HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-06
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
March 27, 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
RANDY CORMAN, Council President; TONI NELSON; DAN CLAWSON;
TERRI BRIERE; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON. MOVED BY
CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT
COUNCILMAN DENIS LAW. CARRIED.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative
Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON,
City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator; LINDA HERZOG, Interim Assistant to the CAO;
COMMANDER FLOYD ELDRIDGE, Police Department.
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:
Join the celebration at the Spring Festival at the Piazza on April 22nd, from
noon to 5:00 p.m., which features arts and crafts booths, food, music,
entertainment, kids' booth, farmers market vendors, and master gardener
displays.
The second annual Mayor's Planting Day takes place on April 22nd, from
8:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help plant street trees along Williams
and Houser Streets in Downtown Renton in recognition of Earth Day and
Arbor Day.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will begin
construction of a two-mile long northbound HOV lane on SR-167 between
15th St. SW and 15th St. NW in Auburn in late April or early May. Crews
will also widen most on-ramps between 15th St. NW and S. 180th (SW
43rd) St. in Renton. WSDOT expects to complete the project in Fall 2007.
In 2008, WSDOT will convert the new HOV lane to a High Occupancy Toll
(HOT) lane for the HOT lanes pilot project.
Public Safety: Calling 911 Noting a recent missing child incident, Chief Administrative Officer Jay
Covington encouraged citizens to call 911 to report incidents such as a found or
missing child.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: McOmber -
Highlands Sub-Area Plan
Howard McOmber, 475 Olympia Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, spoke on the topic
of the Highlands redevelopment. He indicated that with the help of the City, the
affected property owners and residents can find a better way of improving the
area than what is being proposed by the City. Mr. McOmber stated that the
suggested development would be too expensive for low-income people to
reside. He pointed out that the housing market has improved, and that the
existing houses can be fixed up. Mr. McOmber expressed concern regarding
the potential use of eminent domain, stating that the main responsibility for
improving the area belongs to the people who can solve problems in the
Highlands area with leadership and help.
Councilman Corman emphasized that the City welcomes input regarding the
March 27, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 82
Highlands redevelopment, and asked that citizens be specific and candid
regarding their concerns. Stating that the City wants to do the best possible job
it can, he acknowledged that there will not be agreement on every detail, but
many people want to accomplish the same things. Mr. Corman pointed out that
the project area is just a small percentage of the Highlands area, which is ripe
for redevelopment. He noted that redevelopment will also help real estate sales
in areas outside of the project area as people realize that the area is going to be
improved.
Citizen Comment: Petersen -
Highlands Sub-Area Plan
Inez Petersen, Secretary of the Highlands Community Association (HCA), 3306
Lake Washington Blvd. N., #3, Renton, 98056, also spoke on the topic of the
Highlands redevelopment. Ms. Petersen displayed an e-mail that was sent to the
Mayor and Council and stated she received no response to her request for a
meeting. Ms. Petersen also displayed a City environmental notice of land use
application and proposed determination of non-significance, pointing out that a
higher density zone is not "non-significant."
Continuing, Ms. Petersen read from the March 2006 issue of the HCA
newsletter, which posed questions such as: how will the City accumulate
properties; why blight an entire neighborhood when there are tools in place to
address the problems; and what about low interest loans, aggressive code
enforcement, and more police. She stressed that blighting the entire
neighborhood affects not only the homes in poor condition, but also the well-
maintained homes. In conclusion, Ms. Petersen stated that HCA supports
Option B of the City's proposed Highlands Redevelopment Strategy.
Mayor Keolker stated that she wants to know for whom Ms. Petersen is
speaking, and requested a list of the HCA members.
Regarding code enforcement and police, Councilman Corman indicated that the
subject area, which is three percent of Renton's land mass, uses approximately
twenty percent of those resources. Saying that this is not an efficient use of
resources, Mr. Corman pointed out that if some of the problems can be solved
through redevelopment, then police services can be used elsewhere in the City.
Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington said he appreciates that a document
used at the Council retreat was attached to the aforementioned HCA newsletter.
Mr. Covington stressed that the City would only use eminent domain as a last
resort, and only after all other options were exhausted. He explained that the
City has a history of accumulating property for redevelopment projects, and
eminent domain was not employed. With the exception of some right-of-way
purchase, the City has almost always purchased property with the consent of the
property owner.
Councilman Clawson pointed out that the percentage of property owners
actually residing in the Highlands study area is small. He stated that staff will
be contacting every affected property owner regarding the redevelopment plan.
Explaining that eminent domain is a tool that is used so property can be
acquired at a reasonable price, Mr. Clawson emphasized that it would only be
used as a last resort. He indicated that the redevelopment plan will unlock the
value of the subject property, and noted that there is still a lot of work to be
done.
Continuing, Mr. Clawson stated that if private developers develop in the area,
property will become unaffordable for the current residents, many of whom are
low-income. He explained that non-profit homebuilders could build low-
March 27, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 83
income housing and manage the units, and social service providers could also
participate in the effort. Mr. Clawson indicated that there are many reasons
why the City is looking at getting deeply involved in the redevelopment, and he
fears that if the City does not step in, gentrification of the area will result.
Citizen Comment: Schaub -
Highlands Sub-Area Plan
Sarah Schaub, 15123 SE 140th Pl., Renton, 98059, yielded her time to Inez
Petersen.
Citizen Comment: Petersen -
Highlands Sub-Area Plan
Inez Petersen, 3306 Lake Washington Blvd. N., #3, Renton, 98056, stated that
she asked the City, via a letter in mid-February, to conduct a financial analysis
to determine if the Highlands redevelopment project would work if people were
given fair market value for their property. She noted that it appears the analysis
was not conducted, as she received no response to the letter.
Citizen Comment: Sagafi -
Homeowners Association
Dues, Traffic Concerns
John Sagafi, 2020 Grant Ave. S., E-203, Renton, 98055, reported that his
homeowners association dues have more than doubled over the past few years,
while amenities have decreased. On another subject, Mr. Sagafi expressed
concern regarding traffic problems on S. Grady Way, SR-167, Benson Rd. S.,
and the intersection of Talbot Rd. S. and S. Grady Way.
Mayor Keolker stated that the City has no authority over homeowners
associations, and she asked that Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator
Gregg Zimmerman talk to Mr. Sagafi about his traffic concerns.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
3/20/2006
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 3/20/2006. Council concur.
AJLS: Reorganization of
Personnel in Mayor’s Office
Administrative, Judicial and Legal Services Department recommended
reorganization of personnel in the Mayor's Office to include the reclassification
of two positions and the relocation of the special events function to the
Community Services Department. Refer to Committee of the Whole.
Lease: Chamber of Commerce,
Airport, LAG-61-633
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended approval of an addendum to LAG-61-633, airport lease with the
Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, to increase the ground rate from
$6,789.12 to $7,522.56 ($.7072 to $.7836 per square foot) annually. Council
concur.
Zoning: 2005 Annual Update
of Zoning Book & Wall Map
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended approval of the 2005 annual update of the City's Zoning Book
and Wall Map. Council concur. (See page 84 for ordinance.)
City Clerk: Public Records
Officer Appointment
Legal Division recommended adoption of a resolution appointing the City Clerk
as the Public Records Officer for the City of Renton. Council concur. (See
page 84 for resolution.)
Public Works: Cedar River
Section 205 Flood Damage
Reduction 2006 Monitoring
Plan, Golder Associates
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a consultant agreement in
the amount of $102,660.33 with Golder Associates, Inc. to implement the 2006
Monitoring Plan for the Cedar River Section 205 Flood Damage Reduction
project. Council concur.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of
Claim Vouchers 246577 - 247136 and one wire transfer totaling $2,096,875.78;
March 27, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 84
Finance: Vouchers and approval of Payroll Vouchers 62655 - 62840, one wire transfer, and 609
direct deposits totaling $1,997,512.73. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED
BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Public Works: Transportation
Systems Director Position
Reclassification, Deputy
Administrator Hire at Step E
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the reorganization of the
Planning/Building/Public Works Department by reclassifying the
Transportation Systems Division Director Position to Deputy
Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator - Transportation. The
Committee further recommended that the Administration be authorized to hire
Peter Hahn as the Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator -
Transportation at Step E of Grade m45, effective 3/16/2006. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for ordinance.)
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3800
City Clerk: Public Records
Officer Appointment
A resolution was read appointing the City Clerk as the Public Records officer of
the City of Renton. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 4/3/2006 for second and final reading:
Zoning: 2005 Annual Update
of Zoning Book & Wall Map
An ordinance was read adopting the 2005 amendments to the zoning
classifications of properties located within the City of Renton. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE
ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/3/2006.
CARRIED.
Public Works: Transportation
Systems Director Position
Reclassification, Deputy
Administrator Hire at Step E
An ordinance was read amending the 2006 Budget by transferring funds from
Fund 317 to Fund 103, and amending Section 3-7-5B of Chapter 7,
Planning/Building/Public Works Department, of Title III (Departments) of City
Code by creating a position for a Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works
Administrator - Transportation, eliminating a position for a Transportation
Systems Director, and declaring an emergency. MOVED BY CORMAN,
SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 4/3/2006. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Safety: Calling 911
Councilwoman Nelson stated that two residents recently informed her that their
cars had been prowled, and they did not report the incidents to the police
because nothing of value was taken. Ms. Nelson stressed the importance of
reporting incidents, even if they do not seem important, so that the Police
Department is aware of what is happening. Mayor Keolker added that crime
patterns are tracked, and resources are directed to where they are needed. She
pointed out that calls to 911 are prioritized, and emergency situations are not
adversely affected by the reporting of minor incidents.
Community Services: Missoula
Childrens Theater Production
at Carco Theatre
Councilwoman Palmer reported that the Missoula Children's Theater held
auditions today for a production of Robin Hood. Rehearsals run from March
28th to March 31st, culminating in two performances on April 1st at Carco
Theatre. She stated that this is the third year that this widely respected theater
group has come to Renton, and she encouraged citizens who are looking for fun
family entertainment to attend the show.
March 27, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 85
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 7:47 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
March 27, 2006