HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-04
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
April 19, 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; MARCIE PALMER; TERRI BRIERE;
DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON; TONI NELSON; RANDY CORMAN.
(Councilman Corman left at 8:26 p.m.)
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief
Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney;
BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN,
Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; JASON JORDAN, Senior
Planner; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; DON
ERICKSON, Senior Planner; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director;
VICTORIA RUNKLE, Finance and Information Services Administrator;
ELAINE GREGORY, Fiscal Services Director; MIKE WEBBY, Human
Resources Administrator; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF
GARRY ANDERSON, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Community Services: City Art
Collection
Sylvia Allen, Recreation Director and Municipal Arts Commission staff liaison,
stated that she conducted an inventory of the City's art collection and learned
that the City has over 100 pieces of art. She grouped the art into two categories
- wall art (approximately 65 paintings at City Hall) and public art (everything
except the paintings). She displayed photographs of all the art pieces in the
public art category, describing each piece of artwork and its location. For many
of the pieces, she gave a brief overview of the artist and how the artwork
became part of the City's collection.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Allen stated that a brochure is available that
identifies the location of the public artwork, she is working on a book on this
subject that will be available at the Renton library, and the information will
soon be posted on the City's website.
Finance: 2002 CAFR Award Victoria Runkle, Finance and Information Services Administrator, explained
that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is a summation of the
City's financial records for the end of the year. The financial records are
audited by the State, and are given to the Government Finance Officers
Association to review and analyze to make sure that the records are comparable
to other cities of similar size. She stated that the CAFR is completed every
year, and every year the City receives an award.
Ms. Runkle presented Fiscal Services Director Elaine Gregory with an award,
and Ms. Gregory stated that the CAFR represents an extraordinary amount of
work that is put together all year long by the accounting staff. She expressed
her appreciation to staff, saying they take great pride in the accuracy of the data.
She also thanked Ms. Runkle for her day-to-day guidance and inspiration.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Development Services: City
Center Area Roof Signs
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Keolker-Wheeler opened the
public hearing to consider a City Code amendment to allow roof signs within
the City Center area subject to an administrative modification.
Jason Jordan, Senior Planner, explained that the City Code currently specifies a
April 19, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 116
list of prohibited signs, or those which are specifically not allowed throughout
the City. Outside the City Center area, the sign code regulations allow
prohibited signs subject to an administrative modification; however, within the
City Center area, the modification criterion prevents the allowance of prohibited
signs.
Mr. Jordan pointed out that the newly remodeled Pavilion Building was
designed with a support structure intended to display hanging banners on its
southern facade. He explained that this type of sign is categorized as a roof
sign, and as a result of the prohibition, the City cannot place any sign text into
the sign support structure. Therefore, staff recommends amending the City
Center sign regulations to allow prohibited signs in the City Center area subject
to the granting of a modification by the Development Services Division
Director. The modification must take into account the City's Comprehensive
Plan, precedence setting, and neighborhood impacts.
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC
HEARING. CARRIED.
Stating that the matter was reviewed in Planning and Development Committee,
Councilwoman Briere noted that the amendment does not drastically change
anything and there are still limits as to the types of signs allowed. (See page
120 for ordinance.)
Annexation: Johnson, 142nd
Ave SE
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Keolker-Wheeler opened the
public hearing to consider the 60% Direct Petition to annex and R-8 prezoning
for the proposed 18.24-acre Johnson Annexation located between 142nd Ave.
SE and 144th Ave. SE, if extended, south of NE 9th St., if extended, to a line
approximately 110 feet south of SE 121st St.
Don Erickson, Senior Planner, reported that the signatures on the petition were
certified by King County on March 3, 2004. He described the location and
existing conditions of the site, noting the existence of eight single-family
dwellings. The site slopes from west to east, a wetland is located near the
southeast corner, and Honey Creek flows north beyond the eastern edge of the
site. Reviewing the public services, Mr. Erickson noted that the site is served
by Fire District #25 and the Renton School District, and is within the Renton
water and sewer utility service area.
Continuing, Mr. Erickson stated that the site's zoning under King County is R-4
(four units per gross acre). Renton's Comprehensive Plan designates this area
Residential Single Family, for which R-8 (eight units per net acre) zoning is
proposed. Regarding the fiscal impact of the proposed annexation, he indicated
that the City will realize a $44 surplus at full development, assuming an
increase to 106 single-family homes and an assessed home value of $300,000.
There is an estimated one-time parks acquisition and development cost of
$60,743.
Mr. Erickson concluded that the proposed annexation is within the best interests
and general welfare of the City, and is consistent with City policies. He noted
that the Surface Water Division indicated some potential flooding in the area,
suggesting mitigation with future development.
Public comment was invited.
Eleanor Bagley, 11860 142nd Ave. SE, Renton, 98059, expressed concern
April 19, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 117
regarding the increase in traffic caused by development and inquired as to what
provisions have been made to address this problem. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler
explained that this public hearing addresses the proposed annexation and
zoning; however, there will be opportunity to comment on any development
proposals in the future. She asked that Ms. Bagley be made a party of record on
upcoming development proposals.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ACCEPT
THE 60% DIRECT PETITION TO ANNEX FOR THE JOHNSON
ANNEXATION AND AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUBMIT
THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO ANNEX PACKAGE TO THE
WASHINGTON STATE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD FOR KING
COUNTY. 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 2004 and beyond. Items noted included:
Flowers, fruits, vegetables, arts, crafts and the dedication of a new 25-foot
tree in honor of National Arbor Day will be the focus of the Spring Festival
at the Piazza on April 24th.
Over the past two weeks, the Airport office has received several noise
complaints between the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. concerning
helicopter operations around neighborhoods in South Seattle and Mercer
Island. These operations are associated with Boeing Field International.
Local and Federal law enforcement agencies have increased operations in
particular areas around Seattle, utilizing helicopters for survey and
surveillance.
A Level 3 sex offender community notification meeting will be held at the
Renton Community Center on April 22nd. Minor children should not
attend due to the dissemination of graphic information.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus -
Highlands Community
Association
Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) President, 1137
Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, reported that Spencer Orman, City of
Renton Solid Waste Program Specialist, will speak on the topics of organic
gardening and recycle day at the HCA meeting on April 22nd.
Citizen Comment: O'Halloran -
City Art Collection
Mike O'Halloran, Municipal Arts Commission Chair, 4420 SE 4th St., Renton,
98059, thanked Recreation Director Sylvia Allen and her staff for conducting
the City art collection inventory project. He noted that Municipal Arts
Commission members also contributed time to this project.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
April 12, 2004
Approval of Council meeting minutes of April 12, 2004. Council concur.
Latecomer Agreement:
Wharton, Sewer Extension (SE
122nd St), LA-04-001
City Clerk submitted request from Glenn Wharton, 17638 SE 196th Dr.,
Renton, 98058, for a latecomer agreement for sewer extension to serve property
at 14035 SE 122nd St. Refer to Utilities Committee.
EDNSP: 2004 Neighborhood
Grant Program
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended approval to fund five projects and three newsletters totaling
April 19, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 118
$9,587.69 (including a contingency fund of $959) through its 2004
Neighborhood Grant Program. Refer to Community Services Committee.
Planning: Big-Box Retail Uses
Design Guidelines
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
proposed requiring design guidelines to improve the aesthetics and appearance
of big-box retail uses located north and west of I-405. Refer to Planning
Commission and Planning and Development Committee.
Annexation: Maplewood East,
SE 134th St & 156th Ave SE
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
submitted 10% Notice of Intent to annex petition for the proposed Maplewood
East Annexation, 26.14 acres bounded by SE 134th St., 156th Ave. SE, 152nd
Ave. SE, and SE 136th St., and recommended a public meeting be set on
5/03/2004 to consider the petition. Council concur.
Annexation: Merritt II, 100th
Pl SE & Lyons Ave NE
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended a public hearing be set on 5/03/2004 to consider the 50% Direct
Petition to annex for the proposed Merritt II Annexation; 20.6 acres located
north of 100th Pl. SE and west of Lyons Ave. NE. Council concur.
Fire: Office Assistant III
Position
Fire Department requested authorization to replace the existing non-regular
Database Systems Technician intern position with a full-time limited term
Office Assistant III position, term to end 12/31/2005. Annual expenditure is
$36,231.69. Refer to Finance Committee.
CAG: 03-116, Grady Way
S/Rainier Ave S Pavement
Rehab, Gary Merlino Const Co
Transportation Systems Division submitted CAG-03-116, S. Grady Way and
Rainier Ave. S. Pavement Rehabilitation; and requested approval of the project,
authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $2,490, commencement of
60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $19,934.94 to Gary
Merlino Construction Company, contractor, if all required releases are obtained.
Council concur.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
Community Services: Henry
Moses Aquatic Center Rules
and Fees
Council President Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report
recommending approval of the rules and fee schedule for the Henry Moses
Aquatic Center. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance
regarding this matter be presented for first and second reading. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 120 for ordinance.)
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
Transportation: Maple Valley
Hwy/SE 11th St Traffic Safety
Concerns
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding
the Maple Valley Hwy. and SE 11th St. traffic safety concerns. The Committee
recommended Council authorize the Administration to perform the following
tasks to improve the traffic safety on SE 11th St. west of the intersection of
130th Ave. SE:
1. Remove the stand of poplar trees on the curve of SE 11th St. west of 130th
Ave. SE. The trees are on the public right-of-way, at the edge of pavement
obscuring sight distance, making an unsafe condition for both vehicles and
pedestrians.
2. Provide a safe route for pedestrians by installing an asphalt walkway along
the curve on SE 11th St.
3. Inquire as to the feasibility of acquiring the King County right-of-way
connecting Shelton Ave. NE and SE 151st St. This right-of-way provided a
safe pedestrian connection between SE 11th St. and 130th Ave. SE before
the abutting property owner closed off access. King County was informed
April 19, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 119
of the problem by the neighborhood but chose not to pursue the issue.*
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler noted for the record that Councilman Corman left the
meeting midway through the reading of the committee report. (He did not
participate in any further action.) Time: 8:26 p.m.
*MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN
THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Airport: FAA Lease, Control
Tower Building
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the lease
agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for the lease of the
Airport's air traffic control tower building located at 616 W. Perimeter Rd.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN
THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development
Committee
Vacation: Alley between
Williams & Wells Aves S,
Savren Service Corp, VAC-03-
002
Planning and Development Committee Chair Briere presented a report
regarding the Savren Street Vacation (VAC-03-002). Council approved this
vacation petition subject to the condition that the petitioner provide public
access to the remaining alley across the petitioner's property through a public
access easement. The Committee recommended concurrence in the
recommendation of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that
Council amend its original approval so that the vacation petition is approved
subject to the condition that the petitioner provide public access to the
remaining alley across the petitioner's property through a right-of-way
dedication.
Furthermore, the Committee recommended concurrence in the recommendation
of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department that Council accept the
appraisal for the portion of the City alley, accept the appraisal for the 24-foot
access easement to be dedicated as right-of-way instead of an easement, set
compensation at $3,400 for the Savren Street Vacation, and accept the
dedication in lieu of a part of the cash compensation that would be paid for the
street vacation. Since City Code calls for the difference between the appraised
values of $3,400 to be paid to the petitioner, the monies due the City from the
petitioner would be zero. Accordingly, the monies due the petitioner from the
City would also be zero. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Budget: 2004 Adjustments
Finance Committee Vice Chair Law presented a report recommending adoption
of the ordinance increasing the 2004 Budget for various funds, and adding three
General Fund positions in the Fire, Finance and Information Services, and Court
Departments. There will also be 1.5 positions added to the Airport Fund. The
ordinance appropriates $9,400,000; of this total $225,000 for the REACT
(Renton Enhanced Abatement and Code Enforcement Team) and RENSTAT
(Renton Statistics) programs will be held in reserve until the Council and Mayor
have fully defined these new programs. The Committee further recommended
that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED
BY LAW, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.)
ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 4/26/2004 for second and final reading:
Development Services: City
Center Area Roof Signs
An ordinance was read amending Section 4-4-100.H.9.b of Chapter 4, Citywide
Property Development Standards, of Title IV (Development Regulations) of
City Code to allow roof signs within the City Center Sign Regulations Area
April 19, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 120
subject to an administrative modification. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED
BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING ON 4/26/2004. CARRIED.
Budget: 2004 Adjustments An ordinance was read increasing the 2004 Budget for various funds in the total
amount of $9,400,000, increasing the total number of positions in 2004, and
increasing the City's reserves. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON,
COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL
READING ON 4/26/2004.*
Finance and Information Services Administrator Victoria Runkle confirmed that
language in the ordinance will be revised to reflect the placement of the
$225,000 in reserve for the REACT and RENSTAT programs, as stated in the
Finance Committee report, as well as the change in position counts.
Councilman Clawson noted that it is not clear if funding will be available for
the REACT and RENSTAT programs, thus more information is being sought.
*MOTION CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and advanced for
second and final reading:
Community Services: Henry
Moses Aquatic Center Fees
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 5-1, Fee Schedule, of Title V
(Finance and Business Regulations) of City Code by setting the Henry Moses
Aquatic Center admission fees. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
NELSON, COUNCIL ADVANCE THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5067
Community Services: Henry
Moses Aquatic Center Fees
Following second and final reading of the above-referenced ordinance, it was
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT
THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5068
Annexation: Stoneridge, 148th
Ave SE & NE Sunset Blvd
An ordinance was read annexing approximately 28.2 acres located west of
148th Ave. SE and north of NE Sunset Blvd. (Stoneridge Annexation).
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT
THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5069
Annexation: Stoneridge, R-5
Zoning
An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification of approximately
28.2 acres located west of 148th Ave. SE and north of NE Sunset Blvd. annexed
within the City of Renton from R-4 (Urban Residential - four dwelling units per
acre; King County zoning) to R-5 (Residential - five dwelling units per acre);
Stoneridge Annexation. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5070
Budget: 2003 Carry Forward
Ordinance
An ordinance was read increasing the 2004 Budget for various funds in the total
amount of $12,432,700 for the purpose of meeting 2003 obligations in 2004.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
School District: Career & Life
Skills Poster Contest
Council President Persson presented Mayor Keolker-Wheeler with a framed
poster from the Renton School District, designed by student Gillian Grimsrud
who won the annual Career and Life Skills poster contest. Mayor Keolker-
Wheeler noted that she participated as a contest judge.
Fire: Emergency Assistance Councilwoman Briere thanked the Renton firefighters who provided assistance
April 19, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 121
Appreciation to her mother last Saturday.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
AND ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL RECESS INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO
DISCUSS TWO LITIGATION MATTERS AND ONE PROPERTY
ACQUISITION MATTER WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN
AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 8:45 p.m.
Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive
session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
April 19, 2004