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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-06 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting March 20, 2006 Council Chambers Monday, 7:00 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kathy Keolker called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS TONI NELSON, Council President Pro Tem; DAN CLAWSON; DENIS LAW; TERRI BRIERE; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; LINDA HERZOG, Interim Assistant to the CAO; JUDGE TERRY JURADO, Municipal Court; JOE MCGUIRE, Municipal Court Services Director; INTERIM CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Added Community Services: Board Member Emeritus, Renton Historical Society Robert C. Hunt, President of the Renton Historical Society, recognized Marge Richter as the first ever Renton Historical Society Board Member Emeritus. Mr. Hunt explained that the honor is hers in perpetuity, and he thanked Ms. Richter for her dependable and effective efforts concerning the Renton Museum. Mayor Keolker noted that Ms. Richter has volunteered in numerous capacities for the City over the years, and thanked her for her service. Municipal Court: 2005 Annual Report Municipal Court Services Director Joe McGuire and Municipal Court Judge Terry Jurado presented the 2005 annual report of the Renton Municipal Court. Mr. McGuire reported that the court implemented two new practices in 2005. Customers can now drop payments off in the utility payment drop box located in the City Hall parking lot, and pay fees by credit card over the phone. He explained that these two new features will make doing business with the court more convenient. Mr. McGuire reported on the Court Improvement Act of 2005. He stated that until 2005, the State of Washington was ranked 50th out of 50 states in the amount of funding provided for support of state courts. In the 2005 session of the State Legislature, a bill was passed that appropriates funds for state courts. Mr. McGuire noted that the court will work with the Mayor’s Office and Council to take advantage of the opportunity to utilize state funds to reduce the cost of court operations. Continuing, Mr. McGuire explained that in 2004, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the Department of Licensing could not withhold issuance of a driver’s license merely because a person has unpaid traffic tickets. The incentive to pay traffic fines was eliminated, resulting in a decrease in court revenue for the first time in ten years. He indicated that the statute was revised in 2005, and the Department of Licensing can now suspend the driver’s license of someone for failing to pay a traffic infraction as long as that person is afforded a hearing. The correction to the law had a positive effect on the court, as the revenue collected in January 2006 was the highest it has been since June 2004. Mr. McGuire reviewed the court’s expenditures and revenues, and noted that March 20, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 72 the number of case filings was nearly the same as in 2004. Looking ahead, Mr. McGuire stated that the court anticipates employing a security services vendor, and reconfiguring the third floor of City Hall to improve court security. A new jury management system is being implemented, and the court will partner with the Police Department and the Traffic Engineering Division to investigate the possibility of implementing a Traffic Safety Camera program. Judge Jurado reported that the Municipal Court is already collecting money on behalf of the State as mandated by the Court Improvement Act of 2005, and pointed out that the funds are to be used for public defense, indigent civil defense, and judge’s salaries. He indicated that state legislation such as the Court Improvement Act of 2005, and the implementation of a Traffic Safety Camera program will have an effect on the court’s staffing levels. Judge Jurado noted the importance of reporting on the financial status of the court, and emphasized that the court strives to operate as cost efficiently as possible. Responding to Council inquiries, Judge Jurado stated that jury trials occur approximately once every other week, and last one to two days. He described the new jury summons process, and Mr. McGuire noted that the process for drawing potential jurors is by zip code, which explains why some jurors selected for service reside outside the City boundaries. 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 2006 and beyond. Items noted included: ” On March 14th, the Renton Office of Emergency Management hosted “Lessons Learned – Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Response and Recovery” at Carco Theatre. The presentation included actual rescue stories and experiences, with a perspective of what went right and wrong. ” “Community Emergency Response Training” (CERT), a four-week, eight- session class, began on March 14th. City residents and Kennydale Neighborhood Association members were in attendance for this class that will culminate with a hands-on practical skills review at Fire Station #14. The CERT course benefits all citizens, helping them to be better prepared in responding to and coping with a disaster. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Bonner – Design Review Board Robert Bonner, 91 Williams Ave. S., Renton, 98055, stated that he is a member of the Planning Commission and has a background in architecture. He inquired as to why Renton does not have a design review board, given all the changes that are happening in the downtown area. He suggested that high design may help draw people to Renton. Councilman Clawson indicated that the Planning and Development Committee has visited the issue in the past and chose not to move forward with the idea. He acknowledged the importance, however, of attracting cutting-edge architecture to Renton. Councilwoman Briere pointed out that the City does have design guidelines for some areas. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington added that City staff works with Council to find a balance between design review and design guidelines, while maintaining the efficiency of the development process. Mayor Keolker stated that the City has a pre-application process which helps developers understand the City requirements before they undertake the design work. She noted that the City decided a few years ago not to implement a March 20, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 73 citizen design review board because many communities had experienced legal difficulties with boards of that type. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of 3/13/2006 Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/13/2006. Council concur. Development Services: Petett Meadows Short Plat, ROW Dedication, NE 21st St Development Services Division recommended acceptance of a deed of dedication for additional right-of-way at NE 21st St. to fulfill a requirement of the Petett Meadows Short Plat (SHP-05-016). Council concur. Plat: Jericho, Jericho Ave NE, FP-05-137 Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Jericho Final Plat; 35 single-family lots on 5.3 acres located on the west side of Jericho Ave. NE and south of NE 4th St. (FP-05-137). Council concur. (See page 75 for resolution.) Fire: King County Mutual Assistance Interlocal Agreement Fire Department recommended approval of the King County mutual assistance interlocal agreement. Council concur. (See page 75 for resolution.) Utility: SW 34th St Culvert Replacement Design, RW Beck Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $148,826 with R.W. Beck, Inc. for final engineering design and permitting (Phase II) for the SW 34th St. Culvert Replacement project. Council concur. Added Item 6.f. Community Services: Administrator Appointment (Terry Higashiyama), Hire at Step D Administrative, Judicial and Legal Services Department recommended confirmation of the appointment of Terry Higashiyama as the new Community Services Administrator, effective 4/1/2006, at Step D of the salary range. Council concur. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Services Committee Appointment: Advisory Commission on Diversity Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the appointment of Kelly Roberts to the Advisory Commission on Diversity for a two-year term expiring 12/31/2007. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilwoman Nelson introduced Kelly Roberts who described his background, and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the City. Utilities Committee Latecomer Agreement: Holmes, Sewer Extension (Graham Ave NE), LA-06-001 Utilities Committee Chair Clawson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to grant preliminary approval of the request for a latecomer agreement from Bret Holmes for a period of two years. The application for a latecomer’s agreement was submitted to recover the $86,000 estimated cost for a sewer main extension along Graham Ave. NE to serve a proposed single-family residence. 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, staff shall present the latecomer agreement for March 20, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 74 final approval by Council and 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 CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Latecomer Agreement: Vineyards Construction, Sewer Extension (NE 7th Pl), LA-06- 002 Utilities Committee Chair Clawson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to grant preliminary approval of the request for a latecomer agreement from Cliff Williams of Vineyards Construction, LLC for a period of two years. The application for a latecomer’s agreement was submitted to recover the $72,175.65 estimated cost for a sewer main extension along NE 7th Pl. to serve a proposed single-family residence. 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, staff shall present the latecomer agreement for final approval by Council and 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 CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Planning & Development Committee Development Services: Stream Reclassification, Jones Ave NE & NE 20th St Planning and Development Committee Chair Briere presented a report regarding the reclassification of the stream located in the vicinity of Jones Ave. NE and NE 20th St. The Committee recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to retain the existing classification of the stream as a Class 4 on the referenced parcels (APN 3343903201, APN 3343903203, and APN 3343903563). The City’s stream consultant visited the subject area in February 2006, and prepared reports for both the three parcels noted above, and for the Kennydale Blueberry Farm (APN 3343903240). The consultant’s evaluation also included review of documentation including reports prepared by biologists, historic aerial photographs, current aerial photographs, and interviews with longtime property owners. Based on the reports submitted by the City’s consultant, the Committee agreed that the stream classification on the subject parcels is correct and should not be changed. The stream, on these parcels, most closely meets the definition of a Class 4 stream, as it is a non-salmonid bearing intermittent water during years of normal rainfall, and/or mapped on the Renton Water Class Map as a Class 4.* Stating that there was a lot of public testimony on this issue, Councilwoman Briere noted that most people were satisfied with the decision. *MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Councilman Clawson complimented City staff for their hard work on this issue. Transportation (Aviation) Committee Streets: Park Ave N Closure, South Lake Washington Roadway Improvements Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation for the temporary street closure of Park Ave. N. from N. 6th St. to N. 8th St., and then from N. 8th St. to Garden Ave. N. The closure is to take place between July 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007, extended upon weather conditions, to allow construction work March 20, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 75 for the South Lake Washington Roadway Improvements Project. The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.) Councilwoman Palmer noted the large amount of input obtained from citizens regarding this matter, and indicated that the street closure is a necessary burden to achieve a positive outcome. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: Resolution #3797 Plat: Jericho, Jericho Ave NE, FP-05-137 A resolution was read approving the Jericho Final Plat; approximately 5.3 acres located on the west side of Jericho Ave. NE and south of NE 4th St. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3798 Fire: King County Mutual Assistance Interlocal Agreement A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement entitled “King County, Washington, Mutual Assistance and Interlocal Agreement.” MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. Resolution #3799 Streets: Park Ave N Closure, South Lake Washington Roadway Improvements A resolution was read authorizing the temporary total closure of Park Ave. N., from N. 6th St. to Garden Ave. N., from 7/1/2006 to 7/31/2007. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and adoption: Ordinance #5198 Human Resources: Police & Fire Chiefs Exemption from Civil Service An ordinance was read amending Section 3-5-2 of Chapter 5, Fire Department, and Section 3-8-2 of Chapter 8, Police Department, of Title III (Departments and Officers) of City Code by excluding the Fire Chief and Police Chief from the classified civil service system. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS School District: Activities Councilwoman Nelson reviewed Renton School District announcements and activities. Items included: the Renton High School students who voluntarily took the American High School Math Exam, a national mathematics competition; the selection of the Hazen High School Concert Choir as one of 12 high school choirs to sing at the annual “Best in the Northwest” choral festival held at the University of Portland; and the participation of students in the horticultural program at Black River High School in a project sponsored by the Seattle Audubon Society to restore parts of the Black River Channel. Development Services: Garages and Carports within Setbacks MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF CARPORTS AND GARAGES WITHIN SETBACKS IN NORTH AND SOUTH RENTON TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. CARRIED. Community Services: Museum Sign Councilman Persson expressed his admiration for the new sign at the Renton Museum, which was installed last Friday. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 7:53 p.m. March 20, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 76 Michele Neumann, Deputy City Clerk Recorder: Jason Seth March 20, 2006