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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes 06-22-2020June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF RENTON MINUTES - City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, June 22, 2020 Council Chambers, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pavone called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order at 7:00 PM. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: Ruth Pérez, Council President Randy Corman, Council Position No. 1 Angelina Benedetti, Council Position No. 2 Valerie O'Halloran, Council Position No. 3 Ryan McIrvin, Council Position No. 4 Ed Prince, Council Position No. 5 Kim-Khánh Vǎn, Council Position No. 7 (all councilmembers attended remotely) Councilmembers Absent: ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRESENT Armondo Pavone, Mayor Shane Moloney, City Attorney Jason Seth, City Clerk Julia Medzegian, Council Liaison Ellen Bradley-Mak, Human Resources and Risk Management Administrator Jan Hawn, Administrative Services Administrator Martin Pastucha, Public Works Administrator Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator Leslie Clark, Senior Assistant City Attorney Cliff Long, Economic Development Director Ron Straka, Utilities Systems Director Jim Seitz, Transportation Systems Director Jennifer Henning, Planning Director Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator Mark Santos-Johnson, Community and Housing Development Manager June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Dianne Utecht, Community Development Block Grant Specialist Kristi Rowland, Organizational Development Manager Vangie Garcia, Transportation Planning Manager Doug Levy, Lobbyist Benita Horn, Inclusion & Equity Consultant Chief Ed VanValey, Police Department Administrator Chief Rick Marshall, Renton Regional Fire Authority Commander Jeff Hardin, Police Department (All City staff attended remotely except City Clerk Seth) PUBLIC HEARING a) CDBG – COVID Funding: This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Pavone opened the public hearing to consider the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation of COVID Funding. Community Development Block Grant Specialist Dianne Utecht reported that the federal Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $5 billion for the CDBG program, of which Renton will receive a $419,569 allocation through King County. She emphasized that these funds are to support direct responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore are subject to numerous federal regulations. Ms. Utecht explained the funds may be used for: 1) Public Services: food and rental assistance; 2) Assistance to micro-enterprises: Business with five (5) or fewer employees, including the owner. Must be low/moderate income; 3) Assistance to for-profit small businesses Ms. Utecht presented the following funding recommendations: 1) Address the priority public service needs such as rent, utility, and food assistance 2) $300,000 for rental/utility assistance 3) $101,178 for food assistance 4) $10,000 for city planning and administrative costs 5) $8,391 for King County administrative costs Ms. Utecht explained the funding process, noting that staff must assess agency capacity to accept and manage the CDBG-CV funds and deploy them quickly, and reported there will be a three-step process to allocate the funds: 1) Step 1: Allocate emergency assistance/rental assistance funds to agencies with current program capacity and an existing relationship with the City of Renton; 2) Step 2: If funds are not completely allocated through Step 1, then allocate emergency assistance/rental assistance to agencies with a presence in South King County and a rental assistance program; 3) Step 3: If the City still has funds available to allocate, the funds will be allocated through an RFP process 4) Contingency Plan: If the City is unable to expend the funds after going through Steps 1 through 3 above, staff proposes funding legal assistance to prevent or defend evictions. June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Concluding, Ms. Utecht noted that the funding could be used to assist micro -enterprises and small businesses, however, she reported that regular CDBG funds are better suited for businesses and therefore use of CDBG-CV funds for this purpose is not recommended. She recommended that Council approve the proposed process for allocating the funds, approve the contingency plan, authorize staff to proceed contracting to implement the funded programs, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said contracts. Mayor Pavone called for public comments:  City Clerk Seth noted for the record that requests for funding were received via email from Amber Snyder from the Salvation Army, Lani Cavit of St. Vincent de Paul, and Roberto Perez from Centro Rendu Latino Services of St. Vincent de Paul. A late email from Elisa Del Rosario from ACRS Food Bank was also received.  Dr. Linda Smith, Renton, emphasized that funding agencies should ensure the funds are equitably distributed to Renton residents. She expressed concern that funds will go the same agencies that typically distribute CDBG funds, and noted that residents should have access to the funds without a lot of hassle. MOVED BY PÉREZ, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT City Clerk Jason Seth reviewed a written administrative report summarizing the City’s recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2020 and beyond. Items noted were:  Economic Development staff continues to provide guidance to Renton businesses. They have compiled available local, state, federal, and private resources available at Whyrenton.com. They’re also providing Renton businesses a free “Open for Business” or “Open for Pickup” banner. The banners can be displayed from eaves, on a fence, or in a window, and no permits or fees are required. Email thrive@rentonwa.gov to request a banner. Businesses can still apply for funding through the Paycheck Protection Program through June 30. The program has extended the time to spend loan funds from 8 to 24 weeks and expanded the percentage of funds that can be used for non-payroll expenses. The Federal Reserve has expanded their Main Street Lending program. The fed board has lowered the minimum loan amount, raised the maximum loan limit, adjusted the principal repayment schedule and extended the term to five years. The program is one that small- and medium sized businesses should examine. If you have any questions about these resources or need to know how your business fits, please contact our Economic Development team at 206-503-1742 or thrive@rentonwa.gov  Construction continues to progress on the second and final phase of Sunset Neighborhood Park and Renton will welcome a new amazing park later this year as recreational areas reopen. During the past several weeks, installation of play equipment, exercise equipment, pergolas, gazebo, and site furnishings have started June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES to be erected. Featured play equipment for ages two through 12 includes unique climbing structures. There is also an adjacent parent plaza with picnic tables and umbrellas as well as state of the art exercise equipment. A large grass open area, walkways, pergolas with seating, a picnic gazebo, a mist feature, and the “Wings” art piece complement the park. Park construction will continue through the next several weeks with completion anticipated by late August or early September. The park is currently secured with a six foot high chain-link fence and is signed as an active construction area with restricted access.  Preventative street maintenance will continue to impact traffic and result in occasional street closures. AUDIENCE COMMENTS  Andre Brown, Renton, requested that the basketball courts be reopened now that King County has entered Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start initiative. Community Services Administrator Kelly Beymer explained that a briefing with the Mayor and his leadership team is scheduled for next week to discuss a proposed reopening plan for parks and recreation in Renton.  Joseph Todd, Renton, mentioned he had prepared some speaking points, but after listening to the Committee of the Whole meeting decided to voice his disappointment at the City’s approach to committing to ending structural racism and achieving racial equity. Mr. Todd stated that the City needs to move past inclusion and diversity and get to the root of institutionalized racism that is ingrained in our society.  Carla Bunn, Renton, expressed support for legislation that abolishes structural racism and provides equal opportunity and fairness for African Americans, indigenous people, and all people of color. She emphasized that the legislation should acknowledge the 400 plus years of institutionalized racism, and include an apology for Renton’s part in contributing to historical wrong-doings towards people of color. Ms. Bunn also made the following requests: 1) Reassess the lack of fairness and justice in outdated laws and policies, 2) Commit to hiring at least an additional 50% of people of color, 3) Maintain a contracting index of at least 50% minority owned businesses, 4) Create ongoing culturally and linguistically appropriate programming, 5) Establish and require City staff to receive at least five hours of anti-racist and sensitivity training per forty hours worked, and 6) Invest financial resources into indigenous and black communities as a way to establish reparations.  Cynthia Blades Woods, Renton, voiced concern for her two African American male children, and expressed support for the City’s commitment to end structural racism. She urged Council to adopt legislation in support of the communities concerns.  Kim Patterson, Renton, shared an experience from her time on the Renton Arts Commission. She explained that Renton police officers were assisting with keeping a sidewalk clear for an art exhibit when some members of the commission began complaining that other people were giving the police a hard time for doing their jobs. Ms. Patterson noted that as a person of color she found the comments to be insensitive because not everyone has had the same type of interactions with police. She requested that board and commission members also receive appropriate training. June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  Dr. Linda Smith, Renton, expressed support for the City’s commitment to end structural racism and achieve racial equity. She noted that the King County Board of Health recently passed a resolution declaring racism to be a public health hazard, noting that the Board of Health will partner with and support King County’s efforts to address structural and institutional racism. Dr. Smith reiterated and agreed with Ms. Bunn’s comments and requests.  Krista Strasbaugh, Renton, shared an email she received from Police Chief VanValey and her response to his email. She expressed support for the City’s more recent efforts to make Renton safer, and shared how the City of Minneapolis’ Council and others are using their privilege and power to make structural changes towards ending racism.  Winter Cashman, Renton, expressed support for legislation committing to ending structural racism and achieving racial equity. Winter, acknowledging it was a free speech issue, noted that when white supremacist flyers appeared in town the City made no real effort to address the issue. Concluding, Winter asked why Renton was involved in the lawsuit regarding King County’s inquest process reforms.  Deena Rosko, Renton, expressed support for previous speakers’ comments. She also asked that any investigations into police use of force be conducted in a public forum. Concluding, Ms. Rosko stated that she is willing to assist the City to move forward with the recommendations heard tonight  Meena Merchant, Renton, remarked that City staff had only thanked white speakers after they had provided their comments.  Darcy Jimensted, Renton, noted that she works for the Renton School District, and expressed support for legislation committing to ending structural racism and achieving racial equity. CONSENT AGENDA Items listed on the Consent Agenda were adopted with one motion, following the listing. a) Approval of Council Meeting minutes of June 15, 2020. Council Concur. b) AB - 2660 City Clerk submitted the 60% Petition to Annex and King County annexation sufficiency letter for the proposed Graves Annexation (File No. A-19-001), and recommended setting July 6, 2020 as a Public Hearing to consider the matter. Council Concur; Set Public Hearing on 07/06/2020. c) AB - 2663 City Clerk recommended approving the City Clerk Division reorganization by 1) Converting an Assistant Public Records Officer position (a20) to Deputy City Clerk/Public Records Officer (m24); 2) Converting a Public Records Specialist position (a11) to Public Records Specialist (a17) (position is currently vacant); 3) Converting the Enterprise Content Manager/Deputy City Clerk position (m24) to Enterprise Content Manager (m27); and 4) Establishing a City Clerk Specialist series by converting two City Clerk Specialist positions (a11) to City Clerk Specialist II (a15), effective 8/1/2020. The division's professional services budget will absorb the added costs. Refer to Finance Committee. d) AB - 2659 Administrative Services Department recommended adopting a resolution to establish a program funding and implementation plan for the City's CARES Act Relief Funds, and authorize execution of an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce in order to receive $3,141,000 in Coronavirus Relief Funds to assist individuals, businesses, and the City respond to the COVID-19 health crisis. Council Concur. June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MOVED BY PÉREZ, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA, MINUS ITEM 6.e. CARRIED. SEPARATE CONSIDERATION ITEM 6.E. e) AB - 2662 Transportation Systems Division recommended authorizing execution of a Local Agency Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for the obligation of CARES Act grant funding, in the amount of $69,000, for airport operational and maintenance expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Refer to Finance Committee. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 6.e., AS COUNCIL CONCUR. CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a) Finance Committee Chair Prince presented a report concurring in the staff recommendation to approve the following payments: 1. Accounts Payable – total payment of $5,883,175.18 for vouchers, 10147-10156, 384537, 384547-384879 payroll benefit withholding vouchers 6294-6297, 6304-6313, 10145- 10146, 384538-384546 and one wire transfer. 2. Payroll – total payment of $1,477,804.04 for payroll vouchers that include 590 direct deposits (05/16/20-05/31/20 pay period). 3. Kidder Mathews vouchers 6129-6148 totaling $22,295.91. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY VǍN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. b) Finance Committee Chair Prince presented a report concurring in the staff recommendation to renew the city’s property insurance coverage through Alliant Insurance Services, at an increased rate of 21.4% due to market conditions. The increased rate results in an annual premium of $507,991, compared to the prior year’s premium of $418,368. The Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute the implementing documents when ready. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY VǍN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. c) Finance Committee Chair Prince presented a report indicating that the City Council held the required public hearing on June 22, 2020, and recommended concurrence in the staff recommendation to adopt the process for the allocation of $411,178 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds, authorize staff to proceed with contracts/amendments, and authorize the Mayor to execute contracts/amendments to implement the funded programs. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY VǍN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. d) Finance Committee Chair Prince presented a report concurring in the staff recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Local Agency Agreement Supplement No. 1 to CAG-14-044 with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the obligation of grant funding and all subsequent agreements necessary to accomplish the NE Sunset Blvd (SR 900) Corridor Improvements project. MOVED BY PRINCE, SECONDED BY VǍN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. CARRIED. June 22, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PÉREZ, COUNCIL SUSPEND THE RULES AND AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE DECLARING A MORATORIUM ON APPLICATIONS FOR WAIVED FEES. CARRIED. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PÉREZ, COUNCIL ADD THE ORDINANCE TO THE AGENDA FOR FIRST AND ADVANCEMENT TO SECOND AND FINAL READING AT TONIGHT'S MEETING. CARRIED. LEGISLATION Added Ordinance: a) Ordinance No. 5973: An ordinance was read declaring a moratorium on applications for waived fees (RMC 4-1-210) due to economic considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic; providing for severability; declaring an emergency; and establishing an immediate effective date. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PÉREZ, COUNCIL ADVANCE THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING AT TONIGHT'S MEETING. CARRIED. Following second reading, it was MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PÉREZ, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED. Resolution: b) Resolution No. 4411: A resolution was read establishing a funding program and implementation plan for the City of Renton's Cares Act Relief Funds. MOVED BY PÉREZ, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS Please see the attached Council Committee Meeting Calendar. EXECUTIVE SESSION & ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PÉREZ, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO DISCUSS WITH LEGAL COUNSEL MATTERS OF POTENTIAL LITIGATION PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)(I) FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES, WITH NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED WHEN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS ADJOURNED. CARRIED. TIME: 8:02 P.M. Executive Session was conducted and no action was taken. The Council meeting adjourned when the Executive Session adjourned. Time: 8:40 P.M. Jason A. Seth, MMC, City Clerk Jason Seth, Recorder 22 Jun 2020 Council Committee Meeting Calendar June 22, 2020 June 29, 2020 Monday NO MEETINGS Fifth Monday July 6, 2020 Monday 4:00 PM Community Services Committee, Chair Văn - VIDEOCONFERENCE 1. Human Services Advisory Committee Grant Recommendation Process 4:45 PM Transportation Committee, Chair McIrvin - VIDEOCONFERENCE 1. Emerging Issues Prioritization of 2021-2026 TIP List 5:30 PM Committee of the Whole, Chair Pérez – VIDEOCONFERENCE 1. Renton Police Policy and Community Engagement 7:00 PM City Council Meeting, Chair Pérez – VIDEOCONFERENCE