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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-06 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting July 17, 2006 Council Chambers Monday, 7 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; DENIS LAW; TERRI BRIERE; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON. CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; PETER HAHN, Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator - Transportation; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator; BETTE ANDERSON, Library Director; VINCENT ORDUNA, Cultural Arts Coordinator; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; MICHAEL BAILEY, Finance and Information Services Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Library: New Director (Bette Anderson) Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama introduced Bette Anderson, the new Library Director. Ms. Anderson stated that she is looking forward to working with everyone and to working on the Library Master Plan. Community Services: "Damn Yankees" Teen Musical Performance Excerpts Continuing, Ms. Higashiyama introduced Cultural Arts Coordinator Vincent Orduna who announced that Renton's annual 2006 summer teen musical, "Damn Yankees," will run from July 21 to August 13 at Carco Theatre. He introduced performers Joshua Paul Moore, Monica Taylor, Kathryn Stewart, Steven Hudson, Brad Walker, Thomas Webber, and Lee Morris who entertained the audience with two sample numbers from the show. 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: ” "Celebrate the Heart of Renton" at IKEA Renton River Days, a family festival celebrating pride in the community July 18 through July 23. ” Over 700 kids, parents, and friends attended the T-Ball and Coach Pitch Jamboree on July 13. This summer's program has 12 Coach Pitch teams and 16 T-Ball teams. Streets: Park Ave N Closure, South Lake Washington Roadway Improvements Peter Hahn, Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator - Transportation, reported on the temporary closure of Park Ave. N. (N. 6th St. to Garden Ave. N.), for the South Lake Washington roadway and utility improvements, and described the Garden Ave. N. detour route. He indicated that the closure may be postponed until after the Renton River Days festival, which will be held this week. In response to Council inquiries, Mr. Hahn stated that Park Ave. N. could be closed for as long as 14 months. He assured that affected business owners were notified of the street closure. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: DeMastus - Highlands Community Association Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association Vice President, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, expressed her thanks for those who have supported the Highlands Community Association and her disappointment with those she feels have behaved inappropriately. Noting the importance of keeping all July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 246 communications open and of not discriminating against any one group or individual, Ms. DeMastus expressed her hope that the City and the Highlands can mend relations. Citizen Comment: Petersen - Various Inez Somerville Petersen, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, spoke on the subject of The Landing development, stating that it does not matter who is funding the environmental appeal, but rather if the appeal is valid. Referring to the consent agenda item concerning the contract with Doug Levy for legislative consulting services, Ms. Petersen protested the expenditure. On another topic, she suggested that the Planning Commission agenda and agenda packets remain on the City's web site for a longer period of time. Additionally, she suggested that instead of redoing the City's web site, that the money be used to add streaming video to the current web site. Citizen Comment: Gaunt- Smith - Resident Involvement in City Planning Shirley Gaunt-Smith, 4102 NE 6th Pl., Renton, 98059, expressed her concern regarding elected officials' lack of response to Renton citizens. Pointing out that several complex proposed actions are occurring at the same time, she stressed the importance of involving the community in the decision making so that citizens feel a part of and have some ownership in the plans. She stated that the proposals will greatly affect residents, and noted that plans will more likely succeed if residents are involved. Citizen Comment: Maxwell - Renton School Board, New Director Introduction Marcie Maxwell, PO Box 2048, Renton, 98056, speaking as a Renton School District Board Director, introduced Todd Franceschina, the newest school board director. She stated that Mr. Franceschina is a Renton High School graduate, and has a lot of experience in finance and business administration to bring to the board. Mr. Franceschina expressed his excitement about the position. Citizen Comment: Breeden - Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park Raymond Arthur Breeden, Sr., 15279 Maple Dr., Renton, 98058, stated that residents of the Wonderland Estates mobile home park located at Maple Valley Hwy. and 149th Ave. SE want to be annexed to Renton. He explained that if the property, which is zoned R-12 in King County, is bought by a developer, every resident could be evicted. Mr. Breeden indicated that the residents are working on a business plan to become a co-op, and asked that the City rezone the property. Mayor Keolker reported that she received three letters pertaining to this topic, including one from Mr. Breeden. She explained that the Administration is recommending that the matter be reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Plan amendment process. (See page 247 for consent agenda item.) Citizen Comment: Hale - The Landing Project Dave Hale, PO Box 3517, Renton, 98056, thanked the City for its work to bring The Landing shopping center to this area. As a realtor, Mr. Hale indicated that his clients have shown a positive interest in the development. He acknowledged the opposition and roadblocks the development faces, and encouraged the City to continue to move forward with the project. Citizen Comment: Blayden - The Landing Project Bob Blayden, 2533 Ilwaco Ave. NE, Renton, 98059, praised the City for its support of The Landing project, noting that it is a key part of Renton's future. He pointed out the need to develop the area in a way that produces the best economic value for the City. Mayor Keolker stated that the Administration and Council is committed to the project. Citizen Comment: Johnson - Various Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., #306, Renton, 98057, praised the Mayor's Planting Day that occurred in April, saying that he enjoyed helping to plant the trees. Pointing out a safety problem on the Cedar River Trail, Mr. July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 247 Johnson stated that bikers fail to dismount their bikes when they cross the bridge by the Renton Senior Activity Center. On another subject, he thanked Council for its support of the senior center, and conveyed how much he enjoys the center's planned hikes. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Council Meeting Minutes of 7/10/2006 Approval of Council meeting minutes of 7/10/2006. Council concur. Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission Mayor Keolker appointed Evelyn Reingold, 833 SW Sunset Blvd., L-56, Renton, 98055, to the Municipal Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of Edythe Gandy, who has resigned (term to expire 12/31/2006). Refer to Community Services Committee. CAG: 06-108, Maplewood Golf Course Driving Range Netting, NETServices City Clerk reported bid opening on 6/30/2006 for CAG-06-108, Maplewood Golf Course Driving Range Netting Replacement; three bids; engineer's estimate $100,000 - $110,000; and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to low bidder, NETServices, LLC, in the amount of $135,449.81. Council concur. City Clerk: Quarterly Contract List, 4/1/2006 to 6/30/2006 City Clerk submitted Quarterly Contract List for period of 4/1/2006 to 6/30/2006; 51 contracts and 20 addenda totaling $9,108,034.81. Information. Appeal: Defoor Short Plat, Terry Defoor, SHP-05-089 City Clerk reported appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision regarding the Defoor Short Plat; appeal filed on 6/22/2006 by Terry Defoor, represented by Karen Orehoski, Ricci Grube Aita, PLLC, 1601 2nd Ave., Suite 1080, Seattle, 98112, accompanied by required fee. The appeal packet includes one additional letter received as allowed by City Code. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. Appeal: Provost Variances, Alan & Cynthia Provost, V-06- 024 City Clerk reported appeal of Hearing Examiner's decision regarding the Provost variances application; appeal filed on 6/30/2006 by Alan and Cynthia Provost, PO Box 1492, Renton, 98057, accompanied by required fee. Refer to Planning and Development Committee. Comprehensive Plan: 2006 Amendments Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department requested approval of a one-time exception to the December 15 filing deadline for two additional City-initiated 2006 Comprehensive Plan amendments, and referral of the amendments to the Planning and Development Committee and Planning Commission. EDNSP: Legislative Consulting Services, Doug Levy Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $53,200 with Doug Levy for legislative consulting services for 2006-2007. Council concur. EDNSP: S Lake WA Infrastructure Improvement Project Grant, Economic Development Administration Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended approval of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration for a $2,054,314 Financial Assistance Award for the South Lake Washington Infrastructure Improvement Project. Council concur. Annexation: Maplewood Addition, Maple Valley Hwy Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public hearing be set on 8/7/2006 to consider the proposed Maplewood Addition Annexation (located in the vicinity of Maple Valley Hwy.) and associated zoning, for which the City's requested boundary expansion was approved by the Boundary Review Board (from 60.5 to 340 acres). Council concur. July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 248 Annexation: Querin II, Hoquiam Ave NE Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public hearing be set on 8/7/2006 for the proposed Querin II Annexation (located in the vicinity of Hoquiam Ave. NE and SE 112th St.) and associated zoning, the boundaries of which were expanded by the Boundary Review Board from 7.18 to 24 acres. Council concur. Plat: Honey Creek View Estates Preliminary Plat, NE Sunset Blvd, PP-05-118 Hearing Examiner recommended approval, with conditions, of the Honey Creek View Estates Preliminary Plat; nine single-family lots on 1.8 acres located at 3524 NE Sunset Blvd. Council concur. Airport: Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Lands Lease Transportation Systems Division requested approval to terminate the Washington State Department of Natural Resources aquatic lands lease agreement, and accept the new aquatic lands lease agreement for the Will Rogers-Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base at the Airport. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. CAG: 06-039, Water Main Replacement, VJM Construction Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-06-039, Water Main Replacement Project - N. 31st, N. 33rd, and NE 24th Streets; and High Ave. NE; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $1,360, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retainage in the amount of $12,352.53 to VJM Construction Co., Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Comprehensive Plan: 2006 Amendments Mayor Keolker noted that one of the added proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments, listed in the above consent agenda, concerns the Wonderland Estates mobile home park property. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Planning: Highlands Area Redevelopment Council President Corman brought forward a proposal concerning the Highlands area redevelopment. He explained that the City Council continues to be committed to the revitalization of the Highlands community, especially the subarea that has been the focus of the City's attention most recently. Mr. Corman recommended that additional Committee of the Whole meetings be held, after any appeals regarding this matter have been resolved, to finalize a rezoning of the Highlands Subarea that will meet the needs of current property owners, while also providing new opportunities and encouragement for developers to make an investment in this community. He also recommended that the local residents be engaged in this planning process. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY LAW, THAT BECAUSE A GOOD DEAL OF NEGATIVE ATTENTION HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON THE STATE'S COMMUNITY RENEWAL ACT, PARTICULARLY THE PORTION THAT ALLOWS FOR THE POTENTIAL USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN, THE ADMINISTRATION: • CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY ON DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, THROUGH APPROPRIATE REZONING OF THE AREA, WITHOUT THE USE OF THE COMMUNITY RENEWAL ACT, OR EMINENT DOMAIN, TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS; • CONTINUE THE USE OF AN AGGRESSIVE CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT TO TARGET THOSE PROPERTIES THAT VIOLATE CITY CODE AND ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE; AND July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 249 • IMPLEMENT A POLICE ENFORCEMENT PLAN THAT WILL RESULT IN REDUCING OVERALL CRIME PROBLEMS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.* Councilwoman Briere questioned whether the intent is for the Planning and Development Committee to continue the primary work on the zoning, which also includes changes to the Comprehensive Plan. Council President Corman confirmed that is still the intent. He explained that he is trying to accomplish one major thing: codify the proposal that was made by the Mayor at the 6/26/2006 Council meeting, taking the Community Renewal Act off the table. Additionally, Mr. Corman stated that he wants to convey to the community that the City will meet their challenge on the enforcement of City Code violations. Referring to Mr. Corman's statement regarding finalizing a rezoning of the Highlands Subarea that will meet the needs of current property owners, Councilman Clawson pointed out that most of the Highlands Subarea residents are not property owners, but renters, and they should also be engaged in the planning process. He expressed the need for replacing the low-income housing that will be upgraded or eliminated due to the area's upgrade. He questioned whether the Administration or City Attorney had any concerns regarding the proposal. Assistant City Attorney Zanetta Fontes pointed out that by taking the Community Renewal Act off the table, some of the tools the City may have had to help the residents are being taken away. Councilman Clawson stated that taking this action does not prevent Council from considering using the Community Renewal Act in the future. Referring to the implementation of a police enforcement plan, Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington noted the need for a discussion with Council regarding the allocation of resources. Council President Corman indicated that when it is determined what is needed to address the issue, Council will make the budget adjustments as required. Council discussion ensued regarding affordable housing, density dynamics, single-family and multi-family housing, the use of the space on a lot, and the Center Village land use designation. *MOTION CARRIED. Community Services Committee Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve Mayor Keolker's appointment of Frank Marshall to the Airport Advisory Committee as Airport Leaseholders alternate representative for a term expiring on 5/7/2007. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve Mayor Keolker's appointment of Marie McPeak to the Municipal Arts Commission for an unexpired term expiring 12/31/2006. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 250 Public Safety Committee Community Services: Disaster Relief Supply Building, Fire District #25 & American Red Cross Public Safety Committee Chair Law presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a joint agreement and memorandum of understanding with King County Fire Protection District #25 and the American Red Cross, serving King and Kitsap Counties, to provide a process for the American Red Cross to construct, equip, and maintain a disaster relief supply building, funded by a grant from the Boeing Employees Fund, for the purpose of housing local disaster relief supplies. The Committee recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement and memorandum.* Councilman Law pointed out that this is a great opportunity for Renton, as this area of the County lacks such a facility. He stated that the building will be located at Fire Station #16, and the City will not incur any of the costs. *MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 8/7/2006 for second and final reading: EDNSP: Annexation Community Outreach, PRR Contract, Budget Amend An ordinance was read amending the 2006 Budget by transferring funds in the amount of $70,000 from the 2005 year-end fund balance for the purpose of public information and community outreach efforts related to annexation and incorporation, with $60,087 going to PRR, Inc. to conduct that work, and declaring an emergency. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 8/7/2006. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption: Ordinance #5214 Vacation: Park Ave N, City of Renton, VAC-04-005 An ordinance was read vacating four portions of right-of-way, a total of approximately 21,795 square feet, along Park Ave. N. between N. 8th St. and Logan Ave. N. for the proposed "The Landing" site development street system (City of Renton; VAC-04-005). MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. Ordinance #5215 Finance: Bond Issuance, S Lake WA Infrastructure & SW 27th St/Strander Blvd Extension Projects An ordinance was read relating to the incurrence of indebtedness; providing for the sale and issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 2006, in the aggregate principal amount of $17,980,000 to provide part of the costs of constructing transportation and utility infrastructure and improvements in the City; providing for the date, denominations, form, terms, registration privileges, maturities, interest rates and covenants of the bonds; providing for the annual levy of taxes to pay the principal thereof and the interest thereon; establishing a debt service fund for the bonds; and providing for the sale and delivery of such bonds to D.A. Davidson & Co., Seattle, Washington. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ.* Finance and Information Services Administrator Michael Bailey introduced Fred Eoff, Managing Underwriter with D.A. Davidson & Co., and Lindsay Sovde, Financial Advisor with Seattle Northwest Securities, who both spoke on the topic of the bond issuance. Mr. Eoff reported on the City's bond credit rating, pointing out that both credit rating services, Fitch Rating Services and Standard and Poor's, took a fresh look at the City's economic status and increased their credit ratings for the City from A+ to AA-. He noted that the July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 251 increased credit ratings resulted in an improvement to the bond insurance premiums and interest rates. Ms. Sovde stated that Seattle Northwest Securities worked as financial advisor on the bond transaction. She indicated that the bond sale went very well, that the bonds were priced fairly in the market, and that the fee charged by the underwriter was fair. *ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. MOTION CARRIED. Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington stated that the City's credit rating increase will result in savings to the taxpayers. Mayor Keolker noted that the rating upgrade will positively affect how others view Renton as a place to invest. NEW BUSINESS Public Works: Neighborhood Mail Box Stations Council President Corman reported a discussion with a Maplewood Glen neighborhood resident who informed him that the post office, instead of delivering the mail to residents' houses, is installing postal stations. He conveyed that the resident is concerned about the placement of the postal stations, as their placement may cause traffic flow and site distance problems, and block parking and front yards. Pointing out that this is a widespread problem, Mr. Corman asked that the Administration contact the post office to try to become part of the planning process for the locating of postal stations. Mayor Keolker said she will communicate the concerns to the post office. Finance: City Web Site Update, City Logo Councilwoman Palmer reported that she and Councilmembers Briere and Corman had an opportunity to preview the City's new web site last week. She pointed out that the web site looks great, is easy to use and navigate, and is easy for staff to update. However, Ms. Palmer stated her surprise to see a new City logo on the site. She pointed out that discussion occurred two years ago regarding a new logo, and it was decided at the time, partially due to monetary reasons, not to go forward with the effort. MOVED BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL STOP USE OF THE NEW CITY LOGO AND REFER THE ITEM TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.* Discussion ensued regarding the logo on the new web site, and the City's existing logo. Councilwoman Briere explained that the logo was developed as part of the web site, but noted that the City is not yet at the point of changing the City logo. She discussed the opportunity the web site provided to start on a path of updating the City logo at no cost to the City, the reason why she got involved with the web site update project, the lack of a consistent design on City publications, and the cost savings of having a consistent look. Councilmembers Clawson, Law, Nelson, Persson, and Corman discussed the importance of the City logo, and the need for Council review of a City logo change. The comments pertained to the involvement of citizens in a City logo redesign process, the costs associated with changing the logo, staying with the existing logo or adding it to the new web site, the confusion about what is the official City logo, the decision-making authority for logo changes, the lack of notice regarding a new logo on the new web site, and making changes to the new web site. Mayor Keolker discussed the freshening of the look of the web site, the delay this action will cause in the launching of the new web site, the changes that will be necessary, and that the launch of the web site and the City logo are separate issues. July 17, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 252 *MOTION CARRIED. Councilman Clawson noted for the record that he abstained from voting. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McOmber - Highlands Area Redevelopment Howard McOmber, 475 Olympia Ave. NE, Renton, 98055, thanked Council for its action concerning the Highlands area, particularly the abandonment of the use of eminent domain. He stressed the importance of resident input on the redevelopment effort. Citizen Comment: Petersen - City Web Site Update, City Logo Inez Somerville Petersen, Highlands Community Association Secretary, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, thanked Council for its action concerning the Highlands area. Additionally, Ms. Petersen indicated that changing the graphics on the City's new web site should not be difficult, and she expressed her support for the City's existing logo and the "ahead of the curve" logo. Citizen Comment: DeMastus - Eminent Domain Rally, Safety Class Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association Vice President, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, pointed out that a national rally against eminent domain was held on June 23 and President Bush issued an Executive Order regarding protecting the property rights of the American people. She also pointed out that the Valley Communications Center (the regional 911 center) will be holding a safety class. Citizen Comment: Breeden - Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park Raymond Arthur Breeden, Sr., 15279 Maple Dr., Renton, 98058, stressed that every resident of the Wonderland Estates mobile home park has a right to live in peace, and to not worry about the park being sold. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 9:06 p.m. Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk Recorder: Michele Neumann July 17, 2006