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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-07RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting January 22, 2007 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 TONI NELSON, Council President; DAN CLAWSON; DENIS LAW; MARCI PALMER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER TERRI BRIERE. CARRIED.  CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; PETER HAHN, Deputy Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator - Transportation; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; CHIEF I. DAVID DANIELS, DEPUTY CHIEF LARRY RUDE and DEPUTY CHIEF CHUCK DUFFY, Fire Department; CHIEF KEVIN MILOSEVICH and COMMANDER KENT CURRY, Police Department.  PROCLAMATIONS Community Newspaper Day - 1/24/2007 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker was read declaring the day of January 24, 2007, to be "Community Newspaper Day" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in honoring the role that newspapers have played in recording the history of the City and their importance in helping to foster a sense of community. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Dean Radford, Editor of the Renton Reporter, accepted the proclamation with appreciation. He indicated that instead of being published twice a month, the Renton Reporter has been expanded to publish twice a week.  Renton Heart Month - 2/2007 A proclamation by Mayor Keolker was read declaring the month of February 2007 to be "Renton Heart Month" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to participate in this important community risk reduction campaign. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Fire Chief Daniels accepted the proclamation.  SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Fire: Renton Heart Month Campaign Fire Chief Daniels showed a video about the Renton Heart Month campaign. The video highlighted the Fire Department's public awareness campaign to encourage citizens to have their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked at a Fire Station during the month of February as a method of reducing overall risk to the community, and to take part in training on the use of CPR and automated external defibrillators.  Added Council: Certificate of Appreciation to Randy Corman, 2006 Council President Council President Nelson presented a certificate of appreciation to Randy Corman in recognition of his outstanding service to the City and the Renton community as President of the City Council during 2006.   ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Chief Administrative Officer 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 2007 and beyond. Items noted included: The Recreation Division offers several cross country skiing and snowshoeing trips for participants ages 18 years and older.   The recent series of snow storms have provided some special challenges to Renton and other jurisdictions. Some procedural changes are planned to enhance the City’s response to such events in the future. For example, some steep collector streets that connect to major arterials will be added to first response for snow removal. In addition, the City will prepare an informational mailer providing information to better prepare residents for driving in snowy or icy conditions. The City will also provide more emphasis on early impoundment and towing of abandoned vehicles so that equipment will have access to critical streets.   The BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway) Corridor Advisory Committee met on January 19. The Committee decided on a final recommendation regarding short-term, long-term, and medium-term uses of the various segments of the BNSF track. For Segment A, Renton to North Bellevue, the recommendation for the short-term use will be a regional multi-purpose trail, with the whole trail being in a railbank to preserve future rail transportation uses. For medium and long-term use, the recommendation is to continue the multi-purpose trail and to reconsider high-capacity transit rail options in this corridor.  AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Puckett - Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park, Annexation Jerry Puckett, 15260 Oak Dr., Renton, 98058, indicated that he lives at Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park on Maple Valley Hwy. in unincorporated King County. He expressed concern regarding the lack of notification to affected citizens, other than property owners, to inform that they were not a part of the Maplewood Addition Annexation, which was approved on 12/11/2006 (the annexation area was reduced from 345 to 60.5 acres). Stating that citizens may be confused about what happened and need to be informed, Mr. Puckett noted the potential upcoming effort to gather signatures for a new annexation petition.   Mayor Keolker stated that the City is following notification laws; however, she pointed out the difficulty of notifying non-property owners. She indicated that staff is working to find other strategies to more effectively notify people.  Citizen Comment: Stevens - Airport-Related Noise Elizabeth Stevens, 353 Taylor Ave. NW, Renton, 98057, voiced concern regarding the aircraft noise at the Renton Airport, and the handling of noise complaints. She noted the lack of response to her complaints and information requests, and the difficulty she has had in trying to identify the number on the aircraft and whether the aircraft is using the Renton Airport or Boeing Field. Ms. Stevens said she was surprised to learn that noise complaints were not reported to Council.   Councilmember Palmer expressed appreciation for Ms. Steven's persistence, noting that the Airport Manager is working on obtaining the requested information. Chief Administrative Officer Covington pointed out that the airfield and the air traffic control tower are under the control of the federal government, and that Renton cannot control or discriminate against the types of aircraft that use the air space in and around the City. He stated that Renton enacted and promotes flight-friendly policies, and the fixed-base operators at the airport also encourage pilots to fly friendly.   Councilmember Corman pointed out the on-going public process regarding the future of the airport, saying that citizens will have the opportunity to participate. In regard to informing the public about participation opportunities, Mr. Covington suggested listing the schedule on the City's insert in the Renton Reporter. Councilmember Persson noted that the City plans to conduct meetings in individual neighborhoods.  CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Item 7.k. was changed to refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee. At the request of Councilmember Persson, item 7.f. was removed for separate consideration.  Council Meeting Minutes of 1/8/2007 Approval of Council meeting minutes of 1/8/2007. Council concur.  Appointment: Library Board Mayor Keolker appointed Amy Pieper, 264 Earlington Ave. SW, Renton, 98057, to the Library Board for a five-year term expiring 6/1/2012. Refer to Community Services Committee.  Appointment: Municipal Arts Commission Mayor Keolker appointed Britt Peterson, 16467 111th Ave. SE, Renton, 98055, to the Municipal Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of Marie McPeak, who has resigned (term to expire 12/31/2009). Refer to Community Services Committee.  City Clerk: Quarterly Contract List, 10/2006 to 12/2006 City Clerk submitted Quarterly Contract List for period of 10/1/2006 to 12/31/2006; 27 contracts and 20 addenda totaling $4,662,756.38. Information.  Plat: Parklane Court, Lyons Ave NE, FP-06-134 Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Parklane Court Final Plat; ten single-family lots on 4.3 acres located east of Lyons Ave. NE and north of SE 1st Pl. Council concur. (See page 22 for resolution.)  Plat: Allan, NE 19th St, PP-06-016 Hearing Examiner recommended approval, with conditions, of the Allan Preliminary Plat; 16 single-family lots on 4.9 acres located at 3629 NE 19th St. Council concur.  Human Resources: Reclassification and New Positions Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of the reclassification of one position in the Finance and Information Services Department (from Business Systems Analyst to Financial Systems Coordinator), and the establishment of two new positions in the Finance and Information Services Department (Help Desk Support Technician and Senior Finance Analyst) and one new position in the Fire Department (Emergency Management Director). Council concur.  Police: Incentive Pay for Hiring of Lateral Officers, Renton Police Officers' Guild MOU Police Department requested approval for additional compensation to current and future police officers to encourage the hiring of lateral police officers, and approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Renton Police Officers' Guild implementing the signing bonus program. Council concur.  CAG: 05-165, NE Sunset Blvd/Duvall Ave NE Intersection Improvements, Sanders General Construction, Fund Transfer Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of the following: a transfer of $430,000 from the 2007 Duvall Ave. NE Widening Project to the NE Sunset Blvd. (SR-900)/Duvall Ave NE Intersection Improvements Project, and a change order to CAG-05-165, contract with Sanders General Construction Company for the intersection improvements project, for additional work in the amount of $157,132.51. Refer to Committee of the Whole.   Airport: Advisory Committee, Two Additional Voting Members Transportation Systems Division recommended approval to add two new voting members to the Airport Advisory Committee: a neighborhood representative for the City of Mercer Island and a member of the Washington Pilots' Association. Council concur. Refer to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.  Utility: Initial Infiltration/Inflow Reduction, King County Utility Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with King County for the Initial Infiltration/Inflow Reduction Project. Refer to Utilities Committee.  Added Item 7.m. Transportation: Operations Manager Hire at Step E Transportation Systems Division recommended approval to hire a Transportation Operations Manager at Step E of the salary range, and approval to pay up to $5,000 in relocation expenses. Council concur.   MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO REMOVE ITEM 7.f. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.  Separate Consideration Item 7.f. Development Services: Building Inspector-Electrical Hire at Step D Development Services Division requested authorization to hire a Building Inspector - Electrical position at Step D of the salary range, retroactive to 1/1/2007. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL REFER ITEM 7.f. TO FINANCE COMMITTEE. CARRIED.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS Planning & Development Committee EDNSP: Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption, The Sanctuary Planning and Development Committee Vice Chair Clawson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a multi-family housing property tax exemption agreement that addresses the terms and conditions for a partial property tax exemption upon completion of The Sanctuary project in the South Lake Washington designated residential targeted area. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement in substantially the same form. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.  EDNSP: Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption, The Reserve Planning and Development Committee Vice Chair Clawson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a multi-family housing property tax exemption agreement that addresses the terms and conditions for a partial property tax exemption upon completion of The Reserve project in the South Lake Washington designated residential targeted area. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement in substantially the same form. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.  Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 255739 - 256207 and three wire transfers totaling $4,315,989.65; and approval of Payroll Vouchers 67187 - 67358, one wire transfer, and 625 direct deposits totaling $2,113,755.56. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.  RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption:  Resolution #3852 Plat: Parklane Court, Lyons Ave NE, FP-06-134 A resolution was read approving the Parklane Court Final Plat; approximately 4.3 acres located east of Lyons Ave. NE and north of SE 1st Pl. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.   AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Hobson - Airport-Related Noise Sam Hobson, 8828 SE 77th Pl., Mercer Island, 98040, voiced appreciation for the inclusion of City of Mercer Island residents in Renton's Airport planning process. He encouraged Renton to be a good neighbor and keep Mercer Island's noise concerns in mind when considering airport improvements that benefit Renton. He expressed hope for creative ways to add benefits for Mercer Island, and that they be measurable and enforceable.   Councilmember Clawson pointed out that one of the proposals for the airport involves changing the aircraft approach pattern from over Mercer Island to the water channels. Councilmember Palmer encouraged affected citizens to keep their minds open, assuring that Renton is trying to be creative. Of the four options, she noted that only the jet center proposal entails changing the approach pattern.  Citizen Comment: Paholke - Downed Trees, Airport-Related Noise Diane Paholke, 243 W. Perimeter Rd., Renton, 98057, pointed out that a number of trees fell on a steep slope near her residence in the Liberty Ridge development during the recent wind storms. Fearing a potential landslide, she noted the need to replace the downed trees. Mayor Keolker agreed to provide information on whom to contact regarding this matter. Additionally, speaking as an owner of a business at the Renton Airport, Ms. Paholke assured that airport business owners address noise concerns when complaints are received, and they also educate the pilots who use the airport on how to reduce the noise.  EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL LITIGATION WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. Time: 7:57 p.m. Executive session was conducted. There was no action taken. The executive session and the Council meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.    Bonnie I. Walton, CMC, City Clerk  Recorder: Michele Neumann January 22, 2007