RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting

Transcription

1 RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting January 6, 2003 Council Chambers Monday, 7:30 p.m. M I N U T E S Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Council: Certificate of Appreciation to Toni Nelson, 2002 Council President ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: Johnson - Power Outage CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Jesse Tanner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order. KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER, Council President; TERRI BRIERE; KING PARKER; DON PERSSON; RANDY CORMAN; TONI NELSON; DAN CLAWSON. JESSE TANNER, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; RUSSELL WILSON, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; NEIL WATTS, Development Services Director; ABDOUL GAFOUR, Water Utility Supervisor; JASON JORDAN, Associate Planner; JIM SHEPHERD, Community Services Administrator; KAREN BERGSVIK, Human Services Manager; MIKE WEBBY, Human Resources Administrator; ALEX PIETSCH, Acting Economic Development Administrator; DEREK TODD, Assistant to the CAO; ACTING COMMANDER TIMOTHY TROXEL, Police Department. Council President Keolker-Wheeler presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Toni Nelson in recognition of her outstanding service to the City and the Renton community as President of the City Council during Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed a written administrative report summarizing the City s recent progress towards goals and work programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2003 and beyond. Items noted included: The Renton Neighborhood Program will hold a Neighbor to Neighbor networking meeting on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Fire Training Station #14. This is an opportunity for neighborhoods to come and share their uniqueness and accomplishments; get acquainted with other neighborhood organizations; and learn more about the Neighborhood Program. The windstorm on Friday, December 27th, did not cause much damage in Renton. Some trees fell across streets and were quickly removed. The largest problem was the loss of power in the north end, causing the West Hill Reservoir and five sewer lift stations to be out of service. Wastewater crews kept wet wells pumped down (using portable emergency generators) to prevent back ups in the system. Arland "Buzz" Johnson, 334 Wells Ave. S., #221, Renton, 98055, reported that he was without electricity for six to seven hours during the recent power outage. Stating that he lives in Renton's business district, Mr. Johnson expressed his concern regarding the inability of businesses to earn income during power outages. Mr. Johnson recommended that a plan be developed to protect the City from future power outages, especially in the business areas. Mayor Tanner suggested that Mr. Johnson express his concerns directly to City's power provider, Puget Sound Energy. Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing.

2 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 5 Council Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2002 Council Meeting Minutes of December 20, 2002 Court Case: New Image Neon, CRT Plat: Cobblestone, Union Ave NE, FP Plat: The Vineyards, Union Ave NE, FP Planning: Center Office Residential 3 Zone, Big-Box Retail Human Resources: Property & Liability Claims Review Human Resources: Healthcare Plan Modifications Human Services: CDBG Specialist Hire at Step E Transportation: S Grady Way/Rainier Ave S Pavement Rehab Design, Entranco CAG: , Thunder Hills Sanitary Sewer Pipeline Access Road Repairs, Boettcher and Sons Utility: Annual Consultant Roster Utility: Apollo Lift Station, Transfer of Ownership to City Approval of Council meeting minutes of December 16, Council concur. Approval of special Council meeting minutes of December 20, Council concur. Court Case (Summons and Petition for Review of Land Use Decision) filed in King County Superior Court by New Image Neon, Inc., 6525 S. 194th St., Kent, 98032, requesting reversal of the Board of Adjustment's decision denying a sign regulation variance (V ) on 11/26/2002, for the construction of a freestanding pole sign for Billie's Casino located at 3650 East Valley Rd. Refer to City Attorney and Insurance Services. Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of the Cobblestone Final Plat; 66 lots for townhouses on 4.7 acres located in the vicinity of Union Ave. NE and NE 4th St. (FP ). Council concur. (See page 11 for resolution.) Development Services Division recommended approval, with conditions, of The Vineyards Final Plat; 42 single-family lots on 7.32 acres located on Union Ave. NE between NE 5th and 6th Streets (FP ). Council concur. (See page 11 for resolution.) Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department submitted proposed amendments to the Center Office Residential (COR) 3 Zone to allow big-box retail east of Garden Ave. N. Refer to Planning & Development Committee and Planning Commission. Human Resources and Risk Management Department requested discussion of how and when the Finance Committee wishes to review the City's property and liability claims. Refer to Finance Committee. Human Resources and Risk Management Department recommended approval of modifications to the City's healthcare plan effective 1/1/2003 and submitted Health Benefits Task Force recommendations. Refer to Finance Committee. Human Services Division requested authorization to hire the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Specialist at Step E of the salary range. Refer to Finance Committee. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement in the amount of $53, with Entranco, Inc. for the design of the S. Grady Way and Rainier Ave. S. Pavement Rehabilitation project. Refer to Transportation Committee. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG , Thunder Hills Sanitary Sewer Pipeline Access Road Repairs; and recommended approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $652.80, commencement of 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $9, to Boettcher and Sons, Inc., contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. Utility Systems Division requested approval of the annual roster of consultants chosen to provide General Utility Engineering, Hydraulics/Hydrology, Soils/Geotechnical, Geohydrology, Plan Review, Construction/Inspection, and Corrosion Control services in Council concur. Wastewater Utility Division recommended approval of the transfer of ownership of the Apollo Lift Station, located within Renton's service area on the East Renton Plateau, from Water District 90 and Issaquah School District to the

3 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 6 OLD BUSINESS Planning & Development Committee Development Services: Temporary Signs Obscuring Neighborhood Signs Development Services: Fence Height Regulations City of Renton. Refer to Utilities Committee. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. report regarding temporary signs obscuring neighborhood signs. The Committee has received an update from the Development Services Division on the issue of temporary real estate signs obscuring established neighborhood signs. The real estate directional signs, which were blocking the view of the new Maplewood Glen neighborhood sign on Maple Valley Hwy., have been moved as requested by staff. The Development Services Division has also instituted an interim policy prohibiting future installation of permitted real estate signs which obscure the view of public signs, including neighborhood entry signs. Staff is working on proposed City Code changes for real estate signs, and will report to the Committee on recommended Code revisions at a later date. The Committee recommended that this item remain in Committee pending further review and possible Code revisions to further address this issue. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. report regarding the maximum residential fence height regulations. The Committee met to review and discuss potential revisions to the maximum residential fence height regulations established in City Code Title IV (Development Regulations). Currently, City Code limits the height of residential fences to a maximum of four feet when located adjacent to a public street. The Committee met in April to discuss possible changes to the fence height regulations. The Committee recommended that a public hearing be conducted, which occurred on May 6, Committee members subsequently toured several residential neighborhoods in November and directed staff to address setback, landscaping and fencing material requirements. Staff has drafted revised fence standards, which would allow residents to apply for a Special Administrative Fence Permit in order to construct six-foot high fences when located within a front yard or side yard along a street setback. The permits would be issued on a case-by-case basis provided the applicant demonstrates the fence is constructed with appropriate fencing material; the fence is sufficiently screened; and the finished side of the fence is oriented toward the streetscape.* At the request of Councilwoman Keolker-Wheeler, Associate Planner Jason Jordan provided a briefing on this matter. He explained that there are many different types of fences, both conforming and non-conforming, throughout Renton. He reviewed the current regulations, and stated that in their review of the issue, the Planning and Development Committee considered privacy, safety, fence treatment, and setbacks with and without landscaping. Mr. Jordan concluded by saying that the recommendation is to change the residential fence height regulations, and allow the Development Services Division to approve Special Administrative Fence Permits. *MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.*

4 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 7 Planning: Neighborhood & Business Design Standards Responding to Councilman Corman's concerns about sight distance safety, Ms. Keolker-Wheeler emphasized that safety will be taken into account when each individual situation is reviewed. Councilman Parker stressed that these changes do not compromise any existing sight safety standards. Responding to Councilwoman Nelson's inquiry regarding prior non-conforming fences, Mr. Jordan stated that those with non-conforming fences can apply for the Special Administrative Fence Permit. In response to Councilman Clawson's question, Ms. Keolker-Wheeler confirmed that the Committee reviewed existing sight distance standards. She noted that the fence height standard can be changed only if it meets the criteria as required by the Special Administrative Fence Permit. *MOTION CARRIED. report regarding neighborhood and business design standards. In a letter to the City Council on August 14, 2001, former Planning Commissioner Rich Wagner outlined issues for discussion in the future. The Committee recommended that these issues be addressed as outlined below: 1) What does Renton want to be in 2020 and 2025? This issue will be addressed during the 2003 Comprehensive Plan update. 2) Urban Design and Streetscape Design. This issue will be addressed through the discussion of the community design policies during the Comprehensive Plan update. The Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department has developed a draft new element for the Comprehensive Plan that will address Citywide design issues. 3) Downtown Pedestrian Frontages. This issue will be addressed during the review of downtown policies and the City Council gave direction to expand the length of the pedestrian corridor. The issue will be taken up during the 2003 Title IV (Development Regulations) docket review. 4) Automall Amenities Package. This issue was to be a future phase of the Automall relying on private investment based on public guidelines. The standards are adopted in City Code. Additional phases will require a new work program. 5) Neighborhood Identify. Several concepts have been suggested during the current Comprehensive Plan amendment process that could lead to incentive programs for reinforcing neighborhood identity. Renton's Neighborhood Program also works with community groups to this end. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Development Services: Architectural Projections in Setback Areas report regarding architectural projections in the setback area. The Committee met to discuss the allowed projections into building setback areas in single family residential zones. Current City Code language permits projections of up to 24 inches in setback areas for certain types of architectural projections

5 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 8 Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV), Non- Substantive Amendments Development Services: Enforcement of Mitigation Conditions (Landscaping) for Developments Development Services: St. Anthony's Parish Development Agreement including: eaves, cornices, uncovered porches, fireplaces, enclosed stair landings, bay and garden windows, and similar structures as determined by the zoning administrator. Although the City Code language does not explicitly state in what situations the standards are most appropriately applied, the existing language is suitably general in its ability to address the multitude of housing designs that are encountered during building plan review. Therefore, the Committee recommended that the City Code provision remains as is, and that it continues to be applied to single-family structures on a case-by-case basis. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. report regarding the proposed 2002 City Code Title IV (Development Regulations) amendments. The Committee reviewed the proposed Title IV amendments and associated issue paper on December 19, 2002, and recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.* In response to Councilman Clawson's inquiry whether section 15 of the proposed ordinance changes the current appeal process, Assistant City Attorney Wilson said he would investigate the matter. *MOTION CARRIED. (See page 11 for ordinance.) report regarding the enforcement of landscaping mitigation conditions for developments. Renton Municipal Code requires the installation of approved landscaping on site before the issuance of an occupancy permit. Deferral of landscape improvements may be requested due to seasonal planting difficulties, plant shortages, or when a project is impacted by a pending public works project. The City Code does not specifically address enforcement of these provisions. Subsequent to bringing the item to the Committee for discussion, a docket process has been initiated to review City Code issues such as this. The Committee recommended that staff include the enforcement of landscape conditions in the docket. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. report regarding the St. Anthony's Parish development agreement. Pursuant to Council's approval of the Whitworth Ave. S. street vacation for St. Anthony's Parish (VAC ), the execution and recording of a development agreement was required in order to address issues presented in the July 15, 2002, Planning and Development Committee report to the Council. As required, St. Anthony's has prepared drafts of the document and in coordination with the City Attorney and City staff, has arrived at a final form of the proposed agreement. The Committee has reviewed the final draft of the agreement and has determined the document appropriately addresses the issues previously identified by the Committee Therefore, the Committee recommended that the Council refer the item to staff

6 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 9 Development Services: Land Use Development Processes Council: Outgoing Planning & Development Committee Chair Comments (Keolker-Wheeler) Finance Committee Finance: Vouchers Utilities Committee Utility: Utility Fee Code Amendments for processing the necessary State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) review public hearing before the City Council, and for drafting the enacting resolution. The Committee further recommended that a public hearing date of February 10, 2003, be established. The Committee also noted that the Zerbato family, adjacent property owners, expressed special concerns during the Whitworth Ave. S. street vacation public hearing on April 23, The Committee therefore recommended that staff contact the Zerbato family to inform them of the draft development agreement, and report back to the Committee on the results of this discussion. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. report regarding the City's land use development processes. The Committee discussed the various land use and building permit processes, and the length of time that permits are valid. The Committee instructed staff to prepare a table summarizing the City's permit processes, including information on the type of permit, decision-making authority, period of validity, extension process, and appeal of decisions. The table is to be updated annually for use by Council, staff, and the public. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. A memo was read from former Planning and Development Committee Chair Keolker-Wheeler thanking Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department staff, City Attorney staff, Development Services staff, and fellow Committee members for their hard work and dedication in She stated that it was a pleasure to work with a team of people who have the best interests of the community in mind when making some very difficult recommendations and decisions. Finance Committee Chair Parker presented a report recommending approval of Claim Vouchers and three wire transfers totaling $2,676,651.77; and approval of Payroll Vouchers , two wire transfers and 1131 direct deposits totaling $3,384, MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. Past Utilities Committee Chair Briere presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation that Council approve the proposed utility fee amendments to Renton Municipal Code Section The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See page 11 for ordinance.) Community Services Committee AJLS: Matricula Consular as Legal Identification for Mexican Citizens Living in US Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report regarding Matricula Consular as legal identification for Mexican citizens. Mexican citizens living in the United States face problems obtaining services, licenses, and employment without recognizable legal identification. Mexican nationals living in the United States without recognizable identification may be subject to arrest and/or incarceration under this country's heightened security. Therefore, as part of the national promotion by Mexico President Vicente Fox, the Mexican Consulate of Seattle has requested that Renton consider recognizing

7 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 10 Human Services: 2003 General Fund Contingency Plan Revision the Matricula Consular as official identification for Mexican citizens living in the United States. The Committee reviewed the Administration's recommendation for such recognition in the form of a resolution. The Committee recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution recognizing the Matricula Consular as legal identification for Mexican citizens living in the United States. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.* Councilman Clawson reported that New York City declined to accept this type of identification due to law enforcement considerations, and inquired as to whether the Committee discussed that particular aspect. Councilwoman Nelson stated that police testimony was not received by the Committee; however, she indicated that several cities and states recognize the Matricula Consular as legal identification. She explained that this type of identification, which is recognized throughout the country, can assist Mexican citizens in obtaining various government and banking services while in the United States. Mayor Tanner added that the counterfeit-proof photo identification is issued by the Mexican government through its Consular office, and identifies the person as a citizen of Mexico. Councilman Clawson stated his agreement with the action now that he understood that this is additional identification, and does not take the place of any other type of identification. *MOTION CARRIED. (See page 11 for resolution.) Community Services Committee Chair Nelson presented a report recommending concurrence with the staff recommendation that the revised 2003 General Fund Contingency Plan be distributed in accordance with the Human Services Advisory Committee recommendations and conditions as shown below. Old Contingency Plan: Metropolitan Images/Renton Youth Day - $2,500; submit budget and performance measures. Multi Service Center Energy Crisis Intervention Program - $5,000. TOTAL: $7,500 New Revised Contingency Plan: Metropolitan Images/Renton Youth Day - $2,500; submit budget and performance measures to be approved by January 31, If Metropolitan Images/Renton Youth Day does not submit by January 31, 2003, the funds will be allocated to Way Back Inn. King County Sexual Assault Resource Center - $5,000. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Resolution #3610 Renton Area Youth Services - $9,000. Communities in Schools of Renton - $14,200. TOTAL: $30,700 MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolutions were presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read approving the Cobblestone Final Plat consisting of

8 January 6, 2003 Renton City Council Minutes Page 11 Plat: Cobblestone, Union Ave NE, FP Resolution #3611 Plat: The Vineyards, Union Ave NE, FP Resolution #3612 AJLS: Matricula Consular as Legal Identification for Mexican Citizens Living in US Planning: Development Regulations (Title IV), Non- Substantive Amendments Utility: Utility Fee Code Amendments NEW BUSINESS Council: Meeting Cancellations (1/20/2003, COW and Regular Meeting) Citizen Comment: Alhadeff Pavilion Building Lease approximately 4.7 acres located in the vicinity of NE 4th St. and Union Ave. NE (FP ). MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read approving The Vineyards Final Plat consisting of approximately 7.32 acres located in the vicinity of Union Ave. NE and NE 6th St. (FP ). MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. A resolution was read approving the Matricula Consular identification as legal identification for Mexican citizens living in the United States. MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinances were presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 1/13/2003 for second and final reading: An ordinance was read amending Chapter 4-2, Land Use Districts, Chapter 4-4, Property Development Standards, Chapter 4-6, Street & Utility Standards, Chapter 4-7, Subdivision Regulations, Chapter 4-8, Permits General and Appeals, Chapter 4-9, Permits Specific, and Chapter 4-11, Definitions, of Title IV (Development Regulations) of City Code to edit text references and implement administrative determinations. MOVED BY KEOLKER- WHEELER, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 1/13/2003. CARRIED. An ordinance was read amending Section of Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement, and Section P of Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations and Special Districts, of Title IV (Development Regulations) of City Code by reorganizing the sections to make them consistent with the Title IV format and to be more user-friendly. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 1/13/2003. CARRIED. MOVED BY KEOLKER-WHEELER, SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CANCEL ITS REGULARLY SCHEDULED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 20, 2003, IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY. CARRIED. Council President Keolker-Wheeler reported receipt of a letter from Jack D. Alhadeff, JDA Group LLC, 95 S. Tobin St., Suite 201, Renton, 98055, regarding securing a lease for the Pavilion Building. MOVED BY KEOLKER- WHEELER, SECONDED BY PERSSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:35 p.m. Recorder: Michele Neumann January 6, 2003 Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk