Renton Library at Liberty Park Briefing

1. Renton Library at Liberty Park Briefing Update & Overview (No Action) Committee of the Whole July 15, 2013

2. Renton Library at Liberty Park Project History • Application Submitted (March 1, 2013): • Application Determined Incomplete (March 26, 2013) • City Council had not yet approved the design • Submittal of revised application materials (May 10, 2013) • Application Determined Complete (May 29, 2013) • 14 day public comment period commenced on May 29, 2013 and ended on June 12, 2013.

3. Renton Library at Liberty Park City of Renton Required Permits: • SEPA Environmental Review • Environmental Review Committee Determination • Site Plan Review • Hearing Examiner Decision • Shoreline Substantial Development Permit • Administrative Decision • Building/Construction Permits • Administrative Decision

4. SEPA Environmental Review Agency Comments • Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Fisheries Division • Received comments on June 12, 2013 (after comment period prior to SEPA determination) • Comment Focuses: • Artificial lighting, requesting a copy of the lighting plan • Requested a copy of the stormwater report • Creation of a wood management plan • Gabion baskets (along the shoreline of the Cedar River) • Construction Noise • Proposed shoreline mitigation fee-in-lieu, as it relates to the identified dollar amount

5. SEPA Environmental Review Agency Comments • Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation • Received comments on June 26, 2013 (after comment period and SEPA Determination) • Comment Focuses: • Archaeological and historical resources • 10 recorded resources within 1 mile of the project • Several are within less than ½ mile • 7 of the recorded resources are archaeological sites and/or cemeteries • Request for an archaeological survey of the project area prior to ground disturbing activities • Addressed in Site Plan Report, recommended condition of approval to complete an archaeological survey prior to ground disturbing activities

6. SEPA Environmental Review Agency Comments • Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, continued • Comment Focuses: • Historic architectural standpoint • Good example of mid-20th Century modern architecture and landscape architecture • Library exhibits the post-World War II era modernist style, evoking the image of Renton as a growing progressive city • DAHP recommends the Library Board, the City, and other interested partners explore ways to capture the building’s contribution to local history. • Interpretive displays • Landscaping • Art • Recycling building elements • Reminder, if federal funds or permits are involved, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations, 36CFR800, must be followed

7. SEPA Environmental Review Non-profit Comments • Washington Trust for Historic Preservation • Received comments on June 21, 2013 (after comment period and SEPA Determination) • Comment Focuses: • Historic architectural standpoint • Copied on a letter from DAHP, which identified the library and surrounding park and civic campus as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. • Addressed to Friends of Cedar River Library • Hope for rehabilitation of existing library in a manner that is historically appropriate • Requested mitigation for the loss of a historic structure • Documentation of the library and National Register-eligible site • Retention of certain features of the library • Include character-defining features present in the interior • Survey of other post-war resources in Renton

8. SEPA Environmental Review Environmental Review Committee Report • Purpose is to substantiate and disclose the environmental impacts of the project • Identified mitigation to reduce significant environmental impacts • Staff report provides: • Part 1: Project description and background information as submitted by the applicant. • Part 2: Addresses only those project impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations (i.e. code requirements) consistent with RCW 43.21C.240. • Earth – Explains existing conditions including a seismic hazards evaluation. Included a recommended mitigation measure to comply with the provided Geotechnical Analysis.

9. SEPA Environmental Review Environmental Review Committee Report, Continued • Water • Wetland, Stream, Lakes – Explains conditions existing and proposed, evaluates impacts to the stream, identifies proposed mitigation, and addresses the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Comments. Includes a mitigation measure to comply with the Stream Study. • Storm Water – Evaluates stormwater utilizing the Technical Information Report (stormwater report) provided with the application, including existing and proposed stormwater drainage, identifies proposed mitigation. • Vegetation – Explains conditions existing and proposed and addresses tree retention. • Wildlife – Evaluates the Habitat Data Report and Stream Study, identifies listed species in the area and proposed mitigation for potential impacts. Includes a mitigation measure to comply with the Habitat Data Report.

10. SEPA Environmental Review Environmental Review Committee Report, Continued • Light and Glare – evaluates interior and exterior lighting and proposed mitigation for potential impacts on fish habitat. Mitigation measure recommended to shield lighting from the Cedar River and balance lighting needs for public safety. • Parks and Recreation – Evaluates temporary construction impacts to Liberty Park. • Transportation – Evaluates site access and vehicular trips associated with the project.

11. SEPA Environmental Review Determination of Non-Significance-Mitigated (DNS-M) • The Environmental Review Committee (ERC) made a Determination of Non-Significance-Mitigated (DNS-M) for the Renton Library at Liberty Park on June 17, 2013. • The determination was published in the Renton Reporter on June 21, 2013 • Public notice posters were placed around the project site • All parties of records and appropriate agencies were notified • The appeal period ended on July 5, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. • An appeal was received on July 5, 2013 at 4:32 p.m.

12. SEPA Appeal Appeal of the SEPA Threshold Determination of DNS-M • Citizens to Save the Cedar River Library…Again!submitted an appeal of the SEPA Threshold Determination. • Appeal is signed by David A. Keyes, Beth Asher, and Nicola Robinson. • The appeal requests either: • The Proponent of this project be required to submit a Full Environmental Impact Statement; or • The project as proposed be modified to directly address and mitigate its likely significant environmental impacts.

13. Site Plan Review Public Hearing • Prior to receipt of the Appeal, a public hearing was scheduled for July 9, 2013 • Staff provides a report with a recommendation to the Hearing Examiner and parties of record 1 week prior to the Public Hearing • Report was completed and mailed on July 2, 2013 • Due to Appeal, the July 9, 2013 public hearing was extended to July 30, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers

14. Site Plan Review Report to the Hearing Examiner • The staff report summarizes the project and includes a recommendation for either denial, approval, or approval with conditions. • The report includes the following sections: • A. Summary and Purpose of the Request • B. Exhibits • C. General Information • D. Historical/Background • E. Public Services • F. Applicable Section of the Renton Municipal Code • G. Applicable Section of the Comprehensive Plan • H. Findings of Fact • a. Comprehensive Plan Compliance and Consistency analysis • b. Zoning compliance and consistency analysis • c. Design Regulation Compliance and consistency analysis • e. Off site impacts • f. On-site impacts • g. Access • h. Open space • i. Views and public access • j. Natural systems • k. Services and infrastructure • I. Conclusions • J. Recommendation

15. Renton Library at Liberty Park Land Use Review -ProjectNext Steps • Public Hearing before the City’s Hearing Examiner to consider the SEPA Appeal and the Site Plan Review • Send DOE Shoreline Substantial Development Permit for review • No action to be taken tonight