HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-06
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 23, 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
DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER; TERRI BRIERE; DENIS LAW; DAN
CLAWSON; TONI NELSON. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT
RANDY CORMAN. CARRIED. (Councilman Corman arrived at 7:39 p.m.)
CITY STAFF IN
ATTENDANCE
KATHY KEOLKER, 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;
SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; MARTY WINE,
Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; MIKE
WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; TERRY HIGASHIYAMA,
Community Services Administrator; MICHAEL BAILEY, Finance and
Information Services Administrator; CHIEF I. DAVID DANIELS and
DEPUTY CHIEF CHUCK DUFFY, Fire Department; CHIEF KEVIN
MILOSEVICH, DEPUTY CHIEF TIM TROXEL and COMMANDER KATIE
MCCLINCY, Police Department.
PROCLAMATION
Make a Difference Day -
10/28/2006
A proclamation by Mayor Keolker was read declaring the day of October 28,
2006, to be "Make a Difference Day" in the City of Renton, and urging fellow
citizens to observe this day by connecting with friends, fellow employees, and
relatives, and with religious, school, and civic groups to engage in projects
benefiting the community. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY
NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATIONS
Community Event: Return to
Renton Car Show,
Contribution of Proceeds to
Police Department
Jim Medzegian, member of the Return to Renton Cruise-In Benefit Car, Truck
and Motorcycle Show Steering Committee, reported that the net proceeds from
the car show will be used for the Police Department's youth fund. Noting that
300 vehicles were displayed at the 16th annual event held at Renton Memorial
Stadium on July 8, Mr. Medzegian recognized the support received from
various organizations and individuals. He presented Police Chief Milosevich
with some commemorative items and a check in the amount of $13,500, which
Chief Milosevich accepted with appreciation.
AJLS: Mayor's Presentation of
2007 Budget
Mayor Keolker presented her proposed City of Renton 2007 Budget to Renton
citizens and members of the City Council. She indicated that she worked hard
to address the priorities and needs of the Council, employees, and community.
The Mayor reported that the proposed 2007 Budget totals $210,861,478. Of
that total, $58,572,956 represents the capital budgets, which is 62 percent more
than last year. The budget anticipates sales tax revenues to grow by 5 percent
over 2006 actual receipts. She recommended a modest increase in utility rates
to pay for maintenance and needed capital improvements, and minor increases
in certain user fees. Mayor Keolker further recommended the use of prior year
budget savings of just over $400,000 to fund one-time investments in City
programs such as replacement of firefighting equipment and purchase of
vehicles to support the needs of additional staff.
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 359
Mayor Keolker reviewed the 2006 accomplishments, including: the
groundbreaking for The Landing project; the completion of IKEA's 36,000
square foot retail space addition; the commencement of construction of the
Federal Reserve's cash processing facility; the announced plans of the Seattle
Seahawks to move their headquarters and training facilities to Renton; the
commencement of construction of a new ten-acre neighborhood park in the
Highlands; the opening of the new Maplewood Water Treatment Facility; the
improvement in the City's credit rating; and the implementation of RENSTAT, a
program that utilizes computer statistics to focus police where they are needed
most, and E-police, an online web-based police reporting system.
Turning to mandatory cost increases, Mayor Keolker indicated that the most
significant impact was the change in retirement system contributions established
by the state. Contributions will increase by an average of 44.5 percent in 2007.
She noted that the City's energy bill is estimated to increase by $95,000 in 2007,
and that costs related to the retirement system rate and the Valley
Communications Center emergency communications system for the fire and
police departments have increased. Overall, approximately 11 percent of the
increase to the operating budget is the result of mandatory cost increases.
In regards to maintaining service levels, the Mayor explained that while
Renton's population has grown over the past several years, partly due to small
annexations and new construction, the ratio of employees per thousand has
declined since 2001. She proposed adding 18 employees, an increase of just
over 2 percent above the current number. Mayor Keolker reviewed other key
additions to the budget that address service levels such as legal assistance,
recruitment advertising, and software upgrades.
Mayor Keolker stated that the budget includes initiatives that will leverage
resources in several ways in regards to public safety. The budget proposes
adding resources for the aquatic programs to increase the hours of operation.
The budget includes an increase to the human services grants, which puts the
City back in line with the 1 percent human services funding target set several
years ago. Additionally, the budget includes funds to provide gateway and
"way-finding" signage for the downtown area, and provides for a study of ways
to connect the downtown to areas such as The Landing, Southport, and Gene
Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
Continuing, the Mayor said the budget includes a nearly $22 million increase in
capital improvement projects from 2006. The projects, including the SW 27th
St. connection to Strander Blvd., the precision approach at the Renton Airport,
the Sam Chastain Waterfront Trail, and the new Hazen 565 Zone reservoir and
treatment facility, total nearly $58.6 million.
In conclusion, Mayor Keolker expressed her appreciation for the advice and
guidance provided by the Council, for the efforts of City staff, and the ideas
offered by the Renton community. She stated that the City's finances are sound
enough to move forward with these operating and capital recommendations, and
that it is time to make the necessary changes to the budget to ensure the
momentum continues in meeting the City's business plan goals and objectives.
Finance and Information Services Administrator Michael Bailey explained how
the actual budget document is organized, and how changes to the budget are
identified. He pointed out that the budget documents are available for review at
the City Clerk's Office and will soon be posted to the City's website.
Councilman Persson noted the arrival of Council President Corman at 7:39 p.m.
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 360
PUBLIC MEETING
AJLS: Initiative 933
(Government Regulation of
Private Property)
This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
accordance with local and state laws, Mayor Keolker opened the public meeting
to consider state Initiative 933. Assistant CAO Marty Wine explained that the
City invited both a proponent and an opponent of I-933 to each make a five-
minute presentation of their positions before Council this evening. The
initiative, which will go before voters to be decided in November, has the
following ballot wording: "This measure would require compensation when
government regulation damages the use or value of private property, would
forbid regulations that prohibit existing legal uses of private property, and
would provide exceptions or payments." The invited proponent was unable to
attend the meeting and submitted a statement to be read into the record.
Jay Arnold, a representative of the "No on I-933" campaign, spoke against the
initiative. He stated that under the initiative, a City is not allowed to regulate
the size, scope, and intensity of development without compensation, and any
zoning laws have to apply equally across a jurisdiction. Mr. Arnold explained
that by its very nature, zoning treats different property differently, and different
types of zoning are encouraged in different areas of a City. He indicated that
cities' lack of ability to set standards will negatively affect residential and
downtown areas.
Regarding compensation, Mr. Arnold reviewed the potential cost to the state,
saying that the initiative will cause cuts in education and transportation. In
terms of the legal impacts, he claimed that I-933 is poorly written and filled
with loopholes. The initiative's "pay or waive" system allows for claims to go
back at least ten years, which leads to frivolous lawsuits. Mr. Arnold pointed
out that taxpayers will incur the legal costs. He concluded that the initiative
will lead to irresponsible development, more traffic, and a rollback of
environmental protections.
A statement submitted by initiative proponents Dan Wood and Patrick Connor,
representatives of the Washington Farm Bureau, was read into the record. The
proponents indicated that farmers and other property owners, especially in rural
areas, are being hurt by land use regulations. I-933 would do the following:
• Require that before state or local governments enact new regulations which
might damage the use or value of private property, they must consider the
effects on private property and evaluate whether voluntary, cooperative,
non-regulatory alternatives could meet the goal of the regulation instead;
• Provides that if restrictions damaging the use or value of property are
enacted primarily to provide a public benefit, such as open space or wildlife
habitat, then the regulating jurisdiction must pay for the damage or modify
the restriction so it does not cause damage;
• Prohibits regulations which restrict property owners' rights to protect their
property from fire, flooding, erosion or other natural disasters; and
• Prohibits regulations which require property to be left in a natural state, or
regulations that prevent maintenance or the removal of trees and vegetation.
The statement indicated that the initiative would not repeal any existing state or
local laws, and it listed circumstances whereby I-933 would not apply.
Regarding the costs, the statement indicated that initiative opponents' estimates
are unsupported by fact or logic. It was noted that not one jurisdiction in
Oregon has paid a claim (Oregon's Measure 37 was enacted two years ago), and
successful claims in Oregon have been resolved through a waiver process.
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 361
At the end of the allotted five-minute time period, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ALLOW THE REST OF THE
STATEMENT TO BE READ AND THEN GIVE AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF
TIME TO THE OPPONENT. CARRIED.
In regards to waivers, the proponents said that while variances, exemptions, and
modifications may have different meanings or applications than "waivers" in the
eyes of the opposition's analysts, anyone familiar with local government knows
that great latitude exists in how regulations are crafted and enforced. Indicating
that state and local governments can achieve the goals of managing growth and
protecting the environment without damaging private property, it was pointed
out that a host of non-cash compensatory mechanisms already exist.
Regarding the legal impacts, the statement indicated that local government has
much more to fear from litigation it already suffers under the existing Growth
Management Act than it should expect under I-933. Thus, the initiative may
provide property owners and local governments with a stronger defense against
litigation.
Opponent Jay Arnold was allowed five additional minutes to speak on I-933 as
per Council's motion. He pointed out that cities and counties in Oregon have
incurred administrative costs in processing and evaluating claims associated
with Measure 37. Mr. Arnold further pointed out examples of land uses that
have taken place in Oregon as a result of issued waivers. He noted that zoning
decisions made since 1996 are potential compensation claims. In conclusion, he
stated that over 200 organizations oppose the initiative and he asked that
Council do the same.
Correspondence was read from Steve Butler, American Planning Association
Washington Chapter President, urging Council to adopt a resolution opposing
Initiative 933. He pointed out that the poorly-drafted, over-reaching initiative is
a threat to the vitality of the state's economy, the quality of its environment, and
the livability of its cities.
Public comment was invited. There being none, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING.
CARRIED.
Councilman Clawson acknowledged that people in rural areas do have problems
with buffers and setbacks, and noted that these regulations should be addressed
through the legislative process. Saying that I-933 will penalize the City for
downzoning, he explained that there is nothing to prevent a developer who
purchased low-density property after the zoning regulations were adopted from
suing the City, potentially resulting in a high-density development.
Additionally, Mr. Clawson stated that the City's aquifer is vulnerable to
chemical contamination, and facilities such as dry cleaners were moved from
Aquifer Protection Area, Zone 1. He expressed concern that the initiative has
the potential to negatively affect this protected area. Councilman Clawson
stressed that the initiative is not well-written and may be harmful to the people
of Renton.
MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT A
RESOLUTION OPPOSING I-933. CARRIED. (See page 364 for resolution.)
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:
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 362
King County Metro Transit will hold a Transportation Resources Workshop
on November 7 at Renton City Hall to provide an overview of many of the
Puget Sound transit agencies and programs available to the community.
Trick or Treat at local businesses and celebrate at the "Olde" Halloween
Party outdoors in Main Street Square in downtown Renton on October 28.
The Renton Fire Department encourages everyone to change smoke alarm
batteries when setting clocks back one hour with the end of Daylight
Savings Time on October 29.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: DeMastus -
Highlands Area Break-Ins,
Fireworks Ban
Sandel DeMastus, Highlands Community Association Vice President and
Highlands Zoning Task Force Member, PO Box 2041, Renton, 98056,
expressed concern regarding the number of break-ins in the Highlands area and
urged review of this public safety matter. Additionally, Ms. DeMastus
expressed her support for maintaining the ban on fireworks in Renton.
Citizen Comment: Moore -
Highlands Zoning Task Force
Kirk Moore, 1901 Harrington Circle NE, Renton, 98056, reported on the
progress of the Highlands Zoning Task Force, noting that the task force will
come up with a plan over the next four meetings.
Citizen Comment: Madson -
Citizen Initiative, Fireworks
Ordinance
Lori Madson, 1301 SW 16th St., Renton, 98056, introduced herself as a
member of the Committee to Keep Renton Safe and a representative of Renton
Firefighters Local 864. She spoke on the subject of Renton Proposition 1,
initiative measure concerning fireworks, which will go before voters on
November 7. Ms. Madson read the against statement listed in the King County
Local Voter's Pamphlet, which encourages voters to vote no on this initiative, as
a no vote will keep Renton's ban on the sale and discharge of all fireworks
within the City intact.
Additionally, Ms. Madson read a statement from Firefighters Local 864, which
also encourages voters to vote against Proposition 1. Reporting that the repeal
of the fireworks ban is fueled by fireworks lobbyists, she stressed that the ban
on fireworks is not unpatriotic.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL ALLOW
THE SPEAKER FIVE MORE MINUTES. CARRIED.
Ms. Madson stated that the Renton- and business-sponsored fourth of July
fireworks event brings the community together and is very patriotic. She
pointed out that the fireworks discharge hours would increase from 15 (pre-ban)
to more than 60 if this initiative passes.
Councilwoman Briere reiterated that the initiative allows more fireworks
discharge hours than Renton allowed prior to its ban on fireworks. Councilman
Persson indicated that Proposition 1 will limit the City's ability to regulate
firework stands, which could be problematic.
Citizen Comment: Walker - Sir
Cedric Condominium
Redevelopment, Highlands
Area
Colin Walker, 3233 NE 12th St., #301, Renton, 98056, stated that he is the
president of the Sir Cedric Condominium Homeowners Association Board of
Directors. He reported that the condominium complex's repair and restoration
project is proceeding on schedule and on budget. Mr. Walker said he is pleased
that the complex is part of the revitalization of the Highlands area, and he is also
pleased about the positive changes occurring in Renton such as the downtown
redevelopment, The Landing project, and the Sam Chastain Waterfront Trail.
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 363
Responding to Council President Corman's inquiries, Mr. Walker shared the
motivation behind and the history of the restoration project, noting that it was
funded by individual unit owners through a lump-sum special assessment
ranging from $28,000 to $33,000 per unit.
Citizen Comment: Puckett -
Wonderland Estates Mobile
Home Park, Annexation
Jerry Puckett, 15260 Oak Dr., Renton, 98058, who lives at Wonderland Estates
Mobile Home Park on Maple Valley Hwy. in unincorporated King County,
noted the stress that park residents are under due to the potential of losing their
homes. Mr. Puckett stated that he is anxious for the property to annex to the
City of Renton, and inquired as to the Maplewood Addition Annexation process
time frame. He indicated that residents are working towards purchasing the
park property.
Mayor Keolker pointed out that once the property is annexed to Renton, it may
be more vulnerable to redevelopment. She stated that staff will contact him
regarding the time frame of the annexation.
Citizen Comment: Puckett -
Wonderland Estates Mobile
Home Park
Iola Puckett, 15270 Pine Dr., Renton, 98058, indicated that she lives at
Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park. Stating that residents are trying to
purchase the park property, she issued an invitation to their Saturday pancake
breakfast fundraisers.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of
10/16/2006
Approval of Council meeting minutes of 10/16/2006. Council concur.
Appointment: Airport
Advisory Committee
Mayor Keolker appointed the following individuals to the Airport Advisory
Committee to fill vacant three-year terms: Renton Hill/Monterey Terrace
neighborhood alternate representative Dina Davis, 433 Cedar Ave. S., Renton,
98057 (term to expire 5/7/2007); West Hill neighborhood alternate
representative John Middlebrooks, 510 Seneca Ave. NW, Renton, 98057 (term
to expire 5/7/2009); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association primary
representative Colleen Turner, 15205 140th Way SE, B-104, Renton, 98058
(term to expire 5/7/2009); and North Renton neighborhood primary
representative Richard Zwicker, 446 Pelly Ave. N., Renton, 98055 (term to
expire 5/7/2007). Refer to Community Services Committee.
CAG: 06-108, Maplewood
Golf Course Driving Range
Netting, NETServices
Community Services Department submitted CAG-06-108, Maplewood Golf
Course Driving Range Netting Replacement; and requested approval of the
project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $129,225.09,
commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of
$6,224.72 to NETServices, LLC, contractor, if all required releases are
obtained. Council concur.
Development Services: System
Development Charges, UC-N
Zone
Development Services Division recommended approval to clarify the
calculation of System Development Charges as applied to mixed-use or multi-
family properties in the Urban Center North zone in the same manner as the
Commercial/Office/Residential and Center Downtown zones. Refer to Utilities
Committee.
Planning: East Renton Plateau
PAA Future Zoning
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended setting public hearings on 11/6/2006 and 12/11/2006 to consider
the prezoning for the East Renton Plateau Potential Annexation Area. Refer to
Planning Commission; set public hearings.
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 364
Comprehensive Plan: 2006
Amendments
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
recommended a public hearing be set on 11/13/2006 to consider the 2006
Comprehensive Plan amendments, concurrent rezonings, zoning text
amendments, and the development agreement for the former Aqua Barn site.
Council concur.
Utility: 2006 Emergency
Power Generation, RH2
Engineering
Utility Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement in the amount
of $151,240 with RH2 Engineering, Inc. to provide engineering consulting
services during construction of the 2006 Emergency Power Generation Project.
Council concur.
MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of
Claim Vouchers 253355 - 253808 and two wire transfers totaling
$5,269,221.21; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 66244 - 66409, one wire
transfer, and 636 direct deposits totaling $2,001,990.63. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Community Services: City
Hall Deli Lease, 5 Kwang
Corporation
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending
concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve the five-year lease with
Kap S. Yang and Min J. Chang (doing business as 5 Kwang Corporation) for
operation of the deli on the 3rd floor of City Hall and the espresso stand in the
Renton Transit Center. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign the lease. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED.
Transportation (Aviation)
Committee
Transportation: BNSF
Railroad Track, Severing at
Wilburton
Transportation (Aviation) Committee Chair Palmer presented a report regarding
the severing of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad Track at
Wilburton. The Committee recommended that the City of Renton formally
protest the rail abandonment petition filed by BNSF on 10/19/2006 before the
US Surface Transportation Board (STB Docket No. AB-6 [Sub. No. 453X]).
The reasons cited by the Committee for this protest action include the
considerable damage to the City's economy posed by the impact of the rail
abandonment on potential future location decisions by The Boeing Company,
damage created by the discontinuation of the Spirit of Washington Dinner
Train, and potential damage from not having this line available to pending users
along the east shore of Lake Washington. The Committee remains fully
supportive of the expeditious upgrade of the BNSF Cedar River Bridge to
accommodate longer fuselage transport to the Renton Boeing Plant. MOVED
BY PALMER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE
COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS AND
ORDINANCES
The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3838
AJLS: Initiative 933
(Government Regulation of
Private Property)
A resolution was read opposing I-933, entitled "An Act Relating to Providing
Fairness in Government Regulation of Property." MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ.
CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
School District: IKEA
Performing Arts Center Events
Council President Corman encouraged citizens to attend the local talent events
at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center.
October 23, 2006 Renton City Council Minutes Page 365
School District: Activities Councilwoman Nelson highlighted Renton School District activities and honors,
which included recognition of student and teacher participation in community
service efforts.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Breeden -
Wonderland Estates Mobile
Home Park
Raymond A. Breeden, Sr., 15279 Maple Dr., Renton, 98058, invited everyone
to the Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park's Saturday pancake breakfast
fundraisers, which help raise money to cover expenses in the residents' attempt
to purchase the park property.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:55 p.m.
Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
October 23, 2006