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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF RENTON I- 1 I-1 MAY 1968
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The League of Women Voters of Renton wishes to acknowledge
the generous cooperation of the various departments of the
City of Renton and the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce.
Our special thanks go to The Boeing Company for the illustrations,
governmental organization chart and the cover design, and to
Mrs. Morda Slauson, author of the section on Renton history.
Published by the League of Women Voters of Renton, Washington
Mrs. Robert Plut, President Second Edition May, 1968
+ + + + + + +
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose
purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and
active participation of citizens in government.
RENTON CITY GOVERNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RENTON 2
GENERAL INFORMATION 6
BUDGET AND FINANCE 9
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION 14
CITY ADMINISTRATION 15
PUBLIC SAFETY 17
PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES 19
AIRPORT 22
LIBRARY 23
PARKS AND RECREATION 23
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 24
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL UNITS 30
MAP -- SCHOOL AND HOSPITAL DISTRICTS 31
REFERENCES 36
1
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RENTON
by Morda C. Slauson
The ame of Renton is well known around the world wherever jet airplanes leave a faint
cont ail against the sky. Yet, the city at the south end of Lake Washington has had several
othe titles. In fact, it was 23 years from the time of the first settlement until the official
plat as filed in 1876 and the settlement named.
In 1:53, when Henry and Diana Tobin staked a donation claim* between the Cedar and Black
Rives s and built the first cabin, the Duwamish Indians were calling the place "Moxlapush".
Whe i the Tobins arrived, there were Indian villages on the site of Renton Shopping Center
and . lso about three miles up the Cedar River. The fertile soil for growing potatoes and
othe i vegetables, the abundant supplies of wild berries, salmon and trout made the area a
favo�ite home for the Indians. Henry Moses, last chief of the Duwamish Indians, who lives
now ear the Puyallup River, said his grandparents moved from Puget Sound, near what is
now est Seattle, to the banks of the Black River before he was born.
At t s time when all transportation was by water, the Indians came up
the it wamish River to the Black River and into the lake or turned up the `i`
Ceda' River to the fish traps. In those days of unlimited supply, great
num.l-rs of salmon were taken at the traps, dried and loaded into native -
dugo I canoes and taken back to the Sound for trading. Even the big , O..'
Alas I. canoes, 30 to 40 feet long, carved, painted and decorated, came . j .'\ ;.DIE
up thi Duwamish and the Cedar Rivers. 'NI'
Tobi I, despite his pioneering effort, did not live to see a town grow around his claim. Two
year- after his death in 1855, his widow married Erasmus Smithers, who had brought three
yokes of oxen to Seattle from Virginia in 1853. He hauled the first logs for the Meigs mill
at Port Madison; at the close of the Indian War he migrated to the south end of Lake
Washngton.
The combined homestead and donation claims of Smithers and Mrs. Tobin totaled almost
480 acres and included all the area at the foot of Earlington Hill, now occupied by Renton
Shopping Center. The original Renton plat was on part of this land belonging to Smithers;
the boundaries started on the north at Cedar River, ran south to Seventh Avenue, west to
Burnett Street, north to the Cedar River and then east along the river.
Smithers, T. B. Morris and C. B. Shattuck filed the original plat and called the town Renton,
honoring Captain William Renton, who, with his partner Talbot, had started the Renton Coal
Mine three years before in 1873. Renton had come to the area looking for timber but found
instead fine coal prospects on the hill above the small village.
HoweIr, before this plat was filed, Renton had still another name. A point farther down
the Black River was called "Black Bridge", and, when Christian Clymer, who had a farm
on the river, was appointed the first postmaster in 1867, the post office became "Black
River Bridge".
* don ion c
a
laim: a grant of one-half section of land (320 acres) to a settler (640 acres to ohus nd and wife) during the period from September, 1850, to December, 1853, under the
con }tion that the land be lived upon and cultivated.
'll
2
Clarence Bagley, well-known Seattle pioneer, served as mail carrier in 1870 and has left
a record of the way mail reached the Renton area almost 100 years ago. In his history of
King County, he writes that he picked up the mail at the steamer landing in Seattle about
four in the afternoon, started immediately on horseback over Beacon Hill and spent the
night at the Clymer farm. Early next morning he rode to a post office on Snoqualmie Prairie,
returned to the settlement of Squak (now Issaquah) and the following morning started the
return trip to Seattle.
Probably the first school in the area was the one taught in 1857 in a shack on the Black River
by Addie Andrews; she was the daughter of Peter Andrews, who came from Maine and took
land nearby. In Renton an early school was held for a time in an upstairs room of a building
at Third and Wells. High school classes met in the Odd Fellows Hall, originally on Burnett
Avenue. About 1887 a large six room frame building named Central School was built where
Henry Ford School stands today. When a few young folks reached high age, their classes
met on the upper floor.
From these beginnings, the Renton education system has grown to the present seventeen
elementary schools, three junior high schools, two high schools and a vocational school,
with plans for construction of several more elementary schools and another high school in
the near future.
In 1885 the population of Renton had reached 300 persons. There were nine saloons at the
foot of Renton Hill, but no churches. Reverend Whitworth, the same person who had been
instrumental in opening the mines, thought the coal mining towns needed churches as well
as industry. He began services in Newcastle and Renton.
On December 13, 1885, five persons signed a covenant forming the First Presbyterian
Church of Renton. One of the five, Mrs. Sarah Tonkin, is still represented in Renton by
her daughter, Mrs. B. H. Custer, and her great-grandson, Donald Custer, mayor of Renton.
A small white church with a conventional New England steeple was built on Mill Avenue South
and dedicated January 24, 1886. Later, other denominations came to the area with
missionaries holding occasional services until it was possible to erect buildings.
For the first 75 years of Renton's history, its business and prosperity
were based almost entirely on the great seams of coal which penetrated _ •
every hill and ridge within a radius of twenty-five miles. The first
coal was uncovered accidentally while land was being cleared along the I •
river at the present Cedar River Park. These deposits were worked ' ` ` -
in a small way in the early 1860's, some Chinese labor being used. "'�~J� s:" "'
One shipload of 800 tons sold in San Francisco for $30 a ton. Frequent
floods made it difficult to mine, and by 1880 the workings had been
abandoned.
The Renton and Talbot mines opened in 1873 on what became known as Talbot Hill; they
were combined and good coal was produced continuously for ten years until labor troubles
shut them in 1884. Two years later, one was re-opened and worked by a group of miners
who had formed the Renton Cooperative Coal Company. In 1901 it was sold to the Seattle
Electric Company. From then until 1918, mining continued on many levels. Some of the
tunnels extended through the hill to the Cedar River. In 1909, 325 men were producing 600
tons a day with a monthly payroll of $24,000.
3
Na les of many of Renton's streets still reflect the influence of coal mining even though
it i I now a half century since almost twenty mines were operating profitably within a
sho I t distance of Renton. Shattuck, who helped plat the town, was one of the original
co .any opening the Talbot mine, and T. B. Morris was first president. Other streets
na ed for these energetic early miners are; Williams--James Williams, first superin-
ten.ent, Renton Coal Mine; Burnett--Charles Burnett, first superintendent, Talbot Mine;
Wel s--Charles Wells located mines on the Cedar River; Whitworth--Rev. George Whitworth,
first Presbyterian minister in King County, who founded the Newcastle mines and, together
wit hi
Burnett and Williams, owned the Burnett mine at South Prairie.
44
Hill and valleys covered with big timber surrounded Renton and '
brought logging and sawmilling into the picture. Mill Avenue was e
named for an early sawmill built about where Mill Avenue crosses •'.l l
Third Street. Some of the first logging was done on Renton Hill to - _ cp._4, -,- '' ;_- -
supply logs for this mill. Present Cedar River Park was covered ,\„/i, 4) A
with huge cedar trees. There were also many large cedars and _ `j:
cott nwoods along the foot of Earlington Hill.
In 1 82 the hills east of Renton, covered now with the homes of Highlands and President
Par , were logged. Jack Hayes, who died in 1962 at the age of 91, remembered how, as
a bo of twelve, he greased the maple and alder skids down which the huge trees were
sho d to the bottom of the hill.
Tod truckloads of logs roar into Renton from cutting operations near the Cascade foothills
and re dumped into the lake at Kennydale. A number of firms, including J. H. Baxter,
Bois -Cascade, Pan-Abode, and Barbee Mill, are located here. Their activities range
fro cutting ordinary dimension lumber to cedar for pre-fab houses to creosoting poles
and iling.
In th spot on the river where coal was first mined stands the city's oldest continuously
oper ting firm. Gladding, Mc Bean & Company, merged in 1962 with International Pipe &
Cer ics Corporation (now known as Interpace), has produced clay products since 1901.
This irm started as Renton Clay Works, was taken over by Denny-Renton Clay & Coal
Corn any in 1905, and bought by Gladding, Mc Bean in 1927. The plant has been rebuilt,
chan ed and modernized many times, manufacturing over the years allvarieties of clay
prod cts, paving stones, roofing, fire brick and tile.
Second oldest industry is Pacific Car & Foundry Company, started by William Piggott in
1905. This company now has two thousand employees building refrigerated railroad cars,
larg castings, light poles, winches and hoists for the logging industry. During World
War , Pacific Car was well known for its production of Sherman tanks. A small amount
of go ernment work is still done at this plant.
The oeing Company's official partnership with Renton began September 2, 1941, with
the start of construction on the World War II-spawned Renton division. During the war
and a short period immediately following, the Renton plant delivered 1, 119 Boeing B-29
Superfortress bombers and three experimental Boeing XC-97 cargo and troop transport
airplanes to the Army Air Corps, and one experimental flying boat bomber to the Navy.
1
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4
The jet age of transportation, so far as Renton was concerned, began
April 22, 1952, when The Boeing Company Board of Directors de- _ ` 3
cided on the program to produce a jet transport prototype which could -
evolve into a vehicle for both military and civilian use. From this
has come the entire family of Boeing jets.
The initial complex of Boeing Company-occupied buildings in 1942 totaled 2,300,000
square feet of covered floor area on a 4, 138,200 square foot piece of property. By late
1967 the original properties had stretched to a grand total in Renton of 14, 133,838 square
feet in land area and 6,592, 176 square feet in covered floor area. The original government-
owned Renton facility, meanwhile, had been purchased by The Boeing Company on
September 11, 1962, and, including the company-financed or leased additions, at the end
of 1967 accounted for 67 percent of the City of Renton's total assessed valuation.
Thus, Renton has come a long way in its brief history -- from coal cars to jet aircraft.
Renton has shared in the population and industrial growth which has occurred in western
Washington in the past few years, a growth which has already outstripped not-too-conservative
estimates and has shown no sign of diminishing.
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
AUTHORITY
The City of Renton, as a city of the second-class, derives its authority from the laws of
the State of Washington governing cities with populations of 10,000 to 20,000. Washington
citie of 10,000 or more may frame charters, one of the present requirements for
attairhing first-class status, but Renton has not chosen to do so. An Optional Municipal
Code was passed by the 1967 Legislature and will become effective July 1, 1969, giving
Was 'ngton cities further governmental choices, with or without charter.
The 11. tent of the city authority is determined by the state constitution, state laws, and
judic .1 decisions. Few powers, in fact, are granted to the second-class city by the
cons' tution. Most of the city's powers have been granted by the legislature. The powers
of th:, city are limited mainly to those expressly granted or those essential to its declared
objectives and purposes. The state may grant, withhold, or withdraw powers or privileges.
The oily of Renton has responsibility for such matters as police and fire protection,
recr:•:tion and culture, public works, planning, and public finance. The city may cooperate
with ether governmental units as provided by statute in matters of health, welfare,
hospi als, highways, schools, parks and recreational facilities.
The 6 ty's powers are limited mainly in the financial area by the state's supervision of
the c y budget and the limitations on contracting debts and raising revenue.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Renton has a mayor-council form of government. As with the state and federal govern-
ments, Renton city government is separated into executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Elected city officials are the mayor, the twelve councilmen, the city clerk and the city
treasurer. All serve four year terms.
PE RS 9NNE L
The mayor serves as personnel officer for the city. He may delegate authority for the
hiring and dismissal of employees to the individual department heads. The police and
fire departments, however, have separate Civil Service Commissions which give competi-
tive tests for positions. The city is a member of a state-wide City Employees Retirement
System in which both city and employees contribute to a retirement fund. City firemen,
however, have a separate pension fund. The city also provides medical, industrial and
term life insurance for its employees.
All elgcted city officials must be city residents for at least one year prior to date they
would assume office, be of voting age, and be citizens of the United States. Their salaries
are fixed by city ordinance.
The appointive officers of the City of Renton are the city attorney, purchasing director,
health officer, police judge, city engineer, traffic engineer, building director, street
commissioner and planning director, who are appointed by the mayor with council approval.
In addition the airport director, library director and park director are selected by the
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appropriate board; council concurrence is not necessary for these appointments. The
highest candidate on the eligibility list for the position is certified by the Civil Service
Commission to the mayor for appointment as police chief or fire chief.
The city council by ordinance prescribes the duties and fixes the compensation of all
appointive offices in accordance with state law. If the council refuses to confirm any
nomination, another nomination shall be made within ten days. If another nomination
for the same office is not made within ten days, the city council shall elect a suitable
person. The affirmative vote of not less than seven councilmen is necessary to confirm
any nomination made. The city council may create or abolish positions as it sees fit
in accordance with the state code.
Any appointive officer not covered by civil service may be removed from office (a)
by the mayor for any cause by him deemed sufficient, with the concurrence of the vote
of at least six members of the city council; or (b) by the affirmative vote of nine city
councilmen on their own initiative.
E LE C TIONS
All elections in the City of Renton are conducted under regulations
prescribed by the Revised Code of Washington and are supervised _
by the county auditor. All municipal general elections throughout
Ithe state are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November k f,1111W1
of odd-numbered years. The primary election is held on the Tuesday ; B� J
six weeks prior to thegeneral election.
p I
City elections are non-partisan, as provided by state law for second- I a
class cities. Elections for directors of the school, hospital and port
districts are also non-partisan.
To vote in the City of Renton, a person must be a citizen of the United States, twenty-one
years old, a resident of the State of Washington for one year, of King County for ninety
days and of his precinct for thirty days, be able to read and speak the English language,
and be duly registered. An exception is made for Presidential elections whereby persons
who fulfill all except residence requirements may vote for President and Vice-President
by special ballot, providing they have lived in the state for at least sixty days but less than
one year, may not vote in another state, and have applied for this ballot.
The city clerk is in charge of registration of voters residing within the city limits; a voter
may register at City Hall any time except during the thirty days immediately preceding an
election. He need register only once, unless there is a change of name or a change of
residence, or unless he fails to vote for a period of thirty months. In April of the odd-
numbered years the city clerk is responsible for examining the registration books and is
charged with cancelling the registration of anyone who has not voted for the past thirty
months.
FACTS ABOUT THE CITY
Renton is located in King County, Washington, on the south shores of Lake Washington at
the mouth of the Green River Valley approximately twelve miles south of Seattle. The
elevation is fourteen feet.
7
The l�i ea otemperatures in January are 36. 8° (minimum) and 45.6° (maximum); in
July 6. 1 (minimum) and 75. 1 (maximum). Average yearly precipitation is 34. 10
inche.. Average snowfall is 8 inches.
Majo industrial products are aircraft, machine construction, telephone poles, corrugated
conta'ners, pipe and ceramics, meat packing, poultry equipment, creosote, coil springs,
enginering, rendering, scaffolding and stagings, cement, castings, and sealing compounds.
Latest unofficial estimates of population are about 25,000. The growth of the area is
indic ted by building permits totaling almost $57 million for the years 1966 and 1967.
8
BUDGET AND FINANCE
The city clerk and city treasurer are responsible for the
principal financial transactions of the City of Renton. Both ' .
are elected to four year terms. Each department is independent
of the other and each reports to the mayor and city council. A ( -
third department, purchasing, is headed by the purchasing
director, who is appointed.
THE CITY BUDGET
Each department head submits to the city clerk, on or before the second Monday in
August of each year, detailed and itemized estimates of the probable revenue from
sources other than taxation and of all expenditures required by his department, both
current and capital. The city clerk compiles this information and submits it to the mayor
who considers the proposed financial program in detail and makes any revisions or additions
he deems advisable. Copies of this preliminary budget are then made available to all
taxpayers who request them. The city council may then meet with individual department
heads and citizens' groups so that they may become completely familiar with the budget.
Open budget hearings, required by state law, begin on the first Monday in October, after
publication of notice, and the final budget must be balanced and adopted by ordinance
within five days. Tax levies, however, must be certified to the King County assessor
on or before the first Wednesday in October. The city council is responsible for the
adoption of the annual budget for all departments in the city government.
CITY REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
The state constitution authorizes cities to assess and collect general taxes to provide
revenue, requiring uniformity in respect to persons and property. Local improvements
may be made by special assessment with a special taxation of the property benefited. The
city may make and enforce within its boundaries all such local police and sanitary regula-
tions (i.e. , licenses) not in conflict with general law.
No expenditures from any city fund may be made without the authority of a city ordinance
legally enacted by the city council.
The total tax rate which can be levied without special consent of the voters is limited by
state law to forty mills on the assessed valuation; fifteen of the forty are available to the
city, as well as any portion of the one "floating mill" not levied by the firemen's pension
fund.
By state law, no city shall become indebted in any amount exceeding 1-1/2% of the assessed
valuation of the taxable property in the city without the consent of the voters therein. When
such consent is necessary, the total indebtedness at any time may not exceed 5% of full
value for public use, excepting a limitation of 5% additional (or a total indebtedness of 10%
of full value) for supplying water, light, or sewers when owned and controlled by the
municipality.
9
The assessed valuation of the City of Renton for 1968 was $172,782,869. At the close of
1967, bonded indebtedness for the city totaled $2,029,000, which was 1. 69% of assessed
valuation. $1.5 million of the above amount for bonded indebtedness was authorized by
the city council for the new City Hall building; the other portion was the remaining debt
authorized by voters.
Estimated revenues and expenditures for the year 1968 are summarized on the following
pages to acquaint the reader with the general outline of city government finances.
Salaries Capital
and Wages Outlay 11.76% C URREN T
66.07%
Maintenance and FUND
Operations
22.17%
Capital Outlay
42.44%
Cumulative
Reserve Funds
2 % Debt
16
Service
Salaries and
ALL Wages Maintenance and
Operations
29.78% 22.11%
FUNDS
10
Assessed Valuation Average Milloge Levied
180 , 90
160 — 80
ALL TAXING DISTRICTS
140 70
120 60
A
100- 50
3
>
46
80 ae 40
N
O
in 60 — e C 30
P
S Y
J I
2 N
U- O▪ Y J
Z 40 Y- 20
O s s CITY OF RENTON
w
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20 — >> o 10
o
o Y
c
`u-
- QQ
0 0
P 0. 2: P P a. 0. P P P P P P
A--Includes excess levy collected for bond issue which failed(county error).
City levy lower by this amount following year.
B--Levy for Firemen's Pension Fund collected for first time.
Total City Budget Renton Population
10 -
3 .
8
—
25
6
20
N
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4
2
LLO —— Oi 15
N 1-
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O 2
10
Dap P OO NN 3 3. a P P P NN P F. P a 3
1968 REVENUE (ESTIMATED)
CURRENT FUND
roperty Tax $ 1,037,588
icenses, Permits, Fines, etc 287,100
evenue-Use of Money and Property . . . 83,677
venue-Other Governmental Agencies . . 541,549
C arges-Current Services 8,800
her Revenues 25,000
oss Revenue Tax 213,000
B ginning Fund Balance 68,912
R serve Surplus (held pending court case). 149,402
Total $ 2,415,028
OTHER FUNDS
P operty Tax $ 1,814,659
L censes, Permits, Fines, etc. 7,400
Revenue-Use of Money and Property . . . 208,431
Revenue-Other Governmental Agencies . . 609,311
Utilities and Airport 1,525,837
O er Revenues 379,510
B ginning Fund Balances 162, 192
C ulative Reserve Fund Balances . . . 134,951
C ar River Acquisition Fund Balance . . 68,349
C y Hall Fund Balance 1,000,000
G andstand Fund Balance 156,456
L e Washington Beach Fund Balance . . 21,729
C dar River Park Project Fund Balance . 60,000
Total $ 6,148,825
GRAND TOTAL (Current and Other) . . . $ 8,563,853
A L FUNDS (Totals of above)
Property Tax $ 2,852,247 - 33. 30%
Gross Revenue Tax 213,000 - 2.49%
Licenses, Permits, Fines, etc. 294,500 - 3.44%
Revenue-Use of Money and Property . . . 292, 108 - 3.41%
Revenue-Other Governmental Agencies. . 1,150,860 - 13.44%
Utilities and Airport 1,525,837 - 17.82%
Other Revenues 413,310 - 4.83%
Beginning Fund Balances and Reserves. . 1,821,991 - 21.27%
Total $ 8,563,853 - 100. 00%
12
1968 EXPENDITURES (APPROPRIATIONS)
(by department)
CURRENT FUND
Legislative $ 24,990
Executive 37,431
Legal-Municipal Court 57,438
City Clerk 82,980
Non-Departmental 160,897
Purchasing 33,216
City Treasurer 34,870
Planning 77,960
Building Maintenance 225,656
Engineering 133,621
Traffic Engineering 177,024
Civil Service 5,310
Police (all departments) 742,917
Civil Defense 4,525
Health 38,384
Fire Department 575,054
Off-Street Parking 7,720
Total $ 2,415,028
OTHER FUNDS
Arterial Street 218, 190
City Street 634,547
Cedar River Maintenance and Improvement 37,226
Equipment Rental 263,388
Library 191,442
Parks 1,390,950
Swimming Pool 24,526.
Water Administration 652,697
Water Maintenance 682,460
1965 W & S Construction 66,000
Airport 124,680
Firemen's Pension 184, 199
City Hall Construction 1,000,000
Cumulative Reserves 300,437
1967 Limited G. O. Bonds 97,392
Cedar River Acquisition 192,970
1960 G. O. Bonds 17,531
1965 G. O. Bonds 70, 190
Total $ 6, 148,825
GRAND TOTAL (Current and Other) , $ 8,563,853
It should be noted that almost $600,000 is "double-budgeted" due to loans from one fund
to another. The need for these loans arises because the city budgets on a calendar year
rather than a fiscal year, but does not receive some tax revenues until in June.
In addition, the 1968 budget is weighted with almost $1. 5 million for one-time capital
expenditures, including funds for City Hall construction and park acquisition and
development.
13
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION - CITY OF RENTON -MAY, 1968
ELECTORATE
CLERK TREASURER
MAYOR COUNCIL
N
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A. /�
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le.I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1
CITY PURCHASING HEALTH CITY TRAFFIC BUILDING STREET PLANNING
ATTORNEY AGENT OFFICER ENGINEER ENGINEER DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
L Y J
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
ir
I I 1
AIRPORT LIBRARY PARK POLICE FIRE CIVIL POLICE CIVIL
BOARD BOARD BOARD JUDGE SERV. COMM. SERVICE COMM.
i
•
AIRPORT LIBRARY PARK FIRE POLICE
DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR CHIEF CHIEF
111
PERMANENT BOARDS&COMMISSIONS
BOARDS COMMISSIONS
AIRPORT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ADJUSTMENT INSURANCE
FIRE CIVIL SERVICE MUNICIPAL ART
FIREMEN'S PENSION PLANNING
LIBRARY YOUTH GUIDANCE
PARK
POLICE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSIONS DEALING WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL UNITS
HOUSING AUTHORITY: CITY OF RENTON
VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING
14
�c
C.) �:o CITY ADMINISTRATION
.LL
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
2SA RT CAPITA\(3F
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT -- CITY COUNCIL
Term: 4 year overlapping terms (elected 6 Salary: $150 per month(part time)
at one time by numbered position)
Staff: 12 councilmen plus one
1968 Budget: $ 24,990 part time clerk-steno
Duties and Responsibilities
The city council is the legislative and governing body of the city and the policy-making
representative of the voters. The councilmen serve on three-member council committees
entitled: Auditing and Accounting, City Property, Fire and Water, Law and Ordinance,
Legislative, Light and Power, Planning, Police and License, Public Relations. Sanitation,
and Street and Alley. All councilmen are members of and meet together as the council's
Committee of the Whole.
Meetings are held the first four Mondays of each month at which time city council powers
are exercised in adopting a budget, controlling finances, passing ordinances and resolu-
tions, levying taxes, acquiring and disposing of city property, issuing and refunding bonds,
establishing and improving streets and other public facilities, acquiring and maintaining
public utilities and formulating local police, sanitary and other regulations, all in accord-
ance with state law.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT -- MAYOR
Term: 4 years (elected) Salary: $12,000
1968 Budget: $ 37,431 Staff: 3 including mayor plus
1 part time
Duties and Responsibilities
The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city and is charged with the general super-
vision of the several departments of the city and of all its interests. The mayor's duties
might be divided into three main categories: 1) administrative -- the responsibility for
implementing and enforcing the will of the people as expressed by state laws and city ordi-
nances; 2) public relations -- representing the city and its citizens on all occasions,
public and private; and 3) intergovernmental -- representing the city and its best interests
in cooperative efforts concerning other governmental agencies. It is the mayor's duty to
lead and direct all activities of the city government through cooperative, coordinated actions
involving all elective and appointive officials and the citizenry.
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT -- MUNICIPAL COURT AND POLICE JUDGE
Term: 4 years (mayor-appointed with council Salary: $ 6972 (part time)
approval) Staff: 4 including police judge
1968 Budget: $ 33,277
15
Duties and Responsibilities
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction in all cases arising from violation of the city
ordinances. Traffic court is held one morning and one afternoon per week, but it is antici-
pated that this will be increased because of the large number of violators requesting trial.
Court for other offenses is conducted on the last Friday of each month. This department
served as the Traffic Violations Bureau and processes all parking tickets. The department
is responsible for the collection and disbursement of all monies collected on bail, costs,
penalty assessment and fines assessed by the court. The chief clerk issues subpoenas,
prepares court dockets and keeps records current.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT -- CITY ATTORNEY
Term: Indefinite (Mayor-appointed Salary: $ 9936 (part-time)
with council approval) Staff: City attorney, ass't. city
1968 Budget: $ 24, 161 attorney, 1 part time clerk-
steno
Duties and Responsibilities
The city attorney's office acts as the legal advisor to the city council, all other officials and
and city department heads, and the various boards and commissions. The city attorney
attends all council meetings and the important meetings of the other official bodies. He
represents the city in all litigations in the Superior Court and handles all appeals from the
city's Municipal Court. The legal office also prepares leases, contracts, permits and other
agreements authorized by the council.
CITY CLERK
Term: 4 years, elected Salary: $ 9600
1968 B ,,dget: $ 82,980 Staff: 10 including city clerk
Duties ; nd Res s onsibilities
The cit, clerk is an elected official of the city whose duties are set forth mainly by state
statute- and city code. The clerk is official custodian of city records and documents and
attends all city council meetings, maintains permanent journals of the proceedings, records,
certifie,. and indexes all ordinances and resolutions passed by the council, and processes
referrals and correspondence. As voter registrar, the city clerk performs related duties
in corn.ction with elections. In addition the city clerk is responsible for issuance of city
busines • licenses, various permits and agreements, publication of legal documents and
notices I mail distribution, and provision of duplicating services on the offset printing
machinti. Accounting functions include budget preparation, payroll, vouchers and warrants
for payl ent of all city obligations.
CITY T .EASURER
Term: 4 years, elected Salary
: $ 9600
1968 Bu.get: $ 34,870 Staff: 4 including city treasurer
16
Duties and Responsibilities
This department is responsible for the receipt and custody of all city funds, investment
of surplus funds, maintenance of financial records, any payment of principal and interest
on local improvement bonds, revenue bonds and general obligation bonds. All city
warrants are drawn on the city treasurer and are purchased by treasurer's checks from
the various banks. The city treasurer is also responsible for the utility billing and
accounting.
See also Water Administrative Department.
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
Head: Purchasing director (appointed by Salary: $11,388
mayor with council approval) Staff: 4 including director
1968 Budget: $33,216
Duties and Responsibilities
This department is responsible for purchasing materials and supplies, checking and
approving all invoices, and presenting same to the city clerk's office for payment. The
purchasing department is also responsible for the operation of the stores, determining
what items to be stored and in what quantity. This department also has charge of the city
garage.
PUBLIC SAFETY ,.
, ;
c,. f
" .
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Head: Fire Chief (certified by Civil Service
Commission, appointed by mayor with Salary: $12,972
council approval).
1968 Budget: $575,054 Staff: 45 including fire chief
Duties and Responsibilities
The prime responsibility of the fire department is to save lives and protect property from
fire. This also includes enforcing city ordinances and state laws. The department is
grouped into three divisions: suppression (extinguishment and rescue), training and fire
prevention. Each division is supervised by a chief officer responsible to the fire chief.
The objectives of the fire department are threefold: the saving of lives through rescue
work and first aid, fire prevention through inspection and education, fire extinguishment
with a minimum of loss.
The department was recently given a "Class 4" rating by the Washington Survey and Rating
Bureau. (Class 1 is the best rating out of a possible ten.)
17
•
The d:'•artment has two stations: Headquarters at 235 Mill Avenue South and Station #2
at Nin' Avenue and "H" Street in the Highlands. The department has seven major pieces
of fire!apparatus and three staff cars.
A five acre training site is now being developed in the Earlington Flats. Eventually a
third I ation will be added on this training site.
See al-'o Fire Civil Service Commi-sion.
POLICI DEPARTMENT
Head: Police Chief (certified by Civil Service Salary: $12,972
Commission, appointed by mayor with
council approval). Staff: 44 officers, 6 clerk-
1968 B dget: $742,917 dispatchers, 2 clerk-stenos
Duties I:nd Res•onsibilities
The police department is charged with the responsibility of enforcing city ordinances and
the laws of the State of Washington. The basic function of the police department is to protect
the citizens of the community, safeguard property and preserve law and order. The divisions
of the Renton Police Department and their functions are as follows:
Patrol: crime prevention, patrol, and immediate response to all calls,
including auto accidents.
affic: regulation of traffic, supervision of school patrols, traffic education,
supervision of downtown parking controls.
tective: crime investigation, preservation of evidence, case preparation,
follow-up investigation.
The jai is located in the police department in the City Hall. Generally the only people con-
fined to the Renton city jail are City of Renton prisoners convicted in Renton Police Court.
Persons charged with felonies and other serious crimes are sent to the King County jail.
Delinquent juveniles are taken to the King County Youth Center.
In addition to its jail and law enforcement functions, Renton Police Department conducts a
great number of other activities not immediately apparent to the casual observer: traffic
education, license inspections, public relations, especially with educational institutions,
and aid 0.nd counseling to unfortunate people. In this latter area, the police department
attemptS to aid people and families whose problems may include these: disturbed persons
within the family, uncontrollable juveniles, mental problems, acute alcoholism, marital
differences.
See als. Police Civil Service Commission.
HEALT DEPARTMENT
Staff: Health officer only (appointed by mayor Salary: $1500 (part-time)
with council approval).
1968 B iget: $1591
18
Duties and Responsibilities
The health officer enforces the state public health laws, State Board of Health rules and
regulations, and Renton city ordinances pertaining to public health. He acts as advisor
to the city government in matters of public health and health ordinances. The health
officer gives physical examinations to city personnel and others, such as cab drivers,
required by the city to have examinations. In addition, he investigates complaints of
health hazards.
Laws enacted by the 1967 Legislature require that certain minimum health services be
provided by cities. Cities may join with other municipalities or governmental agencies to
provide services on a joint basis; the Seattle-King County Health Department has offered
to do this county-wide. A proposed formula for distribution of expenses has not yet been
accepted by the cities. However, the City of Renton has contracted with the Seattle-King
County Health Department for 1968 service at a cost of $36,793.
See also Seattle-King County Health Department.
PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES : ✓� �.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ,
Head: City engineer (appointed by mayor Salary: $15,732
with council approval)
1968 Budget: $133,621 Staff: 12 including director
Duties and Responsibilities
The engineering department is responsible for the preparation of surveys, maps, profiles,
plans, specifications, estimates and reports required by the city and other departments
within the city. The department is also responsible for the design and/or the checking of
the design for all improvements undertaken within the city. The department maintains
files and records of official maps, plats, surveys, construction projects; establishes and
maintains records of monuments and bench marks; prepares and checks property descrip-
tions for annexations, rezones, and acquisition for public purposes; prepares assessment
rolls for local improvement districts; provides information to the public on any project
or improvement in which they might have an interest. The department works with the State
Highway Department and other agencies on design of projects affecting the city.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Head: Planning director (appointed by mayor Salary: $13,488
with council approval).
1968 Budget: $77,960 Staff: 6 including director plus
2 part-time
19
Duties and Responsibilities
The planning program of the City of Renton is administered by the planning department
in conjunction with the Planning Commission, which serves in an advisory capacity to
the mayor and city council.
The .lanning department is responsible for enforcement of the zoning ordinances, long
and -hort range planning, coordination of the planning program with other city departments
and • blic and private agencies, research and compilation of data pertinent to city develop-
ment, including the updating of land use and other maps, revision of the comprehensive
plan, preparation of planning reports to present information to the mayor, city council
and t e public, and provision of background data to aid in policy-making decisions.
See .I so Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
IN BUI .I G MAINTENANCE MA NTENAN E DEPARTMENT
Head I Building director (appointed by mayor Salary: $11,088
with council approval).
1968 i:udget: $225,656 Staff: 17 including director
Dutiel. and Res•onsibilities
The cuilding department acts as liaison between the departments on the Board of Public
Work'.. The department handles the various matters of construction within the city and
deter! ines by inspection whether the applicable codes and ordinances have been complied
with. This includes the checking of all plans and specifications, the issuance of building
perm ts, and coordination with other city departments such as the planning department or
city l gineer relating to all building matters.
TRA FIC ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Head Traffic engineer (appointed by mayor Salary: $12,972
with council approval).
1968 :udget: $177,024 Staff: 9 including director
Dutie I and Res•onsibilities
The affic engineering department, established in January, 1968, has assumed some of
the r:.ponsibilities previously under the direction of the engineering department in addition
to pr.i iding many new services. This department is responsible for the construction and
main l•nance of all traffic control devices and equipment such as traffic signals, signs,
high is y illumination, and pavement markings. Among the many phases of traffic engineering
are t • following: traffic counts, origin and destination studies, speed studies, parking
studi I. , accident studies, traffic design, rail crossings, highway law, off-street parking,
loadi zones, truck terminals and routes, public vehicle operations, transit terminals,
route; and stops, school crossings, pedestrian-versus-vehicle conflicts and state, city
and c l unty traffic relations.
20
CITY STREET DEPARTMENT
Head: Street director (appointed by mayor Salary: $11,8 32
with council approval).
1968 Budget: $634,547 Staff: 33 including director
Duties and Responsibilities
The street department maintains approximately 106 miles of streets and alleys within the
corporate limits of Renton. General maintenance and repair includes grading, graveling,
oiling, seal-coating, sweeping, snow removal and sanding of rights-of-ways, general repair
of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, mowing weeds, spraying and cutting underbrush, removing
trees, and maintaining storm sewers, replacing those which have become obsolete. The
department is also responsible for the maintenance of the off-street parking facilities owned
or leased by the city.
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
WATER ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE
Head: Superintendent of Utilities Salary: Not specified
(Position presently held by
city engineer). Staff: 23
1968 Budget: $682,460
Duties and Responsibilities
Two sections of the utilities department, engineering and maintenance, are supervised at
present by the city engineer. A third section, administrative, is under the city treasurer's
office.
The engineering section is responsible for the planning and financing of the various programs
of the water department as well as the supervision and inspection of these programs. This
section also is responsible for all engineering tests and inspections on private water projects
connected to the Renton water system.
The maintenance section is responsible for the maintenance of water mains, valves, fire
hydrants, meters, booster stations, wells and pumps, reservoirs and the Springbrook
watershed, as well as supervision for the entire system. This section installs all services
and/or meters on the system and replaces mains where necessary.
Renton has three main water supply sources: Springbrook Springs, wells in Liberty Park
and the City of Seattle's Bow Lake and Cedar River pipelines. Water from Springbrook
flows by gravity into the million gallon Talbot Hill reservoir located at Talbot Road and
South 156th Street, and from there into the city distribution system. This source is supple-
mented by the three wells at Liberty Park, which serve the city distribution system and
also the Highlands-Kennydale area. Seattle's Bow Lake and Cedar River pipelines are the
third source of water for Renton and serve the Talbot Hill, Earlington and West Hill areas.
Renton purchases approximately 6% of its water from Seattle.
The utilities department is also responsible for the maintenance of the sanitary sewer
system from the point of collection at the side sewer to the point of discharge into a Metro
trunk main. The city sewer charge is presently one dollar per month, and the Metro sewer
charge two dollars per month for a single family residence.
21
In .edition, the Utilities Department is charged with general supervision of garbage col-
lect!on. Garbage collection in the City of Renton is currently under contract to private
dis•'•sal companies who are responsible for billing and collection.
WA ER ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT
Heao : Utility accountant Salary: $11, 178
196: Budget: $652,697 Staff: 8 including utility accountant
Duti-s and Res•onsibilities
The department is responsible for processing all new meter applications, billing and
collecting all water, sewer and Metro sewer charges, and handling the accounting function
for the water department.
The department is placed in this section because it is financed through the water department,
which is funded solely by water revenues. It functions technically as a part of the city
trea urer's office.
/1.
r`
A RPORT
Head Airport director (appointed by Salary: $10,517
airport board).
1968 udget: $124,680 Staff: Director, 1 maintenance man
(tower operators are
federal employees)
Duties and Responsibilities
The Renton Municipal Airport and Wiley Post-Will Rogers Sea Plane Base, held by the
City of Renton under several federal grants, is operated by the Renton Airport Board under
provisions of State of Washington statutes and the Renton city code, without benefit of city
tax revenues. Funds derived from the operations are restricted by federal, state and city
laws to the maintenance, operation and improvement of the airport.
The City of Renton owns and maintains the municipal airport. It has a 200 foot wide, mile-
long concrete runway, night lighting, 80 acres of paved area, storage space for 180 private
planes and a control tower equipped with all modern radio and light signal control devices.
There are also privately operated repair facilities, charter flights, aircraft rentals, flight
instr tion and aircraft sales. In 1967, there were 185,237 takeoffs and landings registered.
The f' •1d's primary function has been to serve as taking-off point for the initial flight of jet
plane• and their pre-flight servicing. The Boeing Company is a rent-paying tenant and has
no co I rol over the airport. Excellent seaplane landing and storage facilities are also
availaile at the northern end of the field, fronting on Lake Washington.
See alto Airport Board.
22
14J
9
L BRARY
Head: Library director (appointed by Salary: $12,748
library board).
Staff: 13 full-time including
1968 Budget: $191,442 director, 5 part-time
Duties and Responsibilities
The Renton Public Library is an institution which has the re-
sponsibility of enriching the life of the entire community in ■ t.
education, recreation and culture by supplying its residents 14i!l y •fit a
with the best possible in books, periodicals and services. ••■•a ; •.
Supported by city taxes, it furnishes service to all residents ;' ' ttz' _ ''
54,,�,-� 4 `- Viz,._., 1,1
within the city limits of Renton; a yearly fee of $3.00 is _
charged borrowers living outside the city limits. However,
students who live outside the Renton city limits but attend
school within the Renton Public School System may obtain
a library card for 25 .
The Renton Public Library makes available to residents of the city over 66,000 volumes,
together with periodicals, newspapers and records, through its main building in downtown
Renton, built in 1966, and its branch library in the Renton Highlands. In 1967 the library
system circulated more than 260,000 items of library material to some 15,500 registered
borrowers.
Additional library services include reference work, adult education, reading guidance,
group discussions, exhibits, work with children, young adults, the physically and mentally
handicapped, the able child, as well as cooperation with the schools and the Library for
the Blind.
See also Library Board. "
PARKS AND RECREATION
Head: Park director (appointed by Salary: $13,272
park board)
Staff: 26 full-time including
1968 Budget: $1,390,950 director, 1 part-time
Duties and Responsibilities
The Parks and Recreation Department supervises, maintains and operates all parks and
beach areas belonging to the City of Renton. It is responsible for planning, development,
construction, management and personnel necessary to conduct a varied program of recrea-
tional and cultural activities. At time of publication, there are sixteen parks and playgrounds,
totaling 114 acres, in the city.
The Park Department is also responsible for the operation of the swimming pool in Liberty
Park. This facility is carried in a separate account with a 1968 budget of $24,526.
See also Park Board.
23
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Renton has several boards and commissions composed of interested
citizens serving the community without pay. Although these groups
are given various names such as committee, council, board and —�i
commission, they are divided mainly into two classes. For purposes 1 IFt
of this publication, a board is defined as a body which has legally
constituted authority and vested powers; it is almost completely _ `,//11/ ;r t j!
autonomous and is able to review, interpret, and make decisions.
A commission is an advisory body and can make recommendations .'�
only. The following have been grouped according to function rather �"
than by title.
BOARDS
The following boards are listed according to their authority. The first four are set up by
city ordinance. Of these, the Airport Board, Library Board and Park Board are very
similar in function; they have almost complete control over their respective facilities.
The last three boards listed are local boards but function according to state law.
AIRPORT BOARD
Administration: 5 members, no salary
Term: 3 years, or until successors are appointed and confirmed.
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: Electors of the city, with recognized fitness for the position
Duties and Responsibilities
The Board of Aviation, under the authority granted it by state statute and city ordinance,
has the power to (1) maintain and operate any airport or airport facility owned by the city,
(2) regulate the management of any such airport, and (3) lease or assign airport space or
equipment and determine the charges and conditions for such use. The board appoints the
airport manager and delegates to him the hiring and supervision of all airport employees
and the management of the airport.
See also Airport section.
LIBRARY BOARD
Administration: 5 members, no salary
Term: 5 years, overlapping, no more than two consecutive terms.
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: City resident of recognized fitness for the position.
24
Duties and Responsibilities
The Board of Library Trustees has power to (1) maintain and operate library property;
(2) employ a library director and necessary assistants, prescribe their duties and fix
their compensation; (3) control library finances; (4) accept gifts of money or property for
library purposes; (5) lease or purchase land for library buildings, and lease, purchase,
or erect appropriate library buildings.
The board delegates to the library director the supervision of the library property and
employees, the recommendation of library assistants, the preparation of a budget for the
library, and the choosing and ordering of all books, maps, periodicals, and supplies.
The library fund is derived from appropriations provided by the city council from the
property tax and special bond issues. voted by the people. Other sources include gifts
and bequests and, under certain circumstances, state and federal grants.
See also Library section.
PARK BOARD
Administration: 3 members, no salary.
Term: 3 years, overlapping.
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: City resident with recognized fitness for the position.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Board of Park Commissioners is charged with (1) control and supervision of all city
parks, playgrounds and recreation areas owned by the city; (2) conducting recreational
and cultural activities; (3) planning and developing all park facilities and grounds; (4)
accepting in the name of the city all gifts to the city park system; and (5) granting con-
cessions and privileges, any fees charged to go into the park fund.
The board delegates to the park director the management of the park and playground system,
the appointment and supervision of qualified personnel, and such other powers and duties
as the board may prescribe or as may be imposed upon him by resolution or ordinance of
the city. He is the executive officer of the board, but has no vote.
The park board has sole authority to expend all park funds. The funds for developing,
maintaining and supervising the park system, and for acquiring new facilities come from
property tax and other monies provided by the council, revenues from park concessions and
the swimming pool, bond issues, gifts and bequests, and federal and state matching funds.
See also Parks and Recreation section.
25
1
BO RD OF ADJUSTMENT
Administration: 7 members, no salary.
Term: At the pleasure of the mayor.
Appointed by: Mayor with council approval.
Qualifications: City resident with recognized fitness for the position.
Dut,es and Res•onsibilities
Th:I Board of Adjustment was created to handle some of the work load of the Planning
Co mission and is empowered by ordinance to hear appeals from decisions by administra-
tiv personnel and to grant variances to the strict application of the zoning code when it is
fo • that this will not be injurious to others and that the owner otherwise is denied full
use •f his property. The board may also grant conditional use permits for a period of up
to t o years. Appeals from Board of Adjustment decisions are heard by the council.
See :lso Planning Commission and Planning Department.
FIR' CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Ad I'nistration: 3 members, no salary.
Ter I : 6 years, overlapping.
Appointed by: Mayor with council approval.
Qualifications: Resident of city for 90 days.
1968 Budget: $5310 (shared with Police Civil Service Commission)
Duti, s and Res•onsibilities
The ire Civil Service Commission is empowered by state law to administer the civil
ser ce law as prescribed by the State of Washington, examine and certify eligible men
for r:cancies in the department, maintain eligibility lists, and hear complaints from
me •ers of the department.
The commission appoints a secretary and chief examiner and delegates to him the duties
of holding the examinations for policemen and firemen. The same person at present serves
as secretary-examiner to both the Fire and Police Civil Service Commissions.
FIREMEN'S PENSION BOARD
Administration: By state statute, the board is composed of the mayor, city clerk, city
treasurer, and two firemen elected for one-year terms by the employees
of the Fire Department.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Firemen's Pension Board is charged with operating and administering the Firemen's
Pension Fund in accordance with state law. The fund is established by state law and provides
26
a trust fund for the payment of pension and disability benefits to firemen or their bene-
ficiaries. The fund is supported by (1) bequests, gifts, or donations; (2) 45% of state tax
monies on fire insurance premiums; (3) a millage levy of .65373, which will provide the
sum of $112,953 as recommended by an actuarial survey conducted in 1967; and (4) contri-
butions from each municipal fireman of a sum equal to 6% of his base salary.
POLICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Administration: 3 members, no salary.
Term: 6 years, overlapping.
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: Resident of the city for 90 days.
1968 Budget: $5310 (shared with Fire Civil Service Commission).
Duties and Responsibilities
The Police Civil Service Commission is charged with the same duties in relation to the
Police Department as the Fire Civil Service Commission has in relation to the Fire
Department.
COMMISSIONS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Administration: 5 members, no salary .
Term: Indefinite
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Function: Regional authority is taking over the jurisdiction in this area; however, the
local board has indicated it wishes to keep some kind of local advisory group.
See also Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency.
INSURANCE COMMISSION
Administration: 3 members, no salary.
Term: 7 years, overlapping.
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: Insurance broker's license, must have been in insurance business in
Renton for at least three years.
Function: The board acts as broker for the city's insurance needs. It writes specifica-
tions, investigates various offers, and recommends insurance coverage.
27
MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION
Administration: 12 members, no salary.
Term: 3 years, overlapping.
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: City resident with interest in this area.
Function: The commission is charged with advising the city government in connection
with the artistic and cultural development of the city. The commission prepares
specifications for the maintenance of works of art; submits recommendations
regarding structures or facilities erected on or to be erected upon land belonging
to the city; prepares and maintains a roster of sites and structures of historic
significance in the city and recommends measures for their preservation;
provides voluntary advice to private property owners related to beautification of
such property; and reviews works of art or commemoration which are to be
contracted for or placed on city property.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Administration: 9 members, no salary.
Term: 6 years, overlapping
Appointed by: Mayor, with council approval.
Qualifications: Required by ordinance to be selected without respect to political affiliation.
Function: The Planning Commission is an advisory commission to the city council. It
makes surveys, investigations and reports to the city as are authorized or re-
quested by the city council; assembles and analyzes the data obtained, and makes
recommendations. Any request made to the city council concerning zoning,
permits or platting is first referred to the Planning Commission for its
recommendation.
The commission holds an administrative meeting on the second Wednesday and
a public hearing on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Both sessions are open
to the public. The planning director and a representative from the city engineer's
office meet with the commission. The commission recommends action to the
council in accordance with the comprehensive plan, adopted in 1951, and the
zoning code, adopted in 1957.
See also Planning Department and Board of Adjustment.
RENTON JUVENILE COURT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Members of the Juvenile Court Conference Committee are city residents appointed by the
King County Juvenile Court to deal with youth who are referred by the police department
or the schools. The committee works with the youth and the parents in order to refer them
to the proper agency for further help.
The group was formed to relieve some of the work load of the Juvenile Court and is the
first of its kind in the state.
28
YOUTH GUIDANCE COMMISSION
This is an informal, unofficial body whose members are appointed by the mayor. Its
members are affiliated with church, school, police, and welfare agencies. The commission's
functions are to act as a clearing house of information of local juvenile problems and to
make specific recommendations to the appropriate agency. This group does not deal with
individual cases, but is concerned with the overall solution of such problems as drug
addiction, liquor control, shoflifting and juvenile traffic offenders. At present they are
concerned with the establishment of a teenage recreational center and the solution of
teenage drug problems.
29
RELATIONS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL UNITS
In addition to local city government, a variety of other governmental units affect the
citizens of Renton. The following are grouped according to function. The first group is
composed of bodies which levy taxes or, in the case of Metro, assess user fees directly
on the citizens in their jurisdictional area. The second section consists of county, state,
and federal functions within the City of Renton. The third section lists some of the advisory
bodies of which the City of Renton is a member.
GOVERNMENTS WITH REVENUE POWERS
RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 403
The five members of the Board of School Directors are elected from -
Tr
director districts by the electorate as a whole to 4-year overlapping
errterms. The board member must be a resident of the district from " �
which elected; the non-partisan position carries no salary.
The functions of the school board are (1) selection of a superintendent
and (upon his recommendation) employment of all other school personnel; (2) authorization
of construction and negotiation of contracts, (3) adoption of rules and regulations for the
schools of the district, (4) formulation of policy regarding school operations, (5) establish-
ment of courses of study and selection of all textbooks used by the schools, and (6) approval
of the budget of the district.
The board delegates to the superintendent the duties of executive officer of the school system
in carrying out state and county regulations and the plans, policies, and rules of the board.
He supervises the schools to see that they meet state standards, makes recommendations
to the board in the matter of curriculum and textbooks, and prepares an annual budget for
submission to the board.
Each school district in the state may levy 14 mills within the 40 mill limit to provide for
the education of the pupils within its boundaries. Therefore, the financial ability of the
school districts varies in the relation their assessed valuation bears to the number of
pupils. The assessed valuation per pupil in Renton is $14,371, one of the highest in the
state. Beginning in 1968, two mills of the fourteen allotted to schools will be shifted to
state collection, which is made on the constitutional base of 50% of assessed valuation.
In addition, school districts are financed by a 1% sales tax on all real estate transactions
in King County, and by special levies, bond issues and state and federal funds.
The preliminary budget for each school year must be adopted annually on or before June 1.
A public hearing is held before adoption by the school board. The final budget is adopted by
the first Monday in October, after another public hearing.
VALLEY GENERAL HOSPITAL
Public Hospital District No. 1 of King County was formed on January 5, 1948, when the
citizens of the Renton area voted to form the district for the purpose of acquiring from the
federal government and operating the hospital building and nurses' home built in 1945. A
$225,000 bond issue was approved for purchase and repair of the hospital at that time. In
1966 voters authorized expansion of the hospital district limits to extend roughly from the
30
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31
city limits of Kent to the west, as far north as Newport Hills, roughly along the periphery
of aple Valley to the east and to the southern city limits of Kent. The hospital district
ser es the same area as the Renton and Kent school districts and is an autonomous govern-
me al unit which has power to levy up to 3 mills within the 40 mill limit.
The five hospital commissioners make up the governing board and establish operating
poli,v of the hospital. They are elected as follows: one commissioner from each of three
dist icts and two commissioners at large. The overlapping terms are six years in length
and he compensation is $25 for each day or major part thereof devoted to the business of
the district, with a limit of $600 yearly to any one commissioner.
The ospital district makes available to the Renton-Kent area complete facilities at the
129- ed, fully-accredited hospital. The former hospital site in the Highlands included
sixteen acres and is presently for sale. A new hospital is under construction at S. E. 180th
and Springbrook Road between Kent and Renton. This $8,000,000 structure to contain 200
beds (with provision made to expand to 300) is scheduled for completion by May of 1969.
Its construction began after voters in November, 1966, authorized sale of $7,000,000 in
bonds.
i
PORT OF SEATTLE
The Port of Seattle is a $200 million municipal corporation which owns sixteen waterfront
terminals, a $35 million international airport, a $10 million small boat marina, and a
600 boat fishermen's terminal. The port is governed by five port commissioners who are
elected to six-year overlapping terms at $1 per year. One commissioner is elected from
each port commission district (boundaries identical to county commissioner districts) and
two additional commissioners are elected from the port district at large (boundaries
coterminous with King County boundaries).
The Seattle port district was created in 1911 by the voters of King County. It has the
authority to tax, the power of eminent domain, and the authority to build and operate all
types of facilities for the handling, storage, and transportation of freight and passengers.
It may improve waterways, acquire and develop land for sale or lease, fix rates for
handling goods at wharves, warehouses, and terminals, and operate airports. The port
district is independent of Seattle and King County governments.
The p•rt commissioners have levied 5. 7 mills in 1968 to raise $11,505,698. 00. Capital
impr f ements include acquisition and development of a World Trade Center.
MUNI IPALITY OF METROPOLITAN SEATTLE (METRO)
Metr• is a relatively new form of government in this state, a municipality, created to
enabl:i local governments in a metropolitan area to cooperate in planning, financing and
provi•1 i ng services to the entire area. In 1958 the voters of a 231 square mile area including
thirte n cities and towns approved this federation for one function, sewage disposal. Its
purpo e was to stop pollution of Puget Sound and Lake Washington by collection and treatment
32
of the sewage from the whole area. The legislature later voted to allow Metro to enter
the field of transportation planning. A proposed rapid transit plan failed at the polls in
February, 1968.
Metro is governed by a council consisting of twenty members; eighteen of these are elected
officials of governmental units within Metro boundaries. The City of Renton is represented
by its mayor.
The Metro Council is responsible for the major collection and treatment of sewage from
all the cities and sewer districts within its boundaries, by planning, building, operating
and maintaining major sewer trunk lines to connect to the local systems of the various
cities and sewer districts, and transporting sewage to Metro-owned treatment plants.
Metro has no direct taxing powers. Its construction, maintenance and operating funds
come from revenue bonds which are retired from revenue received from a $2 monthly
service charge per household.
Metro's boundaries are roughly the Snohomish County line to the north, Lake Sammamish
to the east, the south city limits of Renton to the south and Puget Sound to the west. In
addition to areas within the boundaries, Metro contracts to serve four municipal sewer
systems -- Kent, Tukwila, Issaquah and Briar -- and three water districts -- Alderwood
in Snohomish County, District 108 east of Renton, and Cascade, southeast of Renton.
The original program of construction, plus additional miles to serve new areas, is now
90 per cent complete. Major remaining project is a line along Seattle's commercial water-
front due to be completed by 1969.
COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL FUNCTIONS
RENTON DISTRICT JUSTICE COURT
Renton District Justice Court is a part of the State of Washington V; \judicial structure financed as a part of King County government.
J
-
While it operates partially within the City of Renton, and works !� �r,
very closely with the city, it is not a part of the city government. �,;� 1.-
i "
The Justice Court is presided over by the judge elected to a four- 4 j'
year term by the voters within the district boundaries: all of the
City of Renton, City of Tukwila, Renton School District, plus portions of Issaquah, Kent
and South Central School Districts. The judge must be a registered voter of the district
and a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the State of Washington.
Justice Court has concurrent jurisdiction with Superior Court of all misdemeanors and
gross misdemeanors committed within the county. Unless otherwise expressly provided
by law, maximum punishment is imprisonment for not more than six months, a fine of not
more than $500 or both. The court also has civil jurisdiction in matters up to $1000; this
includes contract actions, actions for damages for injury to persons or property, fraud, etc.
33
Th re are some restrictions on civil jurisdiction, the principal one being actions involving
titl to real property. In addition, Justice Court has jurisdiction over state, county and
Cit of Tukwila traffic cases.
SE TTLE - KING COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Th Seattle-King County Health Department is a combined health department which serves
the city of Seattle and King County. The department has four district health centers in
var'ous areas of the county in addition to the Seattle facility. The southeast district
hea th center is located in Renton at 12015 Southeast 128th Street. Through these centers,
the department provides the following preventive medicine services: immunization, well-
child clinic, planned parenthood and cancer detection clinic, alcoholic treatment and
guidance clinic, dental clinic for Headstart children, and, in the near future, a tuberculosis
detection clinic. In addition, the department provides home health care services, environ-
mental health services concerned with premise sanitation, and venereal disease and
oth r communicable disease control.
See lso Renton Health Department.
GR EN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The Community College Act of 1965 created twenty-two community colleges in the state.
Ren on is in District No. 10, which also includes Auburn, Enumclaw, Maple Valley and
Kent. The main campus is located in Auburn, The Renton branch will be located in Hazen
High School. The community college, however, is separate and distinct from the school
district and is financed entirely from student tuition and state appropriations.
The college is governed by a five member board appointed to five-year terms by the
governor; the position is unsalaried. The functions of the board are to appoint a president
of the college and to supervise the operation of the college.
HO ING AUTHORITY -- CITY OF RENTON
The ive members of the Board of Housing Commissioners are appointed by the mayor to
ove apping five year terms. The appointee must be a resident of the City of Renton or
ope to a business within the city.
The unctions of the board are to plan, construct, fix policies and operate city low-rental,
non- rofit housing units. The board operates and maintains 100 units at Sunset Terrace
for w-income families, 60 units at Hillcrest and 50 units at Evergreen, both for the
elde ly.
The ousing Authority derives no funds from the city; all expenses are paid from rental
into e. Construction is financed with federal government bonds or private capital,
guaranteed by the federal government, and any excess of rental income over operating
expenses applies on bond interest and to reduce bonded indebtedness. The federal govern-
ment subsidizes any deficit. Because federal funds are used, the whole operation of the
Housing Authority is under the supervision of the federal government. Units are tax exempt,
but pay 10% of rents in lieu of taxes for local services.
34
ADVISORY GROUP
VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Membership in the commission includes King County and the cities of Renton, Tukwila,
Kent, Auburn, Algona and Pacific. Each participating city appoints six individuals to
the commission, who act in an advisory capacity to the mayors of their respective cities.
The VRPC acts as a forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and plans between
the government agencies and the citizens of the Green River Valley.
PUGET SOUND AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
The Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency is a regional agency concerned with
cooperation across jurisdictional lines in dealing with problems of air pollution. The board
of directors is composed of one representative from each county (King, Pierce and
Snohomish), one representative each from Seattle, Everett and Tacoma, and a member-at-
large. The agency is financed by contributions from each member city.
PUGET SOUND GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE
The Puget Sound Governmental Conference was formed in 1957 by the counties of King,
Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish. Central cities joining in subsequent years were Seattle,
Tacoma, Everett and Bremerton. Other area cities joined in 1967.
The conference studies area-wide problems such as transportation (conducted under the
Puget Sound Regional Transportation Study). The conference provides a unique forum
wherein county and city officials may address themselves to area-wide problems of mutual
interest and develop plans and action programs. The area includes 6761 square miles
with a population in excess of 1. 75 million.
The conference is financed by member city assessment on the basis of population and
assessed valuation. In addition, the conference receives Motor Vehicle funds and monies
from the Washington State Highway Department, U. S. Bureau of Public Roads, U. S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, and an Urban Planning Assistance Program.
ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON CITIES
The association includes cities representing 99.9 percent of the total municipal population
of the state. The purposes of the organization are to raise the standards of local government
through research, information and legislative activity. It is financed by dues from member
cities.
35
REFERENCES
The Constitution of the State of Washington
Revised Code of the State of Washington
Renton City Ordinances
Personal and telephone interviews with city officials
1968 Budget, City of Renton
Community Survey, Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce
The LWV of Renton publication, Renton City Government, 1961
Committee for publication of
RENTON CITY GOVERNMENT - 1968
Mrs. Gerald Herber, Chairman
Mrs. Alex Cugini, Jr. Mrs. Richard Neglay
Mrs. Jack Fleming Mrs. Gerard Shellan
Mrs. Ernest Gaudet Mrs. Wesley Tonkin
36
RENT OAS CITY OT+'F IC IA LS
ELECTED APPOINTED
Mayor: D. W. Custer City Attorney: G. Shellan
City Clark: H. Nelson Purchasing Agent: V. Church
City Treasurer: D. Gossett Health Officer: J. Hartwig, M.D.
City Council: City Engineer: J. Wilson
A. Garrott, Pros. Traffic Engineer: D. Bennett
L. Barei Building Director: S. Johnson
K. Bruce Street Director: V. TeGantvoort
C. Delaurenti PlanningDirector: G. Erickson
T. Edwards Police Judge: P. Hauer
W. Grant Fire Chief: M. C. Walls
P. Maxin Police Chief: C. Williams
V. Morris Airport Director: F. A. Grabner
G. Perry Library Director: J. Jones
H, Schellert Park Director: G. Coulon
C. Shane
T. Trinr2
BOARDS ANj ,s'OMMISSIONS
.....orz.a a.m._
BOARD OF ADJUSTIAWT FIRJ EN'S PENSION YOUTH GUIDANCE
B. Lally, Chr. BOARD CO MISSIuN
E. Rivily, Secy. D. W. Custer, Chr. P. Houser , Chr.
K. Castile H. Delson, Secy. M. Barrett
C. Hamlin D, Gossett, Treas. G. Coulon
P. Pault. an J. Alexander Rcv. E. Dean
C. Rost J. Pringle C. Delaurenti
C. E. Taylor C . Duckworth
AIRPORT BOARD INSURANCE COiyuti�ISSION D. Felker
Ai. Frazee
. F. Davis , Chr. M. Finch
C. L. Day, Pres. E. Conklin E. Fox
M. McCorkle, Secy. L. Gebenini b. stem
A. Cugihi, Jr. N. kLsn
G. Dine MUNICIPAL ARTS F. Hc .ry
Rev. J. Schaeffer CUMMISSION D. Loin
Fr. B. Joniontz
LIBRARY BOARD R. Rockhill, Chr. B. Jewett
N. Cugini, Secy. L. hov_Lch
E. 1#anis , Chr. T. H. Cooke D. Rich
A. Righi, Secy. G. Edlund J. Thor-nson
F. Cenkoe .ch J. Hawkins G. ThcLpson
J. Newell A . Hopkins FJ. Tracy
B. Shinpoch L. Kirby R. Trent
PARK BOARD ,J• R. Lally A . G. aaarwick
H. O'Harra C. MIilli i:is
R. Richert J. uclvin
T. Teasdale , Chr. E. Telban A. Zer?cck
R. Regis J. Zilbert
P. Shideler HOUSING AUTHORITY
FIRE CIVIL PLANNING COMMISSION
L. Gabcnini, Chr.
SERVICE COMMISSION
D. Garrison, .Chr. H. ::iili-ars, V-Chr.
C. Teegarden, V-Chr. A . Pelto
A . E. Noble, Chr. J. E. Dcnzer , Secy. F. Shaff
H. Woodin W. Forgaard . Toschi
J1. Snyder A. R. Mola
J. R .caneilo VIA LIE .REG IONA L.
POLICE CIVIL N. L. Ross, Jr. PLANNING .COMMISSION.
SERVICE CO MISSION J. Sterling
R. Streaicke D. Cowles
A. E. Noble, Chr. S. P. HO_;ue
J. Faull J. Klippc:rt
D. Zwickcr C. i.icGarriglo
G. Perry
M y 1908 C. Tccgarden