HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole - 27 Apr 2020 - Agenda - Pdf
CITY OF RENTON
AGENDA Committee of the Whole Meeting
5:00 PM - Monday, April 27, 2020
VIDEOCONFERENCE
1. King County De-intensification Shelter in Renton Update
a) Memo from Mayor to Council 042420
b) Operations Plan and Weekly Update
c) Return to Site Plan
d) County Version of MOU
e) City Version of MOU
f) Leo Flor Email on REACH Funding
g) Mayor's Letter to Council Regarding REACH
h) Mayor's Letter to County After Announcement
2. Community Services Levy Spending Update
a) Presentation
3. Affordable Housing Update
a) Presentation
b) Handout
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 24, 2020
TO: Ruth Pérez, Council President
Members of Renton City Council
FROM: Armondo Pavone, Mayor
SUBJECT: Status report on De-Intensification Shelter and potential
questions for Councilmembers to consider
In anticipation of the Monday, April 27 briefing and discussion at your Committee of the
Whole (COW), this memorandum provides you with a status report on the De-
Intensification Shelter that has been in operation at the Red Lion Inn (1 South Grady
Way) since April 9, 2020.
The action to site De-Intensification Shelters in Renton and other cities such as SeaTac
and Bellevue came after the local public health officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, issued a
March 31 order authorizing King County to use legally available resources to de-intensify
or reduce the social distance among homeless residents in congregate shelters located
in Seattle.
The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), under a contract with King County, is
operating the De-Intensification Shelter at the Red Lion Inn. We have invited DESC
Executive Director Daniel Malone to participate in your April 27 briefing. We have also
invited a representative from the King County Executive’s Office (DCHS Director Leo
Flor), as well as King County Councilmembers Dave Upthegrove and Reagan Dunn.
In initial calls with both Executive Dow Constantine and Karan Gill of the Executive’s
Office, we were told that the de-intensification shelter would be in use through a 90-day
lease, the County would arrange for transportation to take all residents back to their
shelters of origin at the end of this period, and security at the shelter would be
provided. Our first detailed briefing on the de-intensification shelter operation came on
April 3, during a meeting with Karan Gill of the Executive’s Office and DESC’s Executive
Director and Deputy Director, Daniel Malone and Nicole Macri (who also serves as a
43rd District State Representative).
In our meeting with Karan Gill and DESC representatives, we were told that DESC would
arrange three meals per day for shelter residents, security would be on board 24/7, and
up to 200 residents would occupy the Red Lion Inn. DESC representative also verbally
reaffirmed the commitment to return residents to their shelter of origin and have
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Ruth Pérez, City Council President
Members of Renton City Council
Page 2 of 4
April 24, 2020
security on-site. DESC expressed openness to a potential partnership with REACH for the
use of some rooms at the shelter (we have since been told that will not be occurring).
DESC representatives also indicated that while they could not legally prevent shelter
residents from leaving and entering the site, and shelter residents would be treated just
like any other resident who has the right to get fresh air and tend to essential activities,
this was not going to be a homeless population prone to causing major disruptions or
problems. Mr. Malone explained that many of the residents would be age 50 and up.
Unfortunately, despite the reassurances we were provided, we have encountered
significant challenges with the shelter operations, the behavior of some residents, and
getting a written agreement with King County that documents the 90-day duration of
the shelter and other important details.
Let me pause here and note the approach we in Renton have taken with respect to the
shelter, and to the potential Assessment and Recovery Center the County explored for
the former Sam’s Club location adjacent to City Hall. We have worked hard to not “just
say no,” to be a good regional partner, and to do our part during an emergency
pandemic we are all enduring together. We continue to take that stance.
Our concerns with the shelter operation and efforts to get a written instrument with the
County, include the following:
• Fencing that was first being constructed might have prevented Renton Regional
Fire Authority (RRFA) personnel from accessing the facility in an emergency.
RRFA personnel also noted locked doors that could have significantly limited
their ability to gain emergency access. Thankfully, these issues have since been
resolved.
• We have experienced numerous behavioral issues with shelter residents,
particularly in the Renton Village development that surrounds the Red Lion Inn
and other nearby locations. Numerous instances of everything from litter to
graffiti to drug use to defecation to violent behavior have been documented.
• Security on site has been lacking and all residents have phones and are free to
call 911. As a result, Renton Police Department and RRFA have absorbed first-
responder obligations on a regular basis. The RFA has responded to 20
emergency calls; none turned out to be of an emergency nature. Renton PD has
averaged two to six calls per day and oftentimes many more than that. Four
residents have been trespassed and one resident was arrested. Police officers
have typically been cursed at as they do their jobs.
• Those residents that have been trespassed—at the request of DESC personnel
who have struggled to contain behavioral problems—have not been returned to
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Ruth Pérez, City Council President
Members of Renton City Council
Page 3 of 4
April 24, 2020
their shelter of origin. We have significant legal concerns that under the terms
of the Governor’s Proclamations prohibiting most evictions, we should no longer
be trespassing anyone.
• Alongside the on-the-ground issues at the shelter itself, our attempts so far to
get a written agreement with King County have been unsuccessful. The County
expressed major concerns with an initial effort to develop a Temporary Use
Permit, so a Memorandum of Understanding was developed and transmitted to
the County on April 10. The MOU we received back on April 21, after several
requests for a response in writing, lacked any teeth or certainty on the 90-day
lease, on the maximum 200 residents, or on the commitment to ensure residents
would in fact be transported back to their shelters of origin.
The two-and a half weeks since the de-intensification shelter operation began have
been a trying time not only for our City, but for businesses and residents who have been
impacted. We have fielded dozens of complaints, phone calls, and e-mails; and we
understand the frustration expressed in all those communications. We believe in being a
good regional partner, but partnerships are a two-way street.
The shelter operation at the Red Lion Inn represents a more than tripling of the
homeless population we have typically dealt with in Renton, and the City Center
location of this shelter has been extremely challenging, unfairly taxing Renton’s public
safety resources. It is our belief that Renton has every right to see the shelter properly
secured and inappropriate behavior dealt with by the County and DESC. It is also our
belief that without a written agreement the shelter operates in violation of the City’s
zoning and land use laws. Renton needs and deserves to have a written MOU completed
with the County, and for the impacts of this shelter operation to be financially mitigated
by the county.
Finally, as you prepare for your discussion, we have provided examples of some
questions you may wish to pose to County and DESC representatives and County
Councilmembers working to assist us.
• If the point of this shelter was to provide temporary social distancing for the
homeless population and for the lease to be only 90 days, why can’t that be assured
in an MOU?
• The county has consistently said that shelter residents will be returned to their
shelter of origin when the lease expires. Why can’t we get assurances of that
happening and transportation being provided in an MOU?
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Ruth Pérez, City Council President
Members of Renton City Council
Page 4 of 4
April 24, 2020
• What can we do to ensure better security on-site at the shelter so we do not have
Renton Police and Renton RFA personnel significantly impacted and regularly
responding to 911 calls that use up valuable time and resources?
• What can we do to get better assurances that inappropriate behavior won’t be
tolerated, and that there will be enforcement and intervention to address acts of
poor behavior?
• If you trespass residents from the de-intensification shelter, and they are not
returned to their shelter of origin, don’t those actions add to Renton’s challenges
when we were told that was going to occur?
• When can we expect a written MOU with the County so that the City is not forced to
consider taking code enforcement action under the City’s zoning and land use laws?
• When can we expect a written understanding with the end date of the shelter
operation and the plan to return those staying at the Red Lion Inn to their shelters of
origins?
• We appreciate some funding being provided to REACH, but what can be done to
financially mitigate the impact of this shelter operation on Renton and its non-profit
providers?
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Renton Red Lion Operations Plan:
1. Description of the De-Intensification Shelter as a voluntary or mandatory commitment facility or both.
o The Renton Red Lion Hotel is being used as a shelter de-intensification site. The Downtown Emergency
Service Center (DESC) is operating the facility and has approximately 200 shelter guests staying in the
hotel. The shelter is a voluntary facility.
2. Description of whether this will be a clean and sober facility or a no barrier facility.
o DESC uses a harm reduction approach with shelter guests and discourages substance use. Access to the
shelter is behavior based and if guests are not able to follow the expected code of conduct they are asked
to leave the hotel.
3. Plan for onsite medical and/or security staff, including plan to meet needs of any individuals with pre-existing
mental health or behavior disorders.
o The hotel site is fenced and a security guard is on site. DESC is a licensed provider of behavioral health
services and is able to provide those services on site if needed. The shelter is staffed 24/7 by DESC staffed
trained in behavioral health interventions.
4. Plan for medical transportation.
o Clients are responsible for getting themselves to any off site health appointments, although DESC may
assist in arranging transportation. Any emergent medical transportation will be managed by local
emergency services. To avoid unnecessary calls to 911, DESC staff access a 24/7 nurse consulting phone
line to triage medical complaints without burdening first responders unnecessarily.
5. Plan for basic social services and life necessities such as food, water, medicine, laundry, and garbage disposal.
o These are all being provided on site and are managed either by DESC or King County. To promote social
distancing per CDC guidance, DESC staff are delivering meals and medication to units 3x day.
6. Plan for any behavioral rules to be in place and any penalties for violation.
o See Number 2, above.
7. Plan for controlled access in and out of facility.
o The site is fenced and DESC staff are on site 24 hours a day. Guests are provided an identification badge
which is checked by onsite security officers prior to entering the grounds.
Renton Red Lion Weekly Update:
1. How many individuals are housed in the De-Intensification Shelter.
o Approximately 200 shelter guests are staying at the Renton Red Lion.
2. How many of those individuals have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and how many are awaiting the results of a
COVID-19 test.
o No clients have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Red Lion. If a client tests positive for COVID-19 while
staying at the Red Lion, they will be referred to County run Isolation and Quarantine sites to ensure that
they can recover without risk of exposure to others.
Currently, there are no clients with pending tests, although we routinely work with partners to test clients
and expect to test frequently at the Red Lion. Those with pending tests will be asked to isolate in their
units until results are discovered. If clients do not comply with the isolation request, they will be referred
to I&Q.
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Return of Site Plan:
Plan for returning each individual housed in the De-Intensification Shelter to his or her place of origin.
o During DESC’s use of the Renton Red Lion Hotel the agency will continue to work to place
shelter guests into permanent housing. Following the end of the lease period, DESC will
shift shelter guests back to DESC’s existing Seattle facilities.
Plan for returning to his or her place of origin each individual who departs the De-Intensification Shelter.
o As with all shelters, access to the facility is voluntary and shelter stayers are free to
depart as they wish. DESC will work with shelter guests to arrange transport if requested.
Plan for each individual who tests negative for COVID-19.
o Shelter clients will not be asked to leave the Red Lion as the result of a negative test and
will continue to access shelter per DESC rules and expectations.
AGENDA ITEM #1. c)
Page - 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN KING
COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RENTON
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated for reference purposes only as
the _____ day of April 2020, is made by and between the City of Renton, a municipal
corporation (the CITY), and King County (the COUNTY), both of which are located in
and existing under the laws of the State of Washington. The COUNTY and the CITY may
also be collectively referred to herein as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the CITY and the COUNTY recognize the ongoing public health
emergency in the State of Washington resulting from COVID-19 and the spread of
COVID-19 throughout King County, the state, and the United States; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the continued spread of COVID-19, declarations and/or
proclamations of emergency have been issued by the Governor of the State of Washington,
the COUNTY, the CITY, and the federal government; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a dangerous contagious disease; and
WHEREAS, RCW 70.05.070 (2)-(3) authorizes the Local Health Officer to take a
broad range of actions to control COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, for the purpose of further reducing the spread of COVID-19, on March
31, 2020, the Local Health Officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, issued an Order (the March 31 Order)
authorizing the COUNTY as well as the local cities and towns, to use legally available
resources to de-intensify or reduce the density of existing homelessness shelters and
encampments, as well as to provide other essential programs such as food services and
sobering centers, address hygiene needs of homeless individuals, such as washing,
showers, and toilets, and for increased sanitation services; and
WHEREAS, the COUNTY has informed the CITY that the COUNTY leased the
Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center (the “PROPERTY”) located at 1 South Grady
Way, Renton, for a de-intensification shelter to reduce the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, it is the position of the COUNTY that the March 31 Order
authorizes the COUNTY to operate the de-intensification shelter at the PROPERTY; and
WHEREAS, it is the position of the CITY that, notwithstanding the March 31
Order, the de-intensification shelter use at the PROPERTY does not comply with the
CITY’s zoning and land use laws; and
WHEREAS, the COUNTY has been operating the de-intensification shelter at
the PROPERTY since April 9, 2020, and the CITY has documented that since operations
began, the Renton Police Department and the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA)
have received a dramatic increase in the number of service calls from and about the
AGENDA ITEM #1. d)
Page - 2
PROPERTY, which did not involve an actual medical or fire emergency. Specifically,
over a two-week period, the RRFA responded to 18 calls to the PROPERTY and two
additional calls in the surrounding area, compared to a total of only one call to the
PROPERTY and four total calls in the surrounding area since the start of 2018.
Similarly, the Renton Police Department is receiving an average of two to six calls for
service per day directly from the PROPERTY, plus increased calls for service in the
immediate area surrounding the PROPERTY including the abutting Renton Village
development; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of Governor Inslee’s Proclamations 20-19 and
20-19.1 prohibiting most evictions, the COUNTY is limited from taking certain actions
to remove or allow the removal of Temporary Residents from the PROPERTY until such
Proclamations expire, and the CITY’s police officers are further prohibited from
participating in an eviction of Temporary Residents except pursuant to a specific court
order; and
WHEREAS, the Parties agree that they need not now resolve their differing
positions regarding the de-intensification shelter use at the PROPERTY, provided that
they enter into a memorandum of understanding that satisfactorily addresses both
Parties’ needs regarding the de-intensification shelter at the PROPERTY during the
COVID-19 emergency and the transition of the PROPERTY when the COVID-19
emergency ceases; and
WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that it is the intent of this MOU to lay out the
expectations of the Parties; and
WHEREAS, the COUNTY acknowledges that nothing in this MOU is intended to
preempt or supersede the CITY’s authority under the Renton Municipal Code or other
laws except to the extent that the CITY’s actions would directly and expressly conflict with
the terms of this MOU; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the COUNTY and the CITY agree to the following:
1. The CITY will not take code enforcement action against the PROPERTY,
PROPERTY owner, or Temporary Residents on the basis of the PROPERTY being used for
purposes that violate CITY zoning and land use laws so long as such uses do not deviate
beyond the scope of use described herein. This agreement to refrain from enforcement
terminates on July 9, 2020, unless such date is extended in writing by mutual agreement of
the Parties and based upon public health requirements to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19
emergency. The CITY’s agreement to temporarily refrain from enforcement shall not act as
a permanent waiver of the CITY’s future enforcement rights or in any way vest in the
PROPERTY or its owners/tenants the right to continued use in violation of the CITY’S
zoning and land use laws; and
2. Except as contemplated by paragraph 1, the COUNTY and its agents and
property managers and/or operators will comply with all applicable laws with respect to their
operations at the PROPERTY and in the City of Renton; and
AGENDA ITEM #1. d)
Page - 3
3. The COUNTY agrees that no more than 200 individuals at any one time shall
occupy the de-intensification shelter at the PROPERTY. (Such individuals are referred to
herein as Temporary Residents); and
4. The COUNTY agrees that it is solely responsible for ensuring services and
security measures are provided within the de-intensification shelter building and at the
PROPERTY 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to eliminate or, if elimination is not possible,
minimize unnecessary emergencies and to protect the surrounding community from undue
impacts of the de-intensification shelter use. The COUNTY’s services and security measures
shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) security staffing on each floor of the
building who are trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics and experienced in
working with people with behavioral health needs and whose purpose on each floor is to
monitor and assist in resolving disputes; (b) 24-hour front desk staffing; (c) the establishment
and implementation of practices to limit 9-1-1 calls originating from the PROPERTY to
emergency calls only, including 24-hour on-site medical staffing; (d) roaming security on the
first floor of the building on the PROPERTY, in the PROPERTY’s parking areas, and at
access points to abutting properties including the Renton Village development; and (e)
development of a means of identifying Temporary Residents to assist in their return to the
PROPERTY if they need assistance while off-PROPERTY or if they have been removed to
the SCORE (South Correctional Entity) facility; and
5. The COUNTY agrees to provide meals, basic social services (including
counseling, medication, mental health intervention, and access to triage nursing services),
and supplies to Temporary Residents and take all reasonable steps to prevent Temporary
Residents from utilizing and thereby impacting the availability of similar services offered by
the CITY or community organizations to existing populations within the City of Renton; and
6. The COUNTY agrees that on a weekly basis it will deliver to the CITY a
written report regarding the de-intensification shelter at the PROPERTY including the
following information, at minimum: (a) declaring whether the COUNTY’s use of the
PROPERTY is strictly limited and directly required to responding to the COVID-19
emergency; (b) listing the number of Temporary Residents; (c) describing how many
Temporary Residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and how many are awaiting the
results of a COVID-19 test; and (d) identifying any Temporary Residents that have been
evicted in accordance with Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-19.1; and
7. The COUNTY agrees to comply with applicable state and local building,
plumbing, electrical, mechanical, utilities, and fire code requirements during use of the
PROPERTY for the de-intensification shelter, and will work cooperatively with the CITY
building official and fire marshal to ensure the facility meets reasonable and minimum safety
features; and
8. The COUNTY intends and agrees to act in good faith in order to minimize the
impact on surrounding uses, natural resources, and critical areas resulting from the
COUNTY’s use of the PROPERTY for the de-intensification shelter; and
AGENDA ITEM #1. d)
Page - 4
9. The COUNTY intends and agrees to act in good faith with respect to the
COUNTY’s obligation to pay for any utility fees associated with the use of the PROPERTY
for the de-intensification shelter; and
10. When the COVID-19 emergency ceases to exist, the COUNTY shall arrange and
pay for transportation to return all Temporary Residents back to the shelter facilities from
which they came or otherwise to legally available shelter facilities outside of the City of
Renton. In no event shall Temporary Residents who were not residents of the City of Renton
at the time of first becoming a Temporary Resident be asked to leave the PROPERTY without
being provided free and convenient transportation to alternative available housing
arrangements outside of the City of Renton; and
11. The COUNTY may assign any of its obligations under this MOU to another
entity, including the operator of the de-intensification shelter at the PROPERTY; provided
that in the event of any such assignment, the COUNTY and its assignee are both responsible
for the assigned obligation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COUNTY and CITY have executed this
Memorandum of Understanding as of the day and year last signed below.
KING COUNTY CITY OF RENTON
By: By:
Anthony Wright, Mayor Armondo Pavone
Division Director,
Facilities and Management Division
Date: Date:
Approved as to form:
________________________________
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Shane Moloney
City Attorney
AGENDA ITEM #1. d)
{JEH2134634.DOC;1/00010.900000/ } Page - 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN KING
COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RENTON
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made as of the _______ day of
April 2020 between the City of Renton, a municipal corporation (the CITY), and King
County (the COUNTY), both of which are located in and existing under the laws of the
State of Washington. The COUNTY and the CITY may also be collectively referred to
herein as the “Parties.”
I. RECITALS
WHEREAS, the CITY and the COUNTY recognize the ongoing public health
emergency in the State of Washington resulting from COVID-19 and the spread of
COVID-19 throughout King County, the state, and the United States; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the continued spread of COVID-19, declarations and/or
proclamations of emergency have been issued by the Governor of the State of
Washington, the COUNTY, the CITY, and the federal government; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a dangerous contagious disease;
WHEREAS, RCW 70.05.070 (2)-(3) authorizes the Local Health Officer to take a
broad range of actions to control COVID-19;
WHEREAS, for the purpose of further reducing the spread of COVID-19, the
Local Health Officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, issued an Order authorizing the COUNTY as well
as the local cities and towns, to use legally available resources to de-intensify or reduce
the density of existing homelessness shelters and encampments, as well as to provide
other essential programs such as food services and sobering centers, address hygiene
needs of homeless individuals, such as washing, showers, and toilets, and for increased
sanitation services; and
WHEREAS, the COUNTY has leased the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
(the “PROPERTY”) located at 1 South Grady Way, Renton, for a de-intensification
shelter to reduce the spread of COVID-19;
WHEREAS, the parties agree that the COUNTY will comply with the
requirements of the Renton Municipal Code (RMC) when the COVID-19 emergency
ceases to exist and use of the PROPERTY for temporary de-intensification housing is no
longer necessary to maintain public health; and
WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that it is the intent of this MOU to lay out
the expectations of the parties; and
WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that, after the COVID-19 emergency ceases
to exist and use of the PROPERTY for temporary de-intensification housing is no longer
necessary to maintain public health, nothing in this MOU preempts or supersedes the
AGENDA ITEM #1. e)
{JEH2134634.DOC;1/00010.900000/ } Page - 2
CITY’s authority with respect permitting requirements that may apply under the RMC
when the temporary de-intensification housing is no longer necessary; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the COUNTY and the CITY agree that the following
contains principles of understanding between the Parties:
II. PRINCIPLES OF UNDERSTANDING
1. The COUNTY agrees to provide security measures at the PROPERTY 24
hours a day, seven days a week; and
2. The COUNTY agrees to provide meals, services, supplies, and counseling as
needed to individuals who will be housed at the PROPERTY; and
3. The COUNTY agrees to provide the CITY with a copy of its Renton Red
Lion Operations Plan for the temporary housing at the PROPERTY as soon as
practicable; and
4. The COUNTY agrees to comply with applicable state and local building,
plumbing, electrical, mechanical, utilities, and fire code requirements during use of the
PROPERTY for de-intensification housing, and will work cooperatively with the CITY
building official and fire marshal to ensure the facility meets reasonable and minimum
safety features; and
5. The Parties intend and agree to act in good faith in order to minimize the
impact on surrounding uses, natural resources, and critical areas resulting from the
COUNTY’s use of the PROPERTY for de-intensification housing; and
6. The Parties intend and agree to act in good faith with respect to the
COUNTY’s obligation to pay for any utility fees associated with the use of the
PROPERTY for de-intensification housing; and
7. When the COVID-19 emergency ceases to exist and use of the PROPERTY
for temporary de-intensification housing is no longer necessary to maintain public health
and to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the COUNTY shall comply with the
CITY’s permitting requirements for any continuing or new use of the PROPERTY.
AGENDA ITEM #1. e)
{JEH2134634.DOC;1/00010.900000/ } Page - 3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COUNTY and CITY have executed this
Memorandum of Understanding as of the day and year first written above.
KING COUNTY CITY OF RENTON
By:_____________________________ By:______________________________
Anthony Wright, Mayor Armondo Pavone
Division Director,
Facilities and Management Division
Date:___________________ Date:___________________
Approved as to form:
s/Howard P. Schneiderman
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
_____________________
Date
/s/Shane Moloney
Shane Moloney
City Attorney
______________________
Date
AGENDA ITEM #1. e)
From:Flor, Leonardo
To:Armondo Pavone
Cc:Robert Harrison; Rider, Kelly; Gill, Karan (EXEC); Putney, April; Ellerbrook, Mark; McLendon, Hedda; Speltz, Kate;
Andryszewski, Steve
Subject:King County DCHS confirmation of April 27th meeting and response to REACH funding request
Date:Thursday, April 23, 2020 9:40:55 PM
Dear Mayor Pavone:
Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for your leadership during this unprecedented crisis. Karan
Gill relayed to me your office’s request for a King County official to attend a virtual City of Renton
meeting at 5:30 PM on Monday, April 27th. I would be happy to join that meeting to provide
information and answer questions. Thank you for the invitation and opportunity.
This email also responds to impacts that you identified earlier this month in a letter to Executive
Constantine and Councilmembers Dunn and Upthegrove. You identified three potential impacts and
corresponding requests within the letter, and I am happy to respond to those requests as well as to
offer further collaboration with your office on issues and efforts to serve County residents
experiencing homelessness. Please note that these requests are in addition to an already provided
$20,000 increase in funding to REACH for its use during the COVID-19 response. King County
provided that additional funding in March 2020.
Your letter requested support for REACH staff to increase their ability to provide additional
services as a result of COVID-19, including the ability to implement Public Health guidance and
to provide services to an anticipated increase in persons experiencing homelessness in
Renton. DCHS will support this request and will contact staff at REACH to execute a
contract exhibit to implement this increase. We are at this time able to commit to providing
the additional $4,100 per month for an initial period of three months. We will be happy in
July 2020 to consider potential extension of this funding depending on funds availability,
conditions in the community, and the state of the emergency at that time. For clarity, this
response commits to DCHS supporting $12,300 for the use described within this response,
which is three months of the requested $4,100 month amount. DCHS staff will contact REACH
to implement this commitment.
Your letter requested access to an estimated $15,000 in diversion funding to be administered
by REACH. The funds would be used to assist households in gaining or maintaining housing or
shelter that allows households to implement public health guidance to slow the spread of
COVID-19. DCHS will support the amount of this request up to $15,000 after a follow-on
conversation with REACH to clarify the type of service to be provided. The clarity is
necessary because the term “diversion” carries a specific meaning in homelessness services
and describes a particular type of program intended to prevent homelessness (as opposed to
services that provide housing to persons who are already using shelter). Assuming that DCHS
and REACH staff are able to agree upon the purpose and scope of REACH’s proposed diversion
work during this COVID emergency, this response commits to DCHS supporting up to $15,000
of diversion (or a similar scope) funding. Please note that the structure of this agreement may
be for reimbursement of actual expenditures up to $15,000, depending on staff discussions
AGENDA ITEM #1. f)
about how to best proceed.
Your letter requested access to 25 rooms at the Red Lion for use by additional Renton
residents who need to use them as well as funding for 1.0 FTE caseworkers. There is not
available capacity at the Red Lion, and DCHS is unfortunately unable to support this
request. If there is interest in King County seeking additional hotel capacity for Renton
shelter residents during the COVID-19 emergency in a facility besides the Red Lion hotel,
please let me know and King County would be happy to explore that option with your office.
Please let me know what additional information or response I may provide. This crisis presents the
dual challenges of rapidly changing conditions and what we project to be a months-long response.
We remain to ready to both adapt as conditions change as well as being committed to supporting
County residents for the duration of this crisis. DCHS stands ready to work with your office and the
City of Renton to serve residents experiencing homelessness during this crisis. Thank you again for
your leadership, Mr. Mayor.
Sincerely,
Leo Flor
Director | King County Department of Community & Human Services
401 Fifth Ave, Suite 400 | Seattle, WA 98104 | leonardo.flor@kingcounty.gov | 206.477.4384
Scheduling assistance by Melissa Redford | mredford@kingcounty.gov
AGENDA ITEM #1. f)
The Honorable Dow Constantine
King County Executive
The Honorable Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
The Honorable Dave Upthegrove
King County Councilmember
Sent via electronic email
As a follow-up to my letter to you of last Thursday, and questions we in Renton had with the
De-Intensification Center planned for the Red Lion Inn location, I appreciate that Karan Gill of
your staff helped facilitate a conversation with leadership of the Downtown Emergency Service
Center (DESC), which will be contracted to run this facility.
While that discussion helped clarify a number of questions around the number and types of
residents, security, plan for meal delivery, and other details, we believe there are still impacts
that will be experienced by our service providers. We also believe there are opportunities at
this facility to partner with those same service providers.
Specifically, since the activation of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued by the Governor,
the Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) has been working closely with the City
of Renton and other partners to de-intensify its own services for homeless individuals and
families. REACH’s goal is for clients to have adequate social distance and protect themselves
from increased risk of infection. REACH’s shelter and navigation center for families has been
relocated and transitioned to a 24/7 model. REACH’s meal program, which serves the
chronically homeless and those who have low incomes, has transitioned to a grab-and-go
model.
We share the desire of King County and others to “socially distance” residents of shelters and
other facilities to keep them and our communities safe. That said, a shelter for 200 individuals
in the City of Renton would at least triple the homeless population in Renton and place extreme
stress on our already thinly stretched resources.
To help us prepare adequately for what is to come, and partner with the county while serving
those in need in our community, we would like to present a few proposals involving REACH and
formally ask for funding assistance from the County to help meet needs:
AGENDA ITEM #1. g)
King County Executive Dow Constantine
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove
Page 2 of 2
April 8, 2020
20-039
Immediate Impact:
1. The current homeless population in Renton is not served by the de-intensification shelter
being placed at the Red Lion or any other shelter. Because they remain in unofficial
encampments, their risk for COVID-19 infection and spread is high. We request that 25 rooms
at Red Lion be made available for Renton residents who need them. The movement of Renton
homeless residents to the Red Lion should be facilitated by the placement of two 0.5 FTE
caseworkers at the REACH meal program for the duration of this emergency.
Cost: $3,200 per month
2. While DESC explained that the new population in Renton would have space and an
estimated three meals at the Red Lion, our experience tells us that a proportion of those
moved to Renton will choose to access other available services in Renton, including the
REACH meal program and our navigation center/shelter. Due to the COVID-19 measures,
REACH’s volunteer numbers have declined and its resources are stretched. For the duration
of this emergency, we are asking for funding help with additional staffing (1.5FTE) at REACH
service locations. Cost: $4,100 per month
Long term Impact:
While there is a plan to relocate Red Lion De-Intensification Shelter residents to where they had
been residing, some homeless clients/families may choose to remain in Renton. The pull on our
limited resources will spike, and we need to be ready. We ask your help in assisting REACH with
diversion funding for those who may remain and will need wrap-around services to overcome
barriers. Estimated Cost: $15,000
We hope you will consider this request on behalf of the service providers in our community,
with a specific focus on REACH, and would be happy to talk further with you about this request.
Sincerely,
Armondo Pavone
Mayor
AP:aa
c: Renton City Council
AGENDA ITEM #1. g)
April 2, 2020
The Honorable Dow Constantine
King County Executive
Sent via electronic email
Dear Executive Constantine:
Thank you for informing me today about the County’s short-term lease of the Red Lion Inn in
Renton for a de-intensification center to social distance those living in homeless shelters. The
City of Renton desires to work cooperatively with the County in its efforts to acquire temporary
facilities in response to the COVID19 pandemic. We understand that as a community we need
to rally behind and support each other during this public health crisis. However, as we do our
part, that cooperation also carries an expectation that the County will do its part to mitigate the
impact these temporary facilities can have on the communities where they are located.
The proposed use of the hotel will be to house homeless individuals from around the County to
enable all shelters to meet social distancing requirements. Since these individuals will be free
to come and go as they please, we think it is imperative that the County agree to the following:
1) Provide adequate security at the site to maintain safety of the residents, hotel staff and the
Renton community. Our police force is already feeling the stress of the pandemic and have
moved to a different model of policing during this time. Effectively managing and securing
a shelter that could house up to 200 individuals will be critically important to the safety of
our residents and our officers. If we end up with new obligations being placed on Renton
police officers because of this facility, we would also want to work with the County on FEMA
or CARES Act reimbursement funding to help offset those additional costs.
2) Our community expects that people will conduct themselves in a way that does not result in
unsafe, destructive or criminal behavior. Our expectations may be different from what
these individuals experienced in the communities where they lived before. We want to be
sure that our expectations are communicated clearly and regularly to the residents of the
temporary facility.
3) When the lease expires, it is our expectation that the individuals who have temporarily
relocated to Renton to shelter at the Red Lion Inn will return to their original shelters (or
even better, are able to find more permanent or transitional housing). The City is a partner
AGENDA ITEM #1. h)
King County Executive Dow Constantine
Page 2 of 2
April 2, 2020
with REACH to manage the existing overnight shelter, Center of Hope day shelter, and
feeding program. These facilities and programs are maxed out during normal times, let
alone during this pandemic. We want to avoid a resultant increase in the long-term
homeless population when the County closes this temporary shelter at the end of this crisis.
An increase would unfairly overwhelm the City’s existing programs and resources. We want
to understand clearly the County’s plan in relocating these individuals back to their home
base when this pandemic is over.
4) The County needs to provide supportive services to the population that will be staying at
the Red Lion. As mentioned, REACH provides services in Renton for our vulnerable
homeless population. We are already seeking additional funding to meet the need for
increased services and locations that follow distancing guidelines during this public health
pandemic. An additional burden on existing resources will only exacerbate the problem.
I appreciate the efforts that King County and your office have put forth in responding to this
crisis. It has made a marked difference in the region relative to other parts of the United
States. Our goal is to continue to be supportive of King County in its efforts to mitigate the
crisis, and we are hopeful that the Red Lion Inn lease will end up having a successful outcome
for all.
Respectfully,
Armondo Pavone
Mayor
AP:aa
cc: Renton City Council
King County Council
Robert Harrison, Chief Administrative Officer
Ed VanValey, Police Chief
Shane Moloney, City Attorney
20-037
AGENDA ITEM #1. h)
Bond Projects Briefing
Renton City Council
Committee of the Whole
April 27, 2020 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Long Term Sustainability
•2016/2017 –Three Steps to Long Term Sustainability
•January 2018 thru June 2018 –Citizen Advisory Committee
•November 2018 –Council Authorizes Issuing Bonds
•March 2019 –$14.5 Million in Bonds Issued
•2019 –Five In-progress CIP Projects Re-allocated to Bond Projects
•2019 –Staff Recruitment
2
OVERVIEW
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
3
OVERVIEW
•43 Deferred Maintenance
Projects Identified by Citizen
Advisory Committee
•2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)
•Total $14,466,570
Including Contingency and
Inflation
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total Capital
Cost Projection
2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
1 Sport Court Repairs
-Highlands (Tennis)
Re-furbish tennis
courts
$ 100,000 Future
Project
2 Sport Court Repairs
-Talbot Hill
Renovate tennis
courts and pickleball
court
$ 80,000 Future
Project
3 Coulon Park
Structural Repairs 4
Complete repairs as
per Structural Report
$ 250,000 Future
Project
4 Coulon Parking Lot
Repairs -Medium
Priority
Remove/repave
parking areas per
Assessment
$ 200,000 Future
Project
5 Coulon Irrigation
System
Replacement -
Entry
Replace existing 50
year old irrigation
$ 500,000 Future
Project
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)
4 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
6 Parking Lot & Drive
Repairs -Senior
Center
Repave parking lot $ 90,000 Current
Project
Not Bond
Eligible
TBD
CIP Funded
TBD
On Hold
7 Ballfield
Renovation
Program -Teasdale
Park
Renovate
infield/outfield
$ 150,000 Future
Project
8 Playground
Replacements -
Cedar River Trail
Park & Tiffany Park
Remove/replace 20
year old play
equipment
$ 275,000 Complete $204,389
Bond
Funded
2019
5
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
9 Lighting System
Upgrade 2
Convert to LED
Lighting
$ 110,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
February
2022
10 Playground
Replacements -
Teasdale
Remove/replace 20
year old play
equipment
$ 150,000 Complete $178,454
Bond
Funded
2019
11 Lighting System
Upgrade 3
Convert to LED
Lighting
$ 110,000 Future
Project
12 Pathway, Sidewalk,
Patio & Boardwalk
Repairs -Cedar
River Trail @
Bronson
Renovate walk,
located within
Shoreline Area
$ 80,000 Future
Project
Not Bond
Eligible
6
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
13 Coulon Park
Structural Repairs 1
Estimated
construction
scheduled for
2018/2019 at IVAR’S ,
day moorage, boat
launch, wave break, S.
waterwalk, N.
waterwalk wave
break, sailing float &
trestle bridge.
$ 2,927,898 Complete $2,767,115
Bond Cost
Totaled
$2,105,263
Jan. 2020
14 Parking Lot & Drive
Repairs -Tiffany
Park
Repave parking lot $ 125,000 Future
Project
7
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
15 Pathway, Sidewalk,
Patio & Boardwalk
Repairs -Cedar
River Trail Narco to
Ron Regis Park
Remove/replace 23
year old trail
$ 100,000 Future
Project
16 Coulon Park
Lighting Repairs
LED light Conversion $ 90,000 Current
Project
Not Bond
Eligible
Estimated
$51,465
CIP Funded
June 2020
17 Shoreline & Bank
Stabilization -Jones
Park
Stabilize shoreline
with large woody
debris and native
vegetation. Relocate
walk.
$ 237,500 Current
Project
TBD
CIP Funded
TBD
On Hold
8
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
18 Playground
Replacements -
Kennydale Beach
Remove/replace 15
year old play
equipment
$ 200,000 Future
Project
19 Ballfield
Renovation
Program -Liberty
Park
Renovate
infield/outfield
$ 250,000 Future
Project
20 Coulon Parking Lot
Repairs -High
Priority
Remove/repave
parking areas per
Assessment
$ 300,000 Future
Project
21 Sport Court Repairs
-Teasdale
Renovate basketball
court
$ 150,000 Current
Project
TBD
CIP Funded
Oct. 2020
9
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
22 Fencing,
Guardrails, Bullrails
& Railings -
Cascade Park
Replace chain link
fencing with bullrails
$ 20,000 Future
Project
Not Bond
Eligible
23 Pathway, Sidewalk,
Patio & Boardwalk
Repairs -Kiwanis
Park
Remove walk and
install ADA walk from
Union Avenue to
Activity Center
$ 350,000 In Design TBD
CIP Funded
April 2022
24 Sport Court Repairs
-Bocce Courts at
Senior Center &
Kennydale Lions
Park
Renovate 30+ year old
Bocce Ball Court (R.
Center) and basketball
court (Kennydale
Lions)
$ 185,000 Future
Project
10
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
25 Phillip Arnold Park
Improvements
Remove/relocate
playground, install
new ADA walk,
remove closed
restroom
$ 650,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
Feb. 2022
26 Playground
Replacements -
Coulon
Remove/replace 16
year old play
equipment
$ 400,000 In Design
Not Bond
Eligible
TBD
$605,000
Grant
Funded
Winter
2020/2021
27 Parking Lot & Drive
Repairs -Kiwanis
Park
Repave parking lot $ 90,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
April 2022
11
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
28 Cedar River Trestle
Bridge Structural
Repairs
Complete repairs per
structural review
$ 350,000 Bids
Received
Not Bond
Eligible
Estimated
$588,024
CIP Funded
Sept. 2020
29 Ballfield
Renovation
Program -Kiwanis
Park
Renovate
infield/outfield
$ 150,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
April 2022
30 Pathway, Sidewalk,
Patio & Boardwalk
Repairs -Jones
Park
Remove/replace
heaved and cracked
walk
$ 75,000 Future
Project
12
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
31 Liberty Park
Improvements
Master Plan from
Library to skate park,
install new play
area/remove 21 year
old equipment, install
new walks and
landscaping, remove
shelter
$ 1,540,972 Current
Project
TBD
CIP Funded
TBD
On Hold
Except for
Play Area
32 Lighting System
Upgrade 4
Convert to LED
Lighting
$ 110,000 Future
Project
33 Parking Lot & Drive
Repairs -Phillip
Arnold Park
Repave parking lot $ 125,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
Feb. 2022
13
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
34 Coulon Park
Structural Repairs 3
Complete repairs as
per Structural Report
$ 250,000 Geo-tech
Study
TBD
Bond
Funded
June 2020
35 Ballfield
Renovation
Program -Dugouts
Renovate Dugouts $ 150,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
April 2022
36 Coulon Park
Structural Repairs 5
Complete repairs as
per Structural Report
$ 250,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
Dec. 2022
37 Pathway, Sidewalk,
Patio & Boardwalk
Repairs -Cedar
River Park,
Heritage Park
Remove/replace
heaved and cracked
walks
$ 40,000 Future
Project
14
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
38 Playground
Replacements -
Play Area TBD 1
Remove/replace old
play equipment
$ 150,000 In Design TBD
Bond
Funded
April 2022
39 Playground
Replacements -
Play Area TBD 2
Remove/replace old
play equipment
$ 150,000 Future
Project
40 Coulon Irrigation
System
Replacement -
North End
Replace existing 36
year old irrigation
$ 500,000 Future
Project
41 Coulon Bathhouse Renovate 50 year old
facility
$ 605,200 Future
Project
42 Coulon Park
Structural Repairs 2
Complete repairs as
per Structural Report
$ 250,000 Future
Project
15
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
#Project Project Description
Total
Capital Cost
Projection 2018
Status Actual Cost Estimated
Completion
43 Lighting System
Upgrade -Kiwanis
Park
Convert to LED
Lighting
$ 100,000 In Design TBD
CIP Funded
Feb. 2022
All Deferred Maintenance Projects Will Cost
(2018 Estimate):
Contingency and Inflation:
$12,966,570
$1,500,000
Total:$14,466,570
16
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS -2017-2022 (6-Year CIP)
“The CAC recommends a funding package of $14.5 million for this purpose
–to fund the $13 million in existing major maintenance projects, together
with a $1.5 million contingency.”AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Completed Bond Projects
17
Summary of Completed Bond Projects
•Coulon Structural Repairs at Eight (8) Locations -$2,105,263
•Playground Replacements at Three (3) Parks -$382,843
Tiffany Park $115,278
Cedar River Trail Park $ 89,111
Teasdale Park $178,454
•Building Assessment, Demolition, Design at Philip Arnold Park -
$103,933
•Staffing Costs (2019) and Kiwanis Park Title Report -$81,246 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
18
Estimated Costs (includes staffing costs) to
Complete Design/Construction for the following Bond Projects -
$13,749,342
•Coulon North Waterwalk Phase I Pilings –$1.5 Million**
•Coulon Trestle Bridge –$1.53 Million**
•Coulon Rosewall Geotechnical Study –$50,000
•Philip Arnold Park Renovation –$5.5 Million
•Kiwanis Park Renovation –$4.2 Million
** Not originally identified as one of the 43 Deferred
Maintenance Projects
Bond Projects in Design
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
19
Bond Projects Funding Summary
Approved Park Bond -$14.5 million
Monies Spent through 2019 on Completed Projects
(includes staffing costs and Kiwanis Park title report) -$2,673,285
Estimated Costs to Complete Design/Construction for Coulon North
Waterwalk Piles, Coulon Trestle Bridge, Philip Arnold Park Renovation and
Kiwanis Park Renovation (includes estimated staffing costs) -$13,749,342
Estimated Additional Funding Needed Budgeted thru 6 Year CIP and
Other Funding Sources -$1,922,627 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Completed Bond Projects
20
Coulon Structural Repairs at Eight (8) Locations
•Boat Launch
•Ivar’s Deck and Stairs
•South Waterwalk Grouting
•Day Moorage/Finger Piers
•Sailing Float
•North Waterwalk Wood
Timber Removal
•Wave Break
•Trestle Bridge Temporary
Repairs AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Completed Bond Projects
21
Coulon Deck Coulon Stairs
Coulon Day Moorage/Finger Piers Coulon Sailing Float AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Completed Bond Projects
22
Playground Replacements at Three (3) Parks
Tiffany Park AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Completed Bond Projects
23
Playground Replacements at Three (3) Parks
Teasdale ParkCedar River Trail Park AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Completed Bond Projects
24
Building Assessment, Demolition, Design at Philip Arnold Park
Building Constructed in 1960’s Improved Safety and View into Park AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Questions?
25 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
SHB 1406 Update
Concerning the State Sales Tax Credit for Affordable Housing
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Overview
•SHB 1406
•EHB 2797 Update
•Policy Choices
•Staff Recommendations
•Next Steps AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Substitute House Bill 1406
•SHB 1406 was enacted during the 2019 legislative session
•Over $500 million in state investment was committed to local
governments through a 20-year state sales tax credit
•This is a credit against existing sales tax that would stay local
rather than being sent to the state -meaning no increase for
Renton residents AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Collection of Funds
•The state sales tax credit is available to cities and counties for
20 years at either .0073% or .0146%
•Rate of local collection depends upon county participation and
if the local jurisdiction has adopted a qualifying local tax (QLT)
by July 2020
•To collect funds, jurisdictions must pass a Resolution of Intent
by January 28, 2020 and an authorizing ordinance by July 28,
2020 AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
SHB 1406 –Qualifying Local Tax
A qualifying local tax must be either:
•10-year property tax levy, subject to voter approval, of up to
.50/$1000
•1/10th of 1 cent sales tax, subject to voter approval
•Mental health and chemical dependency sales tax
•6-year excess property tax levy, subject to voter approval AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Usage of Funds
•Funds must be targeted towards assisting people with
incomes at or below 60% AMI
•For acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing, as
well as supporting the maintenance and operations costs of
new housing units
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
SHB 1406 in Renton
.0073%
•$236,380/year OR
•$4,727,600
over 20 years
.0146%
•$472,760/year OR
•$9,455,200 over 20
years + QLT funds
City Collection Rates
(based on 2018 estimates)AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
SHB 1406 in Renton
•Renton City Council passed a Resolution of Intent to authorize
the state sales tax credit on August 12, 2019
•In late 2019, polling was conducted on support for a QLT
showing potential support for a November 2020 10-year
property tax levy
Note: Without adopting a QLT, Renton is only eligible to access the .0073% credit AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Engrossed House Bill 2797
•EHB 2797 was introduced and passed in the 2020 legislative
session as an amendment to SHB 1406 to extend the timeline
to adopt a QLT to December 31, 2021
•The bill was vetoed the governor in April due to concerns over
potential fiscal impacts
•Therefore, the QLT deadline remains July 28, 2020 -barring
Special Session action by the Legislature, which is under
discussion AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Policy Choices
1.Should Renton adopt an ordinance to authorize the
collection of the .0073% base state sales tax credit?
2.Should Renton commit to pool the base state sales tax
credit with SKHHP member cities?AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Issue #1
Should Renton adopt an ordinance to authorize
the collection of the .0073% state sales tax
credit?AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Issue #1
•An ordinance is required to authorize the collection of the tax
and amend Renton Municipal Code
•Collection of the sales tax credit begins immediately after
authorization
Staff recommends adopting the ordinance as soon as possible
so the City can begin collecting the funds immediately.AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Issue #2
Should Renton commit to pool the base state
sales tax credit with SKHHP member cities?AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Issue #2
•Renton joined SKHHP in May 2019
•The SKHHP Executive Board passed a resolution in November
2019 urging all member cities to pool SHB 1406 funds
•So far, six of the nine member cities have passed pooling
resolutions
Staff recommends that Council pass a resolution to pool SHB
1406 funds to SKKHP.AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
PRO CON PRO CON
Impacts to
Partners
Lack of
Representation
Less Money
Partner
Pipeline
Predictable
Revenue
More
Autonomy
Pooling Not Pooling
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Next Steps
•Prepare legislation and agenda bill for SHB 1406 ordinance
and pooling resolution for Council action
•Track EHB 2797 during 2020 Special Session
•Monitor progress of HB 1590 –recent legislation that could
result result in several hundred thousand dollars a year for
affordable housing and homeless efforts in Renton AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Questions?
msantosjohnson@rentonwa.gov
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
SHB 1406
POLICY OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL
Renton City Council passed a Resolution of Intent to authorize the collection of
an existing state sales tax credit for affordable housing on August 12, 2019.
Staff is looking for direction on next steps.
See below for more detail on staff recommended options.
➀PASS AN ORDINANCE TO COLLECT BASE SALES TAX CREDIT (.0073%)
To move forward with the collection of SHB 1406 funds,Council must authorize the use of the
state sales and use tax credit through an ordinance by July 28,2020.Collection of base sales
tax credit begins immediately after authorization by ordinance.This also begins the 20-year
“collection clock.”
Staff recommends adopting the ordinance as soon as possible so the City can begin collecting
funds immediately.
27 April 2020 1
➁PASS A RESOLUTION TO POOL BASE CREDIT (.0073%) TO SKHHP
Renton joined the South King County Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP)through an
Interlocal Agreement (ILA)in May 2019.The ILA highlights cooperative action and pooling
public and private resources as the most efficient and expeditious way for member cities to
address affordable housing needs in South King County.
In November,2019,the SKHHP Executive Board passed Resolution 2019-06 urging all member
cities to pool the base sales tax credit revenues collected under HB 1406 to SKHHP.So far,six
of the nine SKHHP member cities have passed resolutions to pool SHB 1406 funds to SKHHP;
two more cities have action pending.All of our partners’resolutions contain provisions to pool
their funds only if all SKHHP members choose to do so.
SKHHP ’s 2020 draft work plan contains an objective to establish a South King County
Affordable Housing Capital Fund in order to leverage 2021 County and State resources to fund
a project next year.
There are pros and cons to pooling,described on the following page.Staff recommends that
Council pass a resolution to pool the base tax credit (.0073)funds to SKHHP.
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
POOLING SHB 1406 FUNDS WITH SKHHP
PROS
CONS
Less Autonomy and Renton Control:Decisions
for awarding the $1M annually would be made
by the SKHHP Executive Board,on which Renton
has a seat,rather than Renton awarding its own
$236K each year.
Competition for Funds:Renton Housing
Authority and other Renton projects would have
to compete for funding with projects by other
entities and in other SKHHP cities.
SHB 1406
POLICY OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL
27 April 2020 2
More Money Available:$1M would be annually
available for affordable housing projects in South
King County by pooling.SKHHP can also bond
against its future $20M revenue stream.Rather
than access to $236K annually,the City could tap
into a potential $1M or greater stream annually;
therefore,it is likely that Renton projects will get
more money over time.Renton Housing
Authority (RHA)will likely be a strong funding
candidate as it has a demonstrated history of
building projects and competing for and securing
resources.
Leverage for More Dollars:SKHHP is and will
continue to work to leverage private and public
funds to bolster the capital fund.One potential
leverage is Microsoft match.Microsoft has been
asked to match all pooled SKHHP SHB 1406 funds
for five years,resulting in potentially $5M more
for the SKHHP capital fund.
A Seat at the Funding Table:With a capital fund,
SKHHP could represent South King County as
part of funding coalitions to help allocate county
and state resources to support local projects.
ARCH—the Eastside’s housing coalition—gives
their cities a unique voice at county-and state-
level funding forums;with a capital fund,SKHHP
can provide this voice for South King County.
More Efficient Administration:Rather than all
nine SKHHP jurisdictions administering their own
funds,the pooled SHB 1406 funds can be
administered by SKHHP as one entity.Pooling
maximizes efficiency and expedites collective
efforts to address affordable housing needs in
South King County.
Renton is a SKHHP and South King County
Leader:Renton was key to the formation of
SKHHP and is a recognized leader in the
collective effort to address South King County’s
affordable housing needs.Renton’s efforts are
notable,but regional needs are best addressed
collaboratively with other invested partners.
Working together is the most effective way to
address needs that extend beyond city
boundaries.
Alternative Funding for Renton Available:House
Bill 1590 (HB 1590)–enacted by the 2020
Legislatures and signed by the Governor –
enables King County to ‘councilmanically’enact a
1/10th of 1 cent sales tax increase for affordable
housing and homelessness.If King County acts by
September 30,2020 to access this additional tax,
at least 30%of the money collected must be
spent in cities with a population over 60,000.
City of Renton’s Finance staff estimates this could
raise about $850,000 a year in the city.
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
NOT POOLING SHB 1406 FUNDS
PROS CONS
Less Money Overall: Renton projects would not
have access to the additional $750K/year in
pooled SHB 1406 funds from SKHHP funds.
Renton would also not qualify for any potential
SHB 1406 matching funds (such as Microsoft)
and may not qualify for other leveraged SKHHP
funds. Renton projects will likely get less money
over time without pooling, given the loss of
access to the SKHHP capital funds.
No Representation at the Table: Without a
SKHHP capital fund, South King County and
Renton will not have access to coalition funding
forums. Renton would also likely be excluded
from voting on the use of the potential SKHHP
pooled funds. Renton projects may also be
ineligible to apply for other SKHHP funds.
Impacts to South King Partner Cities: If Renton
decides not to pool funds, other SKHHP cities will
need to start over and decide whether to pool
their funds without Renton’s participation.
Renton and RHA are making a difference, but we
will miss the opportunity to help SKHHP create a
capital fund to collaboratively address South King
County affordable housing needs.
SHB 1406
POLICY OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL
27 April 2020 3
More Autonomy and Renton Control: By not
pooling, the City gets to decide how to allocate
the annual $236K –either to support Renton
Housing Authority or other Renton projects.
Predictable Funding Source: The City would have
a reliable source of funds to support Renton
projects annually, potentially being able to
support a project each year. The City can also
choose to bond against future revenue, but this
is less feasible given the amount of the City’s SHB
1506 funds.
Existing Partner Pipeline: Renton Housing
Authority is an established partner of the City
and has an existing pipeline of projects that
would benefit from funding.
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)