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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmi032210RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 22, 2010 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS WSDOT: Night Closures on Benson Rd S Fire: Renton Heart Month Wrap-Up 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; TERRI BRIERE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; IWEN WANG, Finance and Information Services Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; CHIP VINCENT, Planning Director; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; JENNIFER HENNING, Current Planning Manager; FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR MARK PETERSON and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR DEBORAH NEEDHAM, Fire and Emergency Services Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL and COMMANDER DAVE LEIBMAN, Police Department. Stacy Trussler, with the Washington State Department of Transportation, stated that the Renton Stage 2 (1-405, SR 167 to SR 169) & SR 515 Interchange project is ahead of schedule and under budget. She also remarked that the Renton Stage 1 project (1-405,1-5 to SR 167) is nearly complete. She introduced Lisa Hodgson, manager for the Renton Stage 2 & SR 515 Interchange project. Ms. Hodgson reported that Talbot Rd. S. is being widened to accommodate new on and off ramps, and 1-405 is being widened by one lane in each direction from SR 167 to SR 169. She remarked that two noise walls have been constructed, and only three noise inquiries have been received since last October. Ms. Hodgson displayed various images of the project, and a time- lapsed video of the new bridge girders being set in place. She announced that Benson Rd. S. will be closed from 8 p.m. 3/26/2010 to 5 a.m. 3/30/2010. Concluding, Ms. Hodgson stated that southbound 1-405 will be closed the weekend of 7/9/2010, and northbound 1-405 will be closed the weekend of 7/16/2010, in order to remove the existing Benson Rd. S. bridge. Fire and Emergency Services Administrator Mark Peterson reported that this is the fourth year of the Renton Heart Month campaign. He explained that the purpose of the program is to raise heart health, blood sugar, and stroke awareness with City residents. He noted that that Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training was also offered to citizens. Chief Peterson stated that extensive advertising was conducted to ensure residents were aware of the campaign. He reported that over 4,000 screenings were conducted that identified 520 people with high blood pressure, and 92 people with high blood sugar. He stated that 134 people were trained in CPR and AED use. Concluding, Chief Peterson thanked program sponsors and City officials and staff for their support. March 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 492 PUBLIC HEARING CED: Declaring a Moratorium, Adult Entertainment Business Permitting This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to consider the moratorium on the permitting of adult businesses for a period of six months and to assess whether change or measured action is necessary to the existing ordinance. Mayor Law emphasized that the intent of the hearing is to consider public input regarding the moratorium. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ALLOW EACH SPEAKER THREE MINUTES TO TESTIFY ON THIS TOPIC. CARRIED. Current Planning Manager Jennifer Henning reported that Council passed Resolution #4037 on 3/1/2010 that declared a six-month moratorium on the permitting of adult entertainment businesses in the City. She stated that the moratorium will expire on 9/1/2010 unless extended by Council. Ms. Henning further reported that the existing adult entertainment regulations originated over 25 years ago and currently allow adult entertainment businesses in the Employment Area Valley designation of the City's Comprehensive Plan. She explained that the area is bordered by 1-405 to the north, SR 167 to the east, SW 43rd St. on the south, and the border with the City of Tukwila on the west. Ms. Henning stated that over the past 25 years the Employment Area Valley has changed substantially and therefore it is appropriate and timely to revisit the regulations. She remarked that public testimony is being requested and any potential negative secondary effects from adult entertainment will be evaluated. Ms. Henning stated that an appropriate legislative response will be developed to mitigate or diminish any impacts. Council President Persson clarified that 25 years ago legislation was passed that removed these types of businesses from the City's downtown core. He remarked that the City was sued and the case was eventually seen by the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Persson noted that although the City won the case, it could not ban adult entertainment businesses outright, and therefore used zoning as way to relocate them to the valley area. He commented that the new club has met all the proper requirements and has been issued a business license. City Attorney Warren remarked that the City's case is the leading case in the United States on the zoning of adult entertainment. He stated that the Supreme Court determined that nude dancing is an expression that is protected by the first amendment, and the City is reviewing zoning regulations that will ultimately limit or mitigate any potential negative secondary effects from these types of businesses. Public comment was invited. Becky Roberts (King County) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to any further permitting of adult businesses within the City. David McAlister (Renton) acknowledged that the strip club can legally operate under current ordinances, but urged Council to stop permitting similar businesses. Pastor McAlister expressed support for the moratorium and recited several crime statistics as reasons for opposing adult entertainment. Tandi McAlister (Renton) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to adult entertainment businesses within the City. March 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 493 Leroy Roberts (King County) remarked that he is proud to live in a community where family values are encouraged. He expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to adult entertainment businesses. John A. Hansen (Renton) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to the permitting of adult businesses within the City. He remarked that residents should do everything they can to improve Renton's reputation. Ricki Jones (Bothell) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to adult entertainment businesses. She remarked that although 18-year-olds are allowed to enter the establishment, she would not want any of her young adult children to attend the strip club. Laurie Palmer (King County) expressed support for the moratorium and requested that it be extended. She opined that 18-year-olds are not mature enough to understand the significance of attending these types of businesses and urged Council to prevent any similar businesses from opening in the community. Katie Hood (Kent) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to any further permitting of adult businesses within City limits. Chris Palmer (King County) expressed support for the moratorium. He questioned how the use of alcohol could be prohibited in the name of morality yet adult entertainment could not. He requested that zoning and other restrictions be put in place to discourage adult businesses from locating in Renton. MarK Jones (Bothell) expressed appreciation for the City's previous work on this issue and support for the moratorium. He also expressed opposition to any further permitting of adult entertainment businesses and opined that crime will increase in the area because of the new strip club. Jim Palmer (King County) expressed appreciation for the City's past work on this issue. He stated that he is mostly concerned about the safety of the City's adult children. Joseph McLean (Renton) opined that the new club is not in an industrial area and he does not believe the City needs taxes from this type of business. He expressed appreciation for the moratorium and stated that if the business is found to be unprofitable, other similar businesses will not move to Renton. Steven Brady (King County) expressed support for the moratorium and explained that a proliferation of adult businesses in Renton would negatively influence his decision to buy a home in the area. Greg Larsen (Renton) urged Council to exercise as much authority as possible to discourage adult entertainment businesses from locating in Renton. He acknowledged that some responsibility lies with City residents, and remarked that the club should be empty when it opens for business. Darlene Larsen (Renton) expressed opposition to adult entertainment and the exploitation of women. She remarked that 55 sex offenders live within a two- mile radius of the new club and questioned whether or not their access to the club would be restricted. Ms. Larsen remarked that members of Celebration Church actively serve the community and expressed support for the moratorium. March 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 494 Roxanne Conklin (Kent) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to any adult businesses in the Renton area. Marcie Maki (Seattle) requested that Council extend the moratorium in order to conduct extensive studies to determine what effects adult businesses have on the community. She shared her experience as a director of early learning programs and remarked that no parent or teacher has ever asked her to provide resources that would enable children to grow up to be in the adult entertainment business. April Wood (Renton) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to any further permitting of adult businesses within City limits. Lori Madson (Renton) commented that she works in the vicinity of the new adult business and pointed out that it is also near a daycare facility. She remarked that the Federal Aviation Administration is looking to relocate and opined that this type of business may dissuade them from staying in Renton. Ms. Madson expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to adult entertainment businesses within City limits. Brigitta Jones (Renton) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to any further permitting of adult businesses within City limits. Phyllis Gulseth (King County) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to adult entertainment businesses within Renton. She also remarked that she would like to see Renton remain a community that respects the dignity and safety of women and children. Trish Aguayo (Renton) expressed support for the moratorium and opposition to all current and future adult entertainment businesses within City Limits. Stuart Cook (Renton) shared the reasons why he chose to live in Renton and remarked that he is now questioning what effects adult entertainment businesses will have on the City. He urged Council to maintain the moratorium to determine any long-term effects they may have on the City. Lisa Hood (Renton) remarked that the regulations are 25 years old and this is an opportunity for Council to make a positive change for Renton. She emphasized that the community does not agree with the outdated regulations and encouraged City officials and staff to take this into consideration when crafting new legislation. Dan Palmer (Renton) opined that adult entertainment businesses will lead to increased crime rates. He expressed concern regarding the fact that small children can see the club's sign advertising nude showgirls. Mr. Palmer urged Council to use all appropriate legal measures to clamp down on illegal activity to dissuade similar businesses from locating in Renton. Kristy Chang (Renton) shared her experience as a Renton School District teacher and remarked that children need their parents to be home instilling morals and values and not spending time away from their families. She expressed support for the moratorium. Valeria A. Dreas (Renton) shared her experience as a commercial real estate appraiser and remarked that this type of business can have negative effects on property values. Ms. Dreas also expressed opposition to any kind of business that degrades and objectifies women. March 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 495 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 3/15/2010 Plat: Benson Trails a.k.a. Sandhu Plat, 120th Av & SE 184th St, FP-09-111 CED: Supporting The Boeing Company's Pursuit of the US Tanker Program Vanessa Chodykin (unknown) remarked that she is concerned for the future of the City's children because of this adult business and other business such as Hooters and bikini baristas that have located in Renton. She urged Council to ban any future adult businesses from locating within City limits. Ralph Cady (King County) expressed appreciation for the City's willingness to limit the proliferation of adult businesses in the community. He remarked that these types of businesses will only add to the barrage of temptation young people face in their lives. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. Council expressed appreciation for the speaker's comments. Discussion ensued regarding Club SinRock's business taxes, the promotion of family values, and the desire to eliminate any potential negative secondary effects adult entertainment establishments may have on the community. City Attorney Warren further clarified that the hearing was for Council to consider whether or not to continue the moratorium. He remarked that no action is required, and that the moratorium will continue for the specified period of time unless Council determines that there has not been adequate time to do studies necessary to pass appropriate legislation. Mr. Warren stated that the moratorium can be extended, but emphasized that it cannot be continued indefinitely. Chief Administrative Officer 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 2010 and beyond. Item noted included: #• Renton's Public Works Maintenance Shops use three street sweepers to provide year-round sweeping of all City streets. It takes between six weeks and two months to sweep all 550 lane miles of City streets. One night sweeper covers the downtown core and the central business district as well as City parking lots between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. The City provides heavy sweeping in the fall to remove fallen leaves and prevent them from clogging drains, and also to remove sand that is applied for traction during winter storms. In newer annexation areas, the City has found that many areas require repeated sweepings to remove accumulated dirt and grass on the street edge and shoulders. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/15/2010. Council concur. Community and Economic Development Department recommended approval, with conditions, of the Benson Trails a.k.a. Sandhu Plat Final Plat, 16 single- family lots on 6.27 acres located in the vicinity of 120th Ave. SE and SE 184th St (FP-09-111). Council concur. (See page 497 for resolution.) Community and Economic Development Department recommended adoption of a resolution supporting The Boeing Company's pursuit of the United States Tanker Program. Council concur. (See page 497 for resolution.) March 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 496 CED: Membership Agreement, Cascade Agenda Cities Program UNFINISHED BUSINESS Finance Committee Policy: Purchasing (Bidding and Contracting) Policy Revisions Finance: Vouchers Finance: Bond Refinancing, 2001 LTGO Bonds Finance: Bankruptcy Claim, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Finance: 2010 Fee Schedule Amendments Utilities Committee Utility: Senior/Disabled Utility Discount Rates RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Community and Economic Development Department recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing membership to the Cascade Agenda Cities Program at the Leadership City level, and authorizing an annual $5,000 commitment to the program. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to authorize the proposed purchasing policy and thresholds, incorporate various related policies and procedures into one updated policy, including the repeal of Council Policy and Procedure #800- 12, Contracting Authority. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 291199 - 291541 and two wire transfers totaling $7,314,602.71; and approval of 90 Payroll Vouchers, one wire transfer, and 733 direct deposits totaling $2,561,368.65. 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 issuance of new bonds in the approximate amount of $6.15 million to refinance Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds (LTGO) issued in 2001 for the development of the City Center Parking Garage, and authorize signing of all associated documents, including the associated Escrow Agreement and the redemption of the outstanding 2001 LTGO Bonds. This refinancing will generate a savings of approximately $500,000 over the next 11.5 years. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 497 for ordinance.) Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the reduction of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's bankruptcy claim settlement from $83,798.97 to$10,000 cash. 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 the amendment of the Fire and Emergency Services Department's portion of the 2010 Fee Schedule and other housekeeping amendments as presented. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Utilities Committee Chair Zwicker presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to not revise the current eligibility requirements for the low-income senior/disabled rate subsidy program including the requirement of an individual City water meter. MOVED BY ZWICKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: March 22, 2010 Renton City Council Minutes Page 497 RESOLUTION #4039 Plat: Benson Trails a.k.a. Sandhu Plat, 120th Av & SE 184th St, FP-09-111 RESOLUTION #4040 CED: Supporting The Boeing Company's Pursuit of the US Tanker Program Finance: Bond Refinancing, 2001 LTGO Bonds NEW BUSINESS Community Event: Lindbergh Pool Financing AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Meis - Adult Entertainment Moratorium ADJOURNMENT A resolution was read approving the Benson Trails a.k.a. Sandhu Plat Final Plat, approximately 6.27 acres located at the northeast corner of 120th Ave SE and SE 184th St. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read supporting The Boeing Company's pursuit of the United States Tanker Program. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the 4/5/2010 Council meeting for second and final reading: An ordinance was read providing for the issuance and sale of limited tax general obligation refunding bonds of the City in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $6.8 million to provide funds for the purpose of refunding certain limited tax general obligation bonds of the City; authorizing the appointment of an escrow agent and execution of an escrow agreement; and delegating certain authority to approve the final terms of the bonds. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/5/2010. CARRIED. Mayor Law remarked that the future of the Lindbergh Pool is in jeopardy and explained that there is a $180,000 financial gap that is keeping the pool from opening next year. He announced that the Renton School District stated that it can cover $80,000 of the $180,000 deficit and has asked the community to raise the other $100,000. Mayor Law stated that the City has $40,000 available in the Benson Hill annexation transition fund and requested Council's approval to pledge those funds towards the fundraising efforts. He emphasized that this pledge is a one-time commitment and would not be available in subsequent years. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO PLEDGE UP TO $40,000 FROM THE BENSON HILL ANNEXATION TRANSITION FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING IN THE FUNDRAISING EFFORTTO KEEP THE LINDBERGH POOL OPEN.* Councilmember Persson emphasized that the funds would only be available if the other $60,000 was raised and it is a one-time commitment. Councilmember Taylor expressed appreciation for this solution and cautioned that a long-term solution is still needed. *MOTION CARRIED. Anne Meis (King County) expressed support for the adult entertainment moratorium and remarked that statistically Portland and Seattle are ranked number one per capita for sex trafficking of minors in America. She urged Council to share her concern for the many young girls who disappear annually. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:26 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder March 22, 2010 RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2010 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Persson) MON., 3/29 No Meetings (5th Monday) COMMUNITY SERVICES (Palmer) MON., 4/5 5 p.m. Next Steps Library Facility Planning with King County Library System FINANCE (Parker) MON., 4/5 4 p.m. Vouchers; GIS Positions Class Specifications & Salary Grades PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Briere) THURS., 3/25 CANCELED PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) MON., 4/5 CANCELED TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) (Corman) THURS., 3/25 Traffic Signals on NE 4th St; 3 p.m. Status of the SW 27th St./Strander Blvd Extension Project UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS., 3/25 2 p.m. 2010 Committee Work Plan (briefing only) 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.