Regarding the City’s “Guiding Principles” and the ILA, one of the main differences is the new wording of the second principle stating that libraries will be located over the Cedar River and on Sunset Boulevard in the Highlands. These principles don’t actually function as an addendum to the ILA.  Clause 23 in the ILA doesn’t permit amendment in this way. “Any modifications to this agreement shall be in writing and signed by both Parties.” The guiding principles are only signed by council president Rich Zwicker.  I’m thinking that they’re intended to reassure residents that the City fully intends to go ahead with a renovated and updated Cedar River Library.

The “Principles” seem more like a statement of purpose from the City. I appreciate their including the third principle – that both facilities will be designed and constructed within the budget approved and allocated for each building.  Unfortunately, KCLS is still the lead agency.  As we outlined in our presentation, they have a history of cost overruns on their libraries of 35 percent on average.  Vashon, Mercer Island, White Center and Tukwila, as well as Newcastle, have all had a hard time getting them to accept community input.

Mayor Law, along with the city administrator, has assured library supporters that the Renton Library Advisory Board (RLAB) truly represents us, but you have to wonder. If they’re passionate about the renovation of the Cedar River Library why weren’t they at the Monday the 17th Council sessions or the Tuesday library update listening and interacting with residents?  How well did they ever represent the 76% of voters who wanted the Cedar River Library renovated?  How much citizen input and what type did they present to KCLS while representing us before the library vote?

There are two places in the ILA that give Cedar River Library supporters a place to participate. The guiding principles don’t change that.  Cedar River supporters can either be appointed to the Renton Library Advisory Board, which has two seats on the design team, or be used as consultants.  If members with appropriate expertise are appointed to the RLAB they can rotate through as needed to give advice to council and provide a liaison for residents.  Then there are sections 4 b. and 5 a. ii. in the ILA.  There the city can have consultants on the design team that carry over into the construction phase.  The term “consultants” is not a legally defined term in the agreement, so the City can appoint any consultants they deem necessary.  The City’s position is that they have Peter Renner and some engineers.  Fine – but the issue is that residents don’t feel the City did well negotiating against KCLS, continues to do poorly, could use support, and refuses to accept it. The residents want to be represented, not by the City staff and council, who marginalized their initial input and who they mistrust, but by other residents that they trust.

Beth Asher

Renton