HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-05
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
June 27, 2005 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, Past Council President; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON;
TONI NELSON; MARCIE PALMER. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED
BY LAW, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS TERRI
BRIERE AND RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED.
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; MARK
SANTOS-JOHNSON, Economic Development Specialist; DENNIS CULP,
Community Services Administrator; SYLVIA ALLEN, Recreation Director;
MIKE WILSON, Interim Finance and Information Services Administrator;
LINDA PARKS, Fiscal Services Director; COMMANDER KATIE
MCCLINCY, Police Department.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATIONS
Finance: 2003 CAFR Award
Mike Wilson, Interim Finance and Information Services Administrator,
announced that Renton has once again won an award for its Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers
Association (GFOA). He stated that compliance with GFOA's high standards is
reflected by the City's solid bond rating, excellent audit reports, and low audit
risk classification.
Mr. Wilson presented Fiscal Services Director Linda Parks with the award,
saying it is a tribute to her and her staff. Ms. Parks expressed her appreciation
to staff, and recognized Grants Accountant Nancy Violante, Finance Analyst
Linda Dixon, and former Finance and Information Services Administrator
Victoria Runkle for their work on the 2003 CAFR from start to finish.
AWC: Achievement Award of
Excellence, REACT Program
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler announced that Renton received the Association of
Washington Cities Achievement Award of Excellence for its REACT (Renton
Enhanced Abatement and Code Enforcement Team) program. She explained
that this interdepartmental effort addresses non-criminal activities and nuisance
abatement. Noting that the team members are working together for the benefit
of the citizens, the Mayor stated how proud she is of what the team has
accomplished so far.
REACT team member Commander Katie McClincy indicated that the program
involves the community as well as City staff, and stressed that the resulting
networking with community members has been effective. Councilmember
Palmer stated that code violations can be reported by calling 425-430-7373.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning: Multi-Family
Housing Property Tax
Exemption Modifications
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 modifications to the existing designated residential
targeted areas for a potential limited property tax exemption for eligible multi-
family projects.
Alex Pietsch, Economic Development Administrator, stated that Renton has
June 27, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 233
been actively encouraging the development of high-density, multi-family
housing in its urban centers, and one of the tools afforded by the State to
encourage that type of development is a limited property tax exemption. Mark
Santos-Johnson, Economic Development Specialist, explained that the proposal
adds the Commercial Office Residential 3 (COR 3) zone to the existing Urban
Center North District 1 (UC-N1) zone designated residential targeted area, and
changes the names for three designated residential targeted areas to
"Downtown," "Highlands," and "South Lake Washington."
Continuing, Mr. Santos-Johnson reported that eligible projects may be able to
receive a partial property tax exemption for up to ten years. The exemption
applies to the value of new housing construction, but does not include the value
of land, existing improvements, or non-housing related improvements. He
stated that the tax exemption also applies to all levels of the ad valorem property
tax, including city, county, state, and local taxing districts; and for projects in
Renton, this amounts to $11.86 per $1,000 of assessed value for 2005.
Mr. Santos-Johnson explained that eligible projects must be located in
designated targeted areas; must be new construction rental or owner occupied
multi-family housing with four or more housing units in each building; must
have a minimum of either ten or thirty housing units depending upon location;
must be mixed-use if located in the Center Downtown zone, UC-N1 zone, COR
3 zone, or in the Center Village zone, unless waived; and must comply with
design standards and guidelines.
In conclusion, Mr. Santos-Johnson conveyed staff's recommendation to add the
COR 3 zone to the existing UC-N1 zone designated residential targeted area,
and to establish new names for the three designated residential targeted areas.
Public comment was invited.
Michael Christ, 1083 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton, 98056; Julia
Peckham, 1083 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton, 98056; and Jim
Hambuechen, 1083 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton, 98056, spoke in
support of the addition of the COR 3 zone to the existing UC-N1 zone
designated residential targeted area for the property tax exemption, and noted
that the exemption will benefit the Southport development project.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY LAW,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED. (See page 236 for Planning and Development 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:
The Valley Medical Center Cinema on the Piazza will kick off its season in
downtown Renton on July 2nd, and will continue every Saturday night
through the end of August.
Two major improvement projects have been completed at the Maplewood
Golf Course: 1) the reconstruction of the Number 8 Green and the hillside
drainage installation, and 2) the installation of additional parking and
overhead netting.
Community Services: "Adopt
a…" Program
Reporting on the "Adopt a…" program, Community Services Administrator
Dennis Culp explained that the program is a way to leverage park and recreation
staff resources, and to outreach for volunteers. Sylvia Allen, Recreation
Director, described the volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available
June 27, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 234
through the program as follows:
• Adopt a Park - Help maintain Renton's beautiful parks, trails and natural
areas.
• Adopt a Program - Help Renton continue to provide quality, affordable
recreation programs to participants of all ages.
• Adopt a Participant - Help deserving Renton residents take part in
recreation programming.
Ms. Allen pointed out that the program helps the community to be connected to
the quality of life programming offered by the City.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Jepson -
Airport Honorary Name,
Clayton Scott Field
Bill Jepson, 7400 SE 71st St., Mercer Island, 98040, praised Clayton L. Scott, a
long-time member of the aviation community, and detailed Mr. Scott's
contributions to the aviation industry and his association with Boeing and the
Renton Airport. He indicated that Mr. Scott turns 100 years old on July 15th,
and requested that the City consider adding the honorary name of Clayton Scott
Field to the Renton Airport, in time for his birthday if possible.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler stated that even if the decision is made to add Mr.
Scott's name to the Airport, it is doubtful it can be accomplished in time for his
birthday. Jay Covington reported that the request is currently under review by
the Community Services Department, and a recommendation will be brought
forward to the Council.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing. At the request of Councilman Clawson, item 7.d. was removed for
separate consideration.
Council Meeting Minutes of
June 20, 2005
Approval of Council meeting minutes of June 20, 2005. Council concur.
CAG: 05-073, 2005 Street
Overlay, Western Asphalt
City Clerk reported bid opening on 7/22/2005 for CAG-05-073, 2005 Street
Overlay; three bids; engineer's estimate $907,765.10; and submitted staff
recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Western Asphalt, Inc.,
in the amount of $875,181.04. Council concur.
Development Services: Park
Ave Short Plat, ROW
Dedication, SHP-04-159
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of
additional right-of-way at the corner of Park Ave. N. and N. 34th St. to fulfill a
requirement of the Park Ave. Short Plat (SHP-04-159). Council concur.
Transportation: Maple Valley
Hwy Improvements Project
Utilities Relocation, Puget
Sound Energy
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with
Puget Sound Energy, Inc. in the amount of $80,537.19 for the relocation of
existing utilities in connection with the Maple Valley Hwy. (SR-169)
Improvements Phase 1 Project. Council concur.
Airport: Boeing Employee
Flying Association Lease,
Addendum #6, LAG-87-001
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum #6 to
LAG-87-001, airport lease with Boeing Employee Flying Association, for a rent
increase from $40,197.84 to $44,529.71 ($.322 to $.3567 per square foot)
annually, which will remain in effect until 6/1/2010. Council concur.
Airport: Bosair Lease,
Addendum #4, LAG-86-003
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum #4 to
LAG-86-003, airport lease with Bosair, LLC, for a rent increase from
$15,890.29 to $17,602.34 ($.31 to $.3434 per square foot) annually, which will
remain in effect until 6/1/2010. Council concur.
Airport: Kaynan Lease, Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of Addendum #11 to
June 27, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 235
Addendum #11, LAG-84-003 LAG-84-003, airport lease with Kaynan, Inc., for a rent increase from
$23,894.76 to $26,808.86 ($.3276 to $.3385 per square foot) annually, which
will remain in effect until 6/1/2008. Council concur.
Transportation: Supplemental
Street Lighting Standard for
Arterial Street Lighting
Transportation Systems Division requested approval to adopt the supplemental
street lighting standard for arterial street lighting. Refer to Transportation
(Aviation) Committee.
Airport: T-Hangar Lease Rate
Increase
Transportation Systems Division requested approval of a rent increase for all T-
Hangar units at the Airport to $285 per month plus leasehold excise tax, and
approval to apply the Seattle/Tacoma Consumer Price Index every three years
to the rental rate. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
Vacation: N 14th St, Pool
Brothers Construction, VAC-
05-001
Utility Systems Division reported submittal of the appraisal performed for the
vacation of a portion of N. 14th St. (VAC-05-001; Pool Brothers Construction),
and requested that Council accept the appraisal and set compensation for the
right-of-way at $21,285. Refer to Planning and Development Committee.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 7.d. FOR
SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 7.d.
EDNSP: Pavilion Building
Lease, Spirit of Washington
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended approval of a lease with Spirit of Washington, Inc. to use the
Pavilion Building for meeting and event space.
Councilman Clawson expressed concern regarding the restroom facilities, as the
Pavilion Building restrooms would not be available for those attending events
such as the Farmers Market at the Piazza if an event at the Pavilion Building
occurred at the same time.
Responding to Councilman Clawson's inquiry, Economic Development
Administrator Alex Pietsch stated that the cost of providing a portable toilet is
approximately $100. He noted that the restroom facility at the Renton Transit
Center is available for use.
Councilwoman Nelson expressed the need for a portable toilet if there is a
conflict with the Farmers Market. Councilwoman Palmer also noted the need
for a portable toilet if there is a conflict with the Cinema on the Piazza event on
Saturday nights.
Councilman Clawson stated his support for the lease, noting that the City will
benefit from the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train's advertising. Mr. Pietsch
pointed out that the term of the Pavilion Building lease is ten years, with a
provision for termination at the end of four years.
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler expressed her hope that this venue will attract larger
events to downtown Renton, and not take events away from existing City
facilities and other venders. She praised City staff for all their hard work on the
lease, with special thanks to Mr. Pietsch and Economic Development Specialist
Mark Santos-Johnson.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 7.d. AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
Added
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment: Grass - NE
Sunset Blvd & Duvall Ave NE
Intersection Improvements
A letter was read from Charles D. Grass, CPA & Associates, PO Box 2563,
Renton, 98056, concerning the effect of the NE Sunset Blvd. and Duvall Ave.
NE Intersection Improvements Project on his property located at 10733 138th
Ave. SE (1625 Duvall Ave. NE). He pointed out that the changes will restrict
the current use of his property, reducing the parking availability by 50%.
June 27, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 236
Project, Property Use
Restriction MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER
THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Human Resources: 2005
Group Health Cooperative
Medical Coverage Contracts
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the annual renewal of the
Group Health Cooperative medical coverage agreements as follows: LEOFF 1
(Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters) Employees (Contract No.
0390400); LEOFF 1 Retirees (Contract Nos. 0057500 and 4057500); and all
other City of Renton covered employees (Contract No. 1162600). Funding was
previously approved by Council in the 2005 Budget. The revisions are
applicable to all four of the renewal contracts. As in prior years, Group Health
does not send confirming contracts for signature until mid year.
The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be
authorized to execute the contracts. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY
NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED.
Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of
Claim Vouchers 238477 - 238901 and two wire transfers totaling
$1,973,672.06; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 57758 - 58108, one wire
transfer, and 582 direct deposits totaling $1,914,771.09. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
Airport: Development Study
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the Renton
Municipal Airport Development Study with a modification to policy
recommendation number four from "Permit scheduled seaplane operations from
the City of Renton" to "Accept proposals from scheduled seaplane operators."
The Committee further recommended authorizing staff to further explore
implementation of the recommendations listed therein. MOVED BY PALMER,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development
Committee
Planning: Multi-Family
Housing Property Tax
Exemption Modifications
Planning and Development Committee Chair Clawson presented a report
regarding the designated residential targeted areas modification and the text
amendments to the Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption program.
The Committee recommended concurrence in the recommendation of staff that
Council:
1) Approve the modification to the Urban Center North District 1 (UC-N1)
designated residential targeted area to add the Commercial Office
Residential 3 (COR 3) zone; and
2) Adopt an ordinance to modify the UC-N1 designated residential targeted
area to add the (COR 3) zone and to make minor text amendments to
improve the clarity and intent of the project eligibility requirements in City
Code Section 4-1-220D.
The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter
be presented for first reading. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY
LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
(See later this page for ordinance.)
June 27, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 237
Citizen Comment: McClaine -
Gene Coulon Park, Lack of
Parking for Class Attendance
Referring to the letter read at last week's Council meeting from Diane
McClaine, 23402 SE 217th Pl., Maple Valley, 98038, it was MOVED BY
NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER MS. MCCLAINE'S
LETTER REGARDING LACK OF PARKING FOR CLASS ATTENDANCE
AT GENE COULON BEACH PARK TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 7/11/2005 for second and final reading:
Planning: Multi-Family
Housing Property Tax
Exemption Modifications
An ordinance was read amending Section 4-1-220, Property Tax Exemption for
Multi-Family Housing in Residential Targeted Areas, of Chapter 1,
Administration and Enforcement, of Title IV (Development Regulations) of
City Code by modifying the designated residential targeted areas and other
project eligibility requirements. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING ON 7/11/2005. CARRIED.
Police: Street Racing Event
Attendance Prohibition
An ordinance was read amending Title VI (Police Regulations) of City Code by
adding Chapter 6-27, Race Attendance, that prohibits race attendance within a
"No Racing Zone" and imposes criminal penalties. MOVED BY LAW,
SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR
SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 7/11/2005. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5147
Annexation: Wedgewood
Lane, 144th Ave SE & 148th
Ave SE
An ordinance was read annexing approximately 35.68 acres located east of
144th Ave. SE (Jericho Ave. NE), if extended, and west of 148th Ave. SE (Nile
Ave. NE), north of SE 117th St., and west of Honey Creek, south of SE 117th
St., if extended (Wedgewood Lane Annexation). MOVED BY CLAWSON,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS
READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5148
Annexation: Wedgewood
Lane, R-4 Zoning
An ordinance was read establishing the zoning classification of property
annexed within the City of Renton located east of 144th Ave. SE (Jericho Ave.
NE), if extended, and west of 148th Ave. SE (Nile Ave. NE), north of SE 117th
St., and west of Honey Creek, south of SE 117th St., if extended, from R-4
(Urban Residential - four dwelling units per acre; King County zoning) to R-4
(Residential - four dwelling units per acre) zoning; Wedgewood Lane
Annexation. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL
ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES.
CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Transportation: Harrington
Ave NE & NE 7th St Vehicle
Speeding Reduction
Referring to the 7/27/2005 staff memo to Council regarding the success of the
Tier 1 traffic calming measures that decreased speeding on Harrington Ave. NE
and NE 7th St., Councilman Persson complimented staff on their efforts.
Transportation: Jones Rd
Bridge Closure, Traffic
Volume Increase
Councilman Persson noted that the temporary closure of the Jones Rd. Bridge
has increased the volume of traffic on NE 4th St., and he suggested the re-
timing of traffic signals and the posting of alternate routes.
Community Services: Fire
Station #15 Future Site Sign,
Councilman Persson inquired as to the status of the installation of the sign at
1404 N. 30th St. indicating that it is the future site of Fire Station #15. Noting
June 27, 2005 Renton City Council Minutes Page 238
Off-Leash Dog Park that this site has been approved as a temporary off-leash dog park facility,
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler explained that the matter is on hold (including the
signage) due to the concerns of some Kennydale Neighborhood Association
members. She assured that the Administration is working on the matter.
Council: Meeting Schedule
Changes
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL EXCLUDE
THE FOLLOWING DAYS FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SCHEDULE AND ADD THEM AS COUNCIL HOLIDAYS: THE MONDAY
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RENTON RIVER DAYS FESTIVAL,
THE FOURTH MONDAY OF AUGUST, AND THE THIRD AND FOURTH
MONDAYS IN DECEMBER. CARRIED.
Solid Waste: Neighbor to
Neighbor Cleanup
Mayor Keolker-Wheeler noted there was some confusion regarding City
residency in relation to the curbside cleanup event held on June 25th.
Councilwoman Palmer relayed that she received many positive comments about
the event.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:39 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
June 27, 2005