Community Corner
Renton Mayor Publishes Weekly Newsletter
The new Kennydale reservoir is co-located with Fire Station 15.
August 29, 2020
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Mayor's Newsletter
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.
Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
COVID-19 Resources
The city has compiled resources from several city, county, state and federal entities into a comprehensive COVID-19 page.
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 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.
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 use 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 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 emailing 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. 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.
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.
Items of Interest or with deadlines
Statewide requirement to wear face coverings
Public Health - Seattle King County COVID-19 Dashboard
- August 6: City will waive late fees and penalties and will not shut off water service, in accordance with the governor's Proclamation 20-23.7, until the termination of the COVID-19 State of Emergency or after October 15, 2020, whichever comes first (July 31, 2020)
- Puget Sound Energy has additional dollars available in its COVID and other bill assistance programs (deadline is September 1)
- PSE Foundation launches new competitive grants to aid in response and recovery of COVID-19 pandemic (deadlines are August 31 and October 1)
- July 24 - Governor extends moratorium on evictions through Oct. 15
COVID-19 Resources
This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
