HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-18-05
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
July 18, 2005 Council Chambers
Monday, 7:30 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Terri Briere 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, Mayor Pro Tem; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON;
RANDY CORMAN, Council President Pro Tem; TONI NELSON; DAN
CLAWSON; DENIS LAW.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES,
Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG
ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; RON
STRAKA, Utility Engineering Supervisor; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic
Development Administrator; LINDA HERZOG, Interim Assistant to the CAO;
COMMANDER TIM TROXEL, Police Department.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATIONS
King County: Briefing on
Issues by Council
Representative
King County Councilman Reagan Dunn gave a briefing on a variety of issues
affecting King County. Mr. Dunn commented on King County's negotiations
for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway eastside rail corridor,
saying that last week the King County Council authorized earnest money to
allow the King County Executive to enter into negotiations with BNSF. He
stated that he voted in support of the action; however, he opined that a vote to
purchase the property is a different matter and requires a much higher level of
satisfaction. Mr. Dunn indicated that the King County Council is aware of the
economic benefit that the rail line provides to Renton and to the Spirit of
Washington Dinner Train, and noted that he and King County Councilwoman
Julia Patterson are sponsoring legislation indicating the intent of the King
County Council to preserve the dinner train as a future use.
Continuing, Councilman Dunn commented on the election reform issue, and
described the three committees that are taking steps to ensure that the elections
department is improved. Additionally, he commented on the reported increase
of methamphetamine-caused deaths Statewide and the increase of
methamphetamine activity in Southeast King County. He indicated that he will
soon propose legislation in regards to this issue. In conclusion, Councilman
Dunn stated that he will continue to keep the City informed of new legislation.
In response to Council inquiries regarding rail line maintenance responsibilities
if the line is obtained by King County and used by the dinner train, Councilman
Dunn indicated that the matter will be further analyzed and discussed.
ESA: WRIA 8 Chinook
Salmon Conservation Plan
Ron Straka, Utility Engineering Supervisor, introduced Watershed Coordinator
Jane Lamensdorf-Bucher who reported on the proposed Water Resource
Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan. Ms.
Lamensdorf-Bucher noted that Puget Sound Chinook salmon were listed as a
threatened species in 1999 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. She
explained that 27 local governments, located in the urbanized, 692-square-mile
Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed or WRIA 8, are supporting this
planning process.
Ms. Lamensdorf-Bucher stated that although this is a salmon-focused plan, it
also benefits citizens by addressing issues such as stormwater management,
water quality, and quality of life. She indicated that the WRIA 8 plan is one of
July 18, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 257
14 plans that contribute to a Puget Sound-wide recovery plan, which will be
presented to the State and Federal governments. She reviewed the purpose and
focus of the plan, as well as the framework for implementing the plan. Ms.
Lamensdorf-Bucher described the local governments' roles in carrying out the
plan; and in regards to land use actions, she noted that the plan does not add an
additional layer to the current requirements.
Continuing, Ms. Lamensdorf-Bucher stated that the focus for Renton in the
WRIA 8 plan is the Cedar River and Lake Washington, especially the south
end. She indicated that so far, 19 local governments have ratified the WRIA 8
plan. Ms. Lamensdorf-Bucher concluded by emphasizing the importance of
clean, cool water for salmon as well as for people.
Councilman Clawson, a member of the WRIA 8 Steering Committee, praised
Ms. Lamensdorf-Bucher for her work on the plan, pointing out that she is very
patient in explaining things to people who have no expertise in the matter. He
indicated that last week, the steering committee received a strong commitment
from the State senators that they will seek federal funding for this effort.
Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington praised the efforts of Ms.
Lamensdorf-Bucher and the other WRIA staff members, and stated that the plan
will help the salmon, the City, and the region in the long run. (See page 260 for
Utilities Committee report.)
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:
IKEA Renton River Days, which runs from July 19th through July 26th,
includes Kids' Day, Senior Day, the parade, the Rubber Ducky Derby, an art
show, a book sale, and free entertainment throughout the weekend.
The community is invited to view the preliminary final master plan for
Heather Downs Park at a meeting on July 26th at the Highlands
Neighborhood Center.
The Police Department invites residents to join forces on August 2nd to
give crime and drugs a going away party during National Night Out. Talk
with neighbors and host a block party, barbecue, or a casual get-together.
Register the event and Police Department staff will make every effort to
attend each and every function.
Community Services: Gene
Coulon Park Swimming Beach
Closure, Unacceptable Levels
of Bacteria in Water
Mr. Covington announced that the swimming beach at Gene Coulon Memorial
Beach Park was closed on July 15th after water samples taken by the King
County Health Department exceeded the acceptable water quality standards for
fecal coliform and E. coli. The water continues to show unacceptable levels of
bacteria.
In response to Councilman Law's inquiry, Mr. Covington stated that the cause
of the problem may be geographic due to the current and location, or man-made
due to a sewer leak. He assured that the matter is being investigated.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Johnson -
Hanging Flower Baskets
Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., #306, Renton, 98055, expressed his
appreciation for the City's hanging flower baskets. Displaying a photograph of
a hanging flower basket in the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Mr. Johnson
noted its large size, and stated that businesses in Lake Oswego decorate their
entryways with flowers. Additionally, he praised the impressive flower display
at the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train depot.
July 18, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 258
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. Councilman Corman noted the addition of item 6.h., and Councilman
Persson requested the removal of item 6.d. for separate consideration.
Council Meeting Minutes of
July 11, 2005
Approval of Council meeting minutes of July 11, 2005. Council concur.
Human Services: 2006-2008
CDBG Interlocal Agreement,
King County
Human Services Division recommended approval of the 2006-2008 joint
interlocal agreement with King County to receive Community Development
Block Grant funds through the King County consortium. Refer to Community
Services Committee.
Development Services:
Oakesdale Commerce Center-
East Binding Site Plan ROW
Dedication, Springbrook Creek
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of a deed of
dedication for a 40-foot-wide strip of land known as Tract F on the east side of
Springbrook Creek for trail purposes to fulfill a requirement of the Oakesdale
Commerce Center-East Binding Site Plan (LUA-03-089). Council concur.
Annexation: Falk II, 102nd
Ave SE & S 50th St
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
submitted 50% Notice of Intent to annex petition for the proposed Falk II
Annexation and recommended a public hearing be set on 8/1/2005 to consider
the petition and future zoning; 6.4 acres located in the vicinity of 102nd Ave.
SE and S. 50th St. Council concur.
Plat: Rutledge/Bent Nose,
Hoquiam Ave NE, PP-05-017
Hearing Examiner recommended approval, with conditions, of the
Rutledge/Bent Nose Preliminary Plat; ten single-family lots on 2.5 acres located
at 990 Hoquiam Ave. NE (PP-05-017). Council concur.
Vacation: NE 4th St, City of
Renton, VAC-04-006
Utility Systems Division reported submittal of the appraisal performed for the
vacation of a portion of NE 4th St., east of Rosario Ave. NE, and requested that
Council accept the appraisal and waive compensation for the vacation area
(VAC-04-006; City of Renton, petitioner). Refer to Planning and Development
Committee.
Added Item 6.h.
Airport: Layout Plan Update,
FAA Grant
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval to accept a $150,000
grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to update the Airport Layout
Plan component of the 1997 Airport Master Plan. Council concur.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO INCLUDE ADDED ITEM 6.h.,
AND TO REMOVE ITEM 6.d. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION.
CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 6.d.
Annexation: Querin II,
Hoquiam Ave NE
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
submitted 10% Notice of Intent to annex petition for the proposed Querin II
Annexation and recommended a public meeting be set on 8/1/2005 to consider
the petition; 7.3 acres located in the vicinity of Hoquiam Ave. NE, SE 112th St.,
and SE 114th Pl.
Councilman Persson suggested that this item be held until the Committee of the
Whole discusses the City's annexation policy. He stated that important policy
decisions need to be made regarding annexations, and he does not want to
accept annexations until the annexation policy issues are resolved.
Responding to Council inquiry, Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington
confirmed that the Querin II Annexation is within the City's potential
annexation area. He acknowledged Councilman Persson's concerns, and noted
that current annexation policy is being followed with the annexations that are
brought forward to Council. Mr. Covington explained that the current policy
July 18, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 259
indicates that the East Renton Plateau area is an area of priority, that the City is
not actively seeking annexations but considers annexation requests, and that the
City only consider annexations that ultimately provide a benefit to the City.
Zanetta Fontes, Assistant City Attorney, reported that State law requires that a
public meeting be held within 60 days of the time the petition is filed with the
City. She noted that the proposed August 1st public meeting date is already
outside the 60-day limit.
Councilman Clawson recommended going forward with this item, but agreed
with Mr. Persson that an annexation policy discussion is necessary.
Councilman Persson expressed concern regarding the lateness of the item
coming before Council, and concerns regarding the costs related to sewer and
parks improvements needed for the annexation area. Additionally, he noted that
although the City keeps annexing property, City staff and equipment is not
being added. Pointing out that it takes time for staff to prepare the annexation
reports, Mr. Covington stated that staff will try to forward the information to
Council in a more timely manner.
Mayor Pro Tem Briere noted the need to discuss the annexation policy soon,
including discussion on those areas that are and are not contained within
Renton's potential annexation area.
Alex Pietsch, Economic Development Administrator, pointed out that Council
accepted a 10% petition for the Querin Annexation in November 2004. He
explained that since then, the boundaries were revised, and the subject 10%
petition to annex reflects a smaller area.
Councilmembers Nelson and Law spoke in support of moving forward with this
item. Councilman Law also noted the importance of having a discussion on the
annexation policy.
MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL APPROVE
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 6.d. AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
Transportation: Street Closure
Ordinance
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding
the street closure ordinance. The current City Code requires Council action for
all road closures. A change is proposed to City Code to allow road closures of
one day or less to be governed by administrative action. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation that the City Council
authorize the revision of the City Code to allow road closures of one day or less
to be governed by administrative action. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED
BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Transportation: Supplemental
Street Lighting Standard for
Arterial Street Lighting
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt supplemental
street lighting standards for arterial streetlights in order to provide a choice of
using decorative fixtures as an alternative to the industrial cobra heads.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR
IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation: Maple Valley
Hwy Improvements Project
Funding, TIB
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to sign the Fiscal Year
2006 Program Project Funding Status Report for submittal to the Transportation
Improvement Board certifying committed City of Renton funds for the Maple
July 18, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 260
Valley Hwy. (SR-169) project. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY
CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Airport: WorldWind
Helicopters Operating Permit
& Sublease
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the
operating permit and agreement with WorldWind Helicopters, Inc. for the
purpose of providing aircraft charter and taxi services and an aircraft
maintenance and repair facility as part of their sublease with AirO, Inc.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR
IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Airport: Aero-Copters
Operating Permit and Sublease
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the
operating permit and agreement with Aero-Copters, Inc. and their sublease with
AirO, Inc. for the purpose of providing aircraft maintenance and repair services
to AirO, Inc. to continue until 11/1/2013. MOVED BY PALMER,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
Airport: T-Hangar Lease Rate
Increase
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding
the monthly rent increase for Airport T-Hangar units. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the
following:
1. A rent increase for all City-owned T-Hangar units from $200 per month to
$285 per month, plus 12.84% leasehold excise tax.
2. Application of the Seattle/Tacoma Consumer Price Index every three years
to the rental rate of all City-owned T-Hangars.
MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR
IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
CAG: 05-089, City Hall P-3
Parking Lot Resurfacing, Epic
Construction
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the bid award
for the City Hall P-3 Parking Lot Resurfacing project. Epic Construction, LLC,
was the sole bidder on the project, there were no irregularities with their bid,
and their bid was under the budgeted amount for the project. The Committee
recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to award the bid
submitted by Epic Construction, LLC, in the amount of $118,374.40. MOVED
BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
ESA: WRIA 8 Chinook
Salmon Conservation Plan
Utilities Committee Chair Corman presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the Water Resource
Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan. The Committee
further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for
reading and adoption. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See
page 262 for resolution.)
Utility: Johns Creek Outfall
Stormwater System
Concurrence, WSDOT
Utilities Committee Chair Corman presented a report regarding the Washington
State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) I-405 project concurrence letter
regarding the Johns Creek Outfall. WSDOT requested the City's approval of a
concurrence letter for the Johns Creek Outfall to discharge stormwater runoff
from I-405 and the upstream tributary area to Johns Creek, in Gene Coulon
Memorial Beach Park, as part of the future widening of I-405.
July 18, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 261
The Committee recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the concurrence letter with WSDOT
for the proposed Johns Creek Outfall stormwater system. MOVED BY
CORMAN, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services
Committee
EDNSP: 2005 Neighborhood
Grant Program
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding the
2005 neighborhood grant projects. The Committee recommended concurrence
in the staff recommendation to approve the following grant awards:
1. Ginger Creek Community Association - Continue development of a pocket
park on Seattle Public Utilities owned right-of-way in Renton. The area is
approximately one-quarter of an acre and is bordered by Puget Drive SE,
Beacon Way SE, and SE 16th St. ($1,538).
2. Geneva Court Homeowners Association - Install fence slats and secure
eroding area around retention pond by adding fill dirt, and eliminate
entrance into neighborhood through wooded area with fencing ($1,544).
3. North Renton Neighborhood Association - Improve exterior of the Sartori
Education Center with landscaping and create a rock garden in open space
with the addition of two picnic tables ($12,586).
4. Sir Cedric Homeowners Association - Remove litter, weeds, and rocks from
the perimeter of the property to improve City right-of-way property located
on Monroe Ave. NE, Lynnwood Ave. NE, and NE 12th St. ($737).
5. Valley Vue Homeowners Association - Plant trees on unimproved right-of-
way in front of homeowners' property ($2,600).
The Committee further recommended approval of funding for the following
administrative newsletter applications:
1. Kennydale Neighborhood Association - Annual printing expenses for a
printed and mailed quarterly newsletter ($2,000).
2. Renton Hill Neighborhood Association - Annual printing expenses for a
printed and mailed quarterly newsletter ($410).
3. Windwood Homeowners Association - Annual printing and postal expenses
for a quarterly newsletter ($109).
4. Winsper Homeowners Association - Annual printing and postal expenses
for a quarterly newsletter ($92).
The total cost of materials for the NE 4th St. Corridor community planting
project, held on 4/23/2005, was $18,257. Clear Channel Corporation
generously donated $8,000, leaving a final cost to the neighborhood program
grant funds of $10,257, with a sweat equity match from residents, the
community, and City staff volunteers of $13,000. Therefore, the first round of
grants total $31,873, leaving a remaining budget of $18,127 available for a
second round of funding. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: Gene
Coulon Park, Lack of Parking
for Class Attendance
Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding
parking for class participants at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The
Committee recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation that no
action be taken regarding reserved parking at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach
July 18, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 262
Park for class participants. While the Committee realizes that parking can be a
problem at various sites during certain times, warm weather, special events, etc.;
preferential parking cannot be given to one group of participants and preclude
others. Additionally, there is not sufficient staff or resources to monitor and
enforce these proposed parking restrictions. MOVED BY NELSON,
SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3761
ESA: WRIA 8 Chinook
Salmon Conservation Plan
A resolution was read ratifying the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8
Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED
BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and advanced for
second and final reading:
Police: Street Racing Event
Attendance Prohibition
An ordinance was read amending Title VI (Police Regulations) of City Code by
adding Chapter 6-28, Race Attendance, that prohibits race attendance within a
"No Racing Zone" and imposes criminal penalties. MOVED BY CLAWSON,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADVANCE THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5150
Police: Street Racing Event
Attendance Prohibition
Following second and final reading of the above ordinance, it was MOVED BY
LAW, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE
AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Transportation: I-405 Corridor
Charette Team
Councilman Persson reported that he attended a meeting on July 14th of the I-
405 Corridor charette team, which consists of consultants, and Renton and
Washington State Department of Transportation staff members. The team
reported out innovative ideas to resolve some of the challenging issues
associated with the Renton I-405 Corridor project. Mr. Persson noted that two
access ramps to the Renton Hill area were included. Mayor Pro Tem Briere
stressed the importance of the team's work to the Renton community.
Airport: Honorary Name,
Clayton Scott Field
Councilman Corman stated that he and Councilwoman Palmer attended the 100-
year birthday celebration for Clayton Scott, where Ms. Palmer read the City
proclamation announcing the decision to add the honorary name of Clayton
Scott Field to the Renton Municipal Airport. He noted that the extra effort that
Council made to approve the honorary name change in time for the celebration
was worth it. Mr. Corman reported that plans are moving forward to install
artwork depicting Clayton Scott at the entry of the Airport.
Community Events: Parking Councilwoman Nelson encouraged citizens to park at the downtown City Center
Parking garage for the Renton River Days events, and for events such as the
Renton Farmers Market and the Cinema on the Piazza. She pointed out that
parking is free for these special events.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:43 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
July 18, 2005