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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-03 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting November 3, 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; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; VICTORIA RUNKLE, Finance & Information Services Administrator; ELAINE GREGORY, Fiscal Services Director; SYLVIA DOERSCHEL, Finance Analyst Supervisor; JILL MASUNAGA, Finance Analyst; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON, DEPUTY CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE, SERGEANT MARK DAY and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT ADVOCATE TINA HARRIS, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATION AJLS: Mayor's Presentation of the 2004 Budget Mayor Tanner presented his proposed 2004 Budget to members of the City Council and Renton citizens. He stated that since 1996, Renton has developed sustainable budgets, and the fund balances have been used to fund one-time capital improvements. Mayor Tanner reviewed the many positive changes that have occurred and are occurring in Renton, including the enhancements to the downtown core such as the Piazza, Pavilion Building, City Center Parking garage, IKEA Performing Arts Center, and Veterans Memorial Park. He noted that all these improvements translated into setting a foundation, which the private sector enhanced. Additionally, the Henry Moses Aquatic Center will be completed by the end of the year. Continuing, the Mayor highlighted the success of the Neighborhood Program. With respect to The Boeing Company, he explained that Boeing has decreased the amount of property it owns and leases in Renton, and the number of employees who work in the City. However, due to Renton's successful economic development program and its diversified economic base, the City is now impacted less by Boeing business cycles. Over the past year, the City has devoted an enormous amount of time planning for a large block of land owned by Boeing, and he noted that Renton will need to invest in infrastructure in this area to help aid its redevelopment. The total proposed expenditures for 2004 are $145,700,500. In addition, appropriate reserves will be set-aside for a total proposed 2004 Budget of $147,093,300. Mayor Tanner noted that of this total, $65,990,600 will be used for general governmental purposes. On the revenue side, he reviewed the property taxes, which meet over 30 percent of the City's general government needs. While the City is restricted from collecting more than a one percent increase from the regular levy each year, it is allowed to receive property taxes on new construction over the one percent limitation. This source of revenue is surpassing all expectations this year. The Mayor pointed out that the general property tax levy rate has decreased over the past eight years from the legal November 3, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 389 limit of $3.60 per $1,000 of Assessed Valuation, to $3.16 per $1,000 of Assessed Valuation. Continuing with revenues, Mayor Tanner explained that the 2004 sales tax estimates remain conservative, and the City must be vigilant in monitoring State actions that could impact sales tax collections. He recommended small increases to boat launch fees, ball field lighting fees, and golf course greens fees. Mayor Tanner reported that projections for other revenue sources do not raise significant concerns, with the exception of electric utility and gambling taxes. All other resources are expected to be at least equal to the City's original 2003 estimates. In regards to the expenditures, the Mayor indicated that staff costs are the City's greatest expenditure and total salary costs will increase by $1.9 million. He noted that employees are reviewing ways to lower the ever-increasing health care benefit costs, and are sharing in the increased costs. Mayor Tanner reported that while the 2004 Budget has no new programs, it continues to meet ever-changing needs. The Budget proposes that monies be dedicated towards completing the City's wireless communications network, and it implements the second year of a three-year installation of the Fire Department records management system. The Budget also includes over $800,000 for capital improvements to parks and facilities, and proposes $95,000 to develop a master site plan for the 57-acre open space site known as Narco, located across the river from the Community Center. Mayor Tanner stated that he is proud of the solid foundation the City has laid over the past eight years, such as its investments in the downtown core, neighborhoods, street maintenance, fire stations, and parks. He indicated that each year there will be new challenges, and he highlighted a few major challenges as follows: Parks Maintenance Facility replacement, Boeing property infrastructure improvements, Cedar River Trail expansion, Heather Downs property development, North Highlands Community Center replacement, ball field lighting expansion, and technological investments. Although the region continues to be in a recession, Mayor Tanner expressed confidence that Renton's revenues will grow to meet its needs. He concluded by encouraging the Council and new Mayor to continue to be cautiously optimistic, and indicated that he is looking forward to providing a smooth transition of a City that is on the move and in sound financial condition. PUBLIC HEARING Police: 2003 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 2003 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG). Police Sergeant Mark Day explained that Renton has been pre-approved for a grant in the amount of $40,742, and the City is required to match approximately 10%, or $4,527. LLEBG funds have been used to fund the Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy program since 1996, and during its 2003 Budget deliberations, the Council agreed to continue providing the program with grant funds. Sergeant Day introduced Tina Harris, and stated that she was hired as the permanent Domestic Violence Court Advocate in April. Reporting that the Police Department responded to 1,582 domestic violence calls during the first nine months of 2003, Sergeant Day emphasized that domestic violence is a drain on the community and the need for victim advocacy is significant. In conclusion, he stated that the Renton Domestic Violence Task Force Advisory Committee recommended that the LLEBG funds continue to be November 3, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 390 used towards this victim advocacy program. Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, 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: ” Salmon are in the Cedar River and volunteer naturalists will be at the Renton Public Library and Riverview Park on November 8. Boeing employees restored the Living Together Along the Cedar River sign located on the Library Bridge, which depicts the life cycle of the Sockeye salmon. ” In late winter or early spring, the Parks Maintenance Division will be removing a number of Raywood Ash trees located on Park Ave. due to severe leaning and severe main stem cracks that will split-out during wet and windy weather. Letters were sent to affected residents. The trees not replaced will have the tree pits concreted. ” A caucus of the Suburban Cities Association (SCA) met with King County Executive Ron Sims on October 30, to discuss the proposal to charge approximately $7 million annual rent to the Cedar Hills Landfill. This rent money would be used to provide human services in King County. The SCA caucus indicated its opposition to using this solid waste funding for programs that have no connection with solid waste. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Giometti - Boeing Renton Site EIS Ray Giometti, 323 Pelly Ave. N., Renton, 98055, addressed the subject of the Boeing Renton site surplus property redevelopment. He stated that Boeing wants the City to grant zoning that would allow big-box retail development on both sides of Park Ave. N.; however, allowing this could impede future quality development on the land between Park Ave. N. and Logan Ave. N. He recommended that the City initially permit zoning for big-box development east of Park Ave. N. only, thus allowing better land use opportunities for property on the west side of Park Ave. N. Mr. Giometti cautioned that this is a complex issue that will be discussed for years to come, and he encouraged Council not to rush into making the decision to allow big-box retail on both sides of Park Ave. N. this early in the stages of development. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of October 27, 2003 Approval of Council meeting minutes of October 27, 2003. Council concur. City Clerk: Special Election Certification (Bales, Falk & Tydico Annexations) City Clerk submitted certified copy of the October 20, 2003, King County Council meeting minutes and the September 16, 2003, Special Election certification from King County Records and Elections stating the results of the special election for the Bales, Falk, and Tydico annexations. Bales Annexation: Proposed Annexation to the City of Renton - 4 votes for annexation, 0 votes against, PASSED; Assumption of Indebtedness - 4 "yes" votes, 0 "no" votes, PASSED; Proposed Zoning Regulation - 2 votes for adoption, 2 votes against, FAILED. Falk Annexation: Proposed Annexation to the City of Renton - 4 votes for annexation, 0 votes against, PASSED; Assumption of Indebtedness - 4 "yes" votes, 0 "no" votes, PASSED; Proposed November 3, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 391 Zoning Regulation - 4 votes for adoption, 0 votes against, PASSED. Tydico Annexation: Proposed Annexation to the City of Renton - 2 votes for annexation, 0 votes against, PASSED; Assumption of Indebtedness - 2 "yes" votes, 0 "no" votes, PASSED; Proposed Zoning Regulation - 2 votes for adoption, 0 votes against, PASSED. Information. Budget: 2004 Annual City of Renton Finance and Information Services Department recommended a public hearing be set on November 17, 2003, to consider the 2004 City of Renton Preliminary Budget. Council concur. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Annexation: Bales, SE 128th St MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL REFER THE SUBJECT OF THE PROPOSED ZONING REGULATION FOR THE BALES ANNEXATION TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED. OLD BUSINESS Committee of the Whole Comprehensive Plan: 2003 Amendments (Boeing & Frys) Council President Keolker-Wheeler presented a report recommending that a public hearing be set for November 17, 2003, to consider the Fry's Electronics Comprehensive Plan amendment and The Boeing Company Comprehensive Plan amendments and development agreement. MOVED BY KEOLKER- WHEELER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Planning & Development Committee Comprehensive Plan: Development Agreements (Dalpay, Tydico & Merlino) Planning and Development Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending that a public hearing be set on November 17, 2003, to consider the Dalpay, Tydico, and Merlino development agreements that are needed for the 2003 Comprehensive Plan amendments. 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 220343 - 220863 and two wire transfers totaling $3,619,002.43. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption: Ordinance #5023 Community Services: City Center Parking, Group Parking Fees An ordinance was read amending Section 5-1-6.B of Chapter 1, Fee Schedule, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations) of City Code by offering a reduced monthly rate to park in the City Center Parking garage, for groups of ten or more, for a minimum lease period. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. Ordinance #5024 Police: Animal Cruelty & Neglect Penalties An ordinance was read amending Sections 6-6-4 and 6-6-11 of Chapter 6, Animals and Fowl at Large, of Title VI (Police Regulations) of City Code by defining "animal," authorizing the forfeiture of an animal, and adopting RCW 16.52.085 to authorize the terms of the removal and restoration of an animal. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:30 p.m. November 3, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 392 Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann November 3, 2003