Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-04 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting November 15, 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; JENNIFER HENNING, Principal Planner; BEN WOLTERS, Economic Development Director; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; COMMANDER KATHLEEN MCCLINCY, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Board/Commission: Municipal Arts Commission Recognition Award Michael O'Halloran, Municipal Arts Commission member, recognized Diana Hagen for her six years of service on the Municipal Arts Commission. Praising her organizational skills, her support of the arts, and her "behind the scenes" work, Mr. O'Halloran presented Ms. Hagen with a certificate of appreciation. Ms. Hagen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to have served on the commission, and she named her favorite projects, including the Young Musicians Showcase, the Meet the Artists Series, and the Rentennial Celebration. Additionally, she noted the importance of committee, board, and commission volunteers to the City of Renton. PUBLIC HEARING Streets: Shopping Cart Abandonment 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 ordinance regulating abandoned shopping carts. Jennifer Henning, Principal Planner, explained that this issue has been in the Planning and Development committee for two years. Abandoned shopping carts, which can be found along sidewalks, in streets, in parks, in school grounds, and at bus stops, create visual blight and present a potential safety hazard because the carts may restrict emergency vehicle access. Ms. Henning referred to RCW 9A.56.270 which states that it is unlawful to remove a shopping cart from the parking area of a retail establishment without permission, provided the cart is labeled with specific information. She noted that Renton has adopted the RCW citation by reference in City Code; however, abandoned carts are not otherwise regulated by the State or Renton. Ms. Henning reported that from July through September, City maintenance workers impounded nearly 400 shopping carts. Continuing, Ms. Henning reviewed the draft ordinance, which would: declare abandoned shopping carts to be a nuisance; require businesses to prepare and submit cart containment and cart retrieval plans to the City; provide for the impoundment and retrieval of carts; and establish fees and fines. She pointed out that the cart containment plan may rely on solutions such as locking wheel systems, bollards (physical obstructions), or coin return kiosks. November 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 407 Ms. Henning stated that staff recommends public testimony be accepted regarding the proposed ordinance, and that the matter remain in Planning and Development Committee to further consider enacting legislation that regulates abandoned shopping carts. Noting the reduced resources of the City, Mayor Keolker-Wheeler pointed out that taxpayer dollars are being used to impound the carts and to figure out a solution to this problem. She stressed that ultimately, it is the responsibility of the store and the customer. Public comment was invited. Monique Marcano, 715 Harrington Pl. SE, #2141, Renton, 98058, supported the use of bollards, and the listing of the fines on the shopping carts. She also suggested that the stores be fined per cart. Lee Trutmann, Safeway Store Manager (Highlands), 4300 NE 4th St., Renton, 98055, reported that store employees routinely retrieve carts from the surrounding neighborhood. He acknowledged the importance of the issue, and noted that a shopping cart costs $300. Mr. Trutmann stated his concern that stores will bear the responsibility, via fines, for the abandoned carts, when it is the customers that are taking them off the premises. He suggested that the customers also be fined. Mr. Trutmann inquired as to possible subsidies for the preventative measures, and stressed that the responsibility should be balanced, especially if a store is doing all that it can to reduce the number of abandoned carts. Continuing, Mr. Trutmann noted the store's small profit margin, and stated that the costs associated with implementing measures such as locking wheel systems and employing personnel to monitor the parking lot is significant. He indicated that his store is willing to accept responsibility as long as it is reasonable, and he welcomes suggestions to improve the situation. In response to the Mayor's inquiry regarding the pursuit of shoplifters versus the theft of a shopping carts, Mr. Trutmann stated that customers do not understand the ramifications of taking carts, and he does not want to lose their business. Responding to Councilwoman Palmer's inquiry regarding signage on the carts, Mr. Trutmann indicated that his store's carts are signed to state that is unlawful to remove the cart from the premises; however, it is not a great deterrent. Councilwoman Nelson stated that she lives near the store, and suggested that he work with the nearby apartment owners. Councilman Clawson acknowledged Mr. Trutmann's efforts to retrieve the abandoned carts, but pointed out that some stores are not making much of an effort. Council President Persson suggested that stores offer a monetary reward for the return of the carts. Councilman Law thanked Mr. Trutmann for his comments, stating that a reasonable compromise can be reached. In response to Mayor Keolker-Wheeler's comments, Mr. Trutmann agreed to ask Safeway's corporate office whether Safeway would be willing to prosecute if a customer is cited for stealing a cart. Dave Richard, Safeway Store Manager (Fairwood), 17230 140th Ave. SE, Renton, 98058, stated that he wants to be involved in the development of the ordinance. He indicated that he actively retrieves abandoned shopping carts, and emphasized that he does not want his store to be held in the same standing as stores that are not as diligent about retrieving their carts. The Mayor stated November 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 408 that his input is welcome, but pointed out that the Fairwood Safeway is not under Renton's jurisdiction. Councilman Clawson noted that a police officer can only stop someone when there is reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed. Mr. Persson agreed that some storeowners are not as responsible as others, and suggested that measures for the return of carts be instituted when a new store is built. Councilman Corman suggested that the phrase "return fee" be used instead of "fine." A letter was read from Mary M. Loftin, Vice President, Public Affairs, Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., PO Box 42121, Portland, OR, 97202, stating that Fred Meyer is committed to resolving the cart abandonment issue in Renton. She expressed her concerns about the content of the proposed ordinance, and suggested the following: the acceptance of the business name as the only required labeling on the carts, the exemption of retail establishments from the proposed ordinance if they install a cart retention system, and the equitable enforcement of the requirement to patrol a preset radius around the store. Continuing, Ms. Loftin said that Fred Meyer believes an additional regulator burden is not necessary, and is willing to support the control of shopping carts using existing City ordinances and the desire to be a responsible corporate citizen. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. 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: ” A free copy of the 2005 Renton Community Calendar will be distributed to Renton residents as an insert in the December 1st edition of the Renton Reporter. ” Upcoming holiday events include: Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on December 3rd at 6:30 p.m.; Holiday Tree Lighting at the Piazza on December 4th at 5:00 p.m.; and the Argosy Boat Serenade at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on December 5th at 6:00 p.m. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Marweg - Smithers Ave S Traffic Concerns, Renton School District Activities Linda Marweg, 2201 Smithers Ave. S., Renton, 98055, expressed her gratitude for the street improvements on Smithers Ave. S. and the City's attention to the concerns of the residents. She reported that the recently installed speed hump has improved the situation. Additionally, Ms. Marweg voiced her appreciation for the reporting of the Renton School District activities at the Council meetings. Citizen Comment: Elliott - Damaged Sewer Line, Wells Ave S Sharon Elliott, 114 Wells Ave. S., Renton, 98055, reported that she was informed of her responsibility for replacing the damaged 30-foot side sewer from her property line to the City's sewer main located in the street. She stated that she replaced the sewer line on her property approximately ten years ago, and at that time was unaware that she was responsible for the additional 30 feet. Ms. Elliott noted that construction by the City or some other party could damage that portion of her side sewer, and expressed concern regarding the permitting of such work. Additionally, she said she was told that the City of November 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 409 Renton does not have the resources to inspect the permitted work Councilman Corman clarified that City inspectors cannot catch everything, but permitted work is inspected. Councilman Clawson stated that he had spoken with Ms. Elliott and told her that by issuing permits, the City does not become a guarantor of the work that is done by the contractor. He explained that it is cost prohibitive for inspectors to watch the work of contractors every step of the way from start to finish. Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman reported that the City's wastewater crew conducted a video inspection of Ms. Elliott's side sewer. Examination of the type and location of the breaks in the sewer line resulted in a determination that the damage was not caused by construction activity, but rather by the aging of the line. Mr. Zimmerman assured that every pipeline under permit is inspected, and he pointed out that if there is reason to believe that damage was caused by construction, the responsible party would have to repair the line. He added that if construction damaged a sewer line, problems would most likely occur within days or a week from the time of construction and be traceable back to the responsible party. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of November 8, 2004 Approval of Council meeting minutes of November 8, 2004. Council concur. CAG: 04-101, Maplewood Golf Course 8th Green and Hillside Drainage, Buchanan Community Services Department submitted CAG-04-101, Maplewood Golf Course 8th Green and Hillside Drainage; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $147,240.49, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $7,092.51 to Buchanan General Contracting Company, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Services Committee Community Services: Museum Master Plan, Consultant Hire Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the consultant hire for the Museum Master Plan. The Committee met to discuss this issue on 8/5/2002. At this time, there does not appear to be any support for this issue. Therefore, the Committee recommended that this referral be closed. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.* Councilwoman Briere voiced her objection to the closing out of this matter. *MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL RECONSIDER THE MOTION CONCURRING IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL HOLD THIS TOPIC IN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Public Safety Committee Police: Jail Bookings and Fees Public Safety Committee Chair Law presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to accept jail bookings from other municipalities on a space available basis, provided that staff develops language acceptable to the Council regarding liability coverage prior to entering into November 15, 2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 410 contracts. It is also understood that a booking fee of $64.83 will be collected from all individuals, either personally at the time of booking into the Renton jail, or paid directly by the contracting cities. The Committee also recommended preparation of the ordinance and resolution implementing the contracts and fees. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Transportation: Main Ave S Speed Limit Increase from 25 to 35 mph Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding the Main Ave. S. speed limit increase. The Committee met on 11/21/2002 to discuss this issue. At this time, the Committee recommended that no changes be made to the current speed limit. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and adoption: Ordinance #5107 Planning: Planned Action (Lakeshore Landing), Boeing Surplus Property An ordinance was read designating a Planned Action for the Lakeshore Landing development, approximately 55 acres located between Logan Ave. N. to the west and Garden Ave. N. to the east, N. 8th St. to the south, and east of the Boeing manufacturing operations on the west. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS ESA: WRIA 8 Draft Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan Councilman Clawson announced that there is an open house on November 16th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Maplewood Golf Course Club House for comment on the draft Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:54 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann November 15, 2004