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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-04 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting May 24, 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 called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 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; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, Fire Department, COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. PROCLAMATION Native Plant Appreciation Week - May 24 to 30, 2004 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker-Wheeler was read declaring the week of May 24 to 30, 2004, to be "Native Plant Appreciation Week" in the City of Renton, encouraging all citizens to learn more about native plants and how to protect them, and to enjoy and appreciate the native flora's value and beauty. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING Human Services: 2002 & 2004 CDBG Funds Reallocation and Award 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 cancellation and reallocation of 2002 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) capital funds and the award of unallocated 2004 CDBG capital funds. Karen Bergsvik, Human Services Manager, stated that the Human Services Advisory Committee and City staff recommends canceling 2002 CDBG funds in the amount of $71,733 to ElderHealth Northwest, and reallocating these funds to The Salvation Army Renton Food Bank and Social Services Center for construction of the food bank. The food bank was the only Renton project that met the criteria for the reallocation of funds. Ms. Bergsvik explained that Elderhealth Northwest declined the funds, which were to be used to improve an adult day health center facility, because the facility's lease was not renewed. In regard to the food bank, Ms. Bergsvik reported that the environmental review is complete, the conditional use permit has been granted, and the ground breaking is scheduled for September, 2004. She indicated that staff and the advisory committee recommend that the $55,000 allocated to the food bank in 2002 be canceled, and rolled into the 2003 allocation, which totaled $30,360. Pointing out that this amounts to a total allocation of $157,093 in Renton CDBG capital funds, Ms. Bergsvik stated that King County has also allocated an additional $101,894 in CDBG capital funds for this project. Continuing, Ms. Bergsvik stated that the Human Services Advisory Committee and staff also recommend that $15,000 in 2004 unallocated CDBG capital funds be awarded to ParkView Group Homes. The funds will go towards an emergency repair to connect a group home to the City's sewer system. Ms. May 24, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 172 Bergsvik concluded by saying that $35,300 still remain in 2004 CDBG unallocated capital funds. In response to Councilman Clawson's inquiry regarding the funding for the new food bank, Ms. Bergsvik explained that the food bank needs 70% of the $1.4 million estimated cost to break ground. Once that funding level is achieved, the food bank can then raise the additional 30% via a public campaign. Responding to Council President Person's question regarding the remaining unallocated 2004 CDBG capital funds, Ms. Bergsvik stated that the plan is to roll the funds into the 2005 funding allocation process, which starts next month. She confirmed that the remaining 2004 unallocated funds must be used for capital projects, with the exception of employment programs, which can be funded with capital dollars. Public comment was invited. Christine Giffey-Brohaugh, 4615 NE 22nd Pl., Renton, 98056, representing The Salvation Army, expressed her excitement at being so close to building the new food bank. She stated her appreciation for the consideration of the funding allocation to the food bank, and for the community's support towards this effort. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL SUSPEND THE RULES AND ADVANCE TO ITEM 10.b. (Community Services Committee report). CARRIED. Community Services Committee Human Services: 2002 & 2004 CDBG Funds Reallocation and Award Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the cancellation and reallocation of 2002 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) capital projects, and allocation of unallocated 2004 capital funds. The Committee recommended concurrence in the staff and Human Services Advisory Committee recommendations that the following actions for 2002 and 2004 capital CDBG funds be implemented: • Cancel $71,733 awarded to ElderHealth Northwest in 2002. • Reallocate the $71,733 to The Salvation Army Renton Food Bank and Social Services Center for construction costs. • Cancel the $55,000 awarded to The Salvation Army Renton Food Bank and Social Services Center Food Bank in 2002 for refrigerators and freezers, and consolidate those funds into the 2003 project award of $30,360 for construction so funding can be administered under one contract. • Award $15,000 of the 2004 CDBG unallocated capital funds to Parkview Group Homes to connect the house at 2509 Edmonds Ave. NE to the City sewer. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilwoman Nelson expressed her appreciation to the Rotarians who donated $100,000 towards the food bank project. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler added that she is proud of the many community partnerships that are formed among different agencies, organizations, and individuals. APPEAL Planning & Development Councilwoman Briere announced that the 1800 Jones Ave. Short Plat appeal will be held in Planning and Development Committee for further deliberation May 24, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 173 Committee Appeal: 1800 Jones Ave Short Plat, Kinzer & Lunsford, SHP- 03-095 on June 3rd. The Committee plans to present its report at the June 7th Council meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Fire: Olympic Pipeline Leak Olympic Pipe Line Company representative Bill Kidd, 521 236th St. NW, Stanwood, 98292, reported on the pipeline leak that occurred on May 23rd. He began by expressing the company's appreciation to all those who responded to this incident. Mr. Kidd said the company is working with the Renton Fire Department and various agencies to determine the cause of the fire, and to formulate a plan for restarting the pipeline. He estimated that the pipeline will be restarted late tomorrow night. Mr. Kidd explained that the gasoline leak occurred in a small half-inch stainless steel tubing that is attached to the main pipeline. The small hole was apparently caused by an electrical conduit rubbing on the tubing. He reported that crews are checking equipment in the area to make sure that it is safe to bring it back into service. Maintenance work is being performed, as well as environmental investigation and cleanup. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated she was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred, and expressed her pleasure with how responding personnel handled the situation. She clarified that this situation is much different than the pipeline leak that occurred in Bellingham in 1999. In response to Council inquiries, Mr. Kidd stated that the half-inch line is not pressure tested, nor does it undergo smart pig internal inspection tests. He explained that the 16-inch pipeline is located about three feet underground, and the half-inch tubing is between a valve on the 16-inch pipeline and a valve that is above the ground. The leak developed between those two valves. Mr. Kidd advised that all such connections along the Olympic pipeline are being checked. Regarding the amount of time it took to stop the leak, Mr. Kidd explained it was due to the close proximity of the leak to the block valve, and the need to bleed off the pressure in the pipeline. In response to Councilman Clawson's inquiry, Fire Chief Lee Wheeler confirmed that there is a mechanism in place for the City to recover the costs it incurred as a result of this incident. Chief Wheeler reported that the Renton Fire Department responded to the incident at the Olympic Pipe Line facility at 2317 Lind Ave. SW at 8:00 a.m. Additional fire crews were called, and the City's Emergency Coordination Center was activated at 12:00 p.m. at Fire Station #14. After the initial leak was stopped at 3:45 p.m., a secondary leak was found. That leak was capped at 5:35 p.m. Chief Wheeler reviewed the various firefighting units that responded, as well as the various responding agencies such as the State Department of Ecology and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Chief Wheeler estimated that City of Renton equipment and personnel costs are approximately $50,000, and said the estimated total costs for public agencies responding to this incident is approximately $100,000. He stated that over 70 fire personnel, 22 City of Renton staff members, and officials from various agencies participated in the response. Continuing, Chief Wheeler reported that currently both the 20-inch and 16-inch pipelines operated by Olympic Pipe Line Company are shut down and will remain that way until necessary repairs are made. He stated that the Fire May 24, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 174 Department is involved in the decision making process that will ultimately allow the pipeline to resume operation. The company is working on repairing and testing the damaged equipment, and investigating the environmental impacts to soil, ground water, and surface water. In conclusion, Chief Wheeler described the services the Fire Department will provide such as monitoring, investigating the cause, agency coordination, and over-seeing environmental investigation and remediation activities. He complimented Olympic Pipe Line Company's handling of the situation, and thanked neighboring jurisdictions for the assistance they provided. EDNSP: Television News Feature on Renton Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reported that a story about Renton was featured on the Q13 Fox News This Morning television program last week. The segment was then replayed for the Council and public. Topics such as Renton's downtown development, downtown area events and activities, and the surplus of Boeing property were addressed. Mr. Covington continued with the written administrative report that summarizes 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 Association of Washington Cities will present the City of Renton with two Certificates of Achievement, one for the 2004 Renton Community Calendar and the other for the Veterans Memorial Park project. ” The Regional Transportation Investment District Executive Board has decided not to put a package of regional transportation projects, and tax increases to pay for them, on the November 2004 ballot. It is not yet clear what steps will be taken regarding a possible ballot measure in 2005. ” On May 20th, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) experienced an underground power outage on the Earlington 15 grid that affected 20 commercial customers around the S. Grady Way and Rainier Ave. S. intersection. This outage also affected the traffic signal at Grady and Rainier. A bad underground cable was found to be at fault, and PSE is conducting further investigations to determine whether additional follow-up actions are required. Public Works: Power Outage Responding to Councilwoman Nelson's inquiry, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman stated that the Earlington 15 grid was not the same grid that caused some power outages last year. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: DeMastus - Speed Hump Installation at Highlands Elementary School Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) President, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, stated that the HCA Board is concerned about the safety of students attending Highlands Elementary School, as automobiles regularly exceed the posted speed limit on NE 7th St. and Harrington Ave. NE during school hours. She relayed the Board's request for the installation of 25-miles-per-hour speed humps on these streets. Acknowledging the City's reluctance to initiate this kind of traffic control, Ms. DeMastus pointed out that the City of Bellevue has established specific guidelines for the use of speed humps in residential and school areas. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated that staff will consider HCA's request for this type of traffic control measure as part of the City's traffic calming process which was adopted by Council on August 5, 2002. May 24, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 175 Additionally, Ms. DeMastus announced that a briefing on safety issues related to the Olympic pipeline will take place at the HCA meeting on May 27th. Citizen Comment: Larson- Kinzer - Jones Ave Short Plat Appeal, Comprehensive Plan Revision Process Sue Larson-Kinzer, 1733 NE 20th St., Renton, 98056, stated that regardless of the outcome of the Jones Ave. Short Plat appeal, she appreciates the time and energy the Hearing Examiner has spent on the matter, and the assistance provided by a former Development Services Division planner. Ms. Larson- Kinzer stated that she is aware that the City is revising its Comprehensive Plan, and asked for more information about the process. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler asked staff to forward the Comprehensive Plan review process schedule to Ms. Larson-Kinzer. She noted that Council is briefed on the matter monthly at a Committee of the Whole meeting, and the Planning Commission addresses it at almost every meeting. CAO Covington added that she is welcome to address comments regarding the Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission, as the commission makes recommendations to Council. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2004 Approval of Council meeting minutes of May 17, 2004. Council concur. Development Services: Sierra Homes Short Plat, ROW Dedication at NE 5th Pl Development Services Division recommended acceptance of dedication of a 15- foot radius of right-of-way at the corner of NE 5th Pl. and Index Pl. NE to fulfill a requirement of the Sierra Homes Short Plat (SHP-03-111). Council concur. Plat: Renton Place Division III, Maple Ave NW, FP-04-032 Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Renton Place Division III Final Plat; 11 single-family lots on 1.49 acres located in the vicinity of Maple Ave. NW, Lind Ave. NW, and NW 3rd St. (FP-04- 032). Council concur. (See page 176 for resolution.) Plat: Jacques NE 24th St, FP- 04-019 Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Jacques NE 24th St. Final Plat; 11 single-family lots on 1.78 acres located at NE 24th St. and Camas Ave. NE (FP-04-019). Council concur. (See page 176 for resolution.) Plat: Heritage Glen, NE 20th St, PP-03-044 Hearing Examiner recommends approval, with conditions, of the Heritage Glen Preliminary Plat; 37 single-family lots on 6.38 acres located at 1832 - 2008 NE 20th St. (PP-03-044). Council concur. Human Resources: Business Systems Analyst, Grade a23 Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval to establish the grade of a23 for the new Business Systems Analyst position (approved via Ordinance 5072); Grade a23 monthly salary range is $4,318 - $5,258. Council concur. Legal: Making False Statement Clarification, Interference Reference Removal Legal Division recommended adoption of an ordinance that clarifies the crime of making a false or misleading statement, removes the reference to the crime of interference, and adds related definitions in City Code. Refer to Public Safety Committee. Airport: Sound Flight Operating Permit & Agreement Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an operating permit and agreement with Sound Flight, Inc. to operate an on-demand charter service at the Airport. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. SAD: East Kennydale Sanitary Utility Systems Division requested approval of final costs for East Kennydale May 24, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 176 Sewer Infill Phase II Sanitary Sewer Infill Phase II Special Assessment District for sanitary sewer service to properties adjacent to Edmonds Ave. NE, NE 20th through NE 23rd Streets, NE 25th St., Glenwood Ave. NE, and Harrington Pl. NE (SAD-03-001). Refer to Utilities Committee. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole AJLS: Title III (Departments) City Code Revision Council President Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report concurring in the staff recommendation to amend City Code Title III, Departments, in its entirety; and related Section 1-4-3 of Chapter 4, Mayor, of Title I, and Section 5-3-2 of Chapter 5, Salaries, of Title V, in order to establish the current City departments, the Mayoral authority to appoint City officers, and the City Council confirmation requirements. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 177 for ordinance.) Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 226663 - 227152 and two wire transfers totaling $2,230,569.26; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 50537 - 50785, one wire transfer and 576 direct deposits totaling $1,798,736.57. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Development Services: Wireless Communication Facilities, VoiceStream Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the VoiceStream PCS III Corporation master use agreement with the City of Renton to install wireless communication facilities within the City of Renton right-of- way. Conduit and cable will be installed underground using conventional trenching, horizontal boring, and directional drilling methods. This master use agreement between the City and VoiceStream PCS III Corporation is for a period of ten years. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the master use agreement. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: Resolution #3692 Plat: Renton Place Division III, Maple Ave NW, FP-04-032 A resolution was read approving the Renton Place Division III Final Plat consisting of approximately 1.49 acres located in the vicinity of Maple Ave. NW, Lind Ave. NW, and NW 3rd St. (FP-04-032). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3693 Plat: Jacques NE 24th St, FP- 04-019 A resolution was read approving the Jacques NE 24th St. Final Plat consisting of 1.78 acres located in the vicinity of Camas Ave. NE and NE 24th St. (FP-04- 019). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 6/07/2004 for second and final reading: AJLS: Title III (Departments) City Code Revision An ordinance was read amending Section 1-4-3 of Chapter 4, Mayor, of Title I (Administrative); Title III (Departments and Officers); and Section 5-3-2 of Chapter 5, Salaries, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations) of City Code May 24, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 177 by redefining the creation, duties and methods of compensation of the department administrators and officers of the City of Renton. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 6/07/2004. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Public Safety: Radio Communication System, Emergency Services Noting the recent Olympic pipeline incident and 9-11 Commission (National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States) hearings, Council President Persson stressed the importance of keeping the issue of the City's radio communication system, which is in Public Safety Committee, to the forefront. He stated that police and fire radios failed to work inside buildings during the 9-11 incident in New York, and that same problem also exists here in Renton. Police: Seat Belt Use Enforcement Councilwoman Nelson reminded everyone that not only can vehicle drivers be cited for not wearing seat belts, passengers in vehicles can be cited as well. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL ISSUES WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 8:48 p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann May 24, 2004