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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-04 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting October 11, 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; MARCIE PALMER; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON; TONI NELSON; RANDY CORMAN. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILWOMAN TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED. 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; SANDRA MEYER, Transportation Systems Director; BOB CAVANAUGH, Civil Engineer III; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; REBECCA LIND, Planner Manager; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, DEPUTY CHIEF LARRY RUDY, FIRE MARSHAL/BATTALION CHIEF STAN ENGLER, Fire Department; COMMANDER KATHLEEN MCCLINCY, Police Department. PROCLAMATION IKEA Week - October 17 to 23, 2004 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker-Wheeler was read declaring the week of October 17 to 23, 2004, to be "IKEA Week" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in showing their support for IKEA, a community partner in every sense of the term. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED. Arts and Humanities Month - October, 2004 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker-Wheeler was read declaring the month of October, 2004, to be "Arts and Humanities Month" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in this special observance, as the arts and humanities enhance and enrich the lives of all Americans. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION AS READ. CARRIED. Municipal Arts Commission Chairman Michael O'Halloran accepted the proclamation, thanking the City and various community organizations for their support of the arts in Renton. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Transportation: Traffic Calming Bob Cavanaugh, Civil Engineer III, presented a report on traffic calming. Stating that neighborhood traffic control is a complex and controversial subject, he pointed out that strategies for neighborhood traffic programs should include education, enforcement, and engineering. He explained that a two-tiered approach is used for traffic control. Tier 1 employs signing, striping, neighborhood involvement, driver education, and enforcement; and the tools used include: speed radar trailer, signing, pavement markings, rumble strips, neighborhood speed watch programs, and target enforcement. Mr. Cavanaugh further explained that Tier 2 employs roadway modifications, or traffic calming, which is a combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use. Tier 2 measures are exercised after Tier 1 measures are completed, and they are approached as follows: the nature and extent of the traffic-related problem is identified, a cost-effective measure is selected and implemented, and adverse affects to adjacent areas are addressed and limited. He reported that the tools used for Tier 2 traffic control include: October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 344 chokers, forced turn channelization, chicanes, speed humps and pillows, traffic circles, and medians. Continuing, Mr. Cavanaugh reviewed issues that need to be considered when addressing traffic control. They are emergency response and other agency concerns; program options such as reactive or proactive, or spot or area-wide treatments; warrants and guidelines; project priority rating systems; public involvement; and cost. Additionally, he reviewed other area agency traffic control programs. Mr. Cavanaugh pointed out that the City of Renton uses Tier 1 methods to address neighborhood traffic concerns, and Tier 2 methods have not been utilized due to the Fire Department's emergency response concerns. Mr. Cavanaugh then reviewed Renton's approach and recommendations for neighborhood traffic control. The recommended list developed for Tier 1 treatments include signage, channelization, police visibility, speed trailer/reader boards, and rumble strips. Tier 2 recommended treatments include curb extensions, curb radius reduction, raised crosswalks, raised intersections, speed tables, speed pillows, chicanes, and entryways/gateways. Traffic circles and speed humps are to be used only as a last resort. He also listed the measures not recommended such as street closures, speed bumps, stop signs, and zero tolerance. Mr. Cavanaugh reported that a traffic calming process was developed to address citizen requests for traffic control measures. Transportation Systems Director Sandra Meyer added that meetings of the Street Widths Committee, at which traffic calming was discussed, were suspended in late 2002 due to a number of factors. She noted that it is clear from the rising interest level expressed by residents that the time has come to resume the City's evaluation and implementation of certain aspects of traffic calming. Responding to Councilwomen Nelson's inquiry, Council President Persson stated that there is a rumble strip located at the entrance to the City on Lake Washington Blvd., which he pointed out was a good application. However, he noted that the noise produced by rumble strips may be problematic if located close to a house. Councilwoman Palmer commented that it is important neighbors agree to the installation of devices such as speed bumps. Ms. Meyer stated that the impact of a speed bump installation on surrounding streets must also be evaluated. She reported that some area agencies use a temporary speed bump in order to determine whether that traffic calming measure is a satisfactory solution for a neighborhood, and some install permanent radar signs. Ms. Palmer noted the costs of traffic calming measures, pointing out that neighborhoods may have to help with the funding. At the request of Councilman Clawson, Deputy Fire Chief Larry Rude reviewed the effects that speed bumps and humps have on emergency vehicles and on the patients that are being transported. He stated that studies have shown that these traffic-calming measures delay response times, and cause emergency response vehicle's maintenance costs to increase. Councilwoman Nelson noted that she has observed cars driving around speed bumps in a shopping area; and stated that once installed, not very many people would be happy with them. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington assured that the Administration is October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 345 concerned about ways to reduce traffic speeds, and will continue to investigate other alternatives that slow down traffic. PUBLIC HEARING Planning: 2004 Comp Plan Update Implementation, Development Regulations Amendments 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 proposed amendments to the Development Regulations (Title IV) implementing the 2004 Comprehensive Plan. Alex Pietsch, Economic Development Administrator, stated that the State Growth Management Act mandates an update to the City's Comprehensive Plan. He explained that a number of associated zoning code amendments are required to implement the policies that are being changed in the Comprehensive Plan. Rebecca Lind, Planner Manager, reviewed the proposed changes, as follows: – Revise the zoning to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. – Revise the purpose and intent of zones. – Revise lot and density standards to implement new quality design and infill policies. – Add new R-4 zone. – Add new landscape standards. – Revise the commercial zones by eliminating Center Suburban and Center Neighborhood, and renaming Center Office Residential and Convenience Commercial to Commercial Office Residential and Commercial Neighborhood. – Revise the multi-family suffixes by eliminating Residential Multi-Family Suburban Center and Residential Multi-Family Neighborhood Center, and renaming Residential Multi-Family Infill to Residential Multi-Family. – Add use restrictions in the Airport Influence Area. Ms. Lind detailed the revisions to the new R-4 zone, including: – Allow vesting of projects with complete applications for plat prior to 11/5/2004. – Allow vesting for annexations certified by King County at 60% Direct Petition stage. – Require development of vested lots within five years to retain vested standards. – Allow flexible lot size, lot width, and depth to ensure that future plats achieve four dwelling units per net acre. – Allow lot clusters within 600 feet of an R-8 zone; 30% of the site area must be in contiguous open space, and the reviewing official may reduce the open space requirement to 20% if certain conditions exist. – Require landscaping for arterial and non-arterial street rights-of-way, and require street tree planting. (The Planning Commission recommended extending these landscaping provisions to the R-8 zone.) – Incorporate architectural criteria specified for development in aggregated lots. – Require all development to have facade modulation. Ms. Lind indicated that cross-references will be inserted within certain zoning sections that incorporate specific references to the Comprehensive Plan. This will facilitate zoning interpretations more consistent with Comprehensive Plan policies. Continuing with the new landscape standards, Ms. Lind stated that the standards apply to all new development when a permit, approval, or review is required; apply to all changes of use; apply to structural changes comprising 20% or more October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 346 of the original gross square footage of structure; and exempt single-family residential permits when not a part of a subdivision. She reviewed the general landscaping requirements, which include: landscaping along all street frontages; minimum five-foot planting area for rear yards abutting a street; underground irrigation systems for industrial, commercial and multi-family development; and installation of landscaping prior to issuance of an occupancy permit. Ms. Lind noted that the landscape standards allow flexibility for responding to the individual site conditions. Ms. Lind then reviewed amendments related to connectivity and the street grid system, as follows: – Grid street pattern shall remain the predominant pattern. – Linkages shall be provided to create a continuous street network. – Grid may be adjusted by reducing the number of linkages or alignment between roads when it is infeasible due to topographical/environmental constraints, and when there are substantial existing improvements. – Reasonable connections must be provided prior to the adoption of a complete grid street pattern, such as street stubs to allow for future connectivity. – Alley access is the preferred street pattern. – Offset or loop roads are the preferred alternative configuration. – Cul-de-sacs are permitted when demonstrable physical constraints prohibit future connections, and when future connection to a larger street system is not possible. Continuing, Ms. Lind noted the amendments related to private streets and lot sizes, and the amendments to definitions such as "eating and drinking establishments," "lots," and "setbacks." She also noted the addition of definitions such as "fast food," "garden style apartments," "contiguous open space," and "small lot clustered development." In regards to the Commercial Neighborhood zone, Ms. Lind stated that a wider variety of retail uses were added such as specialty markets and craft shops; that fast food and the ability to add new gas stations were removed; and that medical and dentist offices are allowed subject to the condition of 3,000 square feet. Lastly, Ms. Lind detailed the changes to the AutoMall area and the Employment Area Valley, and reviewed the following corridor districts: NE 4th St. Corridor, Sunset Blvd. Corridor, Puget Corridor, and the Rainier Ave. Corridor. She concluded that the Planning and Development Committee will meet on October 18th for final deliberations on this matter, and the related ordinances will be presented for first reading at the October 18th Council meeting. Public comment was invited. Brandy Reed, 335 Stevens Ave. SW, Renton, 98055, requested the following modifications to the proposed SW Sunset Blvd. Rezone: 1) Exclude vehicle fueling stations and accessory uses such as car washes and service/repair shops from the allowed uses in the Commercial Neighborhood zone; 2) Apply the character preservation design guideline from the proposed Urban Center Design Overlay Regulations to the Commercial Neighborhood zone, specifically the Earlington neighborhood, by limiting franchise architecture; and 3) Define franchise architecture in the Development Regulations definitions. Additionally, Ms. Reed requested that the Earlington neighborhood be listed for sub-area planning at a future date. Steven Beck, 4735 NE 4th St., Renton, 98059, asked Council to support the vesting and grandfathering of R-5 zoning in the recently annexed Bales October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 347 Annexation area and for the Mosier Annexation area. Additionally, he stated his support for the flexible setbacks and lot sizes in the new R-4 zone. Rod Handly, 620 SW Sunset Blvd., Renton, 98055, requested Council's support of the SW Sunset Blvd. Rezone. He stated that the modification made to the rezone, however, limits developing the commercial strip in a better way. David Smith, 624 SW Sunset Blvd., Renton, 98055, expressed his support for the zoning change from R-8 to Commercial Neighborhood. Helen Williams, 615 SW 3rd St., Renton, 98055, concurred with Ms. Reed's comments, and thanked everyone for their hard work on this process. Ms. Williams expressed her support for the SW Sunset Blvd. Rezone, and also for the development of a plan for the Earlington neighborhood. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. In response to Council President Persson's inquiry, Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated that the Earlington neighborhood sub-area plan request, along with all the other requests for sub-area plans, will be considered. Councilman Clawson pointed out that a full sub-area plan may not be necessary for the Earlington neighborhood, and perhaps some other course of action can be employed. RECESS MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. CARRIED. Time: 9:04 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:09 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers present except Briere, previously excused. 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: ” Free pumpkin painting, scarecrows, a farmers market, and entertainment will set the stage for the third annual Harvest Festival at the Piazza, on October 16th. ” On August 3rd, the Northwest Area Foundation approved a ten-year plan to reduce poverty for the South King County area of Renton, Burien, SeaTac, Skyway/West Hill, and Tukwila. The foundation is expected to provide $10.2 million in funding as well as technical assistance to help implement the plan. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Petersen - Confidentiality of Request for Executive Session Inez Petersen, 3306 Lake Washington Blvd. N., #3, Renton, 98056, referred to her letter dated 10/6/2004 and its addendum dated 10/9/2004 requesting an executive session of the Council. She claimed that the content and substance of her request for an executive session should have remained confidential, and Council should have held an executive session to discuss her request. City Attorney Larry Warren pointed out that any materials delivered to the City are public record unless they fall within one of the exceptions to the Public Records Act. Continuing, Ms. Petersen requested that Section 1-5-2 of City Code be changed to clearly place the content and subjects of requests for executive session under the same level of confidentiality as the executive session itself. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. At the request of the Administration, item 8.d. was removed for separate October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 348 consideration. Council Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2004 Approval of Council meeting minutes of October 4, 2004. Council concur. EDNSP: Hotel/Motel Tax Revenue Allocation to Marketing Campaign, IKEA 10th Anniversary Promotion Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended approval of the Renton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendation to allocate up to an additional $12,000 of hotel/motel tax revenues to the Renton Community Marketing Campaign for street banners and other activities promoting IKEA's 10th Anniversary celebration. Council concur. EDNSP: IKEA Commercial District Designation Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended approval to designate the area bordered by SW 43rd St. on the south, SW 41st St. on the north, East Valley Hwy, on the east, and Oakesdale Ave. SW on the west as the IKEA Commercial District. Council concur (See page 350 for resolution.) Development Services: Nicholson Short Plat, ROW Dedication, NE 28th St Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of 816.70 square feet of additional right-of-way to widen NE 28th St. as required by the Nicholson Short Plat (SHP-02-111). Council concur. Plat: Brookefield II, NE 11th Ct & Hoquiam Ave NE, FP- 04-091 Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Brookefield II Final Plat; 16 single-family lots on 4.65 acres located at NE 11th Ct. and Hoquiam Ave. NE (FP-04-091). Council concur. (See page 350 for resolution.) Police: Jail Bookings and Fees Police Department recommended approval of the following: accept jail bookings from other municipalities on a space-available basis; set the jail booking fee at $64.83 per day per inmate; and prepare and present for adoption the necessary legislation to implement the contracts as part of the 2005 budget process. Refer to Public Safety Committee. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 8. d. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED. Separate Consideration Item 8.d. Planning: South Lake Washington Redevelopment Conceptual Plan and Planned Action Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department submitted a Conceptual Plan for the 46-acre surplus Boeing property in South Lake Washington proposed by developer Center Oak Properties, and a Planned Action requested by Center Oak Properties for its project. Refer the Conceptual Plan to Committee of the Whole; set public hearing on 10/25/2004 11/8/2004 to consider the Planned Action. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 8.d. AS AMENDED TO CHANGE THE PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO 11/8/2004. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole Policy: Council President & Pro Tem (#800-01) Council President Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding Council Policy and Procedure #800-01. The Committee has reviewed Policy and Procedure #800-01, Council President and Pro Tem, and recommended revising Section 6.1 to change the date for opening the floor to nominations for electing a Council president and president pro tem for the following year from the first regularly-scheduled City Council meeting in December to the first regularly-scheduled City Council meeting in November. The purpose of this change is to allow more time for determining Council committee members and meeting times for the following year. The Committee also recommended that the Council President be authorized to sign the revised policy to implement this change. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 349 CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. CAG: 04-119, Monster Rd Bridge Repair, Mowat Construction Company, Fund Transfer Council President Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report recommending concurrence in the recommendation of staff to approve the transfer of $100,000 from the NE 3rd/4th St. Corridor Study project budget and $60,000 from the Rainier Ave. Corridor Study project budget to the Monster Rd. Bridge Repair project budget, for a total transfer of $160,000. The total estimated cost for the Monster Rd. Bridge Repair project is $672,000, to include construction, inspection services, staff time, and contingency to complete the project. The Committee further recommended that the contract for the Monster Rd. Bridge Repair project (CAG-04-119) be awarded to the low bidder, Mowat Construction Company, in the amount of $449,800, and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the contract. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Planning & Development Committee Planning: Urban Center Design Overlay Regulations, 2004 Revisions Planning and Development Committee Vice Chair Clawson presented a report regarding revisions to the Urban Center Design Overlay Regulations. The Committee recommended concurrence with the staff recommendation to set the public hearing regarding this matter on 10/25/2004. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Streets: Grocery Cart Abandonment Planning and Development Committee Vice Chair Clawson presented a report regarding abandoned shopping carts. The Committee met over the past several months to discuss abandoned shopping carts, and to review draft ordinance language. The Committee recommended that the required public hearing for the proposed ordinance regarding this matter be set on 11/15/2004. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.* City Attorney Warren clarified that the public hearing is not legally required. Councilman Clawson stated his support for the public hearing. *MOTION CARRIED. Hearing Examiner: Concerns re: Development Policies & Implementation Planning and Development Committee Vice Chair Clawson presented a report regarding the Hearing Examiner concerns pertaining to development policies and implementation. The Committee met to discuss this issue and recommended that no action be taken at this time and the matter be closed. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Utilities Committee CAG: 00-104, Business Recycling Program, Cascadia Consulting Group Utilities Committee Chair Clawson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve Addendum #4 to CAG-00- 104, contract with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc., in the amount of $74,000 to continue the Business Recycling Program for 2004-2005 by revising the scope of work, cost estimate, and schedule for the Business Assistance Program. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the addendum. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 230804 - 231171 and two wire transfers totaling $2,273,072.45; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 53736 - 53974, one wire October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 350 transfer and 572 direct deposits totaling $1,812,438.50. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Finance: Petty Cash Funds, Total Limit Increase Finance Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommended approval of the resolution updating Resolution 2614, which authorizes early payment of claims and petty cash funds. The update increases the possible total amount of petty cash Citywide to $25,000, and removes the requirement that the Finance Director be bonded since the City carries insurance on all public officials. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: Resolution #3719 EDNSP: IKEA Commercial District Designation A resolution was read designating the IKEA Commercial District; SW 43rd St. on the south, SW 41st St. on the north, East Valley Hwy. on the east, and Oakesdale Ave. SW on the west. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3720 Plat: Brookefield II, NE 11th Ct & Hoquiam Ave NE, FP- 04-091 A resolution was read approving the Brookefield II Final Plat; approximately 4.65 acres located in the vicinity of NE 11th Ct. and Hoquiam Ave. NE (FP-04- 091). MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3721 Finance: Petty Cash Funds, Total Limit Increase A resolution was read authorizing the Finance and Information Services Department Administrator to make early payment of claims and authorizing petty cash funds. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Public Works: SW 7th St Construction Councilwoman Palmer inquired as to when the construction on SW 7th St. will be completed. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler replied that the Administration will investigate. Policy: Street Name Changes MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE POLICY ON STREET NAME CHANGES TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. CARRIED. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Egan - Rumble Strips, Monster Rd Bridge Repair Project Brendan Egan, 327 Stevens Ave. SW, Renton, 98055, noted the presence of rumble strips on SW Langston Rd., and remarked that the strips were installed in response to a traffic problem and they seem to be working. Regarding the Monster Rd. Bridge Repair project contract award, Mr. Egan commented on the difference between the low and high bid, and inquired as to whether the guarantee of work would be greater if more money were spent. City Attorney Warren relayed that the statute of repose states that an owner of a project must find a defect within the first six years, unless the defect is not obvious. If the defect is hidden, a lawsuit can be filed up to six years after the defect is found. He noted that application of the statute is the same regardless of the amount of the bid, and a higher bid cannot give a greater guarantee. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. October 11, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 351 CARRIED. Time: 9:37 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann October 11, 2004