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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmi012510RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting January 25, 2010 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Johnson - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Lane - Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Kotuis • Lindbergh Pool Closure Citizen Comment: Thomas - Potential Annexation to the King County Library System 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; KING PARKER; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR; RANDY CORMAN; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; ANN NIELSEN, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Services Administrator; COMMANDER KATIE MCCUNCY, Police Department. Arland "Buzz" Johnson (Renton) remarked that he voted against the annexation of the Renton Library System to the King County Library System (KCLS). He explained that he is not comfortable moving the library leadership away from the effectiveness of the City Council. Mr. Johnson also questioned the ability of KCLS to handle the additional patrons. Robert Lane (Renton) requested that City officials and staff partner with the citizens of Renton and the Renton School Board to find a way to keep the Lindbergh Pool open. He remarked that he is aware that the pool is owned by the school district, but that it is also a community asset that enhances everyone's quality of life. John Kotuis (Edmonds), a Renton School District teacher and swim coach, remarked that he has heard talk of a quality-of-life tax and that he would support it if maintenance and operations of the Lindbergh Pool were included. Mr. Kotuis pointed out that even if a quality of life tax was approved by voters in the November election, the revenue would not be collected until April, necessitating a short-term solution to keep the pool open until then. Responding to Councilmember Corman's inquiry, Mr. Kotuis explained that he heard the idea of the quality of life tax from the Renton School District, and thought that there may have been discussions held between the school board and the City. Kim Thomas (Renton) remarked that he has been researching the City's budget and tax code and requested that the City explain what will happen to the $1.8 to $2 million currently expended on library services if the library annexation to KCLS proposal is approved by voters. He also requested that the public be invited to comment on that budget process. Mayor Law stated that a decision has not been made regarding library budget savings because the issue has not been decided by voters. He explained that if the library annexation proposal is approved, part of that funding could be used to build new libraries. He also remarked that if the proposal does not pass, and it is decided that voters will need to approve a bond issue to pay for the libraries, some or all of the funds currently assessed for library operations could January 25,2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 435 be rebated back, or reduced from the tax burden. Mayor Law stated that these are things that Council would have to decide over a period of time, once the election has been completed. He also stated that the City welcomes all public input throughout the budget process. Citizen Comment: Johnson - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Eskenazi - Potential Annexation to King County Library System Citizen Comment: Mankowski - Lindbergh Pool Closure Councilmember Parker emphasized that public input is always welcome. He stated that two new libraries will have to be built and suggested that portions of the money currently assessed could be used to resume customer service programs that were cut from the budget last year. As examples, he remarked that a new lavatory could be built at Ron Regis Park, or cuts could be restored at the community center and senior center. Ben Johnson (Renton) stated that he believes the following items are the tangible benefits for joining the King County Library System: New lighting, furniture, signs, technology and increased hours. He remarked that this opportunity, however, will cost City taxpayers $4.6 million in new taxes. Mr. Johnson stated that the City, if annexed, will lose its traditions and independence, and that library employees will lose benefits, seniority, and stability. Responding to Councilmember Corman's inquiry, Mr. Johnson stated that after reviewing the City's budget he believes that the information published in the City's frequently asked questions booklet is incorrect. Victor Eskenazi (Renton) stated that he favors working with the City in order to have an opportunity to help find a solution to retain independent library services in Renton. Mr. Eskenazi remarked that taxpayers are currently supporting public libraries within the Renton School District and Renton Technical College and the funds could possibly be pooled together to support all library services in the City. He also stated that there may be opportunities for the libraries to generate revenue, noting that KCLS has snack bars in their libraries. Council President Persson remarked that one of the reasons Renton is a great place to live is because of the easy process citizens have to come and voice their opinions. He remarked that the library issue is now in the hands of the voters and Council will make the appropriate decisions after the election. Mannie Mankowski (King County) remarked that he lives in the Fairwood area and utilizes the Lindbergh Pool. He acknowledged that the pool is owned by the Renton School District, but stated that he feels the City has an obligation to help keep the pool operating if they expect to receive Fairwood's tax money in the future. Mr. Mankowski stated that the $175,000 short-fall to keep the pool open is a small sum compared to the City's total budget. He urged Council to form an alliance with the Renton School District to find opportunities to keep the pool open. Councilmember Corman remarked that the Council is listening to all of the concerns expressed by tonight's speakers regarding the Lindbergh Pool. He stated that the school district is short approximately $175,000 and because the pool is owned by the school district there is no easy process for Council to prioritize the issue to find a way to keep the pool open. He remarked that he would be in support of a small levy for the maintenance and operation of the pool. January 25, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 436 CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 1/11/2010 Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee City Clerk: Quarterly Contract List, 10/1/2009 to 12/31/2009 Court Case: Alleged Unfit Structure, Miller, CRT-10-001 CED: Hawk's Landing Infrastructure Grant, WA Public Works Board CED: 2010 (FY 2011) Federal Agenda Community Services: Cedar River Trail Replacement, Jr G Concrete Design Community Services: Senior Center Patio Repair, Jr G Concrete Design Utility: 2010 WashWise Rebate Program, Portland Energy Conservation Utility: Lake Ave S/Renton Ave S Storm System, Parametrix CAG: 06-201, 2009 Water Design Manual Update, RW Beck Mayor Law acknowledged that the Lindbergh pool is a community asset and pointed out that the $175,000 does not begin to fund the pool and its operations. He remarked that the sum is closer to the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars. He commented that the school district, like the City and its residents, is struggling with its budget, and that it is unfortunate that these valued community assets are being impacted because of these budget crises. Mayor Law remarked that finding solutions will not be easy, but the City along with the school district and others, are happy to work together to find funding mechanisms that will allow these assets to remain open to the public. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 1/11/2010. Council concur. Mayor Law appointed Ben Johnson to the Airport Advisory Committee, North Renton alternate position, for an unexpired term expiring 5/7/2010 (position previously held by Beverly Franklin). Refer to Community Services Committee. City Clerk submitted quarterly contract list for period of 10/1/2009 through 12/31/2009 and expiration report for agreements expiring 1/1/2010 to 6/30/2010. Information. Court Case filed by Diane Miller, represented by Kirk C. Davis, Attorney for Plaintiff, regarding an alleged unfit structure. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Public Works Board to accept $1.7 million for infrastructure improvements related to the Hawk's Landing development. City's share: $100,000. Council concur. Community and Economic Development Department recommended adopting the 2010 (Fiscal Year 2011) Federal Agenda to serve as guidance for staff as it works with Renton's Congressional delegation, the executive branch and its agencies, and other federal agencies to achieve City goals. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $32,302.50 with Jr. G Concrete Design to replace approximately 290 lineal feet of walkway, known as the Cedar River Trail replacement project. Council concur. Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $42,157.50 with Jr. G Concrete Design for patio repair at the Senior Center. Council concur. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $26,153 with Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. for implementation of the 2010 WashWise rebate program in Renton. Council concur. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $203,818 with Parametrix, Inc. for the design of the Lake Ave. S./Renton Ave. S. Storm System project. Council concur. Utility Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum No. 2 to CAG-06- 201 with R.W. Beck, 2009 Water Design Manual Update, to extend the agreement through 12/31/2010. Council concur. January 25, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 437 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance: Water Bill Adjustment, Shadowhawk LLC Human Resources: Position Reclassification, Risk Management Technician Lease: KCSARC, 200 Mill Building, LAG-01-006 Planning & Development Committee CED: Owner-Occupied Housing Incentive Amendments CED: Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption Program Amendments MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 289964 - 290253 and four wire transfers totaling $7,002,677.54; and approval of 127 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 759 direct deposits totaling $2,660,868.37. 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 approve a water billing adjustment for a water leak for Shadowhawk, LLC 18 in accordance with Ordinance #5210 in the amount of $2,907.11. 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 promote the Human Resources Systems Technician incumbent into the newly proposed classification of Risk Management Technician. The new classification and associated promotion will be effective 1/1/2010. The funds to implement this recommendation will be absorbed by the 2010 Department budget. This reclassification consists of the Human Resources Systems Technician incumbent being promoted to the newly proposed Risk Management Technician with current grade of nllE to new grade of nl3E, with budget change of $2,856. 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 authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the five-year Lease Amendment for Suite 125 at the 200 Mill Building with King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Planning and Development Committee Vice-Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation that Council: Adopt an ordinance to amend the Owner-Occupied Housing Incentive in RMC 4-1-210.B. to include the CV, RM-F, and R-14 zones within the Center Village Comprehensive Plan designation as eligible areas, to modify the application process, and to extend the sunset clause for the owner-occupied housing incentive for three years to 12/31/2012, unless further extended by City Council action. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 438 for ordinance.) Planning and Development Committee Vice-Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation that Council: Adopt an ordinance to amend the Property Tax Exemption for Multi-Family Housing in Residential Targeted Areas in RMC 4-1-2020 to rename the "Highlands" designated residential targeted areas as the "Sunset Area," and January 25, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 438 Utilities Committee Utility: 2009 King County Surface Water Design Manual Public Safety Committee Executive: Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Fire District 25 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4033 Executive: Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Fire District 25 CED: Owner-Occupied Housing Incentive Amendments CED: Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption Program Amendments extend the sunset clause for accepting new applications for the multi-family housing property tax exemption for three years to 12/31/2012, unless further extended by City Council action. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.) Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the ordinance amending RMC 4-2-llO.A., 4-3-050, 4-4-060, 4-6-030, 4-9-250, and 4-11-190 to adopt the 2009 King County Surface Water Design Manual and City amendments to address stormwater runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction sites as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance be presented for first reading. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 439 for ordinance.) Public Safety Committee Chair Taylor presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the interlocal agreement with King County Fire Protection District 25 to provide fire and emergency medical services. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.) The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an agreement entitled Fire and Emergency Services Operating Agreement between the City of Renton and King County Fire Protection District 25. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 2/1/2010 for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-210, Waived Fees, of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by extending and modifying the waiver of certain development and mitigation fees. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 2/1/2010. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending section 4-1-220, Property Tax Exemption for Multi-Family Housing in Residential Targeted Areas, of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, by extending the property tax exemption and modifying the name of the Highlands Designated Residential Targeted Area. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 2/1/2010. CARRIED. January 25, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 439 Utility: 2009 King County Surface Water Design Manual NEW BUSINESS Utility: 2011 & Beyond Utility Rate Plan Transportation: 1-405 High Occupancy Toll Lane Proposal Citizen Comment: Kushin - Street Light Request AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McCammon - Alleged Unfit Structure ADJOURNMENT An ordinance was read amending Chapter 2, Zoning Districts - Uses and Standards; Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations; Chapter 4, City-wide Property Development Regulations; Chapter 6, Street and Utility Standards; Chapter 8, Permits - General and Appeals; Chapter 9, Permits - Specific; and Chapter 11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations), of City Code, to amend drainage regulations and adopt by reference portions of the King County Surface Water Design Manual and amendments thereto. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 2/1/2010. CARRIED. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE 2011 AND BEYOND UTILITY RATE PLAN TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Councilmember Corman announced he had attended a House Transportation Committee in Olympia and asked Council to support a follow-up letter signed by the Mayor and Council President supporting a State proposal to add additional lanes to 1-405, north and south bound between Bellevue and Renton. He explained that it would also provide a direct flyover connection from 1-405 to SR 167 using a High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane concept. He stated that the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane would be added with a second lane, and the pair of lanes would then make a flyover connection to SR 167. He noted that the state now believes they can make the project pencil out because of the good bidding climate and that Mayor Hill of Algona is also in support of the proposal. Councilmembers expressed no objection to sending a follow-up letter regarding this matter. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER TO THE ADMINISTRATION CORRESPONDENCE FROM TAMMY KUSHIN ALLEGING ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND REQUESTING INSTALLATION OF A STREET LIGHT AT N. 24TH ST. AND MEADOW AVE. N. CARRIED. Dave McCammon (Renton) stated thatthe alleged unfit structure addressed in Consent Agenda Item 5.d. is a house in disrepair and it appears the front wall is in danger of caving-in or falling down. Mayor Law stated that the City is aware of the issue and thatthe matter is currently in the court system. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 7:51 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder January 25, 2010 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 25, 2010 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Persson) MON., 2/1 CANCELED COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) FINANCE (Parker) MON., 2/1 6:30 p.m. Renton Rotary Fee Waiver Request PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Briere) THURS., 1/28 3 p.m. Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #3 PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 1/28 CANCELED UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS., 1/28 Senior/Disabled Utility Discount Rates; 2:00 p.m. Open Committee Referrals 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.