areas. Promote the City's image in the community and region The City will continue to fund the Community Market Campaign. Funding will be maintained for Renton's float which appears at various regional parades and promotes the City's attributes. Meet the service demands that contribute to the livability of the community New facilities and infrastructure will be maintained. New monies in the amount of $98,500 will be dedicated for the routine cleaning and maintenance of the new City facilities. Human Services funding will increase by $30,000. The addition of the Veterans Memorial Park, Aquatic Center, and other capital improvement projects, including Fire Station #12, Downtown Parking Garage, police evidence storage facility, and Pavilion Building renovation, will add to community assets. Meet the service demands that contribute to the livability of the community New facilities and infrastructure will be maintained. New monies in the amount of $98,500 will be dedicated for the routine cleaning and maintenance of the new City facilities. Human Services funding will increase by $30,000. The addition of the Veterans Memorial Park, Aquatic Center, and other capital improvement projects, including Fire Station #12, Downtown Parking Garage, police evidence storage facility, and Pavilion Building renovation, will add to community assets. Influence regional decisions that impact the City of Renton In 2003, Renton will offer short-term jail services to various local cities. The City is currently working with many other cities and the State on the implementation of a joint business license process. Active involvement in regional and statewide efforts that could impact Renton will continue, such as I-405 planning and other transportation efforts. The Mayor concluded that he has not added or eliminated any programs, positions, or services in his proposed 2003 Budget. Stating that the City is prepared to meet the challenges of the current recession, he pointed out that the City has healthy fund balances, has money set aside to meet development ideas, and has a lower general tax property rate than six years ago. Mayor Tanner explained that the City has changed its tax base structure, and now has a better, more diversified economic base that can survive the current economic climate, while continuing to provide services that make Renton a great place to live, work, and play. 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: Citizens are invited to commemorate Veterans Day in Renton by attending the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, November 11th, at 2:00 p.m. for the Veterans Memorial, located at the northeast corner of S. 3rd St. and Main Ave. S. Fifteen-year-old Michael Humphrey, a participant in the Recreation Division's Special Populations program will be representing the United States next June at the 2003 Special Olympics in Dublin, Ireland, competing in cycling. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Johnson – Electronic Mail Form Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., #221, Renton, 98055, displayed a photograph showing the fall foliage on Renton Hill. He also displayed an electronic mail contact form that is used by Congressman Adam Smith for the electronic submittal of constituent comments, and he commented on how much he liked the form and on how easy it was to use. Citizen Comment: DeMastus – Highlands Neighborhood Signs, Highlands Community Association Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) President, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98033, displayed photographs of the new Highlands Neighborhood signs painted by artist Doug Kyes. She also announced that King County Councilman Rob McKenna will speak on transportation issues at the next HCA meeting on November 20th, 7:00 p.m., at the Renton Housing Administration Building. Citizen Comment: Zammit – Childcare Funding Assistance Karen Zammit, Renton resident, expressed her appreciation for the human services that Renton provides and for the proposed increase of $30,000 in human services funding for 2003. However, she indicated that there are many Renton parents that need help paying for childcare in order to continue working, especially since King County and the State are cutting back on their childcare programs. She listed the choices parents are facing now that they have lost their childcare assistance including the inability to pay rent or other bills, rationing food, and leaving children home alone. She suggested that Renton subsidize some childcare slots for low-income resident families at childcare facilities located at the Federal Aviation Administration building or Renton Technical College. Ms. Zammit concluded by saying that investing in children and families is more important than investing in capital improvements. Citizen Comment: Zammit – Childcare Funding Assistance Karen Zammit, Renton resident, expressed her appreciation for the human services that Renton provides and for the proposed increase of $30,000 in human services funding for 2003. However, she indicated that there are many Renton parents that need help paying for childcare in order to continue working, especially since King County and the State are cutting back on their childcare programs. She listed the choices parents are facing now that they have lost their childcare assistance including the inability to pay rent or other bills, rationing food, and leaving children home alone. She suggested that Renton subsidize some childcare slots for low-income resident families at childcare facilities located at the Federal Aviation Administration building or Renton Technical College. Ms. Zammit concluded by saying that investing in children and families is more important than investing in capital improvements. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE SUBJECT OF CHILDCARE FUNDING ASSISTANCE TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR DISCUSSION DURING BUDGET DELIBERATIONS. CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2002 Approval of Council meeting minutes of October 28, 2002. Council concur. CAG: 02-118, Traffic Management Center, Fredhoes Building Const Co City Clerk reported bid opening on 9/11/2002 for CAG-02-118, Traffic Management Center construction (City Hall 5th floor); four bids; engineer's estimate $140,000; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Fredhoe's Building Construction Company, in the amount of $168,733.56. Council concur. Development Services: Finch Short Plat, ROW Dedication, NE 6th St & Index Ave NE Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of additional right-of-way at the corner of NE 6th St. and Index Ave. NE to fulfill a requirement of the Finch Short Plat (SHP-01-020). Council concur. Planning: Employment Area Valley, Freestanding Sign Code Amendment Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department submitted proposed amendment to City Code to allow additional height for the large freestanding IKEA sign at SW 41st St., and to limit applicability to big-box retail uses of a certain size within the Employment Area Valley land use designation. Refer to Planning & Development Committee; set public hearing on 11/18/2002. Annexation: Tydico, 136th Ave SE Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public hearing be set on 11/18/2002 to consider prezoning and proposed resolution calling for an annexation election for the Tydico Annexation; 9.46 acres generally bounded by NE 3rd Pl. to the north, NE 2nd St. to the south, and Bremerton Ave. NE (136th Ave. SE) to the east. Council concur. Budget: 2003 Annual City of Renton Finance and Information Services Department recommended a public hearing be set on 11/18/2002 to consider the 2003 annual City of Renton Budget. Council concur. Plat: Piele, NE 4th St (PP-02-068) Hearing Examiner recommended approval, with conditions, of the Piele Preliminary Plat; 22 single-family lots on 4.46 acres located on 5300 and 5308 NE 4th St. (PP-02-068). Council concur. Airport: Runway/Taxiway Lighting Signage & Paving, W&H Pacific, Fund Transfer Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $275,204.64 with W&H Pacific for the design of the Airport Runway Taxiway Lighting, Signage and Paving Project; and requested authorization to transfer $305,204.64 from the Airport Reserve Fund to the Airport 402 account; and authorization to adjust the 2002 Budget for the Airport 402 account in the amount of $57,520.46. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. Utility: Annual Consultant Roster for Telemetry & SCADA Services Utility Systems Division requested a two-year extension (to October 2004) of the annual consultant contract shortlist for telemetry and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) consultant services. The roster lists the following consultants: Casne Engineering, Inc., Reid Instruments, and RH2 Engineering, Inc. Council concur. CAG: 02-151, Higate Lift Station Elimination, Westwater Const Co Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-02-151, Higate Lift Station Elimination; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $34,489.60, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $15,283.03 to Westwater Construction Company, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. Utility: Oversizing Request for Reimbursement, Ridgley, HBR Enterprises Water Utility Division recommended approval of the request from HBR Enterprises for reimbursement in the amount of $26,405.60 for oversizing the water main in Duvall Ave. NE for the Ridgely Preliminary Plat (PP-01-045) at the City's request. Refer to Utilities Committee. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. CAG: 02-118, Traffic Management Center, Fredhoes Building Const Co Responding to Councilman Clawson's request for more information regarding the Traffic Management Center construction project, Facilities Director Dennis Culp stated that the project will be completed by the end of the year, and entails space modifications on the fifth floor of City Hall. Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman indicated that this project is one portion of the traffic synchronization project, which entails equipment installation in the Traffic Management Center, and installation of a series of signal control boxes at select intersections throughout the City. He noted that staff is working to make sure that the signal control systems are compatible with the State and King County systems. Confirming that the traffic synchronization project includes synchronized signals for buses and emergency vehicles, Mr. Zimmerman added that the project is being funded with Renton, King County, and Federal funds, and will be completed in 2003. OLD BUSINESS Comprehensive Plan: Amendments MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Development Services: Fence Height Restrictions Reporting that the Planning & Development Committee discovered a wide range of fence heights during its tour last week, Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler stated that the Committee is reviewing fence height restriction options including the implementation of standards for new development. Utility: Aquifer Protection Ordinance Pointing out that Renton is lucky to have clean drinking water, unlike other places such as the country of Morocco, Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler commended City staff, current and former elected officials, and businesses for their work in protecting Renton's aquifer. She noted that as of October 14, 2002, all Zone 1 (the land area situated between a well or well field owned by the City and the 365 day groundwater travel time contour) facilities are now in compliance with the regulation which states that the storage, handling, use, treatment or production of hazardous materials in aggregate quantities greater than 500 gallons shall not be allowed within Zone 1 of the Aquifer Protection Area. Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 209135 - 209520 and three wire transfers totaling $2,783,006.09; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 41114 - 41339, one wire transfer and 562 direct deposits totaling $1,708,190.41. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 209135 - 209520 and three wire transfers totaling $2,783,006.09; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 41114 - 41339, one wire transfer and 562 direct deposits totaling $1,708,190.41. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Public Works: Engineering Specialist III Conversion to Civil Engineer III Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Work Department that the City Council authorize the conversion of an Engineering Specialist III (ES III) position in the Planning/Building/Public Works Department to a Civil Engineer III (CE III) position so as to increase the amount of designated CE III positions from ten to eleven regular positions (and at the same time reduce the amount of designated ES III positions from eight to seven positions). This action converts an ES III position to a CE III position. This will allow an open CE III position in the Transportation Systems Design Section to be filled with a senior engineer rather than with an engineering specialist. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS EDNSP: Administrator Resignation (Sue Carlson) Councilman Clawson asked that Sue Carlson, Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Administrator, address Committee of the Whole one last time before she leaves the City's employment. Her resignation is effective November 30, 2002. EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 33 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LABOR NEGOTIATIONS. CARRIED. Time: 8:37 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:10 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:11 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann November 4, 2002