HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-04
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
November 1, 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; CHIEF LEE WHEELER, Fire Department; VICTORIA
RUNKLE, Finance and Information Services Administrator; SYLVIA
DOERSCHEL, Finance Analyst Supervisor; JILL MASUNAGA, Finance
Analyst III; DENNIS CULP, Community Services Administrator; MIKE
WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the
CAO; CHIEF GARRY ANDERSON and COMMANDER CHARLES
MARSALISI, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
AJLS: Mayor's Presentation of
2005 Budget
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler presented her proposed City of Renton 2005 Budget to
members of the City Council and Renton citizens. She stated that Renton's
economy is strong; however, along with other municipalities in the State of
Washington, the City faces new fiscal realities.
Regarding the state of the City's economy, the Mayor said sales tax revenues are
expected to increase by 5.5 percent in 2004. The City continues to enjoy
explosive growth in revenue from new construction, and there is renewed
interest in new development projects in the downtown and valley areas. The
Boeing Company's employment levels seem to be stabilizing, and PACCAR's
Kenworth Plant has realized increased production. Additionally, the City looks
forward to the redevelopment of surplus property at Boeing's Renton Plant in
South Lake Washington.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler pointed out that these successes are not enough to
overcome the challenges of the new fiscal environment. She explained that
Renton's financial structure no longer produces the revenue required to keep
ahead of rising expenses. This is due to a number of factors, including past
decisions by the State Legislature and more recent decisions by voters. The
Mayor stressed that it is only the keen focus and resulting successes of the past
decade, such as the diversification of Renton's economy, the smart land use, and
pro-development policies, that has kept the City from dire straights.
The Mayor stated that the total proposed 2005 Budget is $149,392,500, of
which $69,106,300 is the General Governmental Budget. Reviewing the
highlights of the proposed budget, she explained how the RENSTAT (a
program that addresses, identifies, and targets crime) and REACT (a program
that addressed non-criminal activities and nuisance abatement) programs will
begin to be implemented. In the budget proposal, the code enforcement officers
will transfer to the Police Department from the Planning/Building/Public Works
Department, and a police service specialist will be added.
Continuing, Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated that the proposed budget addresses
November 1, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 380
the medical and long-term care costs of all retired Law Enforcement Officers
and Firefighters hired before 1977, by establishing a new fund to track these
retiree costs separately from costs for active employees, and by using $260,000
in Fire Pension monies to assist in funding the long-term care costs. She also
noted that effective July 2005, the City must pay increased rates to the State for
the retirement program for active employees, which will cost $500,000 next
year.
Turning to the reduction of expenditures, the Mayor stated that the proposed
budget eliminates five vacant regular positions. Additionally, the Development
Services and Transportation Divisions will eliminate a total of $52,000 in
temporary summer help. Expenditure reductions also include turning off 500
arterial streetlights around the City, saving $60,000; eliminating lifeguards at
Kennydale Beach, saving $35,000; and reducing several line items in various
departments.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler recommended using $1.2 million of available funds to
balance the General Governmental Budget, noting that even with a $630,000
reduction in expenditures, the available fund balance is still needed to meet the
City's needs. She also pointed out that the proposed budget includes a rate
increase on water and sewer services, increasing the average bill from $79.67 to
$80.36. Additionally, an increase in Metropolitan King County Council's water
treatment rate results in an increase to this portion of the utility bill from $23.40
to $25.60.
Concluding, Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated her commitment to continue to
provide services at levels the City can afford, to look for efficiencies
everywhere, and to maintain an open dialogue with the Council and citizens on
accomplishing the work of the City. She emphasized that she is working
towards: renewing trust in local government; providing services the citizen's
demand at a price they are willing to pay; and making the City more effective,
more efficient, and well positioned for the future.
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:
A new edition of CityView is now airing on Renton cable channel 21,
featuring the Volunteer Cedar River Naturalist Program, Mary Ann
Edwards Lewis Historical Moment, Salvation Army Renton Food Bank,
Renton Senior Activity Center 25th Anniversary Celebration, Grateful for
Grandparents Program, CPR Classes, Moment with the Mayor, Volunteer
Spotlight, and the Soccer Challenge.
The Highlands Neighborhood Center hosted their annual Kids Night
Halloween Party on October 22nd, with over 150 children participating in
this free drop-in Club Highlands program.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
October 25, 2004
Approval of Council meeting minutes of October 25, 2004. Council concur.
CAG: 04-133, Gene Coulon
Park Boat Launch Repair,
Skaar Construction
City Clerk reported bid opening on 10/20/2004 for CAG-04-133, Gene Coulon
Memorial Beach Park Boat Launch Repair; seven bids; engineer's estimate
$110,000 to $150,000; and submitted staff recommendation to award the
November 1, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 381
contract to the low bidder, Skaar Construction, Inc., in the amount of
$119,379.71. Refer to Finance Committee for discussion of funding.
CAG: 04-097, Community
Center Roof Replacement,
Lloyd A Lynch
Community Services Department submitted CAG-04-097, Renton Community
Center Roof Replacement; and requested approval of the project, authorization
for final pay estimate in the amount of $24,948.93, commencement of 60-day
lien period, and release of retainage bond in the amount of $3,723.80 to Lloyd
A. Lynch, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur.
Development Services: Latham
Short Plat, Meadow Ave N,
SHP-04-033
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of dedication of
additional right-of-way to widen Meadow Ave. N. to fulfill a requirement of the
Latham Short Plat (SHP-04-033). Council concur.
EDNSP: 2004 Neighborhood
Grant Program
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
submitted grant requests for the 2004 Neighborhood Grant Program (second
round) and recommended funding eight projects and two newsletters in the total
amount of $38,929. Refer to Community Services Committee.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
Transportation: I-405 Corridor
Project, Renton Hill Access
Council President Persson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding
the I-405 Corridor Project and Renton Hill access. The Committee was briefed
by the Washington State Department of Transportation on the I-405 Corridor
Project including access to I-405 via Renton Hill. At this time, no further action
needs to be taken. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Bond Issuance,
Water, Sewer & Stormwater
Projects
Finance Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the issuance of
water and sewer revenue bonds for capital construction projects. The
Committee recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve
the issuance of $10,335,000 in water and sewer revenue bonds, increasing the
City's debt for the purpose of completing capital construction projects to include
the Maplewood Water Treatment Facility, the Sunset Interceptor, and the SW
7th St. Storm System Improvements.
The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter
be presented for first and second reading. MOVED BY CORMAN,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED. (See below for ordinance.)
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and advanced for
second and final reading:
Finance: Bond Issuance,
Water, Sewer & Stormwater
Projects
An ordinance was read relating to the waterworks utility of the City, including
the sewerage system as a part thereof; providing for the issuance of $10,335,000
aggregate principal amount of Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, 2004, of the
City for the purpose of obtaining the funds with which to pay the costs of
carrying out certain capital improvements of the waterworks utility; fixing the
date, form, denominations, maturities, interest rates, terms, and covenants of the
bonds; providing for bond insurance; and approving the sale and providing for
the delivery of the bonds to D.A. Davidson & Co., Seattle,
Washington. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL
ADVANCE THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING.
CARRIED.
Ordinance #5098 Following second and final reading of the above-referenced ordinance, it was
November 1, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 382
Finance: Bond Issuance,
Water, Sewer & Stormwater
Projects
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5099
Planning: 2004 Comp Plan
Update
An ordinance was read amending the Comprehensive Plan to comply with the
mandated 2004 State Growth Management Act review and update, and adopting
Comprehensive Plan text, maps, and data in conjunction therewith. MOVED
BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5100
Planning: 2004 Comp Plan
Update Implementation,
Development Regulations
Amendments
An ordinance was read amending Chapter 4-2, Zoning Districts - Uses and
Standards, Chapter 4-3, Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts,
Chapter 4-4, Citywide Property Development Standards, Chapter 4-6, Street &
Utility Standards, Chapter 4-7, Subdivision Regulations, Chapter 4-8, Permits -
General and Appeals, Chapter 4-9, Permits - Specific, and Chapter 4-11,
Definitions; of Title IV (Development Regulations) of City Code in order to
implement the 2004 State Growth Management Act update to the
Comprehensive Plan. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5101
Planning: 2004 Update of
Zoning Map
An ordinance was read adopting the Citywide zoning map amendments to the
zoning classifications of properties located within the City of Renton, and
identified as part of the 2004 State Growth Management Act mandated update
of the Comprehensive Plan. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5102
Rezone: Smith Property, SW
Sunset Blvd, R-8 to CN, CPA
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of property consisting
of 7,240 square feet located at 624 SW Sunset Blvd. from R-8 (Residential -
eight dwelling units per acre) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood) zoning; Smith
Property. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL
ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES.
CARRIED.
Ordinance #5103
Rezone: Handly Property, SW
Sunset Blvd, R-8 to CN, CPA
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of property consisting
of 10,780 square feet located at 620 SW Sunset Blvd. from R-8 (Residential -
eight dwelling units per acre) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood) zoning;
Handly Property. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5104
Rezone: Bonilla Property, SW
Sunset Blvd, R-8 to CN, CPA
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of property consisting
of 6,080 square feet located at 632 SW Sunset Blvd. from R-8 (Residential -
eight dwelling units per acre) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood) zoning;
Bonilla Property. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5105
Rezone: King County Health
Department Property, NE 4th
St, IL to CA, CPA
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of property consisting
of 17.2 acres located at 3001 NE 4th St. from IL (Light Industrial) to CA
(Commercial Arterial) zoning; King County Health Department Property.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
November 1, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 383
Ordinance #5106
Rezone: Mroczek Property,
SW 4th Pl, R-8 to CN, CPA
An ordinance was read changing the zoning classification of property consisting
of 12,078 square feet located at 700 SW 4th Pl. from R-8 (Residential - eight
dwelling units per acre) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood) zoning; Mroczek
Property. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT
THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Council: 2005 Council
President Election (Briere),
2005 Council President Pro
Tem Election (Corman)
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL OPEN
NOMINATIONS FOR 2005 COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT PRO TEM. CARRIED.
Council President Persson nominated Councilwoman Briere as Council
President for 2005 and Councilman Corman as Council President Pro Tem for
2005.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CLOSE
NOMINATIONS. CARRIED.
School District: Activities Reporting on Renton School District activities, events, and honors,
Councilwoman Nelson noted items such as: scholarship winners, the release of
the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) final scores, the
recognition of Hazen High School junior Ryan Schindler as an Everyday Hero
by the Seattle Youth Hall of Fame, and the participation of Talbot Hill and
Hazelwood elementary schools and McKnight Middle School students in the
2004 Seattle Kid's Marathon to raise money for the Candlelighters Childhood
Cancer Foundation.
Community Event: General
Election, 11/2/2004
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler noted the General Election on November 2, 2004, and
encouraged everyone to vote.
Public Works: Landsburg
Mine Contaminates
Councilman Clawson reported that he is a member of the Cedar River Council
and noted an issue pertaining to contaminates at the Landsburg Mine (located
off of SE Summit Landsburg Rd., north of Ravensdale). Stating that the
Department of Ecology is conducting tests, he expressed concern regarding
potential downstream contamination to Renton and suggested that the
Administration review the matter and determine whether the City should be
involved. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL
REFER THIS MATTER TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:26 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
November 1, 2004