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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022210mi1RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting February 22, 2010 Monday, 7 p.m. M INUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Fire: Citizen Commendation Community Event: Parker, CISR Recognition AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Ellis- Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Case - Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: O'Shea Lindberg Pool Closure Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. DON PERSSON, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; RANDY CORMAN; GREG TAYLOR; RICH ZWICKER; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ANN NIELSEN, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Services Administrator, ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; INTERIM FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON, Fire & Emergency Services Department; COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. Interim Fire and Emergency Services Administrator Mark Peterson recognized Roxanne Paz for her outstanding efforts in extinguishing an apartment fire during the early morning hours of December 30, 2009. He stated that Ms. Paz's actions minimized the impact of the fire, and she also comforted a victim with severe burns while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. Chief Peterson presented Ms. Paz a Letter of Commendation and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department. Bob McBeth, Board Chair of Communities In Schools of Renton (CISR), presented Councilmember King Parker a Certificate of Appreciation for his long- term service as a CISR board member. Mr. McBeth praised Mr. Parker's work on the board and the tremendous job he has done for children in the community. Mr. Parker accepted the certificate with appreciation. Lou E. Ellis (Renton) explained that many seniors use the Lindbergh Pool for health reasons and noted that it is one of the few pools with chair access for people with mobility issues. She questioned whether fees could be raised or if corporate sponsors might be willing to donate money to help keep the pool open. Lois Case (Renton) emphasized that many people have medical issues and need to utilize the Lindbergh Pool for exercise. She stated that local gyms are expensive and most do not have swimming pools. Kevin O'Shea (Believue), Head Coach of the Chinook Aquatic Club, remarked that the club has been running a swimming program for nearly 20 years. He stated that no new pools have been built in King County since 1990 and three pools have closed in the last year. Mr. O'Shea requested that the City participate in public/private partnerships in an effort to keep the Lindbergh Pool open. February 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 459 Citizen Comment: Sartnurak - Benson Hills Communities Annexation, Sales and Use Tax Resolution Citizen Comment: Flynn Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Lane Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Krauss - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Johnson - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Linda Sartnurak (King County) requested that the resolution regarding a sales and use tax credit for the Benson Hills Communities annexation be clarified to note that the City is not creating a new tax. She opined that the language in the resolution may be misinterpreted by some people. Chief Administrative Officer Covington remarked that the resolution is not creating a new tax and that it is a credit against state sales tax which is then distributed back to the City to help pay for services in newly annexed areas. He noted that the language is the same as was used last year and is approved by the State. Discussion ensued regarding amending the related Finance Committee report to include a sentence clarifying that the resolution is not creating a new tax for City residents. (See page 461 for Finance Committee report.) Jim Flynn (Renton) remarked that pre-annexation information distributed to Benson Hill residents included the need for new parks and facilities. He shared an experience regarding a recent home burglary attempt and stated that the area needs recreational facilities for young people. Mr. Flynn also remarked that Fairwood residents are heavy users of Renton resources and opined that Fairwood incorporation proponents may use the pool closure to again foster support for incorporation. Rob Lane (Renton) remarked that the Lindbergh Pool has both short-term and long-term financing needs. He suggested that short-term funding could come from corporate sponsorships, continued budget reductions, and from a partnership between the City and the Renton School District. Mr. Lane suggested that a quality-of-iife levy could be the solution to the pool's long- term financing issues. He requested that the City support these financing options for the pool. Robert Krauss (Renton) expressed concern regarding library taxes. He explained that he owns property in the City limits and in unincorporated King County. He stated that he currently pays approximately $51 for library taxes for his unincorporated property which will increase to approximately $125 if the Renton Public Libraries are annexed to the King County Library System. He requested information regarding what will happen to the money he currently pays to the City of Renton for library services should the annexation become effective. Mayor Law remarked that the City Council will be deliberating the issue in upcoming weeks and may determine to use the funds to build new library facilities. He noted that citizens in other areas have had to pay for a bond for new facilities in addition to the ongoing operation and maintenance fees they are already paying. Ben Johnson (Renton) expressed concern regarding the fact that the City reported library services in 2008 to cost approximately 18 to 20 cents per one thousand dollars of assessed property value, and that value changed to approximately 26 cents per one thousand dollars of assessed property value when reported in 2009. He requested that Council review the matter. Chief Administrative Officer Covington pointed out that Mr. Johnson asked the Public Disclosure Commission to review his claim and they have determined that it is without merit. Mr. Johnson clarified that he has sent a rebuttal in response to the Public Disclosure Commission's determination. February 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 460 Citizen Comment: Deluca - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: McCammon - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Mohr- Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Finlayson - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Thomas - Potential Annexation to King County Library System CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 2/8/2010 CAG: 09-081, Basic Life Support Services, King County Lynor Deluca (King County) urged Council to move the Renton Public Library's historic collection to the Renton History Museum to safeguard it for current and future residents. She explained that the collection contains hand-drawn maps, quarterlies, and other material dating to the early 1900s. Ms. Deluca remarked that the King County Library System does not have these types of collections in their inventory. Dave McCammon (Renton) remarked that although there are residents who believe the City put forth incorrect costs for library services, he believes that all costs and figures for the improvement of the libraries have changed since the Library Master Plan was adopted. Mr. McCammon opined that the majority of citizens voted for the future of the library services regardless of the costs and stated that not honoring the result of the election is an insult to voters' intelligence. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ALLOW THE AUDIENCE COMMENT PORTION OF THE AGENDA TO CONTINUE (TO ITS CONCLUSION). CARRIED. Ralph Mohr (Renton) remarked that the Lindbergh Pool is a community asset that residents cannot afford to lose. He stated that the pool provides recreation for the entire community and opportunities to develop responsibility for children. Mr. Mohr also stated that the pool is a safe meeting place for local residents and a venue for local athletes. He remarked that all opportunities for funding should be explored. Laurie Finlayson (King County) explained that she works at the Renton Public Library and requested that the City create an arrangement with the King County Library System whereby the library's collection, furniture, and facilities may be returned to the City, at no cost, if after three years the new agreement is not satisfactory to the City and/or its residents. Kim Thomas (Renton) suggested moving the Renton Library's historic collection to the Renton History Museum. He remarked that City residents have essentially voted for a $5 million tax increase and requested that the City provide ways to measure the effectiveness of the new agreement with the King County Library System. Mr. Thomas opined that if the funds currently being used for the Renton library are to be diverted for the construction of new library facilities, it should be called a new levy. Discussion ensued regarding the Renton Library's historic collection including verification of whether or not the items were addressed in the KCLS contract, and verification of whether or not the items would be housed at the Renton library after annexation. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 2/8/2010. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of Amendment #2 to CAG-09-081, to accept $181,755.50 from King County for tenant improvements at Fire Station 11. Council concur. February 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 461 Finance: Bond Refinancing, Finance and Information Services Department requested approval of an Valley Communications Center ordinance authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds in the amount of $5.59 million to refinance existing Valley Communications Center debt at an average rate of 2.54% replacing existing bonds of $5.35 million carrying an average interest rate of 5.5%. Refer to Finance Committee. CAG: 08-021, Upper Utility Systems Division recommended authorizing an increase to the budget for Springbrook Creek CAG-08-021, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in the amount of Restoration, US Army Corps of $49,648.63 for the design and permitting of the Upper Springbrook Creek Engineers Restoration project. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Services Committee Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Community Services: Lindbergh Pool Closure & Potential Annexation to King County Library System Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Annexation: Benson Hill Communities, State Funding Community Services Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in Mayor Law's appointment of Ben Johnson to the Airport Advisory Committee for an unexpired term expiring on 5/7/2010. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Ms. Palmer introduced Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson commended Airport Manager Ryan Zulauf for his management of the Renton Municipal Airport. Councilmember Corman clarified that although he would be in support of a quality-of-life levy, the City is not involved with that effort. He also questioned where the boundaries would be for that type of levy. Additionally, Mr. Corman reiterated that the City has not made a decision regarding the money that is currently being spent on library services. He emphasized that the process for determining the use of that money would be open to the public. Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 290552 - 290886 and one wire transfer totaling $5,850,710.57; and approval of 101 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 761 direct deposits, and 343 special checks totaling $3,204,236.74. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to set the annual Benson Hill Communities annexation net cost threshold at $2,500,000 and the sales tax rate for 2010 at 0.1% for the purpose of imposing sales and use tax as a credit against the state sales and use tax to provide for assistance with annexation- related costs. ADDED: This action will not result in any additional tax being imposed on City residents. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 462 for resolution.) February 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 462 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4036 Annexation: Benson Hill Communities, State Funding NEW BUSINESS Library: Potential Annexation to King County Library System AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McOmber- Proposed Tax Increases Citizen Comment: Asher - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Reiter - Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Osborn - Lindbergh Pool Closure & Potential Annexation to King County Library System ADJOURNMENT The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read authorizing the City of Renton to impose a sales and use tax as authorized by RCW 82.14.415 as a credit against the State sales and use tax, relating to annexations. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not the topic of the library should be referred to the Committee of the Whole. It was determined that the item should be referred after the annexation election results are certified. Howard McOmber (Renton), representing the Highlands Community Association, expressed opposition to any new taxes including a proposed quality-of-life levy. He stated that most residents believe it is belt-tightening time and want to see the City operate without making budget cuts that will be hard to deal with in the future. Beth Asher (Renton) stated that she has reviewed the interlocal agreement with the King County Library System (KCLS) and requested that Council take action to move the entire Renton Library collection to the Renton Historical Museum prior to certification of the annexation election. She remarked that the collection is not promised to KCLS and belongs to the citizens of Renton. Councilmember Parker requested that the administration review the matter. Tom Reiter (Renton) expressed appreciation to City Officials and staff for allowing citizens the opportunity to speak about the Lindbergh Pool. Mayor Law thanked Mr. Reiter and everyone else who took time to speak to the City Council. Nancy Osborn (Renton) shared her experience as a Lindbergh Pool user and stated that she supports the efforts of keeping the pool open. She opined that some residents in the Benson Hill area believe they are not receiving the kind of support and resources that were promised prior to being annexed. Regarding the library issue, Ms. Osborn remarked that more than 6,000 people voted against annexation and that people in the Benson Hill area feel underrepresented. Councilmember Corman remarked that funds have been spent on policing efforts in the Benson Hill area. Mayor Law added that the City has received a lot of praise for the services being provided in the Benson Hill area, and the City welcomes all comment from anyone who feels they are not receiving adequate services. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:23 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder February 22, 2010 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 22, 2010 •REVISED* COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Persson) MON., 3/1 6 p.m. Emerging Issues in Community Services & Police *7th Floor Council Conference Room* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) FINANCE (Parker) MON., 3/1 5 p.m. Valley Communications Center Bond Refinancing; Lease Amendment #3 with Iron Mountain; GIS Positions Class Specifications & Salary Grades PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Briere) THURS., 2/25 Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #3; 3 p.m. City Center Community Plan (briefing only) PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) MON., 3/1 CANCELED TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 2/25 CANCELED UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS., 2/25 2 p.m. Peak Water Demand Reduction NOTE: Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. All other committee meetings are held in the Council Conference Room unless otherwise noted.