Kennydale Reservoir Construction Is Complete and Is Scheduled to Go Online in Spring of 2021 City Expresses Concern Over Siting
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Friday, August 28, 2020 / Issue: 59 In my weekly newsletter, I cover all that is happening in Renton, including the most current COVID-19 updates and information from state and federal officials and agencies. Google Translation available on the website. For additional translation services contact [email protected]. The new Kennydale reservoir is co-located with Fire Station 15. The reservoir will provide a more reliable domestic water supply for residents of Kennydale and increased storage capacity and redundancies for fire protection to residents and businesses west of I-405. Kennydale reservoir construction is complete and is scheduled to go online in spring of 2021 Construction of the new reservoir was completed earlier this month in the Kennydale neighborhood. The 1.3 million gallon tower has been disinfected and filled with water for testing. The reservoir is scheduled for operation after completion of the transmission mains in Park Avenue North (Phase 3 of the project), which is The lid was placed on top of the reservoir in March. anticipated to be completed in spring 2021. Phase 3 is currently advertised for bids with the bid opening scheduled for September 1. It seems like yesterday we broke ground (it was June 19, 2019) shortly after the first part of this two-part project—Fire Station 15—was opened. It was exciting to watch the reservoir’s progress, from the pouring of the foundation and construction of the walls, to finally lifting the lid into place. • Construction photo album This reservoir is a vital addition to our community. It will provide a more reliable domestic water supply for residents of Kennydale and increased storage capacity and redundancies for fire protection to residents and businesses west of I-405. By combining the planning and permitting stages of the reservoir and fire station, we more effectively used tax revenues, saving Renton residents' money. The reservoir project cost $5.2 million, which comes from the city’s water utility capital improvement program fund. The project’s completion on time and within budget, while adhering to COVID-19 restrictions, is a testament to the city's project management team and the project's contractors. City expresses concern over siting of county facility in the Highlands Solid waste may be an issue that is quickly out of sight and out of mind for many of us after we empty the garbage or wheel our trash containers to the curb. But we're thinking about it a lot in Renton and expressing concerns over a possible King County Solid Waste Division decision to locate a support facilities center here in Renton. I hope you'll give this some thought too and be prepared to make your voice heard—especially if you live, work, or go to school in the Highlands Area. Currently, the County's Solid Waste Division is considering a Highlands Area location, adjacent to the existing Renton Transfer Station, as one of three options ("Option 3") for the site of a support facilities center. If this option is selected by the county, truck traffic will increase on NE 3rd and NE 4th streets, including early morning and late night. This option is currently in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. Members of Renton City Council and I have strong concerns with Option 3. These include increased traffic and a site buffer of only 90 to 100 feet to adjacent neighborhoods. We are also Click image for full-sized image. concerned about the impact this facility will have on Renton Technical College (RTC). RTC has acquired property on the south side of NE 3rd/NE 4th streets to expand its campus. We believe in the need for a Support Facilities Center. Still, we think the other two options at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill are more viable and cost- effective, plus they provide a larger buffer (500 feet) to residential properties. More information about the support facility options being considered by the county is included in the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill 2020 Site Development Plan. Interested parties can sign-up to be notified when the county’s Draft EIS is ready for review. I have included links to the letter we sent to the county and to the letter sent by RTC so you can understand our reasoning. If this issue is of importance or concern to you, now—during the County's Draft EIS process—is the time to make your voice heard. You can weigh in by e-mailing Pat McLaughlin of King County Solid Waste. You may wish to copy the King County Executive's Office and your King County Councilmembers. Chamber distributing PPE kits to businesses Renton Chamber of Commerce has been distributing Small Business Safe Start PPE kits to local businesses this week. The kits are provided by King County and contain cloth and disposable masks and hand sanitizer. They will have one final distribution day this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The chamber asks that businesses register for a time. Page 2 of 10 COVID-19 Daily Update from Mayor Armondo Pavone Contactless distribution will take place in the chambers parking lot (625 S. Fourth St.). Please stay in your vehicle, check-in with a volunteer and open your trunk, window or door. Update on impact of COVID-19 New/updated information is in red City Hall • City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Most services are available via telephone and online. • CDC guidelines for screening employees have been implemented. Health screening questions will be asked. • Increased frequency for disinfecting common spaces, counters and door handles in all facilities throughout our hours of operation. • Created COVID-19 page with links to information and prevention. • Enacted a telework policy for eligible employees until further notice. • Prohibition on enforcement of city noise restrictions on vehicles. • Passport service is suspended until Phase 4 of the governor’s state reopening plan. • Seattle Passport Agency • COVID-19 link added to Renton Responds app. • Our HR department is adapting to changes and we are making decisions to be responsive to COVID-19 and making sure we keep our employees safe and healthy as we continue to serve our customers. • Mayor's Emergency Order #2020-3: supporting state moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent. • Don't forget to complete your 2020 Census. • Mayors urge residents to follow best practices. Releases • July 17 - City passes emergency ordinance making it easier for small businesses to sell goods and advertise • July 1 - City to begin distribution of 20,000 masks free to residents • July 1 - City makes almost $1.4 million available to Renton small businesses by COVID-19. Apply online for CARES Act funding by July 30. • June 30 - City issues Finding of City Code Violations to King County’s Renton Red Lion Inn De-Intensification Shelter • April 17 - Renton increases support to small businesses • April 16 - City of Renton, King County: Renton ideal location for COVID- 19 vaccine manufacturing facility • April 1 – City launches senior resources survey. • March 30 – Mayor’s letter of support to Renton businesses detailing available resources. • March 24 - City's response to governor's order of "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" • March 23 – Mayor’s COVID-19 update to the city council committee of the whole. City Council • Next meeting - Monday, August 31 – special meeting • City Council, 7 p.m. • Committee of the Whole, 5:30 p.m. • Council meeting video Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, councilmembers will be attending this meeting remotely through Zoom. Public testimony during public hearings and audience comments will be accommodated through Zoom and by telephone, but the public is requested to sign up for such testimony by email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Viewing the Meeting • Renton TV Channel 21 • Streaming • Telephone: 425-430-7171 and entering code 0033665# • Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88216438260 Providing Public Comment • Instructions for Virtual Attendance Donations/Volunteering • Bloodworks Northwest is short on supplies. Find a donation event. • American Red Cross Blood Drives. • Those wishing to volunteer can register with United Way. • King County Regional Donations Connector is a virtual donation management center. • Monetary contributions can be made via the Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. • Doug Baldwin has organized food deliveries through familyfirstrenton.org and can use volunteer help. • Renton Regional Community Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund. • Communities In School Renton-Tukwila COVID-19 Emergency Fund. • Emergency Feeding Program. Economic Development • July 17 - City passes emergency ordinance making it easier for small businesses to sell goods and advertise • CED has compiled a list of resources for businesses and employers • Go Renton: Renton Chamber of Commerce • State resources: coronavirus.wa.gov. • Small Business Administration is offering a disaster loan assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. • King County Council collected information on unemployment, workers’ comp, rent/mortgage, utilities, student loans, food assistance, insurance & businesses. • March 30 – Mayor’s letter of support to Renton businesses detailing available resources. • April 5 - Boeing extends temporary suspension of Puget Sound production operations. • The Plate Fund - One-time $500 payment to restaurant workers in King County. • Small Business Hotline – If you’re a Renton small business owner who needs assistance, please contact the city's Economic Development staff through the Small Business Hotline at (206) 503-1742 or via [email protected]. • Facebook Discussion - It's more important than ever that we share resources and information in real-time. Join the discussion and follow @RentonBusiness for more updates on resources and opportunities. This group is a networking platform for Renton's small business owners and is meant to be a safe space where business leaders can support each other and help the community thrive again.