HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-07RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
August 13, 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; RANDY CORMAN; DON PERSSON; MARCIE PALMER; TERRI BRIERE; DENIS LAW; DAN CLAWSON.
CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
KATHY KEOLKER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; LAWRENCE J. WARREN, City Attorney; MICHELE NEUMANN, Deputy City Clerk; PETER HAHN, Deputy Planning/Building/Public
Works Administrator - Transportation; ALEX PIETSCH, Economic Development Administrator; SUZANNE DALE ESTEY, Economic Development Director; MICHAEL BAILEY, Finance and Information Services
Administrator; DEPUTY CHIEF CHUCK DUFFY and FIRE MARSHALL/BATTALION CHIEF STAN ENGLER, Fire Department; COMMANDERS FLOYD ELDRIDGE and KATIE MCCLINCY, Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Finance: Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Mike Bailey, Finance and Information Services Administrator, announced that the City of Renton had once again received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government
Finance Officers Association (GFOA), for the fiscal year beginning 1/1/2007. He noted that the City has a long tradition of earning the award. Mr. Bailey presented a plaque from the
GFOA, congratulated staff members who worked on the budget, and thanked the Mayor and Council for their support.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Streets: Rainier Ave S & Shattuck Ave S & Hardie Ave SW Closures for RR Bridge Replacements
Mayor Keolker announced that Rainier Ave. S., which was closed for BNSF Railway Company’s railroad bridge replacement project, reopened ahead of schedule. She invited Peter Hahn, Deputy
Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator – Transportation, to speak on the matter. Mr. Hahn presented photos illustrating the progress of work that occurred at various railroad
bridge construction sites. He noted that local residents and businesses did provide some positive feedback about the various disruptions. Concluding, Mr. Hahn thanked City officials,
staff, and the contractor for their hard work on the project. Councilmember Palmer also extended her thanks to City staff for their hard work.
Continuing, 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:
Maplewood Golf Course hosted the 55th GSWPGA State Tournament last week. Eighty women competed in this very successful three-day event, with a member from Maplewood winning the championship.
The Downtown Wayfinding Project will unveil preliminary designs for signage, gateways, and kiosks for downtown Renton. Citizens are invited to provide input on the wayfinding elements
at two public meetings on August 16.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Russell – Index Pl NE, A&D Quality Construction Company, VAC-07-001
Kevie Russell, 2906 NE 7th St., Renton, 98056, spoke on the topic of the vacation of a portion of Index Pl. NE. He objected to the City’s retainage of a 15-foot-wide strip, which is
to be used for a walkway, out of the east portion of the right-of-way that is to be vacated. He noted the existence of a pedestrian right-of-way one building lot away from his house,
saying that two parallel walkways are not necessary. Pointing out that the vacation will make an unattractive, junk-car and litter-attracting area, a productive area, Mr. Russell requested
that the Council equally divide the right-of-way.
Citizen Comment: McOmber – Index Pl NE, A&D Quality Construction Company, VAC-07-001
Howard McOmber, 425 Olympia Ave. NE, Renton, 98056, displayed photographs of the portion of Index Pl. NE under consideration for vacation. Mr. McOmber asked Council to vacate the entire
area and to accelerate the process. He stated that Index Pl. NE is not an asset for the Highlands neighborhood and objected to the current proposal to retain a 15-foot-wide easement
for a pedestrian right-of-way when another pedestrian walkway already exists near the vacation area. (See page 281 and 283 for further discussion on this matter.)
Citizen Comment: Ellifrits – T-Mobile Monopole Placement, SE 3rd Pl, CU-07-065
Newton Ellifrits, 4218 SE 3rd Pl., Renton, 98059, expressed his opposition to T-Mobile’s proposal to locate a cell phone tower in his neighborhood. Mr. Ellifrits also asked if there
were any ordinances restricting the placement of cell phone towers in residential neighborhoods.
City Attorney Warren commented that the Environmental Review Committee is currently reviewing the application for the cell phone tower. He indicated that a decision from the Development
Services Director should be available within the next couple of weeks.
Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated that an ordinance does not exist that specifically prohibits monopoles from residential neighborhoods, but noted that staff reviews each
application for potential impacts to neighborhoods.
Councilmember Corman reflected on the past and present efforts of Council and staff to enforce rules regarding cell phone towers as allowed by Federal regulations. He stated his assumption
that companies applying for these types of permits would know that placement of monopoles in commercial areas was preferred over residential areas.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. As requested by Councilmember Persson, item 6.e. was removed for separate consideration.
Appointment: Airport Advisory Committee
Mayor Keolker reappointed the following individuals to the Airport Advisory Committee for three year terms expiring on 5/7/2010: Highlands neighborhood representative Michael O’Halloran,
4420 SE 4th St., Renton, 98059, primary; North Renton neighborhood representative Richard Zwicker, 446 Pelly Ave. N., Renton, 98057, primary; Renton Hill/Monterey Terrace neighborhood
representatives Michael Schultz, 150 Monterey Dr. NE, Renton, 98056, primary, and Dina Davis, 433 Cedar Ave. S., Renton, 98057, alternate; Airport Leaseholders representatives Michael
O’Leary, 22823 NE 54th St., Redmond, 98053, primary, and Frank Marshall, 3521 SW 327th St., Federal Way, 98023, alternate; and Airport-at-Large representative Diane Paholke, 325 Edmonds
Ave. SE, Renton, 98056, primary. Council concur.
Appointment: Planning Commission
Mayor Keolker appointed the following individuals to the Planning Commission: Casey Bui, 1150 Sunset Blvd. NE, #216, Renton, 98056 (term expires 6/30/2010); Yong Lee, 2103 Kennewick
Pl. NE, Renton, 98056 (to fill the unexpired term, 1/31/2008, of Joshua Shearer who resigned); and Brad Miller, 1807 NE 26th Pl., Renton, 98056 (term expires 6/30/2010). Refer to Community
Services Committee.
Development Services: Hunny Short Plat, ROW Dedication, Thomas Ave SW, SHP-06-154
Development Services Division recommended acceptance of a deed of dedication for additional right-of-way at the southeast corner of Thomas Ave. SW and SW 3rd Pl. to fulfill a requirement
of the Hunny Short Plat (SHP-06-154). Council concur.
Annexation: Anthone’, Talbot Rd S & S 55th St
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended setting a public hearing on 9/10/2007 to consider the proposed Anthone’ Annexation and R-4 zoning of
the 4.85-acre site located south of S. 55th St. and Talbot Rd. S. Council concur.
Police: Red Light School Zone Photo Enforcement, American Traffic Solutions
Police Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $306,000 (full year) with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. for red light school zone photo enforcement services.
Council concur.
Transportation: 2007 Walkway Improvement Project, Pacific Engineering Design
Transportation Systems Division requested approval of a contract in the amount of $152,056.63 with Pacific Engineering Design, LLC, for the 2007 Walkway Improvement Project. Refer
to Transportation (Aviation) Committee.
Airport: Noise Study Cost Sharing, Mercer Island
Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with the City of Mercer Island regarding cost sharing for an airport noise study. Council concur. (See page 282
for resolution.)
Airport: Noise Study, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson
Transportation Systems Division requested approval to transfer $149,000 from the Airport 608 Hangar Expansion and Airport 622 Hangar Rehabilitation projects to the Airport Layout Plan
project for a noise study, and approval of a contract in the amount of $131,050 with Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, Inc. to conduct the airport noise study. Council concur.
Utility: Benson Rd S Water Line Relocation, WSDOT
Utilities Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the construction of the relocation of the water line at
Benson Rd. S. and I-405. City’s estimated share of the construction cost is $580,000. Refer to Utilities Committee.
Added Item 6.k.
CAG: 07-140, Benson Rd S Water Line Relocation, Ceccanti
City Clerk reported bid opening on 8/9/2007 for CAG-07-140, Water Line Relocation for Realignment of Benson Rd. S. and I-405 Overpass Project; six bids; engineer’s estimate $958,918.95;
and submitted staff recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Ceccanti, Inc., in the amount of $869,421.66. Refer to Utilities Committee.
MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED TO ADD ITEM 6.k. AND REMOVE ITEM 6.e. FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 6.e.
Transportation: Roads & Transit Ballot Measure, November 2007
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public meeting be set on 8/20/2007 to consider supporting the regional Roads and Transit ballot measure.*
In response to Councilmember Persson’s inquiry, City Attorney Warren stated that parties representing both sides of the issue would be present at the public meeting.
*MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE ITEM 6.e. AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
Separate Consideration
Item 6.e.
Transportation: Roads & Transit Ballot Measure, November 2007
Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department recommended a public meeting be set on 8/20/2007 to consider supporting the regional Roads and Transit ballot measure.*
In response to Councilmember Persson’s inquiry, City Attorney Warren stated that parties representing both sides of the issue would be present at the public meeting.
*MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL APPROVE ITEM 6.e. AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Committee of the Whole
Council: Policies
Council President Nelson presented a Committee of the Whole report regarding the Council policies. The Committee recommended that Council adopt the revisions to City of Renton Policies
and Procedures 800-01, 800-02, 800-03, and 800-04. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance Committee
Finance: Vouchers
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers 262337-262809 and four wire transfers totaling $4,378,309.53; and approval of 315 Payroll
Vouchers, two wire transfers, and 733 direct deposits totaling $3,368,501.48. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Finance: Water Shut Off Charge Adjustments for Special Circumstances
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence with the staff recommendation that the Finance and Information Services Administrator, or his/her designee,
be given authority to adjust $60 water shut off charges on utility accounts, under special circumstances. The committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter
be presented for first reading. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 282 for ordinance.)
Finance: Capital Expenditure Reimbursement from Utility Bond Revenue
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to declare the City’s intent that certain capital expenditures be made for water,
wastewater and surface water utility projects, and that reimbursement be made from utility revenue bonds to be issued in the Fall of 2007. The projects are as follows:
Utility Project Budget Timing
Water Highlands 565 $3,280,000 2007/2008
Wastewater Central Plateau $2,225,000 2007/2008
Surface Water SW 34th $1,335,000 2007/2008
Renton Village $1,115,000 2007/2008
The Committee further recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE
REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 282 for resolution.)
Court Case: Scoccolo Construction, CRT-98-008
Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report regarding the Scoccolo lawsuit costs. The Committee was briefed on 8/13/2007 and recommended closure of the referral. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED.
Planning & Development Committee
Vacation: Index Pl NE, A&D Quality Construction Company, VAC-07-001
Noting that the report concerning the vacation of Index Pl. NE is being held in Committee, Councilmember Briere commented on the location of the 15-foot walkway easement, the agreement
between the two affected property owners, the existence of other walkways in the area, and the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan study. She indicated that within approximately one year,
the City should know the results of the trail study, and at that point affected property owner Kevie Russell could petition for a vacation of the easement-affected property if it was
found that the City did not need the easement.
Responding to Councilmember Corman’s questions, Ms. Briere confirmed that by upholding Council’s approval of the vacation petition, which includes retention of an easement for a walkway,
one property owner can move forward with his project and the other must wait. Ms. Briere noted that she wants the Committee report to reflect that the filing fees for Mr. Russell’s
future vacation petition will be waived.
Councilmember Clawson noted that neither party would benefit if the property were vacated down the middle. (See page 283 for further discussion on this matter.)
Planning & Development Committee
Vacation: Index Pl NE, A&D Quality Construction Company, VAC-07-001
Noting that the report concerning the vacation of Index Pl. NE is being held in Committee, Councilmember Briere commented on the location of the 15-foot walkway easement, the agreement
between the two affected property owners, the existence of other walkways in the area, and the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan study. She indicated that within approximately one year,
the City should know the results of the trail study, and at that point affected property owner Kevie Russell could petition for a vacation of the easement-affected property if it was
found that the City did not need the easement.
Responding to Councilmember Corman’s questions, Ms. Briere confirmed that by upholding Council’s approval of the vacation petition, which includes retention of an easement for a walkway,
one property owner can move forward with his project and the other must wait. Ms. Briere noted that she wants the Committee report to reflect that the filing fees for Mr. Russell’s
future vacation petition will be waived.
Councilmember Clawson noted that neither party would benefit if the property were vacated down the middle. (See page 283 for further discussion on this matter.)
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption:
Resolution #3899
Airport: Noise Study Cost Sharing, Mercer Island
A resolution was read authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an interlocal agreement between the cities of Renton and Mercer Island regarding an Aviation Noise Study. MOVED
BY PALMER, SECONDED BY LAW, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
Resolution #3900
Finance: Capital Expenditure Reimbursement from Utility Bond Revenue
A resolution was read approving certain expenditures for reimbursement from the proceeds of debt to be issued in the future. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED.
The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 8/20/2007 for second and final reading:
Finance: Water Shut Off Charge Adjustments for Special Circumstances
An ordinance was read amending Section 8-4-34 of City Code by adding Subsection C. providing for discretion in administration of the fees provided for therein. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED
BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 8/20/2007. CARRIED.
The following ordinances were presented for second and final reading and adoption:
Ordinance #5298
Human Services: Summer Lunch & Housing Repair Assistance Programs, Budget Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 General Fund Budget to appropriate $37,734 for the 2007 Summer Lunch and Housing Repair Assistance Programs, which are funded by grant revenues.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
Ordinance #5299
Utility: Upper Springbrook Creek Restoration, King Conservation District Number 9, Budget Amend
An ordinance was read amending the 2007 Budget by increasing the amount of funds in the Surface Water revenue account and expenditure account by $50,000 pursuant to the Upper Springbrook
Creek Restoration project agreement with the King Conservation District Number 9. MOVED BY CLAWSON, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES.
CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Community Services: Maplewood Golf Course, RiverRock Restaurant Noise
Councilmember Persson inquired about the status of the complaint of noise emanating from the RiverRock Restaurant at Maplewood Golf Course. Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated
that numerous attempts to measure the noise level from the complainant’s property have been unsuccessful due to the complainant not allowing City employees on his property. Mayor Keolker
reported that City employees had been sent to the area at 1:00 a.m. on a night when music was playing and they could not hear the music. City Attorney Warren stated that a sound barrier
was being installed to further reduce noise emissions from the band area.
Public Works: Graffiti on Private Property
In response to Councilmember Persson’s inquiry, City Attorney Warren stated that there is no specific ordinance regulating the removal of graffiti from private property. Mayor Keolker
pointed out that the City does have a policy regarding removal of graffiti from public property. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF GRAFFITI ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Development Services: Driveway Widths
Councilmember Law voiced concerns over the width of allowed driveways, and access in and out of the driveways. MOVED BY LAW, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE TOPIC OF THE WIDTH
OF DRIVEWAYS TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.*
Councilmember Persson noted the safety issues related to accessing the driveways.
*MOTION CARRIED.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Citizen Comment: Demps - Index Pl NE, A&D Quality Construction Company, VAC-07-001
Keith Demps, 2308 NE 24th St., Renton, 98056, spoke on the issue of his request to vacate a portion of Index Pl. NE. Indicating that he has already gone through the vacation process,
Mr. Demps asked Council to consider vacating the entire area, rather than retaining a portion for a walkway, as it is holding up his development project. He also noted the existence
of another trail that is approximately 150 feet away from the vacation area.
Discussion ensued regarding the appropriateness of vacating the entire area while the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan study is pending, the need for two walkways in the area, concern
about short-circuiting the study, providing for input from the Highlands neighborhood, accelerating the walkway study, the benefits of the potential development projects, the possibility
of allowing a variance due to the lot sizes, the underlying ownership of the property, and the need for the City to clean up and maintain the property.
Chief Administrative Officer Covington stated that the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan study is to be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on August 20, and staff will be prepared
to discuss this specific area.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY NELSON , COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:03 p.m.
Michele Neumann, Deputy City Clerk
Recorder: Jason Seth
August 13, 2007