Amanda Free

The committee meeting focused on the workup schedule and expectations for Legacy Square activation. Key discussion points included plans for FIFA watch parties scheduled from June 11th through July 19th, utilizing the space as an arts and culture hub, and the role of a consultant in planning. Specific elements for the watch parties involve a host/MC in referee attire, an interactive fan zone, food trucks, and utilizing new park infrastructure like a football court and playground. The presentation detailed a proposed show flow for match days, including pre-game engagement, strict rules during game time, and specific activities around halftime and postgame. Further summer activation plans include a ribbon cutting and opening celebration on June 6th, a Friday night movie series starting July 31st, and a Saturday concert series from August 1st through September 5th. The committee also discussed plans for a 'River Nights' event following the River Days celebration and elevating the music at the Tuesday farmers market utilizing the new stage. The department is exploring a Harvest Fest festival theme for closing out the summer and creating a libation zone for beer and wine.

The meeting focused on the solid waste services contract procurement process for the City of Renton. The discussion included an update on the process which started the previous year, following the expiration of the previous contract in 2017. Staff presented three options: contracting with Recology (the staff recommendation), extending the contract with Republic Services, or rejecting all proposals and issuing a new RFP. Reasons for recommending a new contract with Recology included a new state policy landscape regarding organic waste management, the city's zero waste plan, the impending decision on long-term county landfill disposal, and persistent performance issues with Republic Services across areas like outreach/education, community involvement, responsiveness, and labor strikes. The evaluation process, which resulted in Recology scoring highest (91.9 out of 100), involved reviewing proposals based on base prices (55 points) and qualitative criteria (45 points), including operations, environmental impacts, customer support, and waste diversion approach. Key improvements planned under the recommended Recology contract include an accessible call center open on Sunday, local staff presence, expanded curbside special item recycling, return to city billing, a new fleet, improved strike response mechanisms such as faster performance fee deductions and earlier activation of temporary collection sites, and dedicated outreach staff for Renton.

The meeting commenced with ceremonial swearing-in procedures for newly elected council members James Albertson Jr., Carmen Rivera, and Ruth Perez. Key discussions included an administrative report detailing an upcoming 'Dreamland Disco' family pajama dance and information regarding current street maintenance projects. During audience comment, one resident requested city investment in building and maintaining skateboard parks, referencing past unfulfilled plans. Another resident requested council members post their personal opinions on recent national political events. The council then moved to approve the consent agenda. Under new business, upcoming committee meetings were announced for the Council of the Whole, Planning Development Committee, Community Services Committee, and Finance Committee, outlining their respective agendas for January 12, 2026. Legislation included the first reading of Ordinance No. 6180, which amends the municipal code related to the Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025 through 2029.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call. A proclamation for Black History Month in 2026 was celebrated, marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of Negro History Week. The administrative report included an announcement for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Maplewood Park and updates on preventative street maintenance and traffic impact projects. Audience comments focused heavily on pedestrian safety concerns around Sartorii Elementary, citing recent serious vehicle incidents and requesting immediate safety interventions such as updated traffic signals, school zone cameras, all-way walks, and increased police presence. Other topics included a request for police to have ordinances enabling quick response to violence reports regardless of the perpetrator's identity, and feedback on the positive impact of the new student health hub on behavioral health support for students.

The council meeting included an administrative report detailing upcoming community events, such as a family-friendly pajama dance, and providing updates on street maintenance and traffic closures. The audience comment section featured several residents speaking regarding city matters. A local business owner presented concerns regarding the high cost of traffic impact fees associated with upgrading a commercial structure, arguing the fees are prohibitive for existing small businesses. Representatives from Recology King County presented on their proposed solid waste contract, emphasizing their employee-owned structure, local presence, and commitment to waste reduction and education programs. Residents also spoke in favor of exercising the unilateral extension with the current hauler, Republic Services, to avoid immediate significant rate increases (10% to 20%) associated with switching providers, citing Republic Services' reliable service and current cost-effectiveness. A union representative for Republic Services drivers also spoke, advocating for the extension to maintain service stability and utilize experienced drivers familiar with the community routes.