HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-06
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
August 7, 2006 Council Chambers
Monday, 7 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Randy Corman called the meeting of the Renton City Council
to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCILMEMBERS
MAYOR PRO TEM RANDY CORMAN; DON PERSSON; MARCIE
PALMER; TERRI BRIERE; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON; TONI
NELSON, Council President Pro Tem.
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN,
City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk; GREGG
ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; ALEX
PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; DON ERICKSON, Senior
Planner; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA, Community Services Administrator;
MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; COMMANDER CHARLES MARSALISI,
Police Department.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATIONS
SCA: Update
Karen Goroski, Executive Director of the Suburban Cities Association (SCA),
stated that SCA underwent reorganization two years ago, and she described the
association's structure. She noted that SCA appoints over 101 elected officials
to county and regional boards and committees. Ms. Goroski reported that
SCA's long range goals through 2010 fall under the following four categories:
regional organization and governance, education, public policy leadership, and
public benefit.
Continuing, Ms. Goroski indicated that SCA will be reviewing a bylaw change
concerning membership, and that its Public Issues Committee is focusing on
regional issues this year. In regards to education, she reported that SCA has
hosted four networking dinners this year, and the subject of the next dinner is
transportation. Ms. Goroski announced that in partnership with the Association
of Washington Cities, SCA will hold a day-long conference on sustainability on
October 21.
Ms. Goroski stated that SCA has taken public policy positions on topics such as
regional water quality, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System levy,
and county annexations. She noted that at the next Public Issues Committee
meeting, members may take action on key issues such as Transit Now, and
Puget Sound Regional Council's executive board membership representation
and growth scenarios. In conclusion, Ms. Goroski encouraged Councilmembers
to participate in the networking dinners, and to attend the sustainability
conference.
City Clerk: Cable Television
Franchise Renewal Update
Assistant CAO Marty Wine introduced Michael Bradley who is a partner with
the firm Bradley and Guzzetta. She explained that the firm was retained to
assist the City with the cable franchise renewal process. Mr. Bradley stated that
as part of the renewal process, he is ascertaining Comcast's compliance with its
existing franchise with the City; therefore, Dick Nielsen with CBG
Communications has been engaged to conduct a technical audit of the Comcast
cable system.
Mr. Nielsen explained that he will be evaluating how Comcast is doing from a
technical viewpoint, which includes reviewing picture quality, number of
services offered, reliability, and Federal Communications Commission
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 259
specifications compliance. Additionally, he will be inspecting the cable
company's physical plant throughout the City to ensure that the company is up
to code, that its facilities are aesthetically pleasing, and that it will be able to
provide services well into the future.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Annexation: Maplewood
Addition, Maple Valley Hwy
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Pro Tem Corman opened the
public hearing to consider the proposed expanded annexation and zoning of 345
acres bounded on the north primarily by SE Renton-Maple Valley Hwy. (SR-
169), on the south by the Cedar River Valley ridgeline, on the west by 130th
Ave. SE, and on the east by 164th Ave. SE, if extended (Maplewood Addition).
Senior Planner Don Erickson reported on the history of the annexation proposal,
pointing out that the City invoked the Boundary Review Board's (BRB)
jurisdiction for consideration of expanding the area from the original 60.5 acres.
He noted that after holding two hearings on the expanded annexation, the BRB
issued its decision on 6/10/2006.
Mr. Erickson reviewed the reasons why Renton requested expansion of the
original annexation as well as the findings associated with the BRB-approved
expanded annexation area, which include the following: consistency with
relevant countywide planning policies, BRB objectives, and City policies;
protection of sole source aquifers from which both Renton and Maplewood
Water Cooperative derive their potable water; availability of high quality
emergency response to both flooding and landslides; and protection of Renton's
public investment in the Maplewood Golf Course, Ron Regis Park, and the
Cedar River Trail from potentially adverse land uses. He pointed out that the
BRB found that the expansion will provide property owners and residents a
voice in planning for the area's future, and result in the most logical and
discernable neighborhood boundaries based upon its natural features.
Continuing, Mr. Erickson reported that the area contains approximately 360
single-family units, 237 multi-family units, 94,479 square feet of commercial
space, and 1,330 residents. Reviewing the public services, he noted that the
area is served by Renton water and sewer, Maplewood Water Cooperative,
Cedar River Water and Sewer District, Fire Districts #25 and #40, and Renton
and Tahoma school districts. In regards to the fiscal analysis, Mr. Erickson
indicated that the net estimated annual fiscal cost to the City is $45,149.
Mr. Erickson stated that current King County zoning is R-6 (six dwelling units
per gross acre), R-12, and Neighborhood Business. Renton's Comprehensive
Plan designates all but a small portion of the annexation area as Residential Low
Density (RLD). He explained that two Comprehensive Plan amendments are
being considered this year to address the King County commercial zoning and
the mobile home park use: 1) a map amendment to allow commercial zoning,
and 2) a text amendment to allow Residential Manufactured Home Park (RMH)
zoning in the RLD designation. Mr. Erickson indicated that Wonderland
Estates and Condominium mobile home parks are proposed to receive RMH
zoning, and a small portion of the former Aqua Barn site that fronts SR-169 is
proposed to be zoned Commercial Arterial.
Public comment was invited.
Christine Ivy Nelson-Groves, 15400 SE 155th Pl., #88, Renton, 98058, stated
that she resides in the manufactured home community east of the Aqua Barn
property, and she inquired as to the timing of the annexation approval process.
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 260
Mr. Erickson explained that the second zoning hearing on this expanded
annexation is anticipated to be held in November 2006, after consideration of
the Comprehensive Plan amendments by the Planning Commission and then by
the Council.
Robert Hunt, 15625 156th Pl. SE, Renton, 98058, spoke in favor of the
annexation, saying that Renton is one of the better run local governments in the
State. Mr. Hunt stated that the Elliott Farm, located across the street from Ron
Regis Park, is protected by the King County Landmarks Commission and he
questioned what the fate of that protection will be under Renton's jurisdiction.
He also noted that the current owner has failed to maintain the property as
required by the commission.
City Attorney Larry Warren indicated that Renton does not have a landmark
protection ordinance; therefore, the matter as well as the code enforcement
issues will have to be reviewed.
Raymond A. Breeden, Sr., 15279 Maple Dr., Renton, 98058, stated that he is a
resident of Wonderland Estates mobile home park. He reported that the park's
residents have formed an association, and 98 percent of the residents are willing
to purchase the property.
David Wulz, 15400 SE 155th Pl., #3, Renton, 98058, expressed his appreciation
for Mr. Erickson's presentation as well as for the information mailed to his
residence. Mr. Wulz indicated that he is pleased with Renton's services and
parks.
Della Penner, 15255 150th Lane SE, Renton, 98058, voiced her objection to
being part of the expanded annexation.
Correspondence was read from David L. Halinen, Halinen Law Offices, P.S.,
2115 N. 30th St., Suite 203, Tacoma, 98403, stating that his client, Aqua Barn
Ranch, Inc., owns two parcels of commercially zoned property in the
annexation area. Mr. Halinen asked that the annexation be deferred to allow the
2006 Comprehensive Plan amendment process to be completed so the parcels
come into the City with a Commercial Corridor land use map designation and
concurrent Commercial Arterial zoning.
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL: ACCEPT
THE DECISION OF THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD EXPANDING
THE BOUNDARIES OF THE MAPLEWOOD ADDITION ANNEXATION
FROM 60.5 ACRES TO APPROXIMATELY 345 ACRES; CONSIDER
FUTURE ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LAND USE MAP AS AMENDED AND AMENDED RESIDENTIAL LOW
DENSITY TEXT AT THE TIME OF ANNEXATION; AND DIRECT STAFF
TO PREPARE THE RELEVANT ORDINANCES FOR CONSIDERATION
AT THE SECOND REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING.
CARRIED.
Annexation: Querin II,
Hoquiam Ave NE
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Pro Tem Corman opened the
public hearing to consider the proposed expanded annexation and zoning of 24
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 261
acres bounded by NE Sunset Blvd. on the north, SE 114th St., if extended, on
the south, Hoquiam Ave. NE and 141st Ave. SE, if extended, on the west, and
144th Ave. SE on the east (Querin II).
Senior Planner Don Erickson reported that the Boundary Review Board held
two public hearings on the expanded annexation area in May 2006, and issued
its findings and decisions supporting the expansion in July 2006. He pointed
out that expansion of the area prevents the creation of an island that could result
if the Aster Park annexation area to the east is annexed to Renton. Mr. Erickson
explained that the area contains 17 existing single-family homes and five vacant
parcels. The western portion of the site is relatively flat whereas the eastern
portion contains up to 30% slopes along the Honey Creek channel.
Additionally, a Type 2 wetland exists near the middle of the area.
Reviewing the public services, Mr. Erickson stated that the area is served by
Fire District #25, Water District #90, Renton sewer, and the Renton School
District. He noted that the area is currently zoned R-4 (four dwelling units per
gross acre) in King County, and the City's Comprehensive Plan designates the
area as Residential Low Density and Residential Single Family, for which R-4
(four dwelling units per net acre) and R-8 zoning are proposed. In regards to
the fiscal impact analysis, Mr. Erickson estimated a deficit of $3,215 at current
development, a surplus of $22,695 at full development, and a one-time parks
acquisition and development cost of $40,498.
In conclusion, Mr. Erickson indicated that the expanded annexation proposal is
consistent with City policies and Boundary Review Board objectives.
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY LAW,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL: ACCEPT THE
DECISION OF THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD EXPANDING THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE QUERIN II ANNEXATION FROM 7.18 ACRES TO
APPROXIMATELY 24 ACRES; CONSIDER FUTURE R-4 AND R-8
ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AT THE
TIME OF ANNEXATION; AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE THE
RELEVANT ORDINANCES FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE SECOND
REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING. CARRIED.
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:
Nominations for Renton Citizen of the Year are being accepted through
August 31. Visit the City's web site at www.ci.renton.wa.us for more
information.
The Lake Washington Bicycle Trail, located along the west side of I-405
from the northern City limits to Ripley Lane, will be closed for construction
from August 14 until the evening of August 19.
The third and final open house regarding the re-master planning for Liberty
Park, Cedar River Park, and the Narco Property, referred to as the Tri-Park
Master Plan, will be held at the Renton Community Center on August 16.
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 262
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus -
Planning Commission,
Highlands Community
Association
Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association (HCA) Vice President,
PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, expressed her displeasure with the handling of
the Planning Commission meeting on August 2. On another subject, she
announced that Councilman Randy Corman will be a guest speaker at the HCA
meeting scheduled for August 17.
Councilman Clawson indicated that the City has some of the best staff it has
ever had, and though mistakes do occur, he is proud of every City staff member.
Mayor Pro Tem Corman commented that staff members occasionally find
themselves in the crossfire between the citizens and the elected officials setting
policy.
Citizen Comment: McOmber -
Highlands Area
Redevelopment
Howard McOmber, 475 Olympia Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, expressed his
interest in moving forward with the Highlands area improvement program,
saying that he is looking forward to working with the City on zoning and
improvement issues. Mr. McOmber stated his hope that meetings will soon
occur with the Council and City staff for the exchange of ideas regarding
improving the Highlands area.
Citizen Comment: Beden - The
Landing Project
Laurie Beden, 2014 Queen Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, voiced her support for The
Landing project, stating that the project will benefit Renton citizens by
providing additional housing, employment, entertainment, and nearby shopping
facilities. Ms. Beden commented on the non-profit organization opposing the
project called Alliance for the South End, and on her discussion with Peter Buck
of Buck & Gordon, who represents the non-profit organization and Westfield,
owner of Westfield Southcenter Mall. She encouraged the Mayor and Council
to continue to move forward with The Landing development.
Citizen Comment: Petersen -
Records Request, Highlands
Area Redevelopment
Inez Somerville Petersen, Highlands Community Association (HCA) Secretary,
PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, expressed her displeasure regarding the handling
of her public records request for a City contract listing. On another subject, she
indicated that the HCA is looking forward to meeting with the City on the
Highlands area redevelopment effort and discussing the vision for the area.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
7/17/2006
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 7/17/2006. Council concur.
City Clerk: Public Records
Processing Assistance,
Temporary Hire
City Clerk recommended approval to hire a temporary contract employee for
public records processing assistance, at a cost of $21,000, for a minimum term
of four months. Refer to Finance Committee.
CAG: 06-124, 2006 Citywide
Sidewalk, Dennis R Craig
Construction
City Clerk reported bid opening on 7/18/2006 for CAG-06-124, 2006 Citywide
Sidewalk; two bids; engineer's estimate $370,793.50; and submitted staff
recommendation to award the contract to low bidder, Dennis R. Craig
Construction, Inc., in the amount of $363,823.15. Council concur.
CAG: 06-092, 2006 Street
Overlay with Curb Ramps,
Western Asphalt
City Clerk reported bid opening on 7/14/2006 for CAG-06-092, 2006 Street
Overlay with Curb Ramps; three bids; engineer's estimate $1,100,734.14; and
submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to low bidder, Western
Asphalt, Inc., in the amount of $1,048,553.89. Council concur.
Court Case: Langley 4th
Avenue Associates, CRT-06-
002
Court Case filed on behalf of Langley 4th Avenue Associates, LLC, by Ater
Wynne LLP, Lawyers, 601 Union St., Suite 5450, Seattle, 98101, requesting
denial of the Ridgeview Court Final Plat (FP-06-012) until the surface water
drainage issues are corrected. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services.
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 263
Community Services:
Maplewood Golf Course
Reserve Fund Use, Water
Rights Attorney Fees, Budget
Amend
Community Services Department requested authorization to use funds in the
amount of $20,000 from the Maplewood Golf Course reserve fund balance for
water rights attorney fees to assist in perfecting a water rights claim. Refer to
Finance Committee.
Planning: East Renton Plateau
PAA Future Zoning
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended setting a public hearing on 9/11/2006 to consider future zoning
for the remaining unincorporated portions of the East Renton Plateau Potential
Annexation Area. Refer to Planning Commission; set public hearing for
9/11/2006.
Planning: I-405/NE 44th St
ROW Plan, HUD Grant
Payment Processing, Budget
Amend
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended approval to amend the 2006 Budget to add authority to process
payments for the $300,000 HUD BEDI (Housing and Urban Development
Brownfield Economic Development Initiative) grant awarded to the City for the
I-405/NE 44th St. right-of-way plan. Council concur. (See page 265 for
ordinance.)
Annexation: Leitch, SE 136th
St & 140th Ave SE
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
submitted 60% Direct Petition to Annex for the proposed Leitch Annexation
and recommended a public hearing be held on 8/21/2006 to consider the petition
and future zoning; 14.59 acres located in the vicinity of 140th Ave. SE, 143rd
Ave. SE, SE 136th St., and SE 138th St. Council concur.
Plat: Shy Creek, Jericho Ave
NE & NE 2nd St, PP-06-009
Hearing Examiner recommended approval, with conditions, of the Shy Creek
Preliminary Plat; 61 single-family lots on 16.1 acres located in the vicinity of
SE 2nd Pl., NE 2nd St., and Jericho and Hoquiam Avenues NE. Council
concur.
Airport: Aerodyne Lease,
Addendum #12, LAG-84-006
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an addendum to the
airport lease LAG-84-006, which: increases the rate, extends the term to
8/31/2016, and assigns the lease from Southcove Ventures, LLC to Aerodyne,
LLC. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
WSDOT: I-405 Cedar River
Vicinity Charette Concept
Concurrence
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a concurrence letter
with Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the I-405 Cedar
River Vicinity Charette concept. Council concur.
Transportation: 2007-2012 TIP Transportation Systems Division submitted the annual update of the Six-Year
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Arterial Street Plan. Refer to
Transportation (Aviation) Committee; set public hearing on 8/21/2006 to
consider the TIP.
Utility: Springbrook Creek
Wetland & Habitat Mitigation
Bank Lot Line Adjustment
Map
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of the Springbrook Creek
Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank lot line adjustment map. Council concur.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen Comment:
Wynsome/Weil - Provost
Variances Appeal, Alan &
Cynthia Provost, V-06-024
A letter was read from Rebecca Wynsome and Gary Weil, 3711 Lake
Washington Blvd. N., Renton, 98056, concerning the appeal of the Hearing
Examiner's decision regarding the Provost variances application. MOVED BY
CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 264
Citizen Comment: Kodis -
2006 Comprehensive Plan
Amendments, Upper
Kennydale Area Rezone
A letter was read from Harry A. Kodis, 2619 Jones Ave. NE, Renton, 98056,
requesting that the potential upper Kennydale area rezone via a 2006
Comprehensive Plan amendment be removed from consideration. MOVED BY
CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL REFER THIS
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
Citizen Comment: Thompson -
Highlands Area
Redevelopment
A letter was read from Keith Thompson, 660 Index Pl. NE, Renton, 98056,
stating that he supports the Highlands area redevelopment effort; however, he
opposes the possible rezone (from R-10 to R-8) of his properties at 660 and 650
Index Pl. NE. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,
COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of
Claim Vouchers 250358 - 250779 and two wire transfers totaling
$3,750,164.41; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 64425 - 64791, one wire
transfer, and 648 direct deposits totaling $2,156,653.50. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development
Committee
Planning: Street Grid System
Amendments
Planning and Development Committee Chair Briere presented a report
recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation that the Street Grid
System (City Code Title 9, Section 11) be amended as follows:
• Newly annexed areas will retain their current addresses, except those areas
in the East Renton Plateau west of 160th Ave. SE, north of Maple Valley
Hwy., and south of May Valley Rd.
• Addresses in the East Renton Plateau west of 160th Ave. SE, north of
Maple Valley Hwy., and south of Maple Valley Rd., will be readdressed
according to the adopted street naming system.
• SE May Valley Rd. would retain its name and numbering system, and the
portion of the roadway known as NE 31st St. would be restored to its
original numbering system and name.
• 156th Ave. SE will be renamed Vantage Blvd. NE south of NE 4th St.,
Vantage Pl. NE north of NE 4th St., and Vantage Ct. SE south of SE 142nd
Pl.
• Vantage Blvd. will continue to the Maple Valley Hwy. along SE 142nd Pl.
(between 154th Ave. SE and 156th Ave. SE) and 154th Pl. SE.
• Vesta Ave. NE will be returned to its original name and numbering system
(156th Ave. SE), until such time that all segments of 156th Ave. SE north of
SE 136th St./NE 2nd Ct. are annexed into the City of Renton.
• 68th Ave. S., south of Martin Luther King Way, will be renamed Monster
Rd. SW.
• SE Carr Rd., SE 179th St., SE 176th St., and SE Petrovitsky Rd. shall be
named SE Carr Rd. west of 108th Ave. SE and SE Petrovitsky Rd. east of
108th Ave. SE.
• SE Renton-Maple Valley Rd. shall be renamed Maple Valley Hwy.
The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter
be prepared for first reading. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*
Councilwoman Briere noted that the Committee report was revised to reflect
comments made by citizens at the public hearing held on the matter. In
response to Mayor Pro Tem Corman's inquiry, Councilwoman Briere explained
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 265
that as a result of a recent annexation, a portion of SE May Valley Rd. was
renamed to NE 31st St.; however, due to the roadway's regional significance,
the name is being changed back to SE May Valley Rd. Additionally, she noted
that most newly annexed areas will keep their current King County street grid
system addresses.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Utilities Committee
Utility: Springbrook Creek
Wetland & Habitat Mitigation
Bank Instrument with
WSDOT, Additional
Agreements
Utilities Committee Chair Clawson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the following agreements
associated with the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank
and forward to the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreements in accordance
with Resolution 3822, adopted by Council on 6/19/2006:
• Bank Oversight Committee/Co-Sponsors Memorandum of Agreement.
• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)/City of Renton
Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank Agreement.
• Conservation Easement, Reimbursement Agreement with the Cascade Land
Conservancy, and Assignment Agreement.
The approval of City funding to include the construction of the Springbrook
Trail, as proposed in the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation
Bank project, will be made separately following the Washington State
Department of Transportation construction contract bid opening for the project.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR
IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington stated that this project has been a
long, hard-fought effort, and he recognized the work of Utility Engineering
Supervisor Ron Straka and other staff members. Stressing that the mitigation
bank will benefit Renton, City Attorney Larry Warren shared how the City
acquired the property, and he acknowledged the City's foresight in recognizing
its future possibilities.
Mr. Covington explained that as development occurs in the City, developers
have to mitigate for any impact to wetlands. Rather than having a number of
small areas that are designated for wetland mitigation, the City will create in the
aforementioned property an ecosystem that works as a wetland. He pointed out
that developers pay into an account that is then used to enhance the wetland.
Councilwoman Briere noted that a trail is proposed to go through this property
and connect an existing trail system.
Mr. Straka explained that WSDOT will be conducting the mitigation bank
construction in exchange for half of the shares of credits for investing the
capital, and the City will receive the remaining credits. He indicated that
WSDOT is a significant partner in this project, and he recognized the agency's
efforts. Mr. Straka stressed that this is a good project from an environmental,
transportation, City, and public standpoint because it will allow the City to sell
credits to developers who can then develop their sites to a higher and better use.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the
Council meeting of 8/14/2006 for second and final reading:
Planning: I-405/NE 44th St
ROW Plan, HUD Grant
Payment Processing, Budget
Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2006 Budget by creating a revenue
account for receipt of funds from the HUD BEDI (Housing and Urban
Development Brownfield Economic Development Initiative) Grant #B-02-SP-
WA-0758 in the amount of $300,000 granted to the City, to reimburse expenses
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 266
under CAG-05-127 with HDR Engineering for $50,000 and CAG-05-097 with
Washington State Department of Transportation, project CGA4310, for
$250,000, and declaring an emergency. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED
BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND
FINAL READING ON 8/14/2006. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for second and final reading and
adoption:
Ordinance #5216
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 NELSON, SECONDED BY PALMER,
COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL
AYES. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Council: Liaison Position
Reclassification
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL REFER THE
RECLASSIFICATION OF THE COUNCIL LIAISON POSITION TO
FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Development Services:
Variance Fee Waiver Request,
Fence Height, Colee
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER JEFF
COLEE'S VARIANCE FEE WAIVER REQUEST TO FINANCE
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Council: Communication Councilman Clawson expressed his concerns regarding Council
communication, and he noted that if necessary, skilled mediators can be
employed to help work through difficult situations.
Community Services: Sockeye
Salmon Fishing Season
Councilman Clawson stated that this year's Lake Washington Sockeye salmon
fishing season is a result of salmon recovery efforts, and he expressed his
appreciation for the City's work on those efforts. Councilwoman Briere relayed
comments she received regarding the well-run boat launch at Gene Coulon
Memorial Beach Park.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus -
Lake Hills Greenbelt
Blueberry Farm Cable
Program
Sandel DeMastus, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, said she is an independent
producer with public access cable channel 77, and reported that she is working
on a program about the Lake Hills Greenbelt Blueberry Farm located in Lake
Hills Greenbelt Park in Bellevue. Ms. DeMastus described the park's amenities,
and suggested that this type of park would be well-received in Renton.
Citizen Comment: Petersen -
Highlands Area
Redevelopment, Annexation
Community Outreach
Inez Petersen, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056, noted the City funds set aside for
the Highlands study area infrastructure improvements, and expressed her hope
that improvements can be completed prior to the winter season. Additionally,
she indicated that the Highlands Community Association wants Council to hire
an independent facilitator to assist with the Highlands area redevelopment
project. On another subject, Ms. Petersen noted the possibility of City-
generated information placed in local newspapers concerning annexation, and
she expressed her concern regarding potential improprieties in light of the
September 19, 2006, vote on the Fairwood Incorporation.
Board/Commission: Highlands
Area Citizens Advisory
Committee
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Corman's inquiry, Chief Administrative Officer
Jay Covington confirmed that the matter concerning a citizens advisory
committee for the Highlands area was referred to Planning and Development
Committee on 6/19/2006.
August 7, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 267
EXECUTIVE SESSION
AND ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL RECESS
INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO
DISCUSS LITIGATION AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION WITH NO
OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING
BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED.
CARRIED. Time: 8:57 p.m.
Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive
session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
August 7, 2006