Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-03 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 17, 2003 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 KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER, Council President; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN; TONI NELSON; DAN CLAWSON. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LARRY WARREN, City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; SANDRA MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; DON ERICKSON, Senior Planner; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER KATHLEEN MCCLINCY, Police Department. PROCLAMATION Absolutely Incredible Kid Day – March 20, 2003 A proclamation by Mayor Tanner was read declaring March 20, 2003, to be “Absolutely Incredible Kid Day” in the City of Renton, and encouraging all adults to make a difference in the life of a child by composing letters and delivering them to the children in their lives. MOVED BY KEOLKER- WHEELER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED. Margaret Stepper and Karen Nelson accepted the proclamation on behalf of Camp Fire, USA. SPECIAL PRESENTATION WSDOT: I-405/SR 167 Interchange Flyover Ramp Project Gregg Zimmerman, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, reported that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has been constructing a flyover ramp at the interchange of SR 167 and I-405 to assist traffic movements and to improve safety. He advised that in order to tie the flyover ramp into the roadway, partial closure of the interchange would be necessary. He introduced WSDOT project managers, Ed Conyers and Ingo Goller, who gave a briefing on the subject. Mr. Goller explained the need to shut down the SR 167 southbound exit ramp from I-405 to complete the flyover project. He stated that motorists will be directed to proceed to the exit for SR 181, where they will go under I-405, get back on I-405, and head north. They will then be able to take the southbound exit for SR 167 from the northbound lanes of I-405. Councilman Persson thanked WSDOT staff for their work on this difficult project, noting that it will greatly improve the intersection. Mr. Conyers stated that the ramp will close at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, and open at 5:00 a.m. on March 31. Mr. Goller added that if weather prevented the completion of the project as scheduled, WSDOT would re-publicize and reschedule the closure for the following weekend. March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 98 PUBLIC HEARING Annexation: Bales, SE 128th St This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Tanner opened the public hearing to consider the resolution authorizing an annexation election and consideration of R-5 (Residential Single Family; five dwelling units per net acre) prezoning for the Bales Annexation; approximately 8.52 acres generally bounded by SE 128th St. to the north; SE 130th St., if extended, to the south; 156th Ave. SE, if extended, to the east; and the middle of 152nd Ave. SE, to the west. Don Erickson, Senior Planner, explained that the annexation was initially submitted in early 2002 but since the State Supreme Court invalidated the petition method of annexation, a revised application was submitted using the election method. He stated that the applicant has agreed in writing to reimburse the City for the cost of the election. Mr. Erickson reported that the site is within the City’s potential annexation area and it currently contains four single-family dwellings and an abandoned heavy equipment repair/maintenance facility, Seaport Dozing. He stated that an enforcement action by King County forced Seaport Dozing to close down in February, 2003. In regards to public services, Mr. Erickson reported that the site is served by Fire District #25, the Issaquah School District, Water District #90, and it is within the City’s sewer service area. Mr. Erickson noted that the site abuts 14 acres of King County property, which is designated for parklands. Continuing, Mr. Erickson stated that King County zoning is R-4 (four dwelling units per gross acre). Renton’s Comprehensive Plan designates this site as Residential Rural for which R-5 zoning is proposed. R-5 zoning is consistent with King County’s R-4 zoning. Mr. Erickson reviewed the fiscal impacts of the proposed annexation, assuming an increase to 34 single-family dwelling units at full development, and a new home value of $260,000. He explained that at current development, there is a surplus of $566, and at full development, a deficit of $151. In conclusion, Mr. Erickson stated the annexation furthers the City’s business goals, is consistent with City policies for annexation and for single-family rezones, and meets the Boundary Review Board criteria. He stated that except for an estimated one-time parks development expense of $21,000, there are no service issues. Mr. Erickson recommended that Council adopt a resolution authorizing an annexation election for the site; authorize the Administration to draft a prezone ordinance for R-5 zoning; and authorize the submittal of the Notice of Intent package to the Boundary Review Board. Responding to Councilman Clawson’s inquiry, Mr. Erickson explained that the applicant will reimburse the City for the cost of the election, which will be approximately $1,500 to $2,000. Councilman Persson inquired about the abutting King County parkland and possible annexation of the area. Mayor Tanner responded that it would be prudent to approach King County on the issue. In response, Alex Pietsch, Economic Development Administrator, explained that because there are no residents on the abutting King County park property, annexation by election could not take place pursuant to statute. Council discussion ensued regarding whether King County should be approached to determine if they want to divest themselves of the abutting property for attachment to the Bales annexation area. Jim Shepherd, Community Services Administrator, reported that he has been March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 99 discussing the abutting parkland annexation issue with King County. Larry Warren, City Attorney, confirmed that the scope of the annexation could be expanded to include the property; however, to do so would require renotification and another public hearing. Councilman Persson stated that he is in favor of annexing the parkland but does not want to delay the proposed annexation. Councilman Parker suggested that the City explore annexing the parkland property in the future. Council President Keolker-Wheeler added that there are other possible annexations in this particular area and King County should be approached soon regarding the parkland property. Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ANNEXATION ELECTION FOR THE BALES PROPERTY TO ASK VOTERS WHETHER THEY WISH TO BE ANNEXED TO RENTON, WHETHER PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE ANNEXATION AREA SHOULD BE TAXED AT THE SAME RATE AS OTHER RESIDENTS OF THE CITY, AND WHETHER THEY SUPPORT RENTON'S R-5 ZONING FOR THIS AREA; AND AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUBMIT THE NOTICE OF INTENT PACKAGE TO THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD. CARRIED. 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 2003 and beyond. Items noted included: ” The Parks Division has contracted with Susan Black and Associates to conduct an Urban Forest Inventory. The project will begin March 17th and be completed in May. All trees in the public right-of-way and in parks will be inventoried and located by global positioning system points and placed on a geographic information system database. The inventory will include surveys of specific greenway and natural zone areas. The consultants will identify themselves to the general public and pass out City information cards that describe how to obtain further information on the project. ” A pre-application workshop for non-profit agencies interested in applying for 2004 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service Funds or Capital Funds will be held on Thursday, March 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Carco Theatre. Renton applications are due May 12th. ” The Boeing Renton Site Environmental Impact Statement Scoping public meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25th, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Renton High School Commons (400 S. 2nd St.). The EIS will study four different redevelopment alternatives on Boeing's 280-acre site and the Puget Sound Energy property adjacent to the northeastern corner of Boeing's property. The public can review the alternatives and include input on what environmental issues should be studied and analyzed in the EIS. EDNSP: Boeing Renton Site EIS Scoping Notice Council President Keolker-Wheeler encouraged the public to attend the Boeing Renton Site EIS Scoping public meeting and provide their comments. AUDIENCE COMMENT Kathy Silvernale, 608 S. 27th Ct., Renton, 98055, expressed concern about the March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 100 Citizen Comment: Silvernale – Talbot Hill Elementary School Area Traffic Congestion, Signage signs placed last week at the corner of S. 23rd St. and Smithers Ave. S., across from Talbot Hill Elementary School. She reported that notice was not provided to the school prior to installation of the signs. Ms. Silvernale noted that traffic studies were conducted by Renton’s Transportation Division, following complaints by Smithers Ave. S. residents of traffic congestion. Ms. Silvernale explained there are only two exits from the school grounds and that Smithers Ave. S. is one of the only access roads to and from the school. She stated that since the signs prohibit left turns onto Smithers during certain hours, a significant traffic backup has resulted, causing a safety hazard for the crossing guards and pedestrians. She reported that school buses are now running late because of the backed up traffic. Ms. Silvernale requested the signs be removed until further traffic studies are conducted or alternate plans are made with the school authorities. She stated that restricting traffic from Smithers Ave. S. will not solve the problem, and she also suggested the installation of sidewalks to make the area safer for pedestrians. Citizen Comment: Eide – Talbot Hill Elementary School Area Traffic Congestion, Signage Paula Eide, 2732 Mill Ave. S., Renton, 98055, also expressed her concern about the signs placed near Talbot Hill Elementary School saying they impede traffic and cause considerable congestion and safety issues for crossing guards and children. She noted that a crossing guard was directing traffic on Talbot Rd. S. today to eliminate the backup. She requested the Council investigate the traffic problems and re-evaluate the traffic studies conducted by the City. Citizen Comment: Johnson – Power Outages, Noise Problems Arland “Buzz” Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., Apt. 221, Renton, 98055, explained that the power was out again at his apartment building, affecting the use of the elevator. He expressed concern about safety because when the elevator is inoperable, ambulance crews are forced to evacuate people by using the stairs. He also reported that the train that passed through at 1:00 a.m. sounded its whistle 17 times. In addition, Mr. Johnson reported excessive noise from McGowan’s Restaurant parking lot resulting in a call to the Police Department. Citizen Comment: Marconi – Talbot Hill Elementary School Area Traffic Congestion, Signage Terry Marconi, 2114 Smithers Ave. S., Renton, 98055, commented on the signage installed near Talbot Hill Elementary School on March 13, 2003. Because of his 41-year history living on Smithers Ave. S., he stated that the impact of additional traffic on the street, which was not built to handle high traffic volumes, is significantly impacting the neighborhood. He explained that due to increased traffic during school hours, residents on Smithers are unable to leave their driveways. Responding to Mayor Tanner’s question regarding the wording on the signs, Mr. Marconi explained that the signs prohibit left turns onto Smithers during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. He noted that the signs have significantly reduced traffic on Smithers Ave. S. Gregg Zimmerman, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, gave a briefing on the matter. Displaying an aerial photograph to illustrate the placement of the signs near the school, he explained how cars traveling on Talbot Rd. S. turn onto S. 23rd St., enter the school grounds, and then exit by taking a right onto S. 23rd St. followed by a left onto Smithers Ave. S. Mr. Zimmerman noted that Smithers is a substandard, narrow road with ditches on both sides and limited sidewalks. Mr. Zimmerman stated that traffic complaints reported to the Transportation Division included speed and capacity issues during school drop-off and pick-up times. The situation was studied and five options were reviewed in response to March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 101 the complaints. Mr. Zimmerman noted that the City did not do a good job communicating with school authorities in advance of the sign installation. He explained that City staff is re-evaluating the situation. Councilman Parker expressed concern regarding the traffic congestion on Smithers Ave. S., and questioned whether a traffic light installed at Talbot Rd. S. and S. 23rd St. would help to alleviate congestion. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ISSUE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE TALBOT HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AREA TO TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Mayor Tanner stated that recommendations would be made to the Transportation Committee after further studies are conducted. As a temporary solution, Councilman Clawson suggested that a traffic officer be assigned to the area to direct traffic during peak hours. Councilwoman Nelson suggested that parents consider carpooling to help reduce traffic volume. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At Councilwoman Briere’s request, item 8.b. was removed for separate consideration. Council Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2003 Approval of Council meeting minutes of March 10, 2003. Council concur. Planning: 2002 Annual Update of the Zoning Book & Wall Map Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended approval of the 2002 annual amendments to the City's Zoning Book and Wall Map. Council concur. (See page 103 for ordinance.) Rezone: Fry Property, Garden Ave N, IH to COR 3 (R-02- 149) Hearing Examiner recommended approval of a rezone of a 21.37-acre site located east of Garden Ave. N. and north of N. 8th St. from Heavy Industrial (IH) to Center Office Residential 3 (COR 3); Fry property (R-02-149). Council concur to approve the rezone and refer the issue of residential use in the COR 3 Zone east of Garden Ave. N. to Planning and Development Committee. (See page 103 for ordinance.) Technical Services: QWEST Utilities Easement for 911 Emergency Center (City Shops southern property line) Technical Services Division recommended approval of a six-foot utility easement with QWEST within the City's easement area (Parcel Number 683840-0010) for installation of a fiber optic cable for the new King County 911 Emergency Center located to the south of the City Shops at 3555 NE 2nd St. Council concur. Technical Services: QWEST Utilities Easement for 911 Emergency Center (City Shops northern property line) Technical Services Division recommended approval of a six-foot utility easement with QWEST near the northern property line of the City Shops property at 3555 NE 2nd St. (Parcel Number 162305-9123) for installation of a fiber optic cable for the new King County 911 Emergency Center located to the south of the City Shops. Revenue generated is $2,007.18. Council concur. Transportation: NE 3rd/4th St Corridor Signal Synchronization, King County Grant Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with King County to receive grant funding in the amount of $80,000 for the signal synchronization of 13 traffic signal locations along the NE 3rd and NE 4th St. corridor. Refer to Transportation Committee. Transportation: NE Sunset Blvd & Duvall Ave NE Intersection Improvements, Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the design and construction of intersection and traffic signal improvements at NE Sunset March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 102 WSDOT Grant Blvd. and Duvall Ave. NE. City project share is $44,000. Refer to Transportation Committee. Utility: Annual Consultant Roster for Appraisal & Right- of-Way Services Utility Systems Division requested approval of the annual consultant roster listing eleven firms to provide appraisal and right-of-way services for 2003, with the option of extending the roster annually in 2004 and 2005 upon Public Works Administrator approval. Council concur. CAG: 02-120, Springbrook Springs Watershed Property Fencing Installation, F & H Fence Co. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-02-120, Springbrook Springs Watershed Property Fencing Installation; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $13,798.02, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $3,440.13 to F & H Fence Co., Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur.* Public Works: City Shops Fiber Optic Connection Referring to items 8.e. and 8.f., Councilman Persson inquired whether there is an existing fiber optic connection for the City Shops site. Gregg Zimmerman, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, responded that he would investigate the matter. *MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 8.b. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED. Separate Consideration Item 8.b. Development Services: Barbee Mill Preliminary Plat EIS Preparation, Parametrix Development Services Division recommended approval of an agreement with Parametrix to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Barbee Mill Preliminary Plat proposal (LUA-02-040). Barbee Mill Company will pay for the EIS preparation. Councilwoman Briere requested that the scope of the EIS report be expanded to include adequate review of historical and cultural resources. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL HOLD ITEM 8.b. FOR ONE WEEK FOR REVISION TO THE AGREEMENT. CARRIED. CORRESPONDENCE Citizen Comment: Davis & Silesky – Olympia Ave NE Utilities Installation Correspondence was read from Glenn R. Davis & Jeffrey M. Silesky of Davis & Silesky Real Estate Investment Services, 15600 NE 8th St., Suite B1-173, Bellevue, 98008, stating that Urban Crafts is proposing to construct a mixed-use facility at the corner of NE 4th St. and Olympia Ave. NE in the Renton Highlands. Due to the substandard utilities in that area, they requested that a sanitary sewer and water main be constructed in Olympia Ave. NE as a joint project with the City. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED. OLD BUSINESS Community Services Committee Community Services: Trail Connection Naming in Memory of Sam Chastain Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report recommending concurrence with the Board of Park Commissioner’s recommendation to name the planned waterfront trail connection from the Cedar River Trail to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park the “Sam Chastain Waterfront Trail” in memory of former Community Services Administrator, Sam Chastain. The Committee further authorized staff to secure and post signage designating this section of the trail. Permanent dedication plaques will be included in the final design of the trail. MOVED BY NELSON, March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 103 SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: Resolution #3624 Annexation: Bales: SE 128th St A resolution was read calling for the annexation, by election, of contiguous unincorporated territory to the City of Renton lying in an area generally bounded by the City of Renton corporate boundary, including SE 128th St. to the north, SE 130th St., if extended, to the south; 156th Ave. SE, if extended, to the east; and the middle of 152nd Ave. SE, to the west. (Bales Annexation). MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 3/24/2003 for second and final reading: Planning: Annual Update of the Zoning Book & Wall Map An ordinance was read adopting the 2002 amendments to the zoning classifications of properties located within the City of Renton. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/24/2003. CARRIED. Rezone: Fry Property, Garden Ave N, IH to COR 3 (R-02- 149) An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of approximately 21.3 acres located at 800 Garden Ave. N. on the east side of the street, between N. 8th St. on the south and N. Park Dr. on the north, from Heavy Industrial (IH) to Center Office Residential 3 (COR 3) zone. (R-02-149, Fry Rezone). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 3/24/2003. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Transportation: Mill Ave S/S 4th St Intersection Stop Sign Running Councilman Persson requested investigation of a citizen complaint of stop sign running at the intersection of Mill Ave. S., Cedar Ave. S. and S. 4th St. Police: Panhandling in Downtown Renton Councilman Persson requested investigation of complaints from local business owners of aggressive panhandling in downtown Renton. Human Resources: Military Service, Staff Call-up Council President Keolker-Wheeler requested information on the number of City employees called up for military service. EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 25 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LITIGATION. CARRIED. Time: 9:00 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:25 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:26 p.m. ______________________________ Michele Neumann, Deputy City Clerk March 17, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 104 Recorder: Suzann Lombard March 17, 2003