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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-04 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 15, 2004 Council Chambers Monday, 7:30 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kathy Keolker-Wheeler led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS DON PERSSON, Council President; RANDY CORMAN; TONI NELSON; DAN CLAWSON; DENIS LAW; TERRI BRIERE; MARCIE PALMER. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; ELAINE GREGORY, Fiscal Services Director; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, DEPUTY CHIEF GLEN GORDON and DEPUTY CHIEF ART LARSON, Fire Department; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; DEPUTY CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS School District: Renton High School Excellence in Education Grants Donald Custer, Renton High School Excellence in Education Boardmember, thanked the City for cooperation in support of programs not funded through education taxes, which promote traditions of excellence and enhanced educational processes for students. Excellence in Education Boardmembers Roxanne Hanson and Kathryn Hutchinson and Renton School Board President Marcie Maxwell presented grant awards as follows: Memoir project: Diane French - $241; World Literature, Mary Cushman - $100; Let’s Bind Together, Bill Tobias - $450; Read 180, Mary Washington - $400; Repair Kiln, Grimm/Whittredge - $500; English as Second Language, Alicia Miller - $500; Life Management, Melissa Davis - $300; Paper supplies, Linda Cavins - $250; US History, Rebecca Shepherd - $500; Fashion Club, Miss Sinclair - $250; FBLA, Leo Bullock - $300; Summer School Program, Tina Devery - $250; Talking Stick, Hilari Anderson - $200; Performing Arts Center, Shana Pennington-Baird – Tools; Leadership Camp, Alice Coleman - $250. Mr. Custer concluded by explaining traditions at Renton High School, including the recent success of the boys’ basketball team who finished fourth in the state tournament. Fire: Employee Recognition and Promotions Deputy Fire Chief Glen Gordon announced Fire Department employee accomplishments and promotions effective 3/16/2004, as follows: • Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief Lawrence Rude, promoted to Deputy Chief; • Captain Stan Engler, promoted to Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief; • Lieutenant Bob Van Horne, promoted to Captain; • Firefighter Shawn Mendenhall, promoted to Lieutenant. Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief Lawrence Rude presented the Employee of the Quarter for 2003 Administration/Training/Prevention (ATP) Division awards, which were decided by the recipients’ peers, as follows: • 1st quarter - Candice Francisco, Office Assistant II; • 2nd quarter - Corey Thomas, Fire Plans Reviewer III; • 3rd quarter - Eric Chapman, Hazardous Materials Specialist; March 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 78 • 4th quarter - Fire Chief Lee Wheeler. Deputy Fire Chief Art Larson presented awards for Firefighters of the Quarter and Firefighter of the Year for 2003, as follows: • lst quarter - Lieutenant Kris Weiland; • 2nd quarter - Lieutenant Mike Proulx; • 3rd quarter – Firefighter Roy Gunsolus; • 4th quarter - Firefighter Kurt Folsom; • Firefighter of the Year - Roy Gunsolus. Fire Chief Lee Wheeler presented a plaque to Deputy Chief Glen Gordon who is retiring after 33 ½ years of service in the Renton Fire Department. He explained how Deputy Gordon rose through the ranks, and praised his many accomplishments and contributions, including his work with the new Emergency Operations Center at Fire Station #12. Chief Wheeler expressed appreciation for Deputy Gordon’s commitment to the Fire Department and stated he would be missed. Deputy Chief Gordon accepted the plaque and stated that he felt honored to be with the City of Renton Fire Department for over 33 great years. He noted there had been many changes in the City and the Fire Department over the years, and with the current leadership and the firefighters, the City will continue to be happy with the level of service provided by the Department. . Council President Persson thanked Deputy Chief Gordon on behalf of the Council for his involvement in community programs, in addition to his many years of service as a firefighter. RECESS MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES. CARRIED. 8:01 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:13 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present. 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 2004 and beyond. Items noted included: ” The week of April 4-10 is the designated observance of Building Safety Week in the United States. Beginning in 1980, this event has had the same objective of promoting the use, enforcement, and understanding of building codes to safeguard the public. This year's theme is You Can Be a Part of Building Safety Week. The International Code Council Foundation sponsors this event and works with communities around the world to promote the importance of building codes to public safety. ” Puget Sound Access (PSA) hosted a public open house this weekend that showcased the new South County community access cable television studio located in Kent. PSA is a non-profit organization created to bring communication tools to south King County residents. It offers training workshops in video production and coordinates programming to be accessed on Cable Channel 77 in south King County. Residents of the member cities of Auburn, Burien, Kent, Renton, SeaTac, and Tukwila are encouraged to tour the new studio and visit the editing suites and meeting rooms available for their use. For more information, visit PSA’s website at March 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 79 www.pugetsoundaccess.com. ” More than 60 King County Metro vanpools commuting each weekday to and from the Renton area are in need of new riders. Vanpools travel between Renton and the south end, the eastside, and other areas, and are a less stressful, more cost effective commute alternative to driving alone. For more information, interested parties should contact the Rideshare Hotline at 1-888-814-1300 (TTY users 206-684-1855) or online at www.rideshareonline.com. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Neyhart - Business Licenses, Apartment Owners Doug Neyhart, 315 Seneca St., Seattle, 98101, stated he is a Boardmember of the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, and has been a rental-housing owner in Renton since 1971. He explained that he recently received a letter from the City and was appalled at being required to obtain state and city business licenses for rental housing, and to report any hours that he works on his building. He added that the letter stated he would be subject to code enforcement for failing to comply. Mr. Neyhart said his research reveals the state does not require rental-housing owners to obtain business licenses, and that due to the high vacancy rates, such a requirement would be a hardship at this time. He asked the Council to rescind the letter. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington explained that not all information regarding the letter and apparent expansion on City requirements was initially available. He stated that the Administration plans to review any difference with state law to see if changes should be made to City Code. He added it is the City’s intent to ensure that legitimate businesses comply with City Code, but whether rental properties constitute a business remains to be determined. Mr. Covington explained that the two-week time line for compliance would not be applicable at this time. City Attorney Lawrence Warren advised that he would be providing a formal legal opinion on the matter for the Mayor and Council within the next week. Citizen Comment: Smith - Business Licenses, Apartment Owners Gregg Smith, 13715 SE 23rd Lane, Bellevue, 98005, agreed with the comments made by Mr. Neyhart, stating that he is appalled by the City’s actions. He added that property values are affected because expenses further reduce revenues. Mr. Smith explained that through his research efforts, he learned the City of Seattle does not require a business license for rental properties. He concluded by stating that the license requirement creates an administrative burden for apartment owners and for the City, and asked that the requirement be repealed. Citizen Comment: Nolten - Business Licenses, Apartment Owners Ronald Nolten, 16825 160th Ct. SE, Renton, 98058, stated he owns tri-plexes in Renton and was stunned by the letter, so had asked for a copy of the ordinance. He questioned why individually owned properties were not being included in this requirement. Citizen Comment: Hildebrand - Business Licenses, Apartment Owners Jennifer Hildebrand, Associate Executive Director of the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, 917 243rd Pl. SE, Sammamish, 98075, stated she heard from about 30 members of their organization who are property owners concerned about the business license requirement. Ms. Hildebrand offered to work with the Council and the City to resolve the issue. Councilmember Law inquired whether a letter should be sent to the 189 recipients of the original notice advising them of a two-week delay in determining the status of the requirement. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler assured that the matter would be investigated immediately to determine the appropriate course of action. March 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 80 CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of March 8, 2004 Approval of Council meeting minutes of March 8, 2004. Council concur. Finance: Compliance Audits, Vendor/Concessionaire Contracts Finance and Information Services Department requested a briefing on the compliance audits conducted on the Cedar River Café (Espresso Stand), City Scene Café, Ivar's and Kidd Valley Restaurants, Cascade Canoe and Kayak, and Insignia Kidder Mathews vendor/concessionaire contracts. Refer to Finance Committee. SAD: Highlands Redevelopment Area Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a funding proposal to finance the construction of major water main improvements in the Highlands Redevelopment area, and requested authorization to proceed with development of the special assessment district. The City's cost share is $500,000. Refer to Utilities Committee. Public Works: Cedar River Section 205 Flood Damage Reduction 2004 Monitoring Plan, Golder Associates Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a consultant agreement in the amount of $103,823.94 with Golder Associates, Inc. to implement the 2004 Monitoring Plan for the Cedar River Section 205 Flood Damage Reduction Project. Council concur. Council President Persson explained that the flood damage reduction project for the Cedar River is required for another three years by the Corps of Engineers, as a result of dredging. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. CORRESPONDENCE Citizen Comment: Gerspach – Sewer Service Connection Request for Property Outside City Limits Correspondence was read from Michael J. Gerspach, 33102 East Lake Holm Dr. SE, Auburn, 98092, requesting connection to Renton's sewer for his property located outside the City limits at 14713 SE 116th St., Renton, 98059. Councilman Clawson stated that this is a routine request and staff has recommended approval, since it is for one new home on an existing lot in the sewer service area where there is a nearby main, and that a covenant to annex and a development standards form will be obtained. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR SEWER CONNECTION FOR THE GERSPACH PARCEL. CARRIED. Citizen Comment: Thrasher – Renton Ave S Traffic Safety Correspondence was read from Lynn and Marian Thrasher, 904 Grant Ave. S., Renton, 98055, regarding traffic flow and safety issues on Renton Ave. S. from S. 3rd to S. 7th Streets, indicating that the current road configuration does not adequately serve the growing Renton Hill community. The Thrashers suggested restricting parking along the street as a way of improving traffic safety. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler explained that the issue of traffic safety on Renton Ave. S. was brought to her attention, and is currently being addressed by staff. Added CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence was read from Ruth Larson, President of the Renton Hill Community Association, 714 High Ave. S., Renton, 98055, stating that Renton March 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 81 Citizen Comment: Larson – Renton Ave S Traffic Safety Ave. S. is the main access to Renton Hill, and that it is an old narrow street with parking on the east side only for homes with no or small garages. She suggested options to solve some of the traffic problems, including the City buying some of the houses, removing planting strips, buying property for a true two-lane street, or painting a red “no parking zone” in certain areas. She asked that Council consider some of the options offered. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Added CORRESPONDENCE Citizen Comment: Collins - Renton Ave S Traffic Safety Correspondence was read from Mr. and Mrs. William Collins, 420 Cedar Ave. S., Renton 98055, addressing safety concerns on Renton Ave. S. Mr. and Mrs. Collins stated there is no valid reason to exclude parking on the east side of Renton Ave. S. between S. 3rd and S. 7th St., and they asked that the signs be removed. They also asked Council to consider painting curbs red at certain areas and painting crosswalks at S. 7th and at S. 3rd St. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) COMMITTEE. CARRIED. OLD BUSINESS Committee of the Whole King County: Mitigation Fund Use (Wastewater Treatment Plant), Transportation Projects Council President Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding King County mitigation funds. The City entered into an agreement with King County for the South Plant (Wastewater Treatment Plant) electrical cogeneration project. The agreement brought $2,216,000 in mitigation funds to be split between four known transportation capital projects and one City capital project (to be determined). The Committee of the Whole recommended the following transportation capital projects for placement of the funding: SR 169 (Phase I) $1,200,000 into account #317.012175 Benson Road Pedestrian $150,000 into account #317.012309 Walkway Program (Highlands sidewalks) $166,000 into account #317.000009 Arterial Rehabilitation (Overlay Edmonds Ave.) $200,000 into account #317.012186 The remaining $500,000 will be put into a King County Mitigation Reserve account. This account must be a capital project account and can be moved to any citywide capital project account designated. The current account indicated is a placeholder account only. King County Mitigation Reserve $500,000 into account #317.012310 MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption: Ordinance #5064 Annexation: Bales, SE 128th St & SE 130th St An ordinance was read annexing contiguous unincorporated territory known as the Bales Annexation (8.52 acres generally bounded by NE 4th St., SE 130th St., 155th Ave. SE, and 152nd Ave. SE), by the election method, setting the taxation rate, and fixing the effective date of the annexation. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE March 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 82 AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. Ordinance #5065 Annexation: Bales, R-1 Zoning An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification of R-1 (Residential - one dwelling unit per net acre) for the Bales Annexation, consisting of 8.52 acres generally bounded by NE 4th St., SE 130th St., 155th Ave. SE, and 152nd Ave. SE. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Parks: May Creek Trail, Boy Scout Project Councilmember Corman reported receipt of an e-mail from a Boy Scout troop leader requesting assistance with an Eagle Scout project to clear part of a trail in the May Creek area originally in the King County parks system. Because the trail is now in Renton’s jurisdiction, Councilman Corman asked the Administration to contact the scout to determine if the restoration project could be completed. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 15-20 MINUTES TO DISCUSS LITIGATION WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 8:46 p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk Recorder: Suzann Lombard March 15, 2004