HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-04-14 Public Hearing Minutes - Petition for AnnexationTo the 4onorable iviayor Joe Baxter and
to the council of the City of Renton
Renton, Washington
Sirs:
April 14, 1959(continued)
On the following Monday evening, .larch 30, at your invitation, our
group met with your committee, at your City Hall, to discuss a
division of the entire Valley. We did not reach an agreement on a
boundary that evening but you promised to discuss further the bound-
aries with your Council on Tuesday evening, Aarch 31. We received
no further information from you on the subject.
On the evening of April 2 our Council, after spending considerable
time in discussing the effect of this annexation on the Valley,
rejected the petition and hoped that a satisfactory boundary could
be agreed upon.
We were very disappointed when we learned, through the medium of the
press, of your Saturday night meeting of April 4 to receive the pro-
posed annexation, extending your boundary to join our existing
boundaries. We had not expected nenton would use such extreme methods
in an annexation.
We would like to call to your attention that when we discovered that
we were endangering your opportunities for growth in the Valley we
rejected the annexation petition as presented.to our Council.
We are taking this opportunity to request that the Renton City Council
delete at least all land now under your proposed annexation lying west
of the Northern Pacific right of way.
The future growth of Tukwila, in the Valley, will be destrmyed if your
annexation extends west of the Northern Pacific right of way.
(signed)
Chas, 0. Baker
Mayor
14 April 1959
It has been brought to my attention that the City of Renton has
been presented with a petition for annexation of certain properties
lying to the west of the railroad tracks which run north ana south in
the Green River Valley, and which said properties are also adjacent to
the present town limits of Tukwila.
Having observed the growth of our valley for many years and now
being chairman of the Tukwila Planning Commission i feel obligated to
report to your learned body my opinion on this possible move.
Only disastrous results could occur if Renton were to come west
of these railroad tracks. All our planning for the immediate area
would be spoiled, and we would be unable to work out a properly rounded
land -use map and zoning for the particular area. If, for example, the
river course were to be straightened and Renton's city limits were on
the present river course we would have a series of triangles of Renton
property lying to the west of the new course. This would be a
ridiculous situation.
If the present petition for annexation is adopted by Renton we
will have a gerrymandered valley so confused that only a graduate
engineer will know in which town he is standing at the moment.
51
April 14,1959(continued)
I urge you with all sincerity to draw your line in a logical and
reasonable way to the east of both of the existing railroad. tracts.
By doing this you will create a common boundary with Tukwila which can
be maintained in harmony and friendship.
I realize that this honorable body had nothing whatsoever to do
with the present petition and that it was presented to you by some
property owners who wished to become a part of your city. 1 think now
that_ Qur..ptopererespons_e is:tp study the document and correct it to
coincide with the thinking of your city and our town. Our municipalities
have been associated in peace and co- operation for over half a century
and we must now sit down together and work out a mutual boundary which
will be amicable and serviceable to all.
This is our task, yours and mine let us get on with it.
John b. Strander,Chairman"
Mr. baker announced that John Strander, Chairman of Tukwila Planning
Commission had been elected to the Jxecutive Committee of the Puget
Sound negional Planning Council. Stan i.iinkler moved approval of this
election, seconded by Mr. Redford and carried. Mr. baker expressed
pleasure and pride in Mr. Strander's election to this planning Council.
By motion ordinance ho. 273, annexing property to Tukwila, was placed
on its first reading. By motion Ordinance 1o. 273 was placed on its
second reading. By motion, Ordinance I\o. 273 was placed on ltd third
reading and final passage. Roll call showed Stan Minkler voting "yes
Mr. Radford voting "yes Wynn Anderson voting "yes" and Mr. Prese
voting "yes
Mr. iiinkler read a proposed ordinance regarding moving buildings in
or out or within town. There was some discussion.
Mr. iirown, representing 1 State Fireworks company expressed a
desire to be granted permission to sell fireworks in Tukwila. He
offered a fee of 2570 of the gross sales or 5,000.00 in case the permit
was granted.
Council members discussed at some length the traffic problem which
would be created by the increased number of cars coming into town to
purchase fireworks. By com,rion consent the .natter was tabled until the
next meeting, in the meantime referred to the Police Commission.
Mr.John Strander, at this time, returned from Renton and reported
the City of Renton acknowledged the letters and protests which had
been intrusted to Mr. Strander and had accepted the annexation.
meeting rexessed at 9:10 to meet on April 23th.