Renton City Council received the final portion of the Parks and Recreation Department presentation, along with the Community and Economic Development Department’s presentation related to the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget.
Staff noted to council this meeting was scheduled as the final workshop, but additional sessions may be added for council questions and review of all department presentations. In addition, staff explained the budget adoption was mistakenly placed on the current council meeting agenda for first reading. It has now been rescheduled for November 9 and 16.
Parks and Recreation continued their budget presentation from last week, highlighting proposed shifts of contracted park maintenance to in‑house roles, expanded human services and outreach through increased budget for the City’s Housing Repair Assistance Program and dedicated human services outreach staff.
Parks and Recreation also discussed modernizing asset management, capital project progress, and efforts to preserve institutional knowledge. The presentation covered restroom maintenance, trail and right‑of‑way responsibilities, beautification standards, and staffing needs, concluding with an overview of Maplewood Golf Course. The golf course budget operates as an enterprise fund, meaning all operations, maintenance, and improvements are fully supported by course-generated revenue and reserves rather than the city’s general fund. Staff highlighted that ongoing investments are essential to protect the course, its infrastructure, and the overall customer experience. The accumulated reserve is being used for needed fixes such as roof replacement, replacing aging equipment, and restoring the driving range.
Next, the Renton City Council heard from the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department. The priorities of the department include several positions, equipment, professional services, and program investments.
The department is looking to convert two limited-term inspectors to full-time, a full-time building inspector, and replacement vehicles for these staff members and professional services funds allocated to contractors to expedite structural engineering plan reviews when staff is not available.
Finally, CED presented the City Center Community Plan for Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) recertification; added support for the graffiti abatement program, Paint with Purpose, and the existing downtown core cleaning contract; South King Housing & Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) dues; and proposed allocating Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funds for an activation similar to summer 2026 at Legacy Square. The goal is to partner with community groups and businesses to host their own events while continuing to offer City-managed concerts, movies, and festivals.
During the next Committee of the Whole, the Renton City Council will hear final comments from CED, along with presentations from Finance, Human Resources & Risk Management, and our Legislative branch.
Council Meeting Recap
The October 26 City Council meeting began with a proclamation recognizing Manufacturing Month.
Audience comment followed. The Renton City Council heard several comments on ALPR cameras, public hearings held during the last council meeting, council meeting decorum, a resident update from The Reserve, traffic calming measures, legislation on the use of public spaces, homelessness task force, recordings for Committee meetings, ICE presence, and Domestic Violence Awareness.
Several items were approved out of the Finance, Community Services, and Planning and Development Committees. Items include interagency agreements, a 2026 Year-End Budget Amendment & 2025–2026 Fee Schedule Adjustments, Equity Commission bylaws, Parking Reform & Housekeeping Amendments, and the Paint with Purpose Mural at Maplewood Park.
A motion was made to amend the committee report to add an appropriation of up to $95,000 in 2026 for the Cedar River Boathouse Dock Replacement – Phase 2. The amendment’s intent is to secure funding ahead of the 2027–2028 Biennial Budget so staff can begin the permitting process sooner and ensure the dock work can be completed within the limited window construction period, avoiding further delays. (Moved by President Pro Tem McIrvin, seconded by Councilmember Rivera and Councilmember Prince)
The following resolutions and ordinances were adopted:
- Resolution 4603 (Equity Commission Bylaws Amendment)
- Motioned by President Pro Tem McIrvin, seconded by Councilmember Rivera
- AYE: Council President Pérez, President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember O’Halloran, Councilmember Prince, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
- NO: N/A
- Resolution 4604 (2025–2026 Fee Schedule)
- Motioned by Councilmember O’Halloran, seconded by President Pro Tem McIrvin
- AYE: Council President Pérez, President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember O’Halloran, Councilmember Prince, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
- NO: N/A
- Ordinance 6209 (Zoning, Parking Regulations, and Definitions Relating to Child Care Facilities)
- Motioned by Councilmember Prince, seconded by Councilmember Văn
- AYE: Council President Pérez, President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember O’Halloran, Councilmember Prince, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
- NO: N/A
The following ordinances were approved for second and final reading at the next council meeting:
- Ordinance 6213 (Biennial Budget Amendment)
- Motioned by Councilmember O’Halloran, seconded by President Pro Tem McIrvin
- AYE: Council President Pérez, President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember O’Halloran, Councilmember Prince, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
- NO: N/A
- Ordinance 6214 (Equity Commission Youth Membership Age Requirements)
- Motioned by President Pro Tem McIrvin, seconded by Councilmember Rimvera
- AYE: Council President Pérez, President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember O’Halloran, Councilmember Prince, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
- NO: N/A
At the end of the meeting, several motions were brought to the council and approved:
- Motion to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole of the consideration of a 2027–2028 budget request to create an Immigrant Legal Fund supporting nonprofits providing immigration legal services. (Moved by Councilmember Văn, seconded by Council President Pérez)
- Motion to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole for an ordinance prohibiting grocery stores from using demographic or AI‑driven surveillance pricing. (Moved by Councilmember Văn, seconded by Councilmember Rivera)
- Motion for the administration to make a public announcement of the status of the Flock camera contract no later than November 2. (Moved by Councilmember Rivera, seconded by Councilmember Văn)
Topics for discussion next week include department presentations related to the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget.
Watch full meetings at rentonwa.gov/YouTube.