HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-05
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
June 6, 2005 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:35 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
TERRI BRIERE, Council President; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON; TONI
NELSON; RANDY CORMAN; DON PERSSON; 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; BEN WOLTERS, Economic Development Director; DENNIS
CULP, Community Services Administrator; COMMANDER TIM TROXEL,
Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
EDNSP: Storefront Studio
Program (University of
Washington), Downtown
Renton
Alex Pietsch, Economic Development Administrator, explained that Storefront
Studio is a program that allows University of Washington's College of
Architecture and Urban Planning students to bring a fresh perspective for how
downtown Renton can look, feel, and function in the future. Jim Nicholls,
Professor of Architecture, stated that students worked with local business and
property owners to identify the assets of the downtown area and to develop
design proposals and guidelines to assist the community in preserving and
developing downtown Renton's unique character.
Professor Nicholls stated that four principal concepts were identified and
developed over the course of this effort: 1) connecting greenways through the
City, 2) activating the interior courtyards in old downtown, 3) revitalizing
elevations and facades, and 4) envisioning renewed buildings.
Professor Nicholls, and students Mary Ellen Olafson and Emily Schaefer,
discussed suggested improvements, the concept of recycling rather than tearing
down and starting over or restoring to the original look, the community-wide
open houses that were held, and the positive reception of the effort by
community members. Images of the transformations were displayed, showing
structures and areas as they look now and how they can look in the future.
In conclusion, Mr. Nicholls suggested the City revise its sign code to allow for
more creative signage, and develop bike paths in the downtown area. The
Councilmembers and Mayor commented on the ideas they favored, such as the
courtyards, creative signage, and lighting. Mayor Keolker-Wheeler indicated
that she had challenged the students at the beginning of the project to develop
ideas that were achievable and accomplishable. She encouraged all
Councilmembers to view the materials developed by the students, and suggested
displaying some of the materials at City Hall.
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 2005 and beyond. Items noted included:
Thanks to the generosity of service groups and City of Renton employees,
since April of this year, the City has been able to award 61 scholarships
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 203
totaling $3,500 to low-income children and adults to participate in City-
sponsored activities.
The Renton Clean Sweep Program will continue with individual
neighborhood clean ups on the weekends of June 11th/12th and June
18th/19th. The City held its first Stop & Swap event on June 4th, and its
Spring Recycling Day event on May 14th.
Public Safety: Calling 911 Mayor Keolker-Wheeler advised citizens to report suspicious activities by
calling 911 at the time of the event instead of waiting until days later to report
the incident.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus -
Pit Bull Dogs
Sandel DeMastus, 1137 Harrington Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, reported that two
pit bull dogs attacked her neighbor last Friday, that two weeks ago the same
dogs attempted to attack another neighbor, and that a number of pit bulls live in
the Highlands area. Ms. DeMastus asked that the City consider banning pit
bulls, as has been done in other cities.
Stating that an ordinance regulating dangerous dogs was adopted in 2002,
Councilman Clawson reviewed the process by which incidents are handled by
the Police Department. He encouraged residents to report any occurrences.
In response to Councilman Corman's inquiry regarding the possibility of
prosecuting the animal owner if someone is hurt or killed, City Attorney Larry
Warren indicated it is possible to prosecute that type of case; however, a
substantial record must be established that shows knowledge or reckless
disregard for public safety. He noted the importance of showing a history when
prosecuting cases, and the importance of reporting incidents.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated for the record that the two pit bulls are in
custody.
Citizen Comment: Claeys -
Stonehaven Development, Use
of Sundance at Talbot Ridge
Private Water Detention
Facility
Susan Claeys, Sundance at Talbot Ridge Homeowners Association President,
4708 Smithers Ave. S., Renton, 98055, stated that Sundance is an 18-lot
subdivision located on the corner of S. 47th St. and Smithers Ave. S. The
subdivision contains a privately owned wet vault. Ms. Clay pointed out that
drainage from the heavily forested area located above Sundance was factored
into the design of its wet vault, and that wetlands also appear to drain through
the forested area into the wet vault. She reported that the builder of Stonehaven,
a 36-lot development currently in the permitting process located southeast of
Sundance, plans to connect four homes and a portion of street to Sundance's wet
vault.
Ms. Claeys expressed the following concerns: 1) Will the four new
homeowners accept the same financial obligations and responsibilities for the
maintenance of the wet vault as the Sundance residents have? 2) Was the
drainage from the wetlands factored into the original calculations that
determined the size of the wet vault?
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ALLOW
THE SPEAKER THREE ADDITIONAL MINUTES FOR HER COMMENTS.
CARRIED.
Ms. Claeys continued with her concerns as follows: 3) How many other homes
will Renton allow to connect to Sundance's wet vault? 4) Why did the builder
not have to seek permission from Sundance to use the wet vault? 5) How can
Renton compel the developer of Sundance to have the residents pay for the
maintenance of the private wet vault, but not have future homeowners who
connect to the vault pay their share? 5) How will Renton determine negligence
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 204
in connection to Sundance's wet vault if homes outside of the development are
connected to the vault?
Ms. Claeys relayed that she was told this is a unique situation, and countered
that a unique solution is required that is fair and equitable for all concerned.
Gregg Zimmerman, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, explained
that subdivisions are held to the City's current surface water standards. In this
vicinity, the City generally adds a requirement to contain the 100-year storm,
and because of the added impervious surface, subdivisions must have detention
ponds and water quality vaults. The City requires that engineers characterize
the entire sub-basin to make sure that the water detention system is sized not
only to handle the added impervious surface, but also any other drainage that is
naturally occurring in the sub-basin. Mr. Zimmerman noted that the Sundance
wet vault was sized in this manner. He reported that the City also requires
developers to establish restrictive covenants requiring the established
homeowners association to pay for the maintenance and operation of these
facilities.
Regarding the Stonehaven development, Mr. Zimmerman stated that a
homeowners association will be established, and residents will be required to
provide maintenance and upkeep of Stonehaven's water detention facility.
However, due a slope, four lots and a portion of street will not be able to drain
into this system. He pointed out that this is not a unique situation, and there are
situations throughout the City where existing drainage from new subdivisions
go through existing systems, most of which are public, but portions of the
system are private. Mr. Zimmerman indicated that he will further investigate
Ms. Claeys concern regarding the wetland drainage into Sundance's wet vault.
Continuing, Mr. Zimmerman explained that the City does not get involved with
the individual arrangements of homeowners associations. Pointing out that the
future owners of the subject four lots will eventually pay dues to their
homeowners association, he recommended that once the association is
established, that the two affected associations discuss the issue and come to an
arrangement regarding Sundance's water detention facility. Mr. Zimmerman
assured that Sundance's facility is sized to handle the modest flow from the four
lots and pavement, and there is no added danger or risk.
Councilman Clawson noted that water goes where it goes, especially in areas
that have not yet been developed. He indicated that one of the problems with
development is that impermeable surface is created. Mr. Clawson stated that he
wants the City to encourage builders to retain more of the water on the property.
Responding to Council President Briere's inquiry, Mr. Zimmerman stated that
he will find out why the water detention facility for the Stonehaven
development was located at that particular place.
Councilman Persson inquired as to how the City can give permission to a
developer to hook-up to an already existing private water detention facility. Mr.
Zimmerman explained that the associated public roadways also drain to the
facilities; thus a homeowners association maintains a mixture of public
roadways and a facility. He pointed out that the drainage does not connect
directly into the facility, but uses existing public conveyance pipes.
Councilman Corman questioned why an additional wet vault was not created to
handle the four lots. He expressed concern that the City is trying to get private
parties to take on the long-term maintenance of the water detention facilities.
Mr. Corman noted the dilemma of the City requesting homeowner associations
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 205
to maintain the facilities, yet outside parties are allowed to hook-up to the
systems.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated that the Administration will review the matter
and provide additional information. City Attorney Warren noted that the legal
issues related to this matter are complicated.
Citizen Comment: High -
Swap & Stop Event, Sewer
Moratorium in East Renton
Plateau PAA
Gwendolyn High, 13405 158th Ave. SE, Renton, 98059, praised the Clean
Sweep Renton program's Stop and Swap event held on June 4th. On another
subject, Ms. High stated that the Citizens' Alliance for a Responsible Evendell
requested the sewer moratorium in the East Renton Plateau potential annexation
area as the community is considering the possibility of annexation to Renton.
She inquired as to what is deemed a complete application for sewer certificate
for two milestones in the sewer concurrency certification application process,
vesting and granting.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler noted the complexity of the issue and indicated that the
Administration will provide an answer within the next few days. (See page 208
for resolution.)
Citizen Comment: Hoben -
Renton Farmers Market
Nancy Hoben, 17434 128th Ave. SE, Renton, 98058, announced that the
Renton Farmers Market opens on June 7th. Ms. Hoben explained that the
market's goal is to not only support the smaller farmers and producers of goods,
but to also be a community event. She reported that in addition to the regularly
scheduled Master Gardener Clinics, Arts and Crafts Kids Booth, and Chef's
Demonstrations, the Cascade Kids Circus and the Finnish Dancers will perform
at the June 7th market.
Citizen Comment: Brehmer -
Sewer Moratorium in East
Renton Plateau PAA
Theresa Brehmer, Bennett Development, 12011 NE 1st St., Bellevue, 98005,
stated her support for Care's (Citizens' Alliance for a Responsible Evendell)
annexation effort. However, she expressed concern that CARE will use the
proposed sewer moratorium in the East Renton Plateau potential annexation
area as a means to stop growth in the area if the moratorium is not linked to a
possible annexation election this fall. She asked that extensions to the sewer
moratorium not be allowed. (See page 208 for resolution.)
RECESS MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL RECESS FOR
FIVE MINUTES. CARRIED. Time: 8:58 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:03 p.m.; roll was called; all Councilmembers
present.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. At the request of Councilman Clawson, item 6.i. was removed for
separate consideration.
Council Meeting Minutes of
May 23, 2005
Approval of Council meeting minutes of May 23, 2005. Council concur.
CAG: 05-054, Fire Station #11
HVAC Replacement,
McKinstry Co
City Clerk reported bid opening on 5/17/2005 for CAG-05-054, Fire Station
#11 HVAC Replacement; three bids; engineer's estimate $50,000; and
submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder,
McKinstry Co., in the amount of $59,523. Council concur.
CAG: 04-116, Gene Coulon
Park Gangway Improvements,
American Civil Constructors
Community Services Department submitted CAG-04-116, Gene Coulon
Memorial Beach Park Gangway Improvements; and requested approval of the
project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $12,420.17,
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 206
West Coast commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of
$7,430.99 to American Civil Constructors West Coast, Inc., contractor, if all
required releases are obtained. Council concur.
Development Services:
Waterbury Short Plat, ROW
Dedication, S 36th Pl
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of
additional right-of-way to complete S. 36th Pl. to fulfill a requirement of the
Waterbury Short Plat (SHP-04-102). Council concur.
Development Services:
Sampson Short Plat, ROW
Dedication, Park Ave N
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of
additional right-of-way at the corner of Park Ave. N. and N. 36th St. to fulfill a
requirement of the Sampson Short Plat (SHP-04-066). Council concur.
Development Services: Vision
House Plat, ROW Dedication,
Bremerton Ave NE
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of
additional right-of-way located east of Bremerton Ave. NE and north of NE 4th
St. to fulfill a requirement of the Vision House Plat (LUA-03-037). Council
concur.
Annexation: Wedgewood
Lane, 144th Ave SE & 148th
Ave SE
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended a public hearing be set on 6/20/2005 to consider the proposed R-
4 zoning for the Wedgewood Lane Annexation; 35.68 acres located east of
144th Ave. SE (Jericho Ave. NE), if extended, and west of 148th Ave. SE (Nile
Ave. NE). Council concur.
Finance: 2004 Carry Forward
Ordinance
Finance and Information Services Department requested approval of an
ordinance authorizing carry forward requests and additional appropriations
totaling $24,654,915, which increases the 2005 Budget from $152,731,500 to
$177,386,415. Refer to Finance Committee.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 6.i. FOR
SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 6.i.
Police: Street Racing Event
Attendance Prohibition
Legal Division recommended approval of an ordinance prohibiting attendance
at street racing events and criminalizing violations.
Councilman Clawson expressed concern about language in the ordinance which
states that a person may be found guilty of a misdemeanor if: "1) (S)he knows
or should know that an unlawful race event is occurring, has occurred, or is
about to occur; and 2) (S)he intends to observe, support, or encourage the
unlawful race event." He stated that a person just driving through the area may
happen to observe the event, and suggested revising the language to state
something to the effect of the person being in the area for the purpose of
observing the event.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 6.i. TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.
CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Public Safety Committee
Fire Department: Cross
Staffing
Public Safety Committee Chair Law presented a report regarding Fire
Department cross staffing. The Committee was briefed on this issue and
recommended referring this matter to the Administration to be handled during
budget deliberations. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY BRIERE,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
Latecomer Agreement:
Penhallegon Associates,
Merrill Gardens @ Renton
Utilities Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to grant preliminary approval of the
application for a latecomer agreement request from Penhallegon Associates
Consulting Engineers, Inc. for a period of one year. The application for a
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 207
Centre Development, LA-05-
001
latecomer agreement was submitted to recover a portion of the $244,720.30
estimated cost of water main extension along Williams Ave. S., from S. 2nd St.
to S. Tobin St. for the Merrill Gardens development.
The Committee further recommended that Council authorize the preliminary
assessment roll to be forwarded to the City Clerk, who will notify the affected
property owners. If no protests are received, after construction of the facilities
and approval of the final costs, the Council can authorize preparation of the
final assessment roll and latecomer agreement. In the event there is a protest for
valid cause, a public hearing will be held to resolve any issues prior to
proceeding with this matter. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Latecomer Agreement:
Lakeridge Development,
Liberty Grove Development,
LA-05-002
Utilities Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to grant preliminary approval of the
application for a latecomer agreement request from Lakeridge Development,
Inc. (Wayne Jones) for a period of one year. The application for latecomer
agreement was submitted to recover a portion of the $123,250 estimated costs of
sanitary sewer installation to service lots at the Liberty Grove subdivision
located at SE 136th St. and 160th Ave. SE.
The Committee further recommended that Council authorize the preliminary
assessment roll to be forwarded to the City Clerk, who will notify the affected
property owners. If no protests are received, after construction of the facilities
and approval of the final costs, the council can authorize preparation of the final
assessment roll and latecomer agreement. In the event there is a protest for
valid cause, a public hearing will be held to resolve any issues prior to
proceeding with this matter. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
EDNSP: I-405 ROW Plans,
WSDOT
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the
expenditure of up to $250,000 of the City's $300,000 Housing and Urban
Development Brownfield Economic Development (HUD BEDI) grant for the
Washington State Department of Transportation contract to develop right-of-
way plans for the North Renton area, as outlined in the scope of work.
Applying the HUD BEDI funds on the I-405 right-of-way plans allows the City
to use the funds within the constraints outlined by HUD and as described in the
previously approved City agenda bill and issue paper accepting the HUD funds.
Additionally, completed right-of-way plans will strengthen the North Renton I-
405 project position for additional funding and is a critical step for the I-405
project, Port Quendall, and other redevelopment efforts along I-405. MOVED
BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.)
Transportation: SR-169 Route
Development Plan, WSDOT
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding
the agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation for the SR-
169 Route Development Plan and Corridor Study. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a resolution
for the purpose of supporting the SR-169 Route Development Plan and Corridor
Study in the amount of $550,000 for the total project cost which is anticipated
to be completed in 2006.
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 208
The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be
authorized to sign the interlocal agreement with WSDOT in the amount of
$50,000 for the study. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See
later this page for resolution.)
Transportation: Garden Ave N
Street Name Change
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding
the Garden Ave. N. street name change. The Committee recommended
concurrence in the staff recommendation to install a raised island to physically
block the northbound movement at the intersection of Garden Ave. N. and N.
4th St. In addition, the Committee recommended the installation of a Local
Access Only sign at Bronson Way N. and Garden Ave. N. MOVED BY
PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3756
EDNSP: I-405 ROW Plans,
WSDOT
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an
interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation
entitled "Agreement GCA-4310 I-405 Congestion Relief and Bus-Rapid Transit
Projects Right-of-Way Plan Development." MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS
READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3757
Transportation: SR-169 Route
Development Plan, WSDOT
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an
interlocal cooperative agreement entitled "Cooperative Agreement SR-169 -
Route Development Plan - WSDOT (Washington State Department of
Transportation) Agreement GCA 4213." MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED
BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ.
CARRIED.
Resolution #3758
Utility: Sewer Moratorium in
East Renton Plateau PAA
A resolution was read declaring a moratorium on sewer availabilities for new
subdivisions within the East Renton Plateau potential annexation area,
establishing a public hearing date of 6/20/2005, and establishing a termination
date for the moratorium of 12/6/2005. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 6/13/2005 for second and final reading:
Development Services:
Grocery Cart Abandonment
An ordinance was read adding a new subsection to Section 5-1-2.F of Chapter
1, Fee Schedule, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations) and a new
Chapter 6-27, Shopping Cart Regulation, to Title VI (Police Regulations) of
City Code relating to abandoned shopping carts. MOVED BY LAW,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 6/13/2005. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Annexation: Policy
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THE
ISSUE OF AN ANNEXATION POLICY TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE. CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Carpenter -
East Renton Plateau Potential
Tom Carpenter, 15006 SE 139th Pl., Renton, 98059, expressed support for the
Citizens' Alliance for a Responsible Evendell's annexation and sewer
moratorium efforts; however, he stressed that the fundamental concern of the
June 6, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 209
Annexation Area East Renton Plateau area is not being addressed. If the area is annexed to
Renton, the City will face the issue of how quality of life is maintained, if not
improved, as the area is developed out according to the urban growth area
designation that occurs in the Growth Management Act. Mr. Carpenter also
stressed that it is important to address this issue as a joint effort between the
affected residents, the developers and realtors, King County, and Renton.
Citizen Comment: Hardy -
Children Testifying in
Dissolution Proceedings (HB
2068)
Dave C. Hardy, 19235 108th Ave. SE, #206, Renton, 98055, urged the Mayor
and Councilmembers to study State House Bill 2068, which relates to children
testifying in dissolution proceedings, and to issue opinions that he will transmit
to the prime sponsor of the bill, Representative Bob Hasegawa.
Noting that he did read the bill, Councilman Corman stated he was impressed
with the amount of passion Mr. Hardy has for the bill and acknowledged Mr.
Hardy's personal connection with the subject matter.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
AND ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TO
DISCUSS PROPERTY ACQUISITION WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO
BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED
WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time:
9:34 p.m.
Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive
session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
June 6, 2005