Politics & Government

Renton City Council Considers Putting KCLS De-Annexation on Nov. Ballot

The council began evaluating the option to de-annex after citizens vocally opposed plans by KCLS to essentially rebuild the Cedar River Library, rather than preserve it.

The costs and benefits of a move by Renton City Council to allow voters to de-annex from the King County Library System (KCLS) in a special election later this year will be a major topic tonight (Monday, April 8) at City Hall.

The council began evaluating the option to de-annex after citizens vocally opposed plans by KCLS to significantly rebuild the downtown Renton Library, including the demolition of over 5,000 square-feet of library structure, and eliminating the iconic library entrance over the Cedar River.

The initial design plans by KCLS's architect Miller Hull Partnership were submitted to the city in late February but were rejected by city officials as "premature".

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Discussion over the costs and benefits of de-annexation will be considered during the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 5:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall, followed by consideration and a possible vote on a proposed resolution to de-annex in a measure placed on the Nov. 5, 2013 general election ballot.

The citizens group Citizens to Save Renton’s Cedar River Library said in a press release that in addition to considering de-annexation option, the city should also consider amending an interlocal agreement with KCLS and including new stipulations that the project will be a renovation of the full Cedar River Library, not an entirely new, smaller facility.

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“KCLS has continued to reject what Renton residents have asked for. It’s time for Renton City officials to either renegotiate the ILA with KCLS or De-Annex from KCLS,” says Beth Asher of Citizens to Save Cedar River Library.

The City of Renton signed an agreement with KCLS to run its two libraries in 2010, which previously had been independently operated by the City of Renton.

“We want Renton City Council to renegotiate the ILA or explore immediate de-annexation to ensure Renton residents’ interests are foremost. KCLS has not shown to date that they care about Renton’s residents’ desire to preserve and enhance the size and character of our Cedar River library,” says David Keyes of the Citizens Group.


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