HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-03
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
March 24, 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; TONI NELSON; DAN CLAWSON. MOVED
BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED.
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; DAVID CHRISTENSEN, Utility Engineering Supervisor;
KAREN MCFARLAND, Engineering Specialist; JIM SHEPHERD,
Community Services Administrator; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services
Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF GARRY
ANDERSON, COMMANDER ROBERT SEELYE, and SERGEANT MARK
DAY, Police Department.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATIONS
Community Services:
Employee Recognition Awards
Community Services Administrator Jim Shepherd announced the Community
Services Department 2002 employee recognition awards as follows:
Employee of the First Quarter: Mary Fullerton, Library Supervisor
Employee of the Second Quarter: Diane Wagner, Facilities Secretary
Employee of the Third Quarter: David Perkins, Recreation Specialist
Employee of the Fourth Quarter: Aaron Oesting, Systems Librarian
Mr. Shepherd announced that Aaron Oesting was also chosen as the Community
Services Department employee of the year for 2002. Mr. Oesting thanked the
entire library team for their assistance and support.
Added
Human Services: Human
Services Advisory Member
Introduction, Janet Bertagni
Councilwoman Nelson introduced Janet Bertagni, the newest member of the
Human Services Advisory Committee.
City Clerk: Comcast
Corporation (Cable Provider)
Update
City Clerk/Cable Manager Bonnie Walton explained that Renton's current 15-
year cable franchise was adopted in 1993 with TCI, Inc., which in 1999
transferred to AT&T Broadband, and then AT&T merged with Comcast
Corporation in 2002. She invited Comcast Government Affairs Manager
(Northwest Division) Hans Hechtman to give a briefing on Comcast, and cable
consultant Lon Hurd with 3-H Cable Communications Consultants to give a
briefing on the services he provides for the City.
Stating that Comcast Corporation is the largest cable company in the United
States with 21.4 million cable subscribers, Mr. Hechtman detailed the history of
the company and its organizational structure, which in Washington State, is
divided into three service areas. Mr. Hechtman stated that the transitioning
process is still in progress, and upcoming changes include the conversion of
high-speed Internet from AT&T to Comcast, changing how franchise fees are
collected, and improving customer service. Recent improvements include bill
consolidation, the introduction of Dolby Digital 5.1, and the offering of high-
definition television (HDTV) on two channels. He concluded by saying that
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 110
Comcast has a solid track record and its future is bright.
Responding to Councilwoman Nelson's inquiry regarding rates, Mr. Hechtman
stated that the standard rate increases occur twice a year. In January, the
standard tier service rate was increased from $13.75 to $36.99 while the basic
tier service rate was reduced from $13.50 to $13.25. He explained that basic is
the tier of service that is regulated at the local level, and every year, Comcast
issues a rate filing stating what the maximum permitted rate is and what
Comcast intends to charge for it. Mr. Hechtman stressed that programming is
expensive and is one of the largest factors driving the company's cost of
business. He indicated that it is unclear at this time whether Comcast will raise
its basic service rate.
In response to Councilman Parker's inquiry, Mr. Hechtman confirmed that a 5%
franchise fee is the maximum allowed under Federal law.
3-H Cable Communications consultant Lon Hurd stated that the Federal
government has given City's the authority to oversee cable franchises, and the
City contracts with his firm for assistance with the administration of the cable
franchise. Additionally, Mr. Hurd stated that 3-H Cable Communications
handles customer complaints, monitors and audits the collection of the franchise
fee payments, and prepares quarterly and annual reports on customer services
standards and the technical aspects of the system.
In response to Council President Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry regarding his
experience in working with Comcast so far, Mr. Hurd stated that Comcast seems
to place more emphasis on government relations and customer service;
however, time will tell.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Vacation: Alley between
Whitworth & Morris Aves S,
and S 3rd & S 4th Sts, St.
Anthony's Parish, VAC-03-
001
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 street vacation petition submitted by St. Anthony's Parish for a
portion of an existing paved alley running north and south between Whitworth
and Morris Avenues S. and between S. 3rd and S. 4th Streets (VAC-03-001).
Karen McFarland, Engineering Specialist, explained that a related St. Anthony's
Parish street vacation (VAC-00-003), approved by Council in July, 2002, will
vacate a 160-foot portion of the subject alley, and this current proposal is for an
additional 120 feet. She indicated that the following public benefits will be
achieved by the proposed vacation: consolidation of parking, maintenance of
internal security within the campus, reduced confusion regarding the location of
the parish property, and the absence of liability and maintenance costs for the
City, as the property is virtually surrounded by a single property owner.
Ms. McFarland stated that facilities in the alley include an eight-inch sewer
main (Renton), aerial and buried utilities (QWEST), and electric utilities (Puget
Sound Energy). Upon circulation of the vacation request to various City
departments and outside agencies for review, she reported that the petition
received no objections. She noted that the City's Utilities Division has
requested that the City retain an easement for utilities over the entire alleyway if
the vacation is approved. In conclusion, Ms. McFarland stated that staff
recommends that Council approve the vacation, subject to the requested utilities
easement, and subject to the terms and conditions as set forth in the St.
Anthony's Parish development agreement.
Responding to Council President Keolker-Wheeler's inquiry, Ms. McFarland
confirmed that St. Anthony's Parish owns all abutting properties with the
exception of one property.
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 111
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
Police: 2002 Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant
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 2002 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG).
Police Sergeant Mark Day stated that the City has been pre-approved for a grant
of $50,191 and the City is required to match approximately 10%, or $5,577. He
explained that LLEBG funds have been used to fund the Domestic Violence
Victim Advocacy program since 1996. During the 2003 budget deliberations,
Council agreed to continue providing this program with grant funding, and
transferred the management of the program from the Human Services Division
to the Police Department.
Reporting that the Police Department responded to 1,909 domestic violence
calls in 2002, Sergeant Day emphasized that the need for domestic victim
advocacy is significant, and it is a means towards ending abuse by lending
support and providing guidance for the victims of domestic violence. He
concluded by saying that City staff and the Renton Domestic Violence Task
Force Advisory Committee recommended that the LLEBG funds continue to be
used for this purpose.
Council President Keolker-Wheeler noted that a domestic violence plan was
created a couple of years ago for service providers in South King County, and
she inquired as to whether Sergeant Day has noticed any improvement in
service. Sergeant Day stated that he has noticed a positive change, and pointed
out that there are more resources now available for victims.
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY PARKER,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
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 new downtown parking garage is anticipated to open to the public in
May. The primary structure is now complete, and the contractor will
continue to install metal panels and glass windows to the building's exterior,
as well as installing the elevators, security system, and parking pay stations
inside the building.
The Recreation Division's Renton Teen Council sponsored a middle school
dance on March 17th, which was a great success with 171 young people in
attendance. This is the first of four dances to be offered this year.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus –
Highlands Community
Association
Sandel DeMastus, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, introduced herself
as the president of the Highlands Community Association (HCA). She
announced that Police Officer John Schuldt with the K9 Unit, Animal Control
Officer Mary Ann Pratt, and Elynn Clayton (South Sound off-leash dog park)
will speak at the HCA meeting on March 27th.
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 112
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. At the request of Councilmembers Persson and Keolker-Wheeler, items
7.a. and 7.b. were removed for separate consideration.
Appeal: Nicholson Short Plat,
Brad Nicholson, SHP-02-111
City Clerk reported appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision on the appeal of the
Administrative and Environmental Determination for the Nicholson Short Plat,
2300 NE 28th St. (SHP-02-111); appeal filed on 3/6/2003 by Brad Nicholson,
accompanied by required fee. The appeal packet included one additional letter
from David Parisi as allowed by City Code. Refer to Planning & Development
Committee.
Community Services: Golf
Cart Lease-Purchase
Agreement, CitiCapital
Commercial Corporation
Community Services Department recommended approval to replace 40 golf
carts through a three-year lease-purchase agreement with CitiCapital
Commercial Corporation and to retain 10 golf carts from the existing fleet of 50.
Annual expenditure is $26,064. Refer to Community Services Committee.
Development Services: Barbee
Mill Preliminary Plat EIS
Preparation, Parametrix
Development Services Division recommended approval of the amended
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. (The agreement was amended
to expand the scope of the EIS report to include adequate review of historical
and cultural resources as directed by Council on 3/17/2003.) Council concur.
Human Services: 2003 CDBG
Housing Stability Program
Participation
Human Services Division recommended approval to continue participating in
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consortium Housing
Stability Program in 2003, which assists low-to-moderate income families with
rent or mortgage payments due to a temporary crisis in their lives. Refer to
Community Services Committee.
Airport: Boeing Lease
Addendum #20, Fund Transfer
to Purchase Boeing Restrooms
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum #20 to
LAG-65-877, Municipal Airport lease with The Boeing Company, and
requested authorization to transfer $80,000 from the Airport Reserve Fund to
the Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP) account for the purchase of the
Boeing restroom facilities. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
Utility: Water System Plan
Update & Highlands Water
Distribution Improvements
Pre-design, RW Beck
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract with R.W. Beck,
Inc. in the amount of $218,051 to update the City's 1998 Water System Plan
Analysis, and to pre-design the water distribution improvements for the 565
pressure zone in the Highlands area. Council concur.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO
REMOVE ITEMS 8.a. AND 8.b. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION.
CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 7.a.
Council Meeting Minutes of
March 17, 2003
Approval of Council meeting minutes of March 17, 2003.
Councilman Persson questioned the way Executive Session was notated in the
Council meeting minutes. Mayor Tanner asked Assistant City Attorney Zanetta
Fontes to research options for the documentation of Executive Session in the
minutes.
MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL
APPROVE ITEM 7.a. AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 7.b.
CAG: 03-005, Pavilion
Building Renovation, Edifice
City Clerk reported bid opening on 3/12/2003 for CAG-03-005, Pavilion
Building Renovation; ten bids; engineer's estimate $1,800,000; and submitted
staff recommendation to award the contract to low bidder, Edifice Construction
Company, Inc., in the amount of $2,184,890.47. Refer to Finance Committee
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 113
Const Co Committee of the Whole for discussion of funding and bid protests.
MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL
REFER ITEM 7.b. TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Carter –
Sewer Service Connection
Request for Property Outside
City Limits
A letter was read from Robert F. Carter, 4515 NE 26th Ct., Renton, 98059,
requesting connection to the sanitary sewer on NE 23rd St. in the Summerwind
development for his property located outside the City limits, north of
Summerwind in Newcastle Terrace, Lot #5. MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Added
Citizen Comment: Camerer –
Building Permit Fee Waiver
for Vision House Children's
Village
Council President Keolker-Wheeler reported receipt of a letter from Vision
House Executive Director Susan M. Camerer, PO Box 2951, Renton, 98056,
requesting the waiver of building permit and development fees for the Vision
House Children's Village, and in exchange, Vision House will offer scholarships
to low income Renton families in need of childcare assistance. MOVED BY
KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS
CORRESPONDENCE TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE AND
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Utilities Committee
Technical Services: Digital
Orthophotography Update,
Walker & Associates
Utilities Committee Vice Chair Briere presented a report regarding the
agreement to update the City's digital orthophotography. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation that Council authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a sole source consulting agreement with
Walker & Associates, Inc. for aerial photogrammetric services in the amount of
$49,858.75. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of
Claim Vouchers 213231 - 213713 and two wire transfers totaling
$2,985,625.36; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 43257 - 43497, one wire
transfer and 565 direct deposits totaling $1,740,520.66. MOVED BY
PARKER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
Transportation: Strander Blvd
Extension Design, Perteet
Engineering
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report
regarding the design contract for the Strander Blvd. extension. The Strander
Blvd. extension project, from West Valley Hwy (SR-181) to East Valley Rd., is
an important east-west trans-south valley connection project targeted at
improving access and mobility for the traveling public, freight, and businesses.
When constructed, it will provide access to the development at the Boeing
Longacres site, Tukwila Transit Center, and provide a grade separated crossing
at the Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks.
The contract is for 30% design, covering the Corridor Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS), base-mapping, road section, and project phasing. Supplements
to this original agreement will be added to cover the final design of each project
phase, of which there are expected to be at least three. The contract is in the
amount of $2,213,349, to be completed over 26 months from the time of
contract execution. The Transportation Systems Division has budgeted
$600,000 in 2003; and will request budget approval for $1,400,000 in 2004, and
$500,000 in 2005, totaling $2,500,000 for design (including contract and City
staff time) of this project in the years 2003, 2004, and 2005.
The Committee recommended that Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute the consultant agreement with Perteet Engineering, Inc. in the
amount of $2,213,349 for the Strander Blvd. Extension – West Valley Hwy.
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 114
(SR-181) to East Valley Rd. Project.*
Councilman Persson reported that the Committee was concerned whether they
were committing future City Councils to this project with a chance that there
would not be traffic mitigation funds available to finance it. He stated that there
is every indication that the funding will be available, and the Committee was
assured that the agreement contains an escape clause in case it is not.
*MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation: NE 3rd/4th St
Corridor Signal
Synchronization, King County
Grant
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report
regarding the 2003 signal synchronization grant. The City of Renton applied
for and was awarded $80,000 for signal synchronization on the NE 3rd and NE
4th St. corridor. The City will be reimbursed $10,400 for work by City forces
to implement changes on 13 City of Renton traffic signals. The City will
remand $69,600 of the grant to King County for work performed by King
County's contractor and/or King County's work force. The grant also includes
three traffic signals in King County to be managed by King County. The
improvements are expected to reduce congestion along this corridor.
The Committee recommended that Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
to enter into the agreement with King County to accept grant funding for and to
collaborate on the 2003 Signal Synchronization Project on the NE 3rd and 4th
St. corridor. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding
this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 115 for resolution.)
Transportation: NE Sunset
Blvd & Duvall Ave NE
Intersection Improvements,
WSDOT Grant
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Persson presented a report
regarding the NE Sunset Blvd. and Duvall Ave. NE intersection improvements.
The City of Renton applied for and was awarded a Hazard Elimination Safety
(HES) Program grant in the amount of $396,000 for intersection improvements
at NE Sunset Blvd. and Duvall Ave. NE. This project includes a new eastbound
left-turn lane, a drop lane extension, and a signal modification. These
improvements are expected to reduce congestion and the number of accidents
by providing additional left-turn capacity and extending the drop lane.
The Committee recommended that Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
to enter into the agreement with the Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) to accept the HES Program grant funding for the
design of NE Sunset Blvd. and Duvall Ave. NE intersection improvements, and
that Council approve the resolution and all consecutive phases and subsequent
elements up to and including construction of the roadway. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 115 for resolution.)
Public Safety Committee
Police: Renton Transit Center
Safety
Public Safety Committee Chair Clawson presented a report regarding Renton
Transit Center safety. The Committee was briefed by the Police Department
regarding safety at the Renton Transit Center, and concurred in the
recommendation of staff that additional staffing in coordination with King
County Metro Transit be assigned to this area. The Committee further
recommended that it be updated on this issue in two months.*
Councilman Clawson reported that two full-time police officers will be assigned
to patrol the Renton Transit Center between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for the
next three weeks, and the Police Department will coordinate with King County
for future monitoring.
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 115
*MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL
CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Police: Criminal Nuisance
Abatement
Public Safety Committee Chair Clawson presented a report regarding criminal
nuisance abatement. The Committee was briefed by the Police Department
regarding criminal nuisance abatement at the West Wind Motel. The
Committee concurred with the recommendation of staff that no additional action
be taken at this time. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Public Works: Cedar River
Sockeye Hatchery Project,
City of Seattle
Councilman Clawson reported that the City is continuing its discussions with
the City of Seattle regarding the placement of the broodstock facility for its
Cedar River Sockeye Hatchery project. He stated that Renton has relayed its
concerns regarding the proposed locations within the Renton City limits, and
Seattle is reviewing the matter.
ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3625
Transportation: NE 3rd/4th St
Corridor Signal
Synchronization, King County
Grant
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an
agreement with King County for the City of Renton to receive $80,000 for the
signal synchronization project along the NE 3rd and NE 4th St. corridor.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT
THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3626
Transportation: NE Sunset
Blvd & Duvall Ave NE
Intersection Improvements,
WSDOT Grant
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an
interlocal cooperative agreement with the Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) for grant funding for the traffic signal at NE Sunset
Blvd. and Duvall Ave. NE. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5004
Planning: Annual Update of
the Zoning Book and 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 KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5005
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. (Fry's Rezone; R-02-149) MOVED
BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, COUNCIL ADOPT
THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:45 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
March 24, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 116
Recorder: Michele Neumann
March 24, 2003