HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-04
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 4, 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; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; BONNIE
WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public
Works Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development
Administrator; REBECCA LIND, Planner Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant
to the CAO; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, DEPUTY CHIEF LARRY RUDE, and
FIRE INSPECTOR TED HICKEY, Fire Department; TINA HARRIS,
Domestic Violence Court Advocate, COMMANDER TIM TROXEL, Police
Department.
PROCLAMATIONS
National Domestic Violence
Awareness Month - October,
2004
A proclamation by Mayor Keolker-Wheeler was read declaring the month of
October, 2004, to be "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the
City of Renton and encouraging everyone in the community to take an active
role in supporting all victims so they can lead healthy lives safe from violent
and abusive behavior. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY NELSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED.
Domestic Violence Court Advocate Tina Harris accepted the proclamation on
behalf of the Renton Domestic Violence Task Force.
Fire Prevention Week -
October 3 to 9, 2004
A proclamation by Mayor Keolker-Wheeler was read declaring the week of
October 3 to 9, 2004, to be "Fire Prevention Week" in the City of Renton and
encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance commemorating the
Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 persons, left 100,000
homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings. MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION
AS READ. CARRIED.
Deputy Fire Chief Larry Rude and Fire Investigator/Public Educator Ted
Hickey accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Renton Fire Department, and
they encouraged everyone to follow fire prevention measures such as replacing
batteries in smoke detectors, and practicing home fire escape plans.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Public Works: Employee
Recognition
Gregg Zimmerman, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator introduced
the Planning/Building/Public Works employees nominated and chosen by their
peers to receive "Good Works" awards, as follows: Amber Hoffman, Secretary
(not present); Bob Mahn, Civil Engineer (not present); Hema Thanedar, Office
Aide; and Da Peng Yue, Engineering Specialist. The "Amazing Sparkler"
award was presented to George Stahl, Maintenance Services Supervisor. Mr.
Zimmerman then presented the 2004 Planning/Building/Public Works
Employee of the Year award to Clarice Martin, Administrative Secretary.
PUBLIC MEETING
Annexation: Wedgewood
Lane, NE 10th & Jericho Ave
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 meeting to consider the 10% Notice of Intent petition for the proposed
Wedgewood Lane Annexation for 12.73 acres bounded on the west by a portion
October 4, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 333
of the Renton City limits; on the north by SE 116th St. (NE 10th St.); on the
south by approximately SE 121st St., if extended; and on the east by Honey
Creek and its wetlands.
Rebecca Lind, Planner Manager, stated that the site contains one single-family
dwelling; slopes down from the northwest corner towards Honey Creek at an
eight percent slope; and is bounded by Honey Creek headwaters on its eastern
edge. Honey Creek and its wetlands buffers comprise twenty-five percent of
the site. Ms. Lind noted that public services are provided by Fire District #10,
Water District #90, Renton Sewer, and the Issaquah School District.
Ms. Lind reported that current King County zoning is R-4 (four units per gross
acre), and Renton's Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Residential Low
Density, for which future R-4 (four units per net acre) zoning is proposed. She
stated that the fiscal impact analysis indicates a surplus of $13,076 at full
development, assuming an increase to 44 single-family homes. The one-time
parks acquisition and development costs is estimated at $23,982.
Continuing, Ms. Lind said the proposed annexation is consistent with Renton
policies, and furthers City business goals. She noted potential flooding in the
area, which will be mitigated with future development, and pointed out that
except for parks, no major service issues were identified. Ms. Lind indicated
that some parties may be interested in expanding the annexation boundary to the
north.
Public comment was invited.
Dick Gilroy, Land Trust Company, 1560 140th Ave. NE, Suite 100, Bellevue,
98005, voiced his support for the proposed annexation, and indicated that he is
available to answer any questions Council may have.
Angel Anderson, 14406 SE 116th St., Renton, 98059, stated that her property
borders the northwest frontage of the annexation site. She expressed concern
regarding emergency response times, saying that confusion may occur as to
which jurisdiction is responsible for her residence. Ms. Anderson requested that
her property be included in the annexation area.
Continuing, Ms. Anderson read a letter from her next-door neighbor Pat
Blankenship, 14418 SE 116th St., Renton, 98059, who also requested inclusion
of her property in the annexation area.
Renee Korsmo, 14522 SE 116th St., Renton, 98059, stated that her home
borders the northeast corner of the annexation site, and asked that her property
be included with the annexation area. She indicated that she is impressed with
the Renton community and enjoys the many amenities the City offers. Ms.
Korsmo noted that she was unable to contact the two property owners to the
west of her property.
Suellen Warnes stated that she lives at 14620 SE 116th St., Renton, 98059, and
owns 14600 SE 116th St., both of which adjoin the previous speaker's property.
She requested that her properties be included with the annexation area.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ACCEPT THE
WEDGEWOOD LANE 10% NOTICE OF INTENT TO ANNEX PETITION,
October 4, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 334
AND AUTHORIZE CIRCULATION OF THE 60% DIRECT PETITION
SUBJECT TO: EXPANDING THE ANNEXATION SITE NORTH TO
INCLUDE THE FIVE PARCELS IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF TAX LOT
1023059004 ON THE NORTH SIDE OF SE 116TH ST.; R-4 ZONING
CONSISTENT WITH THE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY
LAND USE DESIGNATION; AND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSUMING A
PROPORTIONAL SHARE OF THE CITY'S BONDED INDEBTEDNESS.*
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL AMEND
THE MOTION TO EXPAND THE ANNEXATION SITE TO INCLUDE THE
THREE PARCELS TO THE EAST (of the added five parcels). CARRIED.
*MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED. (See page 337 for additional
action on this matter.)
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:
Almost forty different organizations and thousands of individuals benefit
from the combined volunteer efforts of 2004 Citizen of the Year Marcie
Maxwell, and 2004 Outstanding Citizens Norma Cugini and Marge Richter.
The Mayor's Day of Concern for the Hungry was held on September 25th,
resulting in the collection of $1,000 and more than 8,000 pounds of food,
nearly double that of last year.
Renton residents may purchase flood insurance for their homes if they live
in a designated flood hazard area, and not just within the floodplains of the
Cedar River, Green River, May Creek, or Springbrook Creek. Maps of
Renton's erosion and flood hazard areas are available at Renton City Hall,
6th floor, and on the City's website at www.ci.renton.wa.us.
Streets: Rename SW 41st St to
SW IKEA Way
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler requested that her memorandum addressed to the
Councilmembers be read into the record as follows:
Since the prospect of renaming SW 41st St. as SW IKEA Way was first brought
to you in June, staff has spent considerable time and energy working to
communicate the reasons behind and the impacts of this change to the affected
businesses in the area. We believe this action would appropriately acknowledge
the contributions of IKEA to this community and, frankly, make it difficult for
the company to consider alternative locations should the notion arise in the
future.
As you know, several businesses have since come forward outlining additional
financial impacts of the decision. I have become convinced that these newly
presented impacts are real and significant for these small businesses. Today, I
received a letter from IKEA co-owner Anders Berglund regretfully requesting
that Council reconsider its decision.
Over the past week, staff and I have been working to find a solution to this
situation. Therefore, I propose the City Council consider the following package
of actions that will achieve our goal of showing IKEA our appreciation for its
contributions to the community on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary
celebration.
• Proclaim the week of October 17 to 23, 2004, as IKEA Week in the City of
October 4, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 335
Renton
• Install decorative banners that would be hung on City-owned lampposts
honoring IKEA for "keeping Renton ahead of the curve." Lodging tax
proceeds would be used to pay for this as IKEA brings hundreds of
thousands of people from all over the Pacific Northwest to the store each
year, many of whom utilize the local hotels, eat in our restaurants, and
enjoy the many wonderful things Renton has to offer.
• Participate in the 10th Anniversary festivities at IKEA on October 23, 2004,
and present IKEA's owners Bjorn Bayley and Anders Berglund with the
"Key to the City" in honor of their significant contributions to the
community.
• Designate the area bordered by SW 43rd St. and SW 41st St. and East
Valley Hwy. and Oakesdale Ave. as the IKEA Commercial District, and
provide signage to that effect on City-owned lampposts at entrance points to
the district. This designation would have no impact on local businesses
other than providing a reference point that they could choose to use or
ignore at their discretion.
• Continue to work with the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) to provide highway signage on SR-167.
• Rescind City Council action renaming SW IKEA Way.
Based on your direction tonight, I will bring forward the necessary legislation
for these actions at your October 11, 2004, meeting. While I am disappointed
with all the negative publicity surrounding this issue, I hope the proposed
package meets the needs of the Council in honoring a business that has made
such noteworthy contributions to the Renton community.
A letter addressed to the Mayor was also read from Anders Berglund, IKEA co-
owner, 600 SW 43rd St., Renton, 98055, stating that he and Bjorn Bayley were
flattered that the Council wanted to honor IKEA's contributions to the
community by renaming SW 41st St. to SW IKEA Way. He pointed out that
despite IKEA's large sign, customers have a hard time finding the store, and
additional signage along SR-167 would help. Mr. Berglund indicated that he
was not prepared for the outcry from the affected businesses, noting that several
business have come forward and outlined significant costs associated with the
street name change. He stated that it was never his intent to put a burden on the
affected business owners, and the burden outweighs the potential benefit of the
street name change. Therefore, Mr. Berglund requested that the City Council
reconsider its decision. Mr. Berglund concluded his letter by stating that
IKEA's commitment to the community is stronger than ever.
Councilman Law stated that the letter shows that IKEA is a class act, and he
commended the Administration for putting together a package of actions for
recognizing IKEA's contributions.
Councilman Clawson also expressed his appreciation for the Administration's
efforts, but pointed out that other cities will try to entice IKEA away from
Renton. He emphasized that the City has to work hard to make IKEA stay, as
the loss of IKEA would hurt Renton's budget. Noting the importance of an
IKEA highway sign, he said if an agreement for a sign is not reached with
WSDOT, he would once again consider renaming SW 41st St. to SW IKEA
Way. Councilman Clawson indicated that he owes it to the people who elected
him to keep IKEA in Renton, and if the renaming of the street hurts people,
October 4, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 336
mitigation by the City, IKEA, or both should be instituted.
In response to Councilwoman Nelson's comments regarding a highway sign
advertising IKEA's restaurant, Councilwoman Palmer explained that IKEA tried
to do that; however, WSDOT did not agree. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler noted that
the City is continuing to work with WSDOT for signage on SR-167.
Councilwoman Palmer stated that one of the goals of the street name change
was to not only honor IKEA, but to give the affected business area an identity.
Stating that the intent was not to hurt the small businesses, it was MOVED BY
PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RESCIND ITS VOTE
TAKEN AT THE AUGUST 23, 2004, CITY COUNCIL MEETING,
CONCURRING IN THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO
RENAME SW 41ST ST. TO SW IKEA WAY. CARRIED.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL
AUTHORIZE THAT THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 17 TO 23, 2004, BE
PROCLAIMED AS IKEA WEEK IN THE CITY OF RENTON; THAT
DECORATIVE BANNERS BE HUNG ON CITY-OWNED LAMPPOSTS
HONORING IKEA FOR "KEEPING RENTON AHEAD OF THE CURVE";
THAT THE CITY PARTICIPATE IN THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY
FESTIVITIES AT IKEA ON OCTOBER 23, 2004, AND PRESENT IKEA'S
OWNERS WITH THE "KEY TO THE CITY" IN HONOR OF THEIR
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY; THAT THE
AREA BORDERED BY SW 43RD AND SW 41ST STREETS AND EAST
VALLEY HWY. AND OAKESDALE AVE. BE DESIGNATED AS THE
IKEA COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, AND PROVIDE SIGNAGE TO THAT
EFFECT ON CITY-OWNED LAMPPOSTS AT ENTRANCE POINTS TO
THE DISTRICT; AND THAT THE CITY CONTINUE TO WORK WITH
WSDOT TO PROVIDE HIGHWAY SIGNAGE ON SR-167 TO THE IKEA
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. CARRIED.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated that the proclamation and legislation will be
presented at the next Council meeting.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Dressler -
Rename SW 41st St to SW
IKEA Way
Jan Dressler, Dressler Stencil Company, 253 SW 41st St., Renton, 98055,
thanked Council for rescinding its decision to rename SW 41st St. to SW IKEA
Way.
Citizen Comment: Doremus -
Rename SW 41st St to SW
IKEA Way
Chuck Doremus, ACT III Catering, 279 SW 41st St., Renton, 98055, reported
that he was contacted about the street name change from SW 41st St. to SW
IKEA Way and did expressed his opinion on the matter. He stated his
appreciation for all the thought and concerns that went into the decision to
rescind the street name change.
Citizen Comment: Jones -
Rename SW 41st St to SW
IKEA Way
David Jones, West Coast Painting, 265 SW 41st St., Renton, 98055, stated that
it is difficult to start a business and keep it afloat, and expressed his support for
the decision made to rescind the name change of SW 41st St. to SW IKEA
Way. Mr. Jones also voiced his appreciation to the owners of IKEA for
recognizing the burden the name change would have on the affected businesses.
Citizen Comment: Rynning -
Wedgewood Lane Annexation,
NE 10th St & Jericho Ave NE
David Rynning, 14619 SE 116th St., Renton, 98059, requested that his
property, which is approximately 2.25 acres and includes the house and three
tax parcels, be annexed into the City of Renton as part of the Wedgewood Lane
Annexation area. He pointed out that the west line of his property is on the east
demarcation of the annexation site. Mr. Rynning explained that annexing the
remaining neighborhood along SW 116th St., east to 148th Ave. SE, would
October 4, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 337
complete the utility grid and add revenue to the City's tax base.
At the City Attorney's suggestion to readopt the motion pertaining to the
Wedgewood Lane Annexation if Council wanted to add the additional parcels, it
was MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ACCEPT
THE WEDGEWOOD LANE 10% NOTICE OF INTENT TO ANNEX
PETITION, AND AUTHORIZE CIRCULATION OF THE 60% DIRECT
PETITION SUBJECT TO: EXPANDING THE ANNEXATION SITE NORTH
TO INCLUDE THE FIVE PARCELS IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF TAX
LOT 1023059004 ON THE NORTH SIDE OF SE 116TH ST.; EXPANDING
THE ANNEXATION SITE TO INCLUDE THE THREE PARCELS TO THE
EAST (of the added five parcels); EXPANDING THE ANNEXATION SITE
TO INCLUDE THE THREE PARCELS ASSOCIATED WITH 14619 SE
116TH ST.; R-4 ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE EXISTING
RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY LAND USE DESIGNATION; AND
PROPERTY OWNERS ASSUMING A PROPORTIONAL SHARE OF THE
CITY'S BONDED INDEBTEDNESS. CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. At the request of Councilwoman Palmer, added item 8.e. was removed
for separate consideration.
Council Meeting Minutes of
September 27, 2004
Approval of Council meeting minutes of September 27, 2004. Council concur.
CAG: 03-029, Henry Moses
Aquatic Center, Powell
Construction Company
Community Services Department submitted CAG-03-029, Henry Moses
Aquatic Center; and requested approval of the project, commencement of 60-
day lien period, and release of retained amount of $203,585 to Powell
Construction Company, contractor, if all releases are obtained. Council concur.
Development Services: MoJo
Short Plat, Blaine Ave NE &
NE 20th St, SHP-04-054
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of dedication of
additional right-of-way at the corner of Blaine Ave. NE and NE 20th St. to
fulfill a requirement of MoJo Short Plat (SHP-04-054). Council concur.
Transportation: Benson Rd S
(Main to 26th) Design,
Entranco
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement in the
amount of $115,128.96 with Entranco for design of the Benson Rd. S. (Main
Ave. S. to S. 26th St.) project, and other minor pedestrian mobility
improvements. Council concur.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVED ADDED ITEM
8.e. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Added Item 8.e.
CAG: 04-119, Monster Rd
Bridge Repair, Mowat
Construction Company
City Clerk reported bid opening on 9/28/2004 for CAG-04-119, Monster Rd.
Bridge Repair; five bids; engineer's estimate $432,039; and submitted staff
recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Mowat Construction
Company, in the amount of $449,800. Approval was also sought to transfer
funds from the NE 3rd/4th Corridor Study ($100,000) and the Rainier Ave.
Corridor Study ($60,000) to the Monster Rd. Bridge Repair account.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 8.e. TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Zwicker -
North Renton Truck Traffic,
Correspondence was read from Richard D. Zwicker, North Renton
Neighborhood Association President, PO Box 326, Renton, 98057, regarding
truck traffic in the North Renton neighborhood (Park Ave. N., N. 3rd St. and N.
October 4, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 338
Park Ave N, N 3rd St, N 4th St 4th St.), and suggesting ways to deal with the considerable truck traffic.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER
THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Spears - NE
23rd Pl, Speeding Traffic
An e-mail was read from Jacqueline Spears, 2713 NE 23rd Pl., Renton, 98056,
reporting speeding traffic on NE 23rd Pl., and requesting that something be
done to slow the traffic down such as the installation of a speed bump or stop
sign. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER
THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR
CONSIDERATION OF TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Wyman -
Sewer Service Connection
Request for Property Outside
City Limits, SE 132nd St
A letter was read from Kevin M. Wyman, 16540 SE 149th St., Renton, 98059,
requesting connection to Renton's sewer for a future single-family home located
at 154XX SE 132nd St. (Lot #4, Cedar Crest Estates).
Citizen Comment: Blood -
Sewer Service Connection
Request for Property Outside
City Limits, SE 132nd St
A letter was read from D.E. Blood, 3711 Park Ave. N., Renton, 98056,
requesting connection to Renton's sewer for his property located at 154XX SE
132nd St. (Lot #3, Cedar Crest Estates).
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER
THESE TWO LETTERS TO THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Added
Citizen Comment: Various -
Rename SW 41st St to SW
IKEA Way
Correspondence (14 items) was entered into the record concerning the issue of
the street name change from SW 41st St. to SW IKEA Way. (See page 334 for
Council's discussion on the matter.)
NEW BUSINESS
Transportation: Traffic
Calming
Acknowledging the many resident concerns pertaining to traffic problems,
Councilwoman Palmer assured that the City is working on traffic calming. She
reported that there will be a special presentation on traffic calming at the next
Council meeting, and the Transportation Committee will address the matter on
October 21st.
Development Services: Signs
on Utility Poles
Councilman Corman commented on the comprehensive response from the City
Attorney concerning Councilwoman Nelson's inquiry about the posting of
garage sale signs on telephone poles. Chief Administrative Officer Jay
Covington clarified that it is not appropriate to post garage sale or other types of
signs on City street poles and light poles.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:54 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
October 4, 2004